Amid rising student suicides in Rajasthan's Kota, the district administration on Thursday (August 17) issued guidelines to provide mental support to students. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the administration ordered all hostels and paying guest accommodations to install spring-loaded fans in all rooms, besides providing mental support and security to students.

Amid rising student suicides in Rajasthan's Kota, the district administration on Thursday (August 17) issued guidelines to provide mental support to students. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the administration ordered all hostels and paying guest accommodations to install spring-loaded fans in all rooms, besides providing mental support and security to students. During a meeting last Saturday, the administration also urged owners of coaching institutes, hostels and PGs to abide by an order issued in December last year. The order mandated a weekly off for students, a maximum-class strength of 80, and mandatory psychological evaluations for students and teachers. How do these spring loaded-fans work? According to the HT report, the spring in these fans is designed to uncoil the moment it detects a load, effectively detaching the fan from the ceiling, and preventing hangings. The fans will also have installed sensors that sound an alarm in the event of an attempted suicide. Citing officials, the report added that some institutes already have such systems installed and a similar plan was floated back in 2017. #WATCH | Spring-loaded fans installed in all hostels and paying guest (PG) accommodations of Kota to decrease suicide cases among students, (17.08) https://t.co/laxcU1LHeW pic.twitter.com/J16ccd4X0S — ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) August 18, 2023 × However, experts flayed the order and said that such a move will only increase the stigmatisation of students already grappling with fragile mental health. Around 22 students have died by suicide in Kota since the beginning of this year. On Friday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that it is important to understand the problems of the students. "Coaching management heads have been called for a meeting & a discussion on what needs to be done will be held...," CM Gehlot told reporters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: As Kota suicides rise, authorities order installation of spring-loaded fans, mental support to students

A passenger on a SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Mumbai secretly clicked objectionable photographs of an air hostess, according to Indian media reports. A video circulating on social media showed the passenger attempting to click objectionable photographs of the air hostess, and also a co-passenger while they were on Spicejet flight No 157 on August 16.

Taking cognizance of the matter, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) said it has issued notices to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Delhi Airport and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

"In a flight from Delhi to Mumbai, a passenger secretly took videos and objectionable photos of the flight attendant and other women. A video about this is going viral on Instagram. This is a very serious matter, taking cognizance they are issuing notices to the police and DGCA." DCW chief Swati Maliwal tweeted and shared copies of the notices issued.

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दिल्ली से मुंबई की फ्लाइट में यात्री ने छुपकर Flight Attendant और अन्य महिला की videos और आपत्तिजनक फ़ोटो ली। इसको लेके एक वीडियो इंस्टाग्राम पर वायरल हो रहा है। ये बेहद संगीन मामला है, संज्ञान लेते हुए पुलिस और DGCA को नोटिस जारी कर रहे हैं! <a href="https://t.co/y4aiE9fdqi">pic.twitter.com/y4aiE9fdqi</a>
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) <a href="https://twitter.com/SwatiJaiHind/status/1692428569082056889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"It is alleged in the viral video that a passenger was trying to click obscene pictures of a woman flight attendant and his woman co-passenger. It has been stated that when his mobile phone was checked, objectionable pictures of the women onboard the plane were found in his mobile," the notice read.

The DCW also requested a copy of the FIR filed in the case, information about the apprehended suspects, and a thorough action-taken report in the notice it has sent to the Delhi Police.&nbsp;

The DCP, Delhi Airport and the DGCA have been asked to provide information to the commission latest by August 23. 
 
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A passenger on a SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Mumbai secretly clicked objectionable photographs of an air hostess, according to Indian media reports. A video circulating on social media showed the passenger attempting to click objectionable photographs of the air hostess, and also a co-passenger while they were on Spicejet flight No 157 on August 16.

A passenger on a SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Mumbai secretly clicked objectionable photographs of an air hostess, according to Indian media reports. A video circulating on social media showed the passenger attempting to click objectionable photographs of the air hostess, and also a co-passenger while they were on Spicejet flight No 157 on August 16. Taking cognizance of the matter, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) said it has issued notices to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Delhi Airport and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). "In a flight from Delhi to Mumbai, a passenger secretly took videos and objectionable photos of the flight attendant and other women. A video about this is going viral on Instagram. This is a very serious matter, taking cognizance they are issuing notices to the police and DGCA." DCW chief Swati Maliwal tweeted and shared copies of the notices issued. दिल्ली से मुंबई की फ्लाइट में यात्री ने छुपकर Flight Attendant और अन्य महिला की videos और आपत्तिजनक फ़ोटो ली। इसको लेके एक वीडियो इंस्टाग्राम पर वायरल हो रहा है। ये बेहद संगीन मामला है, संज्ञान लेते हुए पुलिस और DGCA को नोटिस जारी कर रहे हैं! pic.twitter.com/y4aiE9fdqi — Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) August 18, 2023 × "It is alleged in the viral video that a passenger was trying to click obscene pictures of a woman flight attendant and his woman co-passenger. It has been stated that when his mobile phone was checked, objectionable pictures of the women onboard the plane were found in his mobile," the notice read. The DCW also requested a copy of the FIR filed in the case, information about the apprehended suspects, and a thorough action-taken report in the notice it has sent to the Delhi Police. The DCP, Delhi Airport and the DGCA have been asked to provide information to the commission latest by August 23. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: SpiceJet passenger secretly clicks objectionable photos of air hostess on flight; DCW issues notice

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will challenge the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) delimitation decision in the Supreme Court. According to a report by The News on Thursday (August 17), the PTI rejected the commission's proposal and vowed to challenge the Council of Common Interest’s (CCI) decision on the new census in the Supreme Court.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will challenge the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) delimitation decision in the Supreme Court. According to a report by The News on Thursday (August 17), the PTI rejected the commission's proposal and vowed to challenge the Council of Common Interest’s (CCI) decision on the new census in the Supreme Court. A PTI spokesperson alleged that the schedule for the delimitation issued by the ECP was malicious and a clear deviation from the Constitution. The PTI also said that if the National Assembly is dissolved before the completion of its tenure, the Constitution clearly states that the poll body is bound to hold polls within 90 days. The poll organising authority, after violating the apex court's order on elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), is once again trying to violate the Constitution. ECP announces schedule of delimitation Earlier, the ECP had announced the schedule of delimitation to be carried out as per the new census approved by the CCI earlier this month. According to the schedule, the delimitation of the constituencies across the country will be notified in December. The delimitation would take nearly four months. This means that general elections in Pakistan cannot be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the provincial and national assemblies. The report also said that if PTI files a plea in the top court then it would be the second such petition filed regarding the CCI decision. Pak appoints caretaker cabinet On Thursday, the Pakistani establishment swore in a caretaker cabinet under interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. The cabinet has been tasked with running the country until fresh elections. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the cabinet's top job will be to lead Pakistan towards economic stabilisation. In the interim cabinet, former central bank chief Shamshad Akhtar was appointed as finance minister and Pakistan's former ambassador to the United States, Jalil Abbas Jilani, was named foreign minister. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: Imran Khan's PTI to challenge delimitation decision in Supreme Court

The Chinese Army has released propaganda showing soldiers preparing for a conflict in what appears to be the Taiwan Strait. According to a report by The Guardian on Thursday (August 17), the video titled "Reading the Strait" was published on the Eastern Theatre Command's official WeChat account.

The Chinese Army has released propaganda showing soldiers preparing for a conflict in what appears to be the Taiwan Strait. According to a report by The Guardian on Thursday (August 17), the video titled "Reading the Strait" was published on the Eastern Theatre Command's official WeChat account. The video showed soldiers in combat gear doing press-ups under crashing waves, a tank battalion driving into the sunset and troops running up sandy shores past anti-landing barricades. The video was accompanied by a catchy ballad, with lyrics such as “Go over the city gate and the high wall and take the freest way.” The post had a poem with similar lines. “You, no matter how dark it is, don’t be afraid. Fireflies and moonlight as the guiding light, we ride the wind with our dreams, chase and win the warmest years,” the poem says. The Eastern Theatre Command is based on China's eastern coast and has responsibility for the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, has repeatedly complained of Chinese military activity near it over the past three years, as Beijing steps up pressure to try to force the island to accept its sovereignty. China opposes US allowing Taiwan VP's transit Meanwhile, China on Friday said that it opposed the United States allowing Taiwan's Vice President William Lai to stop over in the country on his way to Paraguay for the inauguration of its new president. Lai returned on Friday from a sensitive visit to the US, a trip China has condemned and which has brought warnings from Taiwanese officials it could prompt more Chinese military drills near the island. "The United States insisted on arranging for (Taiwan Vice President) William Lai to stop over twice in the country, which seriously violated the one-China principle and undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and sent out a seriously wrong signal to the Taiwan independence separatist forces. China firmly opposes it and strongly condemns this," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. "William Lai, as deputy leader of the Taiwan region, described himself as a pragmatic Taiwan independence worker. What he said and did during the stop-over in the United States proved once again that he is an outright Taiwan independence separatist," Wenbin added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese Army releases video showing soldiers preparing for war in Taiwan Strait

Social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, may soon add ID verification features for preventing impersonation. According to a report by Engadget on Thursday (August 17), app researcher Nima Owji shared a screenshot on X which showed that the platform is working on an additional verification feature that requires users to upload a copy of their government-issued ID and snap a selfie.

Social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, may soon add ID verification features for preventing impersonation. According to a report by Engadget on Thursday (August 17), app researcher Nima Owji shared a screenshot on X which showed that the platform is working on an additional verification feature that requires users to upload a copy of their government-issued ID and snap a selfie. "X keeps working on the ID verification. You should upload a photo of your ID and take a live selfie," Owji said late Thursday. He had first spotted an “ID-verified” badge on X boss Elon Musk’s profile earlier in August. “Verify your account by providing government-issued ID,” the X description reads. “This usually takes about 5 minutes,” it adds. #X keeps working on the ID verification. You should upload a photo of your ID and take a live selfie. https://t.co/3bdGgzlnZh pic.twitter.com/F4ssglakHR — Nima Owji (@nima_owji) August 16, 2023 × The Engadget report on Thursday said it seemed that X is partnering with a third-party “identity intelligence” company Au10tix on the feature. The fine print notes that information shared for verification will be seen by Au10tix as well as X, the report said. X will keep “ID images, including biometric data, for up to 30 days,” and will use information “for the purposes of safety and security, including preventing impersonation.” X to address shadowbanning soon: Musk Musk, meanwhile, said the social media giant will address shadowbanning soon. Shadowbanning would not outrightly ban users, but make changes that ensure their content is no longer circulated and kept out of public view. After taking over Twitter last year, Musk attempted to prove that shadowbanning was a common practice on the social media network. He insisted that users should have the right to know if they’ve been shadowbanned. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

X may add ID verification to tackle bots,  address shadowbanning soon

The US State Department said on Thursday (August 17) that the extradition process of Tahawwur Rana to India for his links to the Mumbai terror attacks of 2008 "is a pending matter".

The US State Department said on Thursday (August 17) that the extradition process of Tahawwur Rana to India for his links to the Mumbai terror attacks of 2008 "is a pending matter". Addressing a press briefing, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the Joe Biden administration was committed to confronting terrorism across the world and continues to call for those involved in the 26/11 attack in India's Mumbai to be brought to justice. Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists stormed buildings in Mumbai on November 26, 2008, killing more than 160 people, including six Americans, in a 60-hour siege. Also read | Explained: The case of 2008 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana On the Tahawwur extradition, Patel said: "Given the fact that it is pending, I don't have any specific comment to offer...I'm just not going to comment on a pending extradition matter. I'm sure the Department of Justice can outline the specific steps that are required in an extradition matter." Tahawwur Rana challenges extradition to India In June this year, Rana filed a plea challenging the US order for his extradition to India. His lawyers argued that the extradition would violate the United States-India extradition treaty in multiple aspects. #WATCH | Vedant Patel, US Principal Deputy Spokesperson speaks on the Indian government’s request for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who faces charges for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. pic.twitter.com/RoFV2mH1OS — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2023 × The lawyers argued that extradition is therefore barred under Article 6(1) of the Treaty, which declares that "[e]xtradition shall not be granted when the person sought has been convicted or acquitted in the Requested State for the offence for which extradition is requested." Who is Rana? Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian businessman, is said to be linked with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and was arrested in the US for his involvement in the Mumbai terror attack. Rana is a physician by profession and served as a captain-general duty practitioner in the Pakistan Army medical corps. Rana's arrest in the US was made at India's request as per the 1997 Extradition Treaty between the two countries. In 2011, he was convicted in Chicago of providing material support to the LeT, which planned the Mumbai terror attacks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Extradition of Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana a 'pending matter': US

A leading professor in England has warned that Covid is on the rise again, adding it is reasonably certain that United Kingdom has entered another wave of the pandemic.

A leading professor in England has warned that Covid is on the rise again, adding it is reasonably certain that United Kingdom has entered another wave of the pandemic. There are very few ways to track the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in England since the end of wastewater monitoring in March last year, the end of the Office for National Statistics COVID-19 Infection Survey in March 2023, and the gradual reduction of SARS-CoV-2 testing in hospitals since August last year, said Professor Christina Pagel from University College London (UCL). "However, all indications are that prevalence reached its lowest level this June/July since the summer of 2020," Pagel wrote in an op-ed published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) on Tuesday (August 15. "Weekly deaths with Covid on the death certificate from that period are at the lowest recorded level since the start of the pandemic," Pagel said. Daily hospital admissions increasing Since the beginning of July, daily hospital admissions due to Covid have more than doubled as on August 4 compared to a month earlier, according to the professor. She added that the number of patients in hospitals primarily due to the virus also doubled at that time. " Secondary indicators such as the Zoe Symptom Tracker app and Google Trends of searches for Covid symptoms have also been increasing since early July. So it is reasonably certain that we have entered another COVID-19 wave," she said in the article. Also read | WHO designates new Covid strain ‘Eris’ as 'variant of interest' amid global surge in cases The professor pointed out that variants currently increasing in the United Kingdom are still the XBB Omicron substrains "and on their own, there is no reason to think they will cause a large wave." Almost all people under the age of 50 have not had a vaccine dose for 18 months, and most under the age of 75 have not been inoculated for a year. "Protection from previous infection will also be waning in the absence of a large wave for several months," Pagel said, adding it is likely that this wave is hitting a more susceptible population than the last few. "Given protection from vaccines and past infection, it is unlikely that this wave will cause a large surge in hospital admissions or deaths," she said but highlighted that any increase in hospital burden is bad news. The two major concerns Professor Pagel mentioned two major concerns regarding the current situation. First- a repeat of last winter’s unprecedented National Health Service (NHS) crisis of Covid, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus hit all around the same time. And second, another Omicron-like event where a new variant emerges, very different from previous strains. "Given few, if any, mitigations worldwide and much lower surveillance, such a variant could spread a long way before we realised it was a problem," Pagel added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

England is likely in the grip of another Covid wave, UCL professor warns

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (August 16) hailed the departure of the first cargo ship to Ukraine's southern port of Odesa. Zelensky said on social media: "Ukraine has just made an important step toward restoring the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea."&nbsp;

Spain's Tenerife island is currently battling a forest fire which started on Wednesday. Officials said that 250 firefighters are battling the wildfire which forced road closures and the evacuation of five villages.&nbsp;

In other news, the US State Department has expressed concerns over attacks on the Christian community in Pakistan. This comes after a charged mob of around 7,000 people stormed a Christian colony in the Jaranwala Tehsil of Faisalabad district on Wednesday.

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-hails-first-cargo-ship-in-black-sea-since-end-of-grain-deal-626253">Zelensky hails first cargo ship in Black Sea since end of grain deal</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/17/373683-odesa.png?imwidth=1920" />

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (August 16) hailed the departure of the first cargo ship to Ukraine's southern port of Odesa, which happened despite Russian warnings that its navy could target ships utilising the Black Sea export hubs.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-tenerife-battles-out-of-control-wildfire-as-it-spreads-across-islands-626236">Spain's Tenerife battles 'out of control' wildfire as it spreads across island's</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/17/373674-island-of-tenerife.png?imwidth=1920" />

On Tenerife, one of the Spanish Canary Islands, a forest fire started on Wednesday (August 16). As quoted by news agencies, the officials said that around 250 firefighters are battling the wildfire raging "out of control" that forced road closures and the evacuation of five villages.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-expresses-concern-over-attacks-on-christian-community-in-pakistan-626235">US State Department expresses concern over attacks on Christian community in Pakistan</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/17/373675-succession-2023-08-17t082042494.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

US State Department called on the authorities in Pakistan seeking efforts to restore calm after a charged mob of around 7,000 people stormed a Christian colony in the Jaranwala Tehsil of Faisalabad district on Wednesday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maui-wildfire-official-defend-decision-to-not-sound-emergency-sirens-626237">Maui wildfire: Officials defend decision to not sound emergency sirens</a>

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Herman Andaya, Maui's emergency management chief on Wednesday (August 17) defended the agency's decision to not sound sirens during last week's deadly wildfire. Questions are now being raised whether sounding sirens might have saved lives.

Watch | Singapore: Police seizes $736 million in assets anti-laundering raids

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (August 16) hailed the departure of the first cargo ship to Ukraine's southern port of Odesa. Zelensky said on social media: "Ukraine has just made an important step toward restoring the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (August 16) hailed the departure of the first cargo ship to Ukraine's southern port of Odesa. Zelensky said on social media: "Ukraine has just made an important step toward restoring the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea." Spain's Tenerife island is currently battling a forest fire which started on Wednesday. Officials said that 250 firefighters are battling the wildfire which forced road closures and the evacuation of five villages. In other news, the US State Department has expressed concerns over attacks on the Christian community in Pakistan. This comes after a charged mob of around 7,000 people stormed a Christian colony in the Jaranwala Tehsil of Faisalabad district on Wednesday. Click on the headlines to read more: Zelensky hails first cargo ship in Black Sea since end of grain deal Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (August 16) hailed the departure of the first cargo ship to Ukraine's southern port of Odesa, which happened despite Russian warnings that its navy could target ships utilising the Black Sea export hubs. Spain's Tenerife battles 'out of control' wildfire as it spreads across island's On Tenerife, one of the Spanish Canary Islands, a forest fire started on Wednesday (August 16). As quoted by news agencies, the officials said that around 250 firefighters are battling the wildfire raging "out of control" that forced road closures and the evacuation of five villages. US State Department expresses concern over attacks on Christian community in Pakistan US State Department called on the authorities in Pakistan seeking efforts to restore calm after a charged mob of around 7,000 people stormed a Christian colony in the Jaranwala Tehsil of Faisalabad district on Wednesday morning. Maui wildfire: Officials defend decision to not sound emergency sirens Herman Andaya, Maui's emergency management chief on Wednesday (August 17) defended the agency's decision to not sound sirens during last week's deadly wildfire. Questions are now being raised whether sounding sirens might have saved lives. Watch | Singapore: Police seizes $736 million in assets anti-laundering raids ×

Morning brief: Zelensky hails first cargo ship in Black Sea since end of grain deal, and more

The World Health Organization opened its first summit on traditional medicine in Gandhinagar city of the western state of Gujarat&nbsp;in India on Thursday, with the group saying it was seeking to collect evidence and data to allow for the safe use of such treatments.

Traditional medicines are a "first port of call for millions of people worldwide", the UN health agency said, with the talks in India bringing together policymakers and academics&nbsp;aiming to "mobilise political commitment and evidence-based action" towards them.

"WHO&nbsp;is working to build the evidence and data to inform policies, standards and regulations for the safe, cost-effective and equitable use of traditional medicine",&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said as he opened the summit.

Traditional medicine could bridge healthcare "access gaps", but was of value only if used "appropriately, effectively, and above all, safely based on the latest scientific evidence", Tedros warned earlier.

But the global health body has come under fire from online critics&nbsp;who&nbsp;accused it of providing scientific validation to pseudoscience after it asked followers in a post if they had used a range of treatments, including homoeopathy and naturopathy.

The&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;later said in a post on the social media platform X that it had heard the "concerns" and agreed its "message could have been better articulated".

The two-day&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;Traditional Medicine Global Summit takes place alongside a meeting of G20 health ministers in the Indian city of Gandhinagar.

"We need to face a very important real-life fact that traditional medicines are very widely used," Nobel laureate and chair of the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;Science Council Harold Varmus told the summit via video link.

"It is important to understand what ingredients are actually in traditional medicines, why they work in some cases... and importantly, we need to understand and identify which traditional medicines don't work".

The summit, set to become a regular event, follows the opening last year of a&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, also in India's Gujarat state.

<h2>Lack of regulatory oversight</h2>

While traditional medicines are widely used in some parts of the world, they also face fierce criticism.

The UN health agency defines traditional medicine as the knowledge, skills and practices used over time to maintain health and prevent, diagnose and treat physical and mental illness.

But many traditional treatments have no proven scientific value and conservationists say the industry drives a rampant trade in endangered animals -- including tigers, rhinos and pangolins -- threatening the existence of entire species.

Use of homemade remedies soared during the Covid-19 pandemic, including a green herbal drink based on Artemisia that was promoted by Madagascar's president as a cure.

The plant has a proven efficacy in malaria treatment, but its use to combat Covid was widely scorned by many doctors.

In China, traditional medicine has a distinguished history, but top European medical bodies have previously demanded it be subject to the same regulatory oversight as conventional medical methods.

"Advancing science on traditional medicine should be held to the same rigorous standards as in other fields of health,"&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;research chief John Reeder said in a statement.

Of the&nbsp;WHO's 194 member states, 170 acknowledged their use of traditional and complementary medicine since 2018, but only 124 reported having laws or regulations for the use of herbal medicines -- while only half had a national policy on such methods and medicines.

"Natural doesn't always mean safe, and centuries of use are not a guarantee of efficacy; therefore, scientific method and process must be applied to provide the rigorous evidence required," the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;said.

About 40 per cent of approved pharmaceutical products currently in use derive from a "natural product basis", according to the&nbsp;WHO, which cited "landmark drugs" that derive from traditional medicine, including aspirin, drawing on formulations using willow tree bark.

The World Health Organization opened its first summit on traditional medicine in Gandhinagar city of the western state of Gujarat in India on Thursday, with the group saying it was seeking to collect evidence and data to allow for the safe use of such treatments.

The World Health Organization opened its first summit on traditional medicine in Gandhinagar city of the western state of Gujarat in India on Thursday, with the group saying it was seeking to collect evidence and data to allow for the safe use of such treatments. Traditional medicines are a "first port of call for millions of people worldwide", the UN health agency said, with the talks in India bringing together policymakers and academics aiming to "mobilise political commitment and evidence-based action" towards them. "WHO is working to build the evidence and data to inform policies, standards and regulations for the safe, cost-effective and equitable use of traditional medicine", WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said as he opened the summit. Traditional medicine could bridge healthcare "access gaps", but was of value only if used "appropriately, effectively, and above all, safely based on the latest scientific evidence", Tedros warned earlier. But the global health body has come under fire from online critics who accused it of providing scientific validation to pseudoscience after it asked followers in a post if they had used a range of treatments, including homoeopathy and naturopathy. The WHO later said in a post on the social media platform X that it had heard the "concerns" and agreed its "message could have been better articulated". The two-day WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit takes place alongside a meeting of G20 health ministers in the Indian city of Gandhinagar. "We need to face a very important real-life fact that traditional medicines are very widely used," Nobel laureate and chair of the WHO Science Council Harold Varmus told the summit via video link. "It is important to understand what ingredients are actually in traditional medicines, why they work in some cases... and importantly, we need to understand and identify which traditional medicines don't work". The summit, set to become a regular event, follows the opening last year of a WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, also in India's Gujarat state. Lack of regulatory oversight While traditional medicines are widely used in some parts of the world, they also face fierce criticism. The UN health agency defines traditional medicine as the knowledge, skills and practices used over time to maintain health and prevent, diagnose and treat physical and mental illness. But many traditional treatments have no proven scientific value and conservationists say the industry drives a rampant trade in endangered animals -- including tigers, rhinos and pangolins -- threatening the existence of entire species. Use of homemade remedies soared during the Covid-19 pandemic, including a green herbal drink based on Artemisia that was promoted by Madagascar's president as a cure. The plant has a proven efficacy in malaria treatment, but its use to combat Covid was widely scorned by many doctors. In China, traditional medicine has a distinguished history, but top European medical bodies have previously demanded it be subject to the same regulatory oversight as conventional medical methods. "Advancing science on traditional medicine should be held to the same rigorous standards as in other fields of health," WHO research chief John Reeder said in a statement. Of the WHO's 194 member states, 170 acknowledged their use of traditional and complementary medicine since 2018, but only 124 reported having laws or regulations for the use of herbal medicines -- while only half had a national policy on such methods and medicines. "Natural doesn't always mean safe, and centuries of use are not a guarantee of efficacy; therefore, scientific method and process must be applied to provide the rigorous evidence required," the WHO said. About 40 per cent of approved pharmaceutical products currently in use derive from a "natural product basis", according to the WHO, which cited "landmark drugs" that derive from traditional medicine, including aspirin, drawing on formulations using willow tree bark.

Traditional medicines are first port of call for millions of people worldwide, says WHO

Opposition lawmakers in Vanuatu boycotted Parliament on Thursday (August 17) after failing in their bid to remove Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau. Vanuatu is currently at the centre of a strategic rivalry between China and Western countries in the Pacific.

Opposition lawmakers in Vanuatu boycotted Parliament on Thursday (August 17) after failing in their bid to remove Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau. Vanuatu is currently at the centre of a strategic rivalry between China and Western countries in the Pacific. Kalsakau narrowly survived a no-confidence motion on Wednesday, with the opposition falling just one vote short of the 27 needed to unseat him after criticising his government for signing a security pact with Australia. The no-confidence motion won 26 votes, compared with 23 votes against, but failed to win the absolute majority (of 27) to remove a prime minister from the 52-seat parliament. 'Govt has fallen' Speaking to reporters on Thursday, opposition leader Bob Loughman said the government of Prime Minister Kalsakau had fallen and the court should decide the matter. The country was plunged into a political crisis after Loughman lodged the no-confidence petition, which also criticised the government for raising the minimum wage. Addressing Parliament, Loughman said that Vanuatu's impartiality had been compromised by a recent security deal with Australia, and infrastructure development could be at risk. The country should not be sucked into a game it does not want, to be used inappropriately by competing nations to exert dominance in our region, he added. China has been a major infrastructure lender to Vanuatu, donating the parliament building, stadiums and the prime minister's office, as well as constructing roads and wharves, Reuters reported. However, the United States and its allies are seeking to deter Pacific Island countries from establishing security ties with China, after Beijing signed a security pact with the Soloman Islands Prime Minister Kalsakau reshuffled his cabinet to win support ahead of the vote, with the new deputy prime minister making a show of support for China. During a ceremony last week to welcome the Chinese navy's medical ship, Peace Ark, Deputy Prime Minister Matai Seremaiah said that "health and security ties are an important part of our bilateral relations." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Vanuatu: Opposition boycotts Parliament after failed bid to remove PM Kalsakau

A small fatty gland which sits behind the sternum and is often said to be useless in adulthood seems to be of quite benefits and might even fight cancer. Citing a recent retrospective study, a report by Science Alert on Monday (August 14) said that the thymus gland is not nearly as expendable as experts once thought.

A small fatty gland which sits behind the sternum and is often said to be useless in adulthood seems to be of quite benefits and might even fight cancer. Citing a recent retrospective study, a report by Science Alert on Monday (August 14) said that the thymus gland is not nearly as expendable as experts once thought. American researchers found out in the study that people who get their thymus removed face an increased risk of death from any cause in later life. Such people also face an increased risk of developing cancer. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine said that preserving the thymus "should be a clinical priority" where possible and the researchers hypothesised that the adult "thymus is needed to sustain immune competence and overall health." The significance of thymus In childhood, the thymus is known to play a critical role in developing the immune system. And when the gland is removed at a young age, patients show a long-term reduction in T-cells - a type of White Blood Cell (WBC) which fights germs and diseases. However, when a person reaches puberty, the thymus shrivels up and produces far fewer T-cells for the body. The thymus can be removed, and is often taken out during cardiothoracic surgery. Patients with thymus cancer or chronic autoimmune diseases require thymectomy in which the thymus is surgically removed. "We evaluated the risk of death, cancer, and autoimmune disease among adult patients who had undergone thymectomy as compared with demographically matched controls who had undergone similar cardiothoracic surgery without thymectomy. T-cell production and plasma cytokine levels were also compared in a subgroup of patients," the study said. Results The study said that after excursions, 1420 patients who had undergone thymectomy and 6021 controls were included in the study; 1146 of the patients who had undergone thymectomy had a matched control and were included in the primary cohort. The study added that five years after surgery, all-cause mortality was higher in the thymectomy group than in the control group, as was the risk of cancer. "Although the risk of autoimmune disease did not differ substantially between the groups in the overall primary cohort, a difference was found when patients with preoperative infection, cancer, or autoimmune disease were excluded from the analysis," the study added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

This organ is often removed as 'useless' by doctors. But it might keep death, cancer away

Three men drowned in a waterbody in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district on Tuesday (August 15) as onlookers filmed it and shouted, "Please save them." According to a report by The Times of India (TOI), the three men were identified as Yasin (age 26), Sufiyan (age 30), and Zafar (age 30).

Three men drowned in a waterbody in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district on Tuesday (August 15) as onlookers filmed it and shouted, "Please save them." According to a report by The Times of India (TOI), the three men were identified as Yasin (age 26), Sufiyan (age 30), and Zafar (age 30). The trio and their friends had gone to Bhairav Kund, a picnic spot 45 kilometres away from Indore. They were bathing in the lake when one of the men started drowning, the report said, adding that two others swam towards the man to save him but they started drowning too. The report also said that due to the inaccessibility of the region, an SOS could not be sent out. And by the time the police were alerted, two hours had passed since the trio died. Onlookers film as the men drown: 'Please save them' Videos circulating on social media show onlookers filming as the men drown. "Someone please save them," one of the onlookers said as other picnickers and locals kept shouting for help. Speaking to TOI, an official said that police and authorities received the first call almost two hours later due to connectivity issues. An official at the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) said the control room received a call at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, and the bodies were found at night. Uday Nagar police station in-charge Ajay Gurjar, meanwhile, said the bodies were handed over to the families following a post-mortem examination on Wednesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Three men drown in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district as onlookers film it, shout 'save them'

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