Time to focus on long-term management of Covid

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that Covid-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and that the focus would now be on the long-term management of the infection The viral infection came to light after China reported a cluster of pneumonia cases with no known cause from Wuhan on December 31, 2019 By the end of January 2020, nearly 10,000 cases had been reported, including more than 100 cases in 19 other countries WHO raised its highest level of alert and termed the infection a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, a designation that remained in place for over three years SARS-CoV2 was a novel virus about which very little was known in the initial days Later, as many patients reached hospitals with pneumonia and in need of oxygen support, doctors and researchers discovered that the infection put the immune system into overdrive when immune cells started attacking the patient’s own organs This tended to happen more in the elderly, and in those with existing comorbidities like diabetes India's handling of its Covid cases and the supply of affordable vaccines to neighbouring and poor countries was acknowledged all over the world India has undertaken the largest immunisation programme against Covid India has reported 44 3 million cases and 530,000 deaths due to Covid-19 so far Globally, the number of infections has crossed 765 million and caused 69,20,000 deaths Governments have strengthened healthcare systems and rolled out vaccination drives In India, more than 90% of people above the age of 12 years have received their two primary doses India witnessed three distinct waves of Covid-19 infections The first wave, from mid-2020 to around September of that year, was caused by the original variant The second wave in April-May 2021 saw a large number of cases and deaths over a short period The surge was driven by the Delta variant that led to deep lung impact and resulted in hospitals overflowing with people in need of oxygen and ventilator support There was a shortage of medical oxygen The third wave, driven by the Omicron variant, was smaller both in terms of number of cases and hospitalisations and deaths

There are no lockdowns; international travel, restaurants, and cinemas are normal; and containment and control measures haven’t been needed for some time now So, not much will change on ground with the WHO declaration Although universal vaccination is no longer required, as immunity declines it may be considered old and comorbid Those at high risk should wear masks in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces as a precaution Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said it was time for most countries to return to life as we knew it before Covid-19 He also spoke about the enormous damage inflicted on all aspects of global life by the virus, including enormous economic upheaval, “erasing trillions from GDP, disrupting travel and trade, shuttering businesses, and plunging millions into poverty ”

Courage is

Political Sketchbook

Alpesh Patel

Muscle

India’s Independent Foreign Policy

“Ultim ately, wh at should g uide India is th e quest to m ake itself a great p ower with a difference, namely, in a way which enables it to achieve Mahatma Gand hi’s d ream o f ‘wiping the tear from the eye of every Ind ian ’ T hat would be in keeping with India’s core values and national interest That is the right obj ectiv e for a great cou ntry like Ind ia ” Writes India’s former National Security A dv iso r, Shiv sh ankar M enon

On the eve of the Coronation, sadly I could not make dinner with His Excellency the Vice President of India But it did give me pause for thought

In addition to its bilateral relations, India has been actively participating in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the G20 India has been advocating for global issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and the fight against terrorism

Overall, India s current stance on international relations is one of engagement and cooperation India is committed to building strong relationships with other countries and contributing to global peace and stability With its growing economic and political influence, India is poised to play an increasingly important role in the international arena

India's economic growth has had a significant impact on its foreign policy in recent years As one of the fastestgrowing economies in the world, India has become an influential player in the global arena, and its economic success has helped to shape its foreign policy objectives

One of the most significant ways in which India's economic growth has influenced its foreign policy is by increasing its global stature and influence As India's economy has grown, it has become a more attractive partner for other countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region India has also become a key player in international trade, with its exports and imports increasing significantly over the past decade

India’s foreign policy has undoubtedly been shaped by its nuclear capability Since India s nuclear tests in 1998, the country has faced a complex set of challenges and opportunities in the international arena On the one hand, India's nuclear weapons have given it a more prominent role in global affairs, allowing it to assert its position as a major regional power On the other hand, India's nuclear status has also led to a number of diplomatic challenges and complications, particularly with regards to its relationship with the United States and other Western powers

What are th e major chall enges facing India' s f oreign pol icy?

1 China's Rise: The rise of China as a global superpower has changed the power dynamics in Asia China's assertive and aggressive foreign policy has raised concerns in India, particularly with regards to its territorial claims and military presence in the region India must find a way to balance its relationship with China while safeguarding its own interests

2 Terrorism: India has long been a target of terrorist groups

3 Pakistan: Pakistan has been a longstanding adversary of India and continues to support terrorist groups targeting India

4 Energy Security: India is heavily dependent on imported energy sources, particularly oil The volatility of global energy markets poses a significant threat to India's energy security India must diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on imports

5 Climate Change: India is one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases and is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change India must balance its economic growth with sustainable development practices to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a livable future for its citizens

6 Cybersecurity and National Infrastructure: Jealous neighbours near and far threaten India’s infrastructure, civilian, military and nuclear Actions of allies and adversaries will determine the speed and change of India’s foreign policy

Finally, God save the King! As I said, I am sorry to have missed meeting the Vice President of India

Two Met officers arrested over woman’s ‘rape, kidnap and assault’

Two Metropolitan Police offic er s have be en arr es ted for alleged kidnapping, assault and rape of a woman

The woman has alleged that the off-duty pair and another man took her by taxi to a flat following their meeting at a club in Kingston, south-west London

The incident is believed to have happened at a north London property early on April 30, she raised the alarm, the Sun reported

Based on the Met’s North West command unit, the PCs were detained by colleagues On suspicion of kidnap, rape and common assault, one officer was held

Over the sex assault claim, detectives bailed him until June but dropped the other two alleged offences