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DefExpo-2020 to begin from tomorrow

Preparations underway for the inaugural ceremony of the DefExpo-2020 that is to be held tomorrow. (Source: @DefExpoIndia)

New Delhi (NVI): The 11th biennial edition of DefExpo-2020 is all set to begin from tomorrow in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from February 5 to 9, which will witness the cutting edge defence technology showcased by some of the big global defence manufacturers.

The mega event, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has the theme ‘India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub’.

A robust security cover has been placed around the venue and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also reviewed the security measures.

The DefExpo-2020 is expected to see participation from over 70 countries and will be in line with the biggest of the international defence exhibitions.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase more than 500 products from all technology clusters.

Bengaluru-based defence aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will also display its prowess in defence and aerospace around the theme ‘Digital Transformation of Defence’.

European aircraft maker Airbus and the global aerospace and security company from US, Lockheed Martin, will also be showcasing their aircrafts in the exhibition.

Defence manufacturers from the United States, South Korea, France, Czech Republic, Sweden, the United Kingdom will also be participating in the event.

The DefExpo will play the role of a catalyst in attracting not only investments but also cutting-edge technologies to the region.

Pak Hindu families on Haridwar visit

New Delhi (NVI): At least 50 Hindu families from Pakistan have arrived in India via Attari-Wagah Border, according to media reports.

The families, who are on a 25-day visa to visit Haridwar, crossed over to India yesterday, as per reports.

Some of the families have also brought mortal remains of their ancestors to immerse in the holy Ganges at Haridwar.

News reports have also quoted some of the family members saying that may seek asylum in India.

Can Diabetes affect your vision?

New Delhi (NVI): A study claims that over 191 million people across the world will develop ‘Diabetic Retinopathy’ by the year 2030, a diabetes complication that affects eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina).

The complication is the primary cause of blindness in working-age adults and is one of the leading microvascular complications today, as per the study. Statins have demonstrated the ability to decrease the possibility of diabetic retinopathy development in patients with type 2 diabetes. Statins are a class of drugs often prescribed by doctors to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

The population-based cohort study contains longitudinal evidence that was conducted under senior author Yih-Shiou Hwang, MD, Ph.D., of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taoyuan, Taiwan, and his professional colleagues.

Approximately 37,894 Taiwanese subjects participated in this research between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2013. They were recognized in the National Health Insurance Research Database as having type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Within the cohort analysis, outcomes were contrasted between those subjects taking statins and those not taking statins. Measures were observed at all stages of diabetic retinopathy and treatment for vision-threating diabetic retinopathy. No lipid-lowering agent of any kind, except statins, was authorized to be used by subjects during the study.

Patients taking statins were detected to have a compelling lower rate of diabetic retinopathy and need for treatments for vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy than those not taking statins.

Safety outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events, de novo hemodialysis, and diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic foot ulcers. Complications of diabetic retinopathy, including vitreous haemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment, were restricted, and no proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema were established.

In India, a National Blindness & Visual Impairment Survey (2015-18) found Diabetic Retinopathy responsible for 0.8% of visual impairment in the surveyed population.

The information was given by Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Ashwini Kumar Choubey in the Parliament. He also added that screening for the condition has started in some states of India.

Indian Govt orders airlines to not board any passenger from China

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): As coronavirus fears mount with the death toll rising steadily, the Indian government has directed the country’s airlines not to take on board any passengers from China or those holding Chinese visas. The order applies to airlines operating their aircraft from any destination in India.

“All airlines are informed not to take on board any passenger from China, including Chinese or other foreign nationals who may be holding valid ETA/E-VISA to board their aircraft from any destination in India,” says the order issued by Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

“This starts with immediate effect and shall remain in force till further notice,” says the order signed by Foreigners Regional Registration Officer, Kolkata.

Meanwhile, CMD of state-carrier Air India Ashwani Lohani said the airline will suspend Delhi-Hong Kong flights from February 8. The AI statement was issued shortly after the 1st death was reported in Hong Kong.

The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to at least 425 today, with China admitting “shortcomings and difficulties” in its response to the flu-like infection.

Global programme launched to safeguard sports events from terrorism

un terrorism
International Expert Group Meeting discussed the security of major sporting event at the United Nations

New Delhi(NVI): International Sports Federation has launched a global programme to safeguard major sporting events from terrorism-related threats.

The sports federation representatives and ambassadors launched this programme at UN Headquarters in New York yesterday.

The programme was launched with an aim of creating guidelines for international cooperation between organisations involved in the security of sports events, facilitate the exchange of information and good practices, and develop related public-private partnerships.

It will also have a focus on using sport and its values as a tool to prevent extremism among young people.

While commenting UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) head, Vladimir Voronkov said that sport pushes people to be better, to aim higher and further. It promotes tolerance and gender equality.

“It strengthens communities, builds resilience and channels natural competitive instincts in a harmonious way,” he said.

“Sport is a fundamental and true human value: a strong vaccine against any kind of criminal disease. We have a moral obligation to protect and promote sport,” he added.

World may see 60% rise in cancer cases in 2 decades: WHO

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New Delhi (NVI): On the Cancer Day today, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the world could see 60 per cent increase in cancer cases over the next two decades, if the current trend continues.

The biggest increase of estimated 81% in new cases will occur in low and middle-income countries, where survival rates are currently lowest, the global body says.

This is largely because these countries have limited health resources on combating infectious diseases and improving maternal and child health, while health services are not equipped to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers.

In 2019, more than 90% of high-income countries reported that comprehensive treatment services for cancer were available in the public health system compared to less than 15% of low-income countries, it said.

“This is a wake-up call to all of us to tackle the unacceptable inequalities between cancer services in rich and poor countries,” says Ren Minghui, Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, World Health Organization.

“If people have access to primary care and referral systems then cancer can be detected early, treated effectively and cured. Cancer should not be a death sentence for anyone, anywhere,” Minghui said.

“At least 7 million lives could be saved over the next decade, by identifying the most appropriate science for each country situation, by basing strong cancer responses on universal health coverage, and by mobilizing different stakeholders to work together”, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO.

WHO highlights a wide range of proven interventions to prevent new cancer cases. These include controlling tobacco use (responsible for 25% of cancer deaths), vaccinating against hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer, eliminating cervical cancer by vaccinating against HPV, screening and treatment, implementing high-impact cancer management interventions that bring value for money and ensuring access to palliative care including pain relief.

“The past 50 years have seen tremendous advances in research on cancer prevention and treatment,” says Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of IARC. “Deaths from cancer have been reduced. High-income countries have adopted prevention, early diagnosis and screening programmes, which together with better treatment, have contributed to an estimated 20% reduction in the probability of premature mortality between 2000 and 2015, but low-income countries only saw a reduction of 5%. We need to see everyone benefitting equally.”

PM to visit Kokrajhar on Feb 7

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kokrajhar in Assam to participate in the celebrations of the signing of the Bodo Agreement on February 7.

More than 4,00,000 people from the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) and all over Assam are expected to attend this rally.

A cultural programme of ethnic groups of Assam is being organised by the state government, to showcase the diversity of the state.

Prime Minister Modi will address the gathering to hail the historic Bodo pact signed in January this year, by including the leading stakeholders under one framework.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi on the January 27, 2020.

Some truths you need to know about Coronavirus

New Delhi (NVI): With coronavirus spreading across countries, the fears and misconceptions about the virus are also spreading on social media.

To check this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has started a campaign to educate people about the deadly virus.

Here are answers to some questions regarding coronavirus:

Will eating lots of garlic help?

No, garlic is considered a healthy food with some antimicrobial properties – but there are no indications it’s helping anyone fight off 2019-nCoV.

Also, vaccines against pneumonia and flu do not provide protection against the novel coronavirus, WHO said.

It’s simply too new, and work on a vaccine specifically for the new virus is still in process. At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos last month, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations announced a new partnership to develop vaccines for 2019-nCov as quick as possible.

There are still things you can do, such as washing your hands especially if you have been sneezing. And if you are sneezing, make sure to cover and catch that sneeze.

You can cup your hands over your face, or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, or into a tissue. But make sure to securely dispose of the tissue straight away.

Can I contract the virus from letters and packages sent from China?

No, according to the WHO, people receiving post from China are not at risk of catching the new coronavirus.

The WHO knows from previous analysis that coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.

What about pets? Can I catch it from them?

The 2019-nCoV may have come from animals, but your pets are not likely to be part of the equation.

Accodring to WHO “At present, there is no evidence that companion animals and pets such as dogs or cats be infected with the new coronavirus.”

There are lots of other reasons for good hygiene around pets, though.

Some common bacteria can pass between animals and people, such as E.coli and Salmonella. Washing your hands with soap and water can guard against them.

Who is most at risk?

According to the WHO, Older people and anyone with pre-existing medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes or heart disease, appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the coronavirus.

In the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak, 8,422 people were infected and there were 916 deaths worldwide.

The overall death rate for infected people was 11%. But for infected people 24 and younger, the death rate was just 1%, while for those aged 65+ it was 55%.

In short, anyone can catch a virus. But the effect it will have on you, and how seriously ill you might become, can be dependent on several other factors.

The virus, 2019-nCoV has now been detected in 23 countries, with more than 17,000 people confirmed to be infected.

The majority of people infected are located in China, where more people have now died from the new coronavirus than were killed by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2002-2003. So far, 362 people have died from the new coronavirus.

Delhi records minimum temp of 5.3 degrees

New Delhi (NVI): Delhi today recorded the minimum temperature of 5.3 degree celsius.

The minimum temperature recorded yesterday was 5.4 degree celsius.

The maximum temperature today is expected to be around 22.0 degrees celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weatherman stated that the northwesterly winds to blow for next few days and no significant change in temperature is expected for another  three to four days.

Meanwhile, the overall air quality in the national capital today deteriorate to“very poor”from “poor” category.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR),the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at  309 which falls in the  “very poor” category.

The worst affected areas are Dhirpur, Delhi University, Chandni Chowk, Pusa, Lodhi Road, Mathura Road, IGI Terminal 3 and the neighbouring Noida.

Review meeting on construction of bunkers along IB in Jammu held

JAMMU (NVI): A high-level meeting was held here today to review the progress on construction of bunkers along International Border (IB) and other related issues in the Jammu Division.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Sanjeev Verma chaired the meeting with DCs of border districts to review the progress in this direction.

The meeting was also attended by engineers of executing agencies while Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch attended the meeting through video conferencing.

The Deputy Commissioners apprised the Divisional Commissioner Verma about the progress of works on under construction individual and community bunkers in their respective districts.

The Divisional Commissioner asked the DCs and executing agencies to expedite the pace of work and complete the construction of bunker in a time-bound manner. He also asked DCs to monitor the progress and share progress report on regular basis.

Earlier in the day, Commissioner Sanjeev Verma also convened a meeting to discuss the requirements of Urdu, Punjabi and Dogri language teachers in schools of Jammu division.

He asked the Director School Education to collect data regarding availability and vacancies of Urdu, Punjabi and Dogri teachers in schools of Jammu Division.

The meeting was attended by Chairman JKBOSE, Prof.  Veena Pandita, Director School Education, Anuradha Gupta, Assistant Director Academics, Dr Yasir Hamid Sirmal besides HoD Dogri, Punjabi and Urdu from Jammu University and other concerned officers.

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