Category: Anokh Sohal

New Delhi, Aug 1 (PTI) Three cases of Nipah virus infection have been reported in Malappuram and Palakkad district in Kerala in 2025 and 677 contacts have been traced, Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav told the Lok Sabha on Friday. Control measures have been initiated and steps have been taken by the government to contain Nipah outbreaks, Jadhav said in a written reply.

The infection is an emerging zoonotic infectious disease caused by Nipah virus (NiV). It mainly affects pigs and humans. Nipah cases in humans tend to occur in a cluster or as an outbreak, especially among close contacts and caregivers, Jadhav explained.

The natural host of the virus is believed to be Pteropid fruit bats (flying foxes). According to the information available fruit bats play a significant role in the transmission of this disease.

The minister said the NiV infection closely follows the spill over of pathogen from fruit bats to intermediate hosts or human beings.

In India, the majority of the infections coincide with palm date sap collection times. Due to this, Nipah cases occurs again and again at some areas, Jadhav said.

Listing the control measures initiated to contain Nipah disease outbreaks, Jadhav said that through surveillance mechanism early warning signals are captured to generate alerts, outbreaks in the early rising phase are detected and outbreak investigations are conducted and timely appropriate measures are undertaken by the respective public health agencies to control and prevent the further spread of the disease.

A National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), comprising of experts from Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Forest and Wildlife and human health, and bat survey team are deployed for comprehensive assessment and review of these outbreaks.

Malappuram and Palakkad, with Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Wayanad districts were placed on alert. Whole genome sequencing was performed on clinical specimens from all positive cases, Jadhav said.

This genomic surveillance aids in understanding the circulating Nipah virus strain, which belong to similar genotypes of 2019 and 2021 outbreaks in Kerala, he informed.

Beyond the immediate outbreak response, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) maintained continued support and collaborative engagement with both Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) throughout the year, ensuring training, a steady supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic reagents.

This sustained effort underscores a commitment to strengthening regional capacities for infectious disease preparedness and response, Jadhav stated.

He said the state and central government health officials worked to enhance public and healthcare professional awareness regarding Nipah virus disease.

These initiatives ensured that individuals were made aware on the signs and symptoms of the disease and understood the appropriate actions to take if they suspected an infection in themselves or others, the minister added.

Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under the MoHFW mandates surveillance and response to outbreak prone communicable diseases. The IDSP is implemented in all 36 states and Union territories, Jadhav said.

The programme is responsible for the surveillance of 50 plus epidemic prone diseases and outbreak investigation and plays a crucial role in prompt response and surveillance of emerging and re-emerging diseases, including Nipah virus disease in the country.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, have strengthened Nipah surveillance by enhancing Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Kerala and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) surveillance in West Bengal and Kerala since October-November 2024, he said.

A comprehensive guideline on Nipah virus has been prepared, and under National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonotic Diseases (NOHP-PCZ), various initiatives are taken to strengthen prevention, detection, and response capacities for zoonotic diseases in India, including NiV.

Zoonosis committee have been formed in all states and UTs to review status of all zoonotic diseases, including Nipah virus, Jadhav stated. 

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

The Indian Embassy in Dublin on Friday issued an advisory for nationals living in Ireland, urging them to take reasonable precautions amid a surge in assaults against members of the Indian community in the country. The Embassy also assured that it remains in contact with the authorities concerned. 

“There has been an increase in the instances of physical attacks reported against Indian citizens in Ireland recently. The Embassy is in touch with the authorities concerned of Ireland in this regard,” a statement by the Indian Embassy read.

“At the same time, all Indian citizens in Ireland are advised to take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours,” it added.

The embassy also shared contact details for citizens in case of an emergency. 

#MEAIndia @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/RBmnRd4ZEs

— India in Ireland (Embassy of India, Dublin) (@IndiainIreland) August 1, 2025

The Indian Embassy issued the advisory just a day after an Indian-origin entrepreneur Santosh Yadav said he was brutally beaten by a group of teenagers in Dublin. A senior data scientist at WiSAR Lab and Technology Gateway, Yadav was left bleeding on a pavement after being beaten across his face, chest, head, hands, neck, and legs. The group that attacked him even snatched his glasses and broke them.

 “I managed to call the Gardai, and an ambulance took me to Blanchardstown Hospital. The medical team confirmed my cheekbone is fractured, and I have now been referred for specialist care,” he wrote in a post on LinkedIn.

Just a week ago, another Indian man became a victim of racial targeting after he was assaulted by a mob in Dublin. The mob attacked him after falsely accusing him of inappropriate behaviour with children. 

The Indian Embassy in Ireland on Wednesday said that it was in touch with the victim in Tallaght, and that all assistance was being offered to him.

In a post on X, the Embassy said, “Regarding the recent incident of physical attack on an Indian national happened in Tallaght, Dublin, Embassy is in touch with the victim and his family. All the requisite assistances are being offered. Embassy is also in touch with the relevant Irish authorities in this regard.”

We’ve all had this childhood fear: what if the swing breaks? At a park in Saudi Arabia, that nightmare actually came true. The shocking incident unfolded at Green Mountain Park in the Al Hada mountain resort city, where a thrill ride known as the ‘360-degree swing’ suddenly collapsed mid-air. A disturbing video of the accident is now going viral on social media, and it’s the kind that makes your stomach drop just watching it.

In the clip, the giant rotating swing is seen operating normally, with people enjoying the ride. Then, without warning, the main central pillar snaps in half. Chaos follows. The swing’s massive upper structure crashes down, sending riders hurtling downwards despite being strapped in.

At least 23 people were injured, according to Khaleej Times. Eyewitnesses say the pole broke with such force that even riders on the opposite side were jolted and hurt. Some were flung from the ride entirely and suffered additional injuries.

Emergency teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. The ride has been shut down, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine what caused the mechanical failure. A full safety audit of the entire amusement park is now underway.

The viral video was shared by the page @MiddleEast_24 on X, sparking outrage online. Many users slammed the park staff for negligence. “So many lives were put at risk because of carelessness,” wrote one user. Another commented, “This is the day childhood fears came true.” A third added, “They’re lucky the ride didn’t flip over completely.”

Another said, “There are probably fatalities… No amount of security measures can protect people against the impact of several tons of weight.”

To counter China’s manoeuvres in the disputed Doklam region, India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed an all-weather highway leading to the strategic Bhutanese town of Haa (yes, that’s the actual name—Haa). This national highway has been built from Wangcha in Bhutan to Haa. The town of Haa is the closest military base to Doklam.

Alongside the Royal Bhutan Army’s military cantonment, this location also hosts the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) training center. For the past five decades, under Project Dantak, BRO has been constructing roads, bridges, and tunnels in Bhutan. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay will inaugurate this highway on Friday (August 1), with BRO Director General Raghu Srinivasan in attendance.

A Web of Roads Near Doklam

China has built a network of roads and even military villages near Doklam in the Chumbi Valley, which can be converted into military barracks in case of conflict—especially in the Amo Chu Valley. Doklam is a strategically important plateau near the tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan, which gained international attention in 2017 when Indian and Chinese troops stood face-to-face for 73 days. Both India and Bhutan consider it part of Bhutanese territory, whereas China claims it as an extension of its Chumbi Valley. This dispute isn’t merely about borders—it concerns future strategic balance and regional dominance.

Doklam and the Siliguri Corridor

The Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” is a narrow strip that connects India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country. It is only about 20–25 kilometers wide, and any disruption here could completely sever India’s connectivity with the Northeast. China hasn’t just built roads in the Doklam area but has also started constructing fake villages—military-civilian dual-use settlements. These are designed to appear like regular villages but can be swiftly converted into military bases during emergencies. These villages are part of China’s “gray zone warfare” strategy—securing military advantages without engaging in open war.

Hyderabad, Jul 29 (PTI) BRS MLC and Telangana Jagruthi president K Kavitha on Tuesday announced that she will begin a 72-hour fast from August 4 here to pressurise both the Congress government in the state and the NDA government at the Centre to approve the bills providing 42 per cent quotas for Backward Classes. Kavitha said the fast will highlight the need to the need for the passage of the BC bill.

Kavitha, who has of late been organising political activities under the banner of Telangana Jagruthi, a cultural organisation headed by her, said she had held a 72-hour fast during undivided Andhra Pradesh demanding the installation of a statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the premises of the state legislature.

State Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Monday said Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy would seek President Droupadi Murmu‘s appointment to meet her and request assent for the Assembly bills providing 42 per cent reservation to Backward Classes.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of the state cabinet Monday night, Prabhakar said the Congress government has decided to garner support from all friendly parties at the national level, including MPs across party lines for providing 42 per cent reservation to Backward Classes (BCs) in local body polls and in education and employment opportunities.

Top leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are also seeking the President’s appointment, he added.

The bills were passed by the Legislative Assembly in March and sent to the Governor and it is pending assent from the President.

ALSO READ: Andhra Pradesh Bank Heist: Thieves Steal 10 Kg Gold, Rs 38 L Cash From SBI Branch Without Guard

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Chennai, July 29 (IANS) AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday launched the next leg of his statewide campaign, “Let’s Save the People, Let’s Rescue Tamil Nadu”, with a visit to Sivaganga district.

Arriving at Tiruchi airport from Chennai, Palaniswami told reporters that the ‘Ezhuchi Perani’ campaign has so far covered 49 Assembly constituencies and was receiving enthusiastic support from the public.

“Today, I am beginning my campaign in Sivaganga. From here, I will continue to cover constituencies in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, and Virudhunagar districts. The people have been giving us a tremendous welcome everywhere,” he said.

Addressing the recent controversy over a Tamil Nadu government circular directing agricultural cooperative banks to check farmers’ CIBIL scores before approving loans, Palaniswami criticised the move, saying it would have badly impacted the farming community.

“I submitted a petition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi explaining how this would hurt farmers. The state government has now withdrawn the circular and restored the old procedure. We will continue to raise our voice for the people, whether we are in power or not,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of expelled AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala joining any alliance involving the party, Palaniswami responded, “It is not for me to speculate. Other parties’ alliance decisions are for their leaders to announce.”

Commenting on the potential formation of a third front involving the Congress and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, he said, “There are still eight months left for the elections. Anything can happen. Each party will take its call on alliances based on its political strategy.”

On former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam’s criticism of the Centre for not allocating education funds to Tamil Nadu, Palaniswami said the issue of education being under the Concurrent List dates back to the Emergency era.

He said, “Education was moved to the Concurrent List in 1976. The DMK, despite being part of several central governments, never took any steps to restore it to the State List. They must take responsibility.”

Speaking on the NDA alliance, Palaniswami reiterated AIADMK’s current position.

“We are part of the NDA, and several parties are aligned with the BJP. There is still time before the elections. Once the schedule is announced, we will declare our alliance partners.”

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Dhamtari, July 29 (IANS) Ahead of Raksha Bandhan, women of the BJP Mahila Morcha in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh on Tuesday have handed over around 5,000 Rakhis to the Superintendent of Police (SP) for soldiers stationed on the country’s borders and at Maoist frontlines.

Along with sending the Rakhis, the women also tied Rakhis to SP Suraj Singh Parihar and pledged their support and commitment to women’s safety.

This annual initiative aims to remind the brave soldiers that they are not forgotten during festivals. While most people celebrate Raksha Bandhan with their families, soldiers continue to stand guard in harsh terrains, often unable to return home.

Their absence is felt most during festivals like Raksha Bandhan, a celebration that symbolises the bond between brothers and sisters.

Recognising this void, the women of the Dhamtari BJP Mahila Morcha have been sending Rakhis to the security forces for the past 21 years.

This year, a large number of Mahila Morcha workers gathered at the SP’s office to continue the tradition.

Along with handing over the Rakhis, they offered prayers for the safety and well-being of the soldiers and reaffirmed their pledge to support and protect the defenders of the nation.

Speaking to IANS, Parvati Wadhwani of the BJP Mahila Morcha, Dhamtari, said, “We are tying Rakhis on their hands, so they don’t feel left out. We have been doing this for more than 20 years. This year, we’ve sent 5,000 Rakhis.”

Chandrakala Patel of the BJP Mahila Morcha, Dhamtari, added, “We have been doing this for the last 20 years. Even on Raksha Bandhan, they are protecting us. That’s why we thought, why shouldn’t we tie Rakhis to them?”

SP Suraj Singh Parihar appreciated the initiative and said, “This tradition has been going on for the last 20 years. Women from this district send Rakhis to the soldiers posted at borders. It’s a great step.”

In 2025, the festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 9. Also known as Rakhi, this festival honours the bond between siblings. Sisters tie a Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists and pray for their long life and protection, while brothers pledge to safeguard their sisters in return — a bond mirrored in the connection between citizens and soldiers.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Zohran Mamdani, Democratic Party frontrunner for the New York mayoral elections, has been hugging headlines of late, some of them quite controversial. On Tuesday, Mamdani was in the crosshairs of Amy Mekelburg, an American anti-Islam activist, who posted a video on X, ranting about Muslims “capturing” London with a Pakistani Muslim mayor. However, India became the unintended target of the post.

Here’s what happened.

Amy Mek posted a video showing a procession of Muslims waving black flags and wearing black clothes. The caption accompanying the video stated: “Londonistan was just the beginning. Islamic supremacists are openly bragging they’ve ‘captured’ London with a Pakistani Muslim mayor — and they’re not wrong. Just look at the city. Now another jihadi — Zohran Mamdani — is rising in New York. Same ideology. Same agenda. Same endgame: take the West from within. This is ideological occupation. And they’re marching through all of our countries with no opposition from our leaders!  Why do you think that is? [sic].”

Londonistan was just the beginning…

Islamic supremacists are openly bragging they’ve “captured” London with a Pakistani Muslim mayor — and they’re not wrong. Just look at the city.

Now another jihadi — Zohran Mamdani — is rising in New York.

Same ideology. Same agenda. Same… pic.twitter.com/TLjgQqXxVZ

— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) July 29, 2025

The post, clearly targeting Mamdani and radical Muslims, was responded to by an Indian architect, Anurag Jaitly. He said: “It’s always a Pakistani. Now everyone knows what India has been dealing with for the past 75 years.”

This comment was not taken well by an X user, who identified himself only as “The Murican Crusader”. He said: “Your both the same. The west doesn’t need Indians or wacky pakis [sic].” When Jaitly protested and told him he didn’t need to interfere, the ‘troll’ told him: “Oh yes the f*** I do. I’m not some 3rd world parasite like you. Indians and Pakistanis are the SAME that’s why you get upset. Hindu, moslem. The same culture. Your name isn’t even western. It looks like it’s misspelled [sic].”

He further said: “You Indians leech off the west… No your kind is not in charge of medicine or nasa… ‘good for nothing’ says the H1B1, your kind is literally the new slave class for corporations hahaha. No matter what you say you’ll never be like us!” “You know your smelly people will never be accepted that’s why you trick your way in like H1s lol.  Your name. Your face. Your accent screams 3rd world,” he added.

Phnom Penh, July 29 (IANS) The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence on Tuesday rejected the statement of the Thai army that accused Cambodia of attacking Thailand hours after a ceasefire entered into force. “On behalf of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, I would like to reject the statement of the Thai army spokesperson that claimed that fighting occurred, violating the ceasefire agreement,” Cambodian Ministry of National Defense’s Spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said in a press briefing.

She said the Cambodian armed forces have strictly implemented the ceasefire agreement that took effect since midnight on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that small clashes after the ceasefire came into effect could be caused by undisciplined Cambodian soldiers and that the Thai side has responded proportionately, and the situation “is calm now.”

Earlier in the day, the Thai Army said that Cambodia violated the ceasefire agreement, but the Thai side is still working to facilitate negotiations between the frontline commanders of both sides.

On the same day, Cambodian Defence Ministry’s Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border areas had ended.

Winthai Suvaree, Thai army spokesperson, on Tuesday morning issued a statement, saying that Thailand implemented an immediate ceasefire along the Thai-Cambodian border as soon as the ceasefire agreement took effect.

“However, it is regrettable that when the ceasefire deadline came into force, the Thai side still found the Cambodian side launching armed attacks at multiple locations into Thai territory,” the statement said.

According to a previous announcement by the Thai Army, after the ceasefire, which started from midnight on Monday, one area along the border was harassed by the Cambodian side, leading to renewed exchanges of fire that continued until Tuesday morning. In addition, clashes also occurred in another area and lasted until 5:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Thai Army confirmed via social media that a ceasefire had been implemented in all areas along the Thai-Cambodia border.

Armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border areas had ended after the leaders of the two countries agreed to a ceasefire, Socheata said on Tuesday.

“As a positive result, at all military regions, there was no more exchange of gunfire,” she said, noting that regional military commanders of both sides would hold an informal meeting on Tuesday morning to ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire.

The situation of the Cambodia-Thailand border has eased after a ceasefire took effect from midnight on Monday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Tuesday morning.

In a post on his official social media platforms, Hun Manet said, “The frontline has eased after a ceasefire took effect from Monday midnight in accordance with the spirit of the agreement between Cambodia and Thailand at a special meeting in Malaysia.”

Thai and Cambodian leaders have agreed to implement a ceasefire starting midnight on Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following a meeting on Monday hosted by him in Malaysia.

Earlier on Monday, after ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed it and said it is a positive step towards ending current hostilities and easing tensions.

Guterres “urges both countries to respect the agreement fully and to create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace,” Farhan Haq, the UN chief’s deputy spokesperson, had said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General commends Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, as well as the United States and China, for their dedicated efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the situation,” the statement said.

The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, it added.

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to implement a ceasefire from midnight on Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following a meeting hosted by him in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

London, Jul 29 (PTI) A 41-year-old man, believed to be of Indian heritage, has appeared in court in Scotland, charged with assault and endangering the safety of an aircraft after disrupting a flight from London Luton airport to Glasgow with loud chants.

Abhay Devdas Nayak, who was arrested after the easyJet flight landed at Glasgow on Sunday morning, did not enter any guilty or not-guilty plea as he appeared on Monday at Paisley Sheriff Court, bordering the Scottish city of Glasgow.

Videos circulating on social media showed the accused shout “death to America, death to Trump” and “Allahu Akbar”.

“We were called to a report of a man causing a disturbance on a flight arriving into Glasgow around 8.20 am on Sunday, 27 July, 2025,” Police Scotland said in a statement.

“We believe the incident to be contained and that nobody else was involved. We are aware of videos circulating online and these are being assessed by counter-terrorism officers,” the statement said.

Nayak, who is from Luton in Bedfordshire near London, is not thought to be facing any terrorism charges as he was charged under the UK’s Air Navigation Order. One of the charges relates to a person recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft, or any person in an aircraft.

The videos circulating online of the on-air incident show the accused being tackled to the floor of the plane by two co-passengers. The pilot is then said to have executed an emergency landing where Nayak was arrested by Police Scotland officers.

He is now remanded to judicial custody until a court appearance next week. 

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)