Today in history: 'The Jazz Singer' releases, Yom Kippur war begins, more

Getting infected with Covid is bad enough. But some of the patients also complain of lesions on their toes and fingers. For some, these lesions are painless but for others they are painful and itchy. This has come to be commonly known as Covid toe.

Scientists have now shed more light on this side effect associated with Covid infection. They have pinpointed why such a condition occurs. They found that it has to do with immune system of our body.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/before-chickens-early-humans-reared-one-of-the-most-dangerous-birds-study-417744">Before chickens, early humans reared one of the most dangerous birds: Study</a>

These lesions are caused due to our body going in attack mode to counter the Covid infection. Two components of our immune system lead to formation of these lesions.

One is an antiviral protein called type 1 interferon. The other causative agent is a type of antibody that mistakenly attacks a person's own cells and tissues in addition to acting against the Covid infection.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/37-per-cent-patients-have-long-covid-symptoms-months-post-recovery-oxford-study-416740">37 per cent patients have long Covid symptoms months post recovery: Oxford study</a>

For people suffering from Covid toe, may witness that their toe skin is getting red or even purple. This may also develop into painful bumps.

Researchers at University of Paris carried out this research. For this, they examined 50 people who were suspected of having Covid toe. The patients were examined in the spring of 2020. Thirteen other patients with similar chilblains lesions were examined but these infections were not linked to Covid.

The study has been published in British Journal of Dermatology.

Getting infected with Covid is bad enough. But some of the patients also complain of lesions on their toes and fingers. For some, these lesions are painless but for others they are painful and itchy.

Getting infected with Covid is bad enough. But some of the patients also complain of lesions on their toes and fingers. For some, these lesions are painless but for others they are painful and itchy. This has come to be commonly known as Covid toe. Scientists have now shed more light on this side effect associated with Covid infection. They have pinpointed why such a condition occurs. They found that it has to do with immune system of our body. Also Read | Before chickens, early humans reared one of the most dangerous birds: Study These lesions are caused due to our body going in attack mode to counter the Covid infection. Two components of our immune system lead to formation of these lesions. One is an antiviral protein called type 1 interferon. The other causative agent is a type of antibody that mistakenly attacks a person's own cells and tissues in addition to acting against the Covid infection. Also Read | 37 per cent patients have long Covid symptoms months post recovery: Oxford study For people suffering from Covid toe, may witness that their toe skin is getting red or even purple. This may also develop into painful bumps. Researchers at University of Paris carried out this research. For this, they examined 50 people who were suspected of having Covid toe. The patients were examined in the spring of 2020. Thirteen other patients with similar chilblains lesions were examined but these infections were not linked to Covid. The study has been published in British Journal of Dermatology.

Why do some people get 'Covid toe'? Study tells more

What if an asteroid is headed on a collision course? What would we do to escape the fate of dinosaurs? Well, we have nuclear weapons that can possibly be fired at the asteroid. But what if the broken pieces are still large enough to create major mayhem on Earth?

Questions like these are important for our planetary defence. And we need a plan in place to better tackle such a situation when it occurs.

Perhaps as a step in that direction, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is planning to intentionally crash a spacecraft into a moon of an asteroid to see what happens to its orbit.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/winds-on-jupiter-are-speeding-up-and-no-one-knows-why-416727">Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why</a>

NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission (DART) is set to lift-off this November. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will be used for this.

The mission is targetting Dimorphos, a small moon that revolves around the asteroid Didymos.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-has-captured-image-of-eye-in-the-sky-418294">NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky'</a>

Didymos is a Near Earth Object (NEO). These are space objects whose orbits bring them within 30 million miles radius around Earth.

Didymos (the asteroid) and Dimorphos (the moon) will come within a distance of 6,835,083 miles (11 million kilometers).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-music-check-out-nasa-post-on-heavenly-sounds-from-galaxys-centre-418128">'Cosmic Music': Check out NASA post on 'heavenly' sounds from galaxy's centre</a>

The NASA spacecraft will deliberately crash into Dimorphos and see what happens to its motion in space. It is estimated that motion of the moon will change by 1 per cent. Though this doesn't sound much, it would affect the period of revolution by about seven minutes.

A DART program executive at NASA headquarters has been quoted by CNN as saying that the mission was the first step to test methods for hazardous asteroid deflection.

What if an asteroid is headed on a collision course? What would we do to escape the fate of dinosaurs? Well, we have nuclear weapons that can possibly be fired at the asteroid.

What if an asteroid is headed on a collision course? What would we do to escape the fate of dinosaurs? Well, we have nuclear weapons that can possibly be fired at the asteroid. But what if the broken pieces are still large enough to create major mayhem on Earth? Questions like these are important for our planetary defence. And we need a plan in place to better tackle such a situation when it occurs. Perhaps as a step in that direction, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is planning to intentionally crash a spacecraft into a moon of an asteroid to see what happens to its orbit. Also Read | Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission (DART) is set to lift-off this November. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will be used for this. The mission is targetting Dimorphos, a small moon that revolves around the asteroid Didymos. Also Read | NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky' Didymos is a Near Earth Object (NEO). These are space objects whose orbits bring them within 30 million miles radius around Earth. Didymos (the asteroid) and Dimorphos (the moon) will come within a distance of 6,835,083 miles (11 million kilometers). Also Read | 'Cosmic Music': Check out NASA post on 'heavenly' sounds from galaxy's centre The NASA spacecraft will deliberately crash into Dimorphos and see what happens to its motion in space. It is estimated that motion of the moon will change by 1 per cent. Though this doesn't sound much, it would affect the period of revolution by about seven minutes. A DART program executive at NASA headquarters has been quoted by CNN as saying that the mission was the first step to test methods for hazardous asteroid deflection.

NASA to crash spacecraft into asteroid's moon to save Earth

For the past few days, especially after the mega-merger announcement between ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), some media houses are publishing baseless and hollow reports to fight a losing battle against ZEEL, and especially against Punit Goenka as he will continue as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ZEEL.

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Some media reports are falsely citing Invesco's version to take on ZEEL MD &amp; CEO Punit Goenka but in vain. These reports have failed terribly in their mala fide attempt to malign the image of esteemed organisation - ZEEL and its MD &amp; CEO Punit Goenka. The reports lacking truth have fallen flat on the face of their publishers as Dr Subhash Chandra - Founder, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, himself has come forward to clear the air on Invesco, ZEEL and Punit Goenka. The facts-laden statement by Dr Subhash Chandra - Founder, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has now left no room for any confusion and will leave publishers of false and baseless reports red-faced.

“No matter who runs ZEEL but the company, to which I’ve and many of my friends have given their blood and sweat for the past 30 years, should be in the hands of someone under whose leadership the organisation should prosper and shareholders should be benefitted since I don’t have any profit or loss associated with this,” said Dr Subhash Chandr as he spoke on the matter.&nbsp;

"I wanted to give an interview to my friends at CNBC and Moneycontrol but they won't take it neither run it because it seems although he is a friend of mine but has a vested interest in the entire matter; I don't know whatever it is but I wish God give him good sense and wisdom," he added.

Talking about the Invesco, Dr Chandra said, "Invesco is a good investor but in this case of ZEEL they are not revealing that what they will do after taking ZEEL, and in whose hands management will go?"

"You want to remove Punit Goenka? Okay, fine but what next? Have you done any deal with someone? The 6 directors given by them - what's their background? Do they have any relation with any particular company that wants to take over? Hence, Invesco should come out transparently and openly, and let the shareholders decide - whether they want to take the deal of Invesco or want to go with Sony's deal, "Dr Chandra said posing some really tough questions to Invesco.

For the past few days, especially after the mega-merger announcement between ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), some media houses are publishing baseless and hollow reports to fight a losing battle against ZEEL, and especially against Punit Goenka as he will continue as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ZEEL.

For the past few days, especially after the mega-merger announcement between ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), some media houses are publishing baseless and hollow reports to fight a losing battle against ZEEL, and especially against Punit Goenka as he will continue as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ZEEL. × Some media reports are falsely citing Invesco's version to take on ZEEL MD & CEO Punit Goenka but in vain. These reports have failed terribly in their mala fide attempt to malign the image of esteemed organisation - ZEEL and its MD & CEO Punit Goenka. The reports lacking truth have fallen flat on the face of their publishers as Dr Subhash Chandra - Founder, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, himself has come forward to clear the air on Invesco, ZEEL and Punit Goenka. The facts-laden statement by Dr Subhash Chandra - Founder, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has now left no room for any confusion and will leave publishers of false and baseless reports red-faced. “No matter who runs ZEEL but the company, to which I’ve and many of my friends have given their blood and sweat for the past 30 years, should be in the hands of someone under whose leadership the organisation should prosper and shareholders should be benefitted since I don’t have any profit or loss associated with this,” said Dr Subhash Chandr as he spoke on the matter. "I wanted to give an interview to my friends at CNBC and Moneycontrol but they won't take it neither run it because it seems although he is a friend of mine but has a vested interest in the entire matter; I don't know whatever it is but I wish God give him good sense and wisdom," he added. Talking about the Invesco, Dr Chandra said, "Invesco is a good investor but in this case of ZEEL they are not revealing that what they will do after taking ZEEL, and in whose hands management will go?" "You want to remove Punit Goenka? Okay, fine but what next? Have you done any deal with someone? The 6 directors given by them - what's their background? Do they have any relation with any particular company that wants to take over? Hence, Invesco should come out transparently and openly, and let the shareholders decide - whether they want to take the deal of Invesco or want to go with Sony's deal, "Dr Chandra said posing some really tough questions to Invesco.

‘On whose directions Invesco is acting?’ Dr Subhash Chandra asks tough questions making Invesco uncomfortable

These days every second person has '#Wanderlust'. Almost everyone is an 'explorer, adventure seeker and much more'. The tall claims in Instagram bio fall short either due to money or visa. Wanderlust is not enough after all when all you have to do is wander aimlessly outside embassy while you wait for visa.

The passport you have has a lot to do with how a free bird you are. Depending on the passport, travellers have to (or not) obtain visas to go to foreign countries. If you are lucky enough to have been born in a country the passport of which allows you visa-free travel to a large number of countries in the world, you may be said to possess a 'powerful' passport.

Needless to say that those passports allowing visa-free travel in limited number of countries isn't the most prized possession among those who like to travel.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-revealed-the-50-best-restaurants-in-the-world-2021-edition-418595">Revealed: The 50 best restaurants in the world 2021 edition</a>

London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley &amp; Partners has released passport rankings. They are called Henley Passport Index. The rankings have been made based on data from &nbsp;International Air Transport Association (IATA). The index has not considered temporary restrictions. These may be due to variety of reasons including Covid.As per the Henley Passport Index,

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-has-captured-image-of-eye-in-the-sky-418294">NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky'</a>

Japan and Singapore have bagged the top spot. The passport of both of these countries in theory, allows visa-free travel to 192 countries. And which country is at the bottom? Well check out the two lists given below

Best passports as per the Henley Index&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>Japan, Singapore (192 destinations)</li>
	<li>South Korea,&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;(190)</li>
	<li>Luxembourg, Spain,&nbsp;Italy,&nbsp;Finland (189)</li>
	<li>Denmark, Austria (188)&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ireland, Netherlands, France, Sweden,&nbsp;Portugal&nbsp;(187)</li>
	<li>Belgium, New Zealand, Switzerland (186)</li>
	<li>Czech Republic, Greece, Malta, Norway, United Kingdom, United States (185)</li>
	<li>Canada, Australia&nbsp;(184)</li>
	<li>Hungary (183)</li>
	<li>Poland Lithuania, Slovakia (182)</li>
</ol>

Worst passports as per the Henley Index

109. North Korea (39 destinations) 
110. Nepal and Palestinian territories (37) 
111. Somalia (34) 
112. Yemen (33) 
113.Pakistan (31) 
114. Syria (29) 
115. Iraq&nbsp;(28) 
116. Afghanistan (26)

These days every second person has '#Wanderlust'. Almost everyone is an 'explorer, adventure seeker and much more'. The tall claims in Instagram bio fall short either due to money or visa.

These days every second person has '#Wanderlust'. Almost everyone is an 'explorer, adventure seeker and much more'. The tall claims in Instagram bio fall short either due to money or visa. Wanderlust is not enough after all when all you have to do is wander aimlessly outside embassy while you wait for visa. The passport you have has a lot to do with how a free bird you are. Depending on the passport, travellers have to (or not) obtain visas to go to foreign countries. If you are lucky enough to have been born in a country the passport of which allows you visa-free travel to a large number of countries in the world, you may be said to possess a 'powerful' passport. Needless to say that those passports allowing visa-free travel in limited number of countries isn't the most prized possession among those who like to travel. Also Read | Revealed: The 50 best restaurants in the world 2021 edition London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners has released passport rankings. They are called Henley Passport Index. The rankings have been made based on data from International Air Transport Association (IATA). The index has not considered temporary restrictions. These may be due to variety of reasons including Covid.As per the Henley Passport Index, Also Read | NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky' Japan and Singapore have bagged the top spot. The passport of both of these countries in theory, allows visa-free travel to 192 countries. And which country is at the bottom? Well check out the two lists given below Best passports as per the Henley Index Japan, Singapore (192 destinations) South Korea, Germany (190) Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, Finland (189) Denmark, Austria (188) Ireland, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Portugal (187) Belgium, New Zealand, Switzerland (186) Czech Republic, Greece, Malta, Norway, United Kingdom, United States (185) Canada, Australia (184) Hungary (183) Poland Lithuania, Slovakia (182) Worst passports as per the Henley Index 109. North Korea (39 destinations) 110. Nepal and Palestinian territories (37) 111. Somalia (34) 112. Yemen (33) 113.Pakistan (31) 114. Syria (29) 115. Iraq (28) 116. Afghanistan (26)

Check out latest rankings of best and worst passports around the world

Secretary of State Antony J&nbsp;Blinken recently announced sanctions against seven public officials in El Salvador and Guatemala, including five Salvadoran Supreme Court justices, putting them on the State Department’s official list of “Undemocratic and Corrupt Actors.” This round added to the more than 300 individuals the United States had already placed sanctions on in Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala and to U.S. diplomatic and financial sanctions on the governments of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

While the US&nbsp;government has applied sanctions on nations and leaders around the world accused of human rights abuses and graft, in Latin America, sanctions have become one of the central pillars of US&nbsp;policy to defend democracy and combat corruption. All of these governments and individuals are probably worthy targets of sanctions, but to what end?

Sanctions can be an important diplomatic tool when applied in a calibrated fashion. But they are rarely accompanied by clear measures of their failure or success and criteria for their possible lifting.

The Treasury Department announced months ago that it was reviewing US&nbsp;sanctions’ effects on the well-being of people in the targeted countries. But the review, requested by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, has taken longer than expected and appears to focus on economywide sanctions and not the increasingly common tool of individual sanctions.

One opportunity to reassess and adjust sanctions is occurring in Mexico, as the Venezuelan government negotiates with its democratic opposition. While the Nicolás Maduro regime has said it would not agree to internationally supervised elections until sanctions on the state-owned oil company are lifted, the White House, along with Canada and the European Union, has signaled willingness to loosen some sanctions in exchange for reforms. What those reforms need to be, and which sanctions would be lifted, are not clear.

US&nbsp;sanctions have a long history in Latin America. Cuba is the most obvious example of how sanctions can be piled on, even if they clearly have failed to achieve anything. Originally established in 1962, the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba was codified into law by Congress in 1992 and again in 1996, all with the stated intent of improving human rights and overturning the Communist government. Almost 60 years later, not only does Cuba remain one of the most repressive societies in the world, but in 2018 President Raúl Castro passed the torch to a next generation, with the appointment of the Communist Party apparatchik Miguel Díaz-Canel.

On the campaign trail in 2020, Joe Biden promised to revisit U.S. policy toward Cuba. But rather than seeking a way to scale back President Donald Trump’s restrictions on travel and remittances to the island, after the Cuban government’s crackdown on mostly peaceful demonstrators in July, the Biden White House imposed its own sanctions on four members of the Cuban government and on the national police. It was another ineffective move, since the existing sanctions had failed to prevent the original crackdown.

Central America has also shown how impotent US&nbsp;economic punishments can be. In response to a crackdown against democratic activists by President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, the Trump and Biden administrations have imposed sanctions on more than 100 public officials, including Mr. Ortega and his wife and the vice president, Rosario Murillo. Despite these punishments and the suspension of US&nbsp;development support, seven of Nicaragua’s potential opposition candidates for the Nov. 7 presidential elections are in jail or under house arrest and over 100 political prisoners remain behind bars.

Before Mr. Blinken’s most recent additions, this year the White House had already placed sanctions against more than 55 Central Americans determined to have engaged in corruption. Beyond the risk of just adding more and more people to the list of reprobates ad infinitum under individual sanctions, the economic repercussions of financials sanctions, according to Tufts professor Daniel Drezner, “are likely to trigger repression, corruption and backsliding on human development indicators.”

Over the past decade Venezuela has become the target of the some of the most stringent US&nbsp;coercive measures, starting with a raft of sanctions against individuals under President Barack Obama’s administration. The Trump administration expanded the sanctions prohibiting transactions with Venezuela’s state-owned oil and gas companies after the widely questioned 2018 re-election of Mr. Maduro. By 2017 the US&nbsp;government had put sanctions on over 160 Venezuelans for reasons ranging from narcotics trafficking, corruption, ties to terrorists and human rights abuses. The apparent goal in this cascade of sanctions was to topple Mr. Maduro and put his main opponent, Juan Guaidó, in office.

With Mr. Maduro’s government engaged in its fifth attempt at negotiations with the opposition, the Biden administration has the opportunity to demonstrate a new commitment to use sanctions as a carrot rather than a stick — not just for Venezuela, but for the region.

Before the two sides conclude the current negotiations in Mexico, the White House needs to be clear what specific reforms will lead to the lifting of which specific sanctions. The compromise must include Venezuela’s release of 340 or so political prisoners, the delivery of international humanitarian assistance of food and medicines through independent organizations without government interference, and free and fair voting in the Nov. 21 regional and municipal elections. In return, the US&nbsp;government should agree to lift export restrictions on goods and equipment Venezuela needs to process oil, generate electricity and provide diesel for public transport. To minimize the risk that the oil revenue would boost Mr. Maduro’s corrupt state and his cronies, the United States would need to insist that the bulk of the revenue pay for food imports and critical public services to alleviate the suffering of poor Venezuelans.

But beyond any immediate refinement of Venezuelan sanctions, the White House, Congress and experts in the field need to conduct a public bipartisan review of America’s ever-growing sanctions regime to assess the humanitarian impact and evaluate how well the nation’s goals are furthered by such punitive policies, even as Treasury pursues its assessment.

Such an evaluation should establish other diplomatic tools to lay out concrete, realistic steps toward calibrated relief of sanctions (regime change does not count), diplomatic channels to negotiate through third parties, financial incentives through development aid or assurances to private investors to induce change, and coordinating with other sanction-applying entities in these diplomatic efforts.

Slapping sanctions on corrupt, human rights-abusing regimes and individuals may make diplomats and elected officials feel good. But as this becomes an increasingly central part of US&nbsp;policy in Latin America, we need to understand when they aren’t doing their job and be willing to adjust.

Secretary of State Antony J Blinken recently announced sanctions against seven public officials in El Salvador and Guatemala, including five Salvadoran Supreme Court justices, putting them on the State Department’s official list of “Undemocratic and Corrupt Actors.

Secretary of State Antony J Blinken recently announced sanctions against seven public officials in El Salvador and Guatemala, including five Salvadoran Supreme Court justices, putting them on the State Department’s official list of “Undemocratic and Corrupt Actors.” This round added to the more than 300 individuals the United States had already placed sanctions on in Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala and to U.S. diplomatic and financial sanctions on the governments of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. While the US government has applied sanctions on nations and leaders around the world accused of human rights abuses and graft, in Latin America, sanctions have become one of the central pillars of US policy to defend democracy and combat corruption. All of these governments and individuals are probably worthy targets of sanctions, but to what end? Sanctions can be an important diplomatic tool when applied in a calibrated fashion. But they are rarely accompanied by clear measures of their failure or success and criteria for their possible lifting. The Treasury Department announced months ago that it was reviewing US sanctions’ effects on the well-being of people in the targeted countries. But the review, requested by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, has taken longer than expected and appears to focus on economywide sanctions and not the increasingly common tool of individual sanctions. One opportunity to reassess and adjust sanctions is occurring in Mexico, as the Venezuelan government negotiates with its democratic opposition. While the Nicolás Maduro regime has said it would not agree to internationally supervised elections until sanctions on the state-owned oil company are lifted, the White House, along with Canada and the European Union, has signaled willingness to loosen some sanctions in exchange for reforms. What those reforms need to be, and which sanctions would be lifted, are not clear. US sanctions have a long history in Latin America. Cuba is the most obvious example of how sanctions can be piled on, even if they clearly have failed to achieve anything. Originally established in 1962, the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba was codified into law by Congress in 1992 and again in 1996, all with the stated intent of improving human rights and overturning the Communist government. Almost 60 years later, not only does Cuba remain one of the most repressive societies in the world, but in 2018 President Raúl Castro passed the torch to a next generation, with the appointment of the Communist Party apparatchik Miguel Díaz-Canel. On the campaign trail in 2020, Joe Biden promised to revisit U.S. policy toward Cuba. But rather than seeking a way to scale back President Donald Trump’s restrictions on travel and remittances to the island, after the Cuban government’s crackdown on mostly peaceful demonstrators in July, the Biden White House imposed its own sanctions on four members of the Cuban government and on the national police. It was another ineffective move, since the existing sanctions had failed to prevent the original crackdown. Central America has also shown how impotent US economic punishments can be. In response to a crackdown against democratic activists by President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, the Trump and Biden administrations have imposed sanctions on more than 100 public officials, including Mr. Ortega and his wife and the vice president, Rosario Murillo. Despite these punishments and the suspension of US development support, seven of Nicaragua’s potential opposition candidates for the Nov. 7 presidential elections are in jail or under house arrest and over 100 political prisoners remain behind bars. Before Mr. Blinken’s most recent additions, this year the White House had already placed sanctions against more than 55 Central Americans determined to have engaged in corruption. Beyond the risk of just adding more and more people to the list of reprobates ad infinitum under individual sanctions, the economic repercussions of financials sanctions, according to Tufts professor Daniel Drezner, “are likely to trigger repression, corruption and backsliding on human development indicators.” Over the past decade Venezuela has become the target of the some of the most stringent US coercive measures, starting with a raft of sanctions against individuals under President Barack Obama’s administration. The Trump administration expanded the sanctions prohibiting transactions with Venezuela’s state-owned oil and gas companies after the widely questioned 2018 re-election of Mr. Maduro. By 2017 the US government had put sanctions on over 160 Venezuelans for reasons ranging from narcotics trafficking, corruption, ties to terrorists and human rights abuses. The apparent goal in this cascade of sanctions was to topple Mr. Maduro and put his main opponent, Juan Guaidó, in office. With Mr. Maduro’s government engaged in its fifth attempt at negotiations with the opposition, the Biden administration has the opportunity to demonstrate a new commitment to use sanctions as a carrot rather than a stick — not just for Venezuela, but for the region. Before the two sides conclude the current negotiations in Mexico, the White House needs to be clear what specific reforms will lead to the lifting of which specific sanctions. The compromise must include Venezuela’s release of 340 or so political prisoners, the delivery of international humanitarian assistance of food and medicines through independent organizations without government interference, and free and fair voting in the Nov. 21 regional and municipal elections. In return, the US government should agree to lift export restrictions on goods and equipment Venezuela needs to process oil, generate electricity and provide diesel for public transport. To minimize the risk that the oil revenue would boost Mr. Maduro’s corrupt state and his cronies, the United States would need to insist that the bulk of the revenue pay for food imports and critical public services to alleviate the suffering of poor Venezuelans. But beyond any immediate refinement of Venezuelan sanctions, the White House, Congress and experts in the field need to conduct a public bipartisan review of America’s ever-growing sanctions regime to assess the humanitarian impact and evaluate how well the nation’s goals are furthered by such punitive policies, even as Treasury pursues its assessment. Such an evaluation should establish other diplomatic tools to lay out concrete, realistic steps toward calibrated relief of sanctions (regime change does not count), diplomatic channels to negotiate through third parties, financial incentives through development aid or assurances to private investors to induce change, and coordinating with other sanction-applying entities in these diplomatic efforts. Slapping sanctions on corrupt, human rights-abusing regimes and individuals may make diplomats and elected officials feel good. But as this becomes an increasingly central part of US policy in Latin America, we need to understand when they aren’t doing their job and be willing to adjust.

The US needs a sanctions policy that works

A comet and an asteroid are chalk and cheese. The difference between these two is perhaps as large as the distance between respective places where they usually hang out in space

A comet comes from outer space. They are icy. As they approach the Sun, the heat begins to melt the ice and the 'outgassing' as it is called, forms the 'tail' of the comet that we see when it passes by Earth.

Asteroids on the other hand are generally located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These space rocks do not have a spectacular look like comets but the fate of dinosaurs makes us keep a close watch on them. Asteroids are very much part of the solar system and have orbits around the Sun that are somewhat similar to those of the planets.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-has-captured-image-of-eye-in-the-sky-418294">NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky'</a>

A newly discovered space rock seems to be a hybrid of both classes. It has been named (248370) 2005 QN173

There is nothing special about its location. It hangs out in the asteroid belt like a million others and peacefully revolves around the Sun.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-music-check-out-nasa-post-on-heavenly-sounds-from-galaxys-centre-418128">'Cosmic Music': Check out NASA post on 'heavenly' sounds from galaxy's centre</a>

But in July this year, the asteroid was seen to show signs of outgassing just like a comet. The outgassing was seen when the asteroid was relatively closer to the Sun in his orbit. So it has characteristics of an asteroid as well as a comet

Such space objects are called active asteroids or main-belt comets. These are very rare. Only 7 have been confirmed to be main-belt comet so far.

A comet and an asteroid are chalk and cheese. The difference between these two is perhaps as large as the distance between respective places where they usually hang out in space A comet comes from outer space.

A comet and an asteroid are chalk and cheese. The difference between these two is perhaps as large as the distance between respective places where they usually hang out in space A comet comes from outer space. They are icy. As they approach the Sun, the heat begins to melt the ice and the 'outgassing' as it is called, forms the 'tail' of the comet that we see when it passes by Earth. Asteroids on the other hand are generally located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These space rocks do not have a spectacular look like comets but the fate of dinosaurs makes us keep a close watch on them. Asteroids are very much part of the solar system and have orbits around the Sun that are somewhat similar to those of the planets. Also Read | NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky' A newly discovered space rock seems to be a hybrid of both classes. It has been named (248370) 2005 QN173 There is nothing special about its location. It hangs out in the asteroid belt like a million others and peacefully revolves around the Sun. Also Read | 'Cosmic Music': Check out NASA post on 'heavenly' sounds from galaxy's centre But in July this year, the asteroid was seen to show signs of outgassing just like a comet. The outgassing was seen when the asteroid was relatively closer to the Sun in his orbit. So it has characteristics of an asteroid as well as a comet Such space objects are called active asteroids or main-belt comets. These are very rare. Only 7 have been confirmed to be main-belt comet so far.

An asteroid or comet? This space rock is a combination of both

Stormchasers may chase hurricanes and tornadoes for the thrill of it, or even for&nbsp;scientific analysis, but they keep their vehicles ready to make a quick escape when the storm comes&nbsp;too close. So even the most adventurous souls among us say 'No thanks' when it comes to venturing too close to hurricanes. It is perhaps why we don't get clearer picture (beyond a point) of what goes on inside when the winds and even seawater take the shape of something that is sure to kill you.

Thanks to a drone, we now have a video that shows us what went inside Hurricane Sam, the recent storm that formed in Atlantic Ocean.

The dramatic footage has been released by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Check it out below.

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The drone that ventured where no drone had gone before is a sailing drone named Saildrone Explorer SD 1045. The video was shot on September 30, 2021. The uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) battled 50-foot high waves and superstrong winds that gusted up to the speeds of 120 mph (193 kph).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/winds-on-jupiter-are-speeding-up-and-no-one-knows-why-416727">Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why</a>

The Saildrone has been on various missions to collect data which can then be analysed to improve our predictions about a hurricane. The saildrone has fitted with a special 'hurricane wing' that allows it to battle stormiest of the conditions while continuing its main task of gathering important data.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-has-captured-image-of-eye-in-the-sky-418294">NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky'</a>

The saildrone is seven metres or 23 feet long. It has oceanographic or meteorological sensors that enable it to gather data.

The drone is operated by a pilot remotely and it can remain at sea for a year.

Stormchasers may chase hurricanes and tornadoes for the thrill of it, or even for scientific analysis, but they keep their vehicles ready to make a quick escape when the storm comes too close.

Stormchasers may chase hurricanes and tornadoes for the thrill of it, or even for scientific analysis, but they keep their vehicles ready to make a quick escape when the storm comes too close. So even the most adventurous souls among us say 'No thanks' when it comes to venturing too close to hurricanes. It is perhaps why we don't get clearer picture (beyond a point) of what goes on inside when the winds and even seawater take the shape of something that is sure to kill you. Thanks to a drone, we now have a video that shows us what went inside Hurricane Sam, the recent storm that formed in Atlantic Ocean. The dramatic footage has been released by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Check it out below. × The drone that ventured where no drone had gone before is a sailing drone named Saildrone Explorer SD 1045. The video was shot on September 30, 2021. The uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) battled 50-foot high waves and superstrong winds that gusted up to the speeds of 120 mph (193 kph). Also Read | Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why The Saildrone has been on various missions to collect data which can then be analysed to improve our predictions about a hurricane. The saildrone has fitted with a special 'hurricane wing' that allows it to battle stormiest of the conditions while continuing its main task of gathering important data. Also Read | NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky' The saildrone is seven metres or 23 feet long. It has oceanographic or meteorological sensors that enable it to gather data. The drone is operated by a pilot remotely and it can remain at sea for a year.

Want to know what happens inside a hurricane? This actual video will show you

The World Marine Foundation on Tuesday said that rescue teams were successful in saving two stranded whales along Atlantic coast of Argentina.

The whales were stranded on a beach in seaside resort town of La Lucila del Mar. The town is 220&nbsp;miles (360 kilometres south of Argentina's capital Buenos Aires.

"The first, which was stranded on Sunday, was a juvenile female humpback whale, 32 feet (9.8 meters) long and approximately eight tons in weight," the conservation group said in a statement.&nbsp;

The second fish, which "is a male of the same species, 28 feet long, and approximately seven tons, appeared Monday night," the foundation added.&nbsp;

About 30 people participated in the rescue. This included local residents, marine conservationists, Civil Defense members, coast guard officers, firefighters, volunteers and beach lifeguards.&nbsp;

Their collective efforts allowed the animals to return to the sea, the statement said.&nbsp;

"Upon arriving to survey the first animal's situation, primary support efforts were immediately carried out, including assuring the individual's position allowed it to breathe, keeping its pectoral fins underwater in order to stabilize its body temperature as much as possible," the organization said.&nbsp;

The whole procedure was "difficult," the group said. At one point, the force of the waves knocked the whale over so that the mammal's blowhole was underwater and it was unable to breathe.&nbsp;

"Thanks to a quick action, they were able to turn it over," said Sergio Rodriguez Heredia, a biologist at the World Marine Foundation's Rescue Center.&nbsp;

Rescuers tucked cables underneath the whale's body -- connected to a huge backhoe tractor crane -- hoping to free it from the sandy sea floor.&nbsp;

The workers noticed the second whale overnight, seeing it was in a "good state of health," said Augusto Giachetti, director of the Civil Defense's coastal division.&nbsp;

They waited until dawn to begin the second whale's rescue.&nbsp;

"It was necessary to realign the animal, using the assistance of a backhoe and special cables to move it a big enough distance that it was able to float," he Giachetti said.&nbsp;

Once the whale realized it was able to float, it swam out to sea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Marine Foundation on Tuesday said that rescue teams were successful in saving two stranded whales along Atlantic coast of Argentina. The whales were stranded on a beach in seaside resort town of La Lucila del Mar.

The World Marine Foundation on Tuesday said that rescue teams were successful in saving two stranded whales along Atlantic coast of Argentina. The whales were stranded on a beach in seaside resort town of La Lucila del Mar. The town is 220 miles (360 kilometres south of Argentina's capital Buenos Aires. "The first, which was stranded on Sunday, was a juvenile female humpback whale, 32 feet (9.8 meters) long and approximately eight tons in weight," the conservation group said in a statement. The second fish, which "is a male of the same species, 28 feet long, and approximately seven tons, appeared Monday night," the foundation added. About 30 people participated in the rescue. This included local residents, marine conservationists, Civil Defense members, coast guard officers, firefighters, volunteers and beach lifeguards. Their collective efforts allowed the animals to return to the sea, the statement said. "Upon arriving to survey the first animal's situation, primary support efforts were immediately carried out, including assuring the individual's position allowed it to breathe, keeping its pectoral fins underwater in order to stabilize its body temperature as much as possible," the organization said. The whole procedure was "difficult," the group said. At one point, the force of the waves knocked the whale over so that the mammal's blowhole was underwater and it was unable to breathe. "Thanks to a quick action, they were able to turn it over," said Sergio Rodriguez Heredia, a biologist at the World Marine Foundation's Rescue Center. Rescuers tucked cables underneath the whale's body -- connected to a huge backhoe tractor crane -- hoping to free it from the sandy sea floor. The workers noticed the second whale overnight, seeing it was in a "good state of health," said Augusto Giachetti, director of the Civil Defense's coastal division. They waited until dawn to begin the second whale's rescue. "It was necessary to realign the animal, using the assistance of a backhoe and special cables to move it a big enough distance that it was able to float," he Giachetti said. Once the whale realized it was able to float, it swam out to sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Two beached humpback whales rescued in Argentina

The Indian rupee weakened to its lowest in two-and-a-half months while bond yields rose on Wednesday, as a spike in global crude oil prices re-ignited concerns over imported inflation and a drop in other Asian currencies weighed on investor sentiment.

The partially convertible rupee was trading at 74.59/60 per dollar, as of 0600 GMT, after touching 74.6450, its lowest since July 20. It had closed at 74.4450 on Tuesday.

"Overall risk tone is that of caution given several lingering risks i.e. higher energy prices, China real estate concerns, withdrawal of accommodation by central banks," Abhishek Goenka, chief executive officer at forex advisory firm IFA Global, wrote in a note.

"We are likely to see a 74.45-74.85 range in USD/INR for the day with an upside bias. Forwards continue to grind higher with 1-year forward yield now at 4.48&nbsp;per cent ."

Most Asian currencies were also trading weaker against the dollar, which rose amid heightened nerves about the global economic growth outlook and as traders awaited U.S. jobs data for clues on the timing of Federal Reserve policy tightening.

Economists said Moody's upward revision of India`s sovereign rating outlook should bode well, particularly for bonds, as it reduces the chances of the country getting downgraded to junk and will aid the government`s efforts to get India included in global bond indexes.

India's benchmark 10-year bond yield, however, was up 2 basis points at 6.28 per cent , tracking higher U.S. Treasury yields and firm oil prices.

U.S. oil prices rose for a fifth day to their highest since 2014 amid global concerns about energy supply on signs of tightness in crude, natural gas and coal markets.&nbsp;

India imports 80 per cent of its oil requirements and higher crude prices tend to push up domestic inflation.

Traders were also cautious ahead of the monetary policy committee meeting outcome on Friday, which is being closed watched for clues on when the Reserve Bank of India will start its exit from the pandemic-era stimulus.

The Indian rupee weakened to its lowest in two-and-a-half months while bond yields rose on Wednesday, as a spike in global crude oil prices re-ignited concerns over imported inflation and a drop in other Asian currencies weighed on investor sentiment.

The Indian rupee weakened to its lowest in two-and-a-half months while bond yields rose on Wednesday, as a spike in global crude oil prices re-ignited concerns over imported inflation and a drop in other Asian currencies weighed on investor sentiment. The partially convertible rupee was trading at 74.59/60 per dollar, as of 0600 GMT, after touching 74.6450, its lowest since July 20. It had closed at 74.4450 on Tuesday. "Overall risk tone is that of caution given several lingering risks i.e. higher energy prices, China real estate concerns, withdrawal of accommodation by central banks," Abhishek Goenka, chief executive officer at forex advisory firm IFA Global, wrote in a note. "We are likely to see a 74.45-74.85 range in USD/INR for the day with an upside bias. Forwards continue to grind higher with 1-year forward yield now at 4.48 per cent ." Most Asian currencies were also trading weaker against the dollar, which rose amid heightened nerves about the global economic growth outlook and as traders awaited U.S. jobs data for clues on the timing of Federal Reserve policy tightening. Economists said Moody's upward revision of India`s sovereign rating outlook should bode well, particularly for bonds, as it reduces the chances of the country getting downgraded to junk and will aid the government`s efforts to get India included in global bond indexes. India's benchmark 10-year bond yield, however, was up 2 basis points at 6.28 per cent , tracking higher U.S. Treasury yields and firm oil prices. U.S. oil prices rose for a fifth day to their highest since 2014 amid global concerns about energy supply on signs of tightness in crude, natural gas and coal markets. India imports 80 per cent of its oil requirements and higher crude prices tend to push up domestic inflation. Traders were also cautious ahead of the monetary policy committee meeting outcome on Friday, which is being closed watched for clues on when the Reserve Bank of India will start its exit from the pandemic-era stimulus.

Indian rupee hits two-and-half month low, bond yields up as oil spikes

Afghan girls are allowed to attend secondary schools in Kunduz province of the country, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen has said.

Sharing a video on his Twitter handle, Shaheen, who has been nominated as the new Afghan government`s permanent representative to the United Nations said:"Girls are going to high schools in Khan Abad, Kunduz Province.

"The shared video shows several girls in black dresses and white scarves, some with veils, waving Taliban flags.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-life-under-taliban-women-run-studio-forced-to-shut-down-in-kabul-417039">WION exclusive- Life under Taliban: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul</a>

In September, the Taliban have banned girls from secondary education in Afghanistan, by ordering high schools to re-open only for boys.

Girls were not mentioned in the Taliban`s announcement, which means boys will be back at their desks, while their sisters will still be stuck at home.

"All male teachers and students should attend their educational institutions," the statement had said.Girls were also prohibited from secondary education under the Taliban`s previous rule across Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.

Meanwhile, Kabul University`s nearly 70 teaching staff resigned in protest after the Taliban fired the doctorate-level vice-chancellor.

The group replaced the chancellor with one of their own members who has had significantly less formal education, reported New York Post.

The Taliban-appointed new chancellor barred women from the institution as either teachers or students. But under the strict mandate of gender segregation, classes in various private institutions are open to all.

According to UNESCO, Afghanistan has made important gains in the education sector in the past two decades.

Since 2001, the female literacy rate has almost doubled from 17 per cent to 30 per cent, and the number of girls in primary school has increased from almost zero in 2001 to 2.5 million in 2018.The number of girls in higher education institutions has increased from 5,000 in 2001 to around 90,000 in 2018.&nbsp;

Afghan girls are allowed to attend secondary schools in Kunduz province of the country, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen has said. Sharing a video on his Twitter handle, Shaheen, who has been nominated as the new Afghan government`s permanent representative to the United Nations said:"Girls are going to high schools in Khan Abad, Kunduz Province.

Afghan girls are allowed to attend secondary schools in Kunduz province of the country, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen has said. Sharing a video on his Twitter handle, Shaheen, who has been nominated as the new Afghan government`s permanent representative to the United Nations said:"Girls are going to high schools in Khan Abad, Kunduz Province. "The shared video shows several girls in black dresses and white scarves, some with veils, waving Taliban flags. Also Read | WION exclusive- Life under Taliban: Women-run studio forced to shut down in Kabul In September, the Taliban have banned girls from secondary education in Afghanistan, by ordering high schools to re-open only for boys. Girls were not mentioned in the Taliban`s announcement, which means boys will be back at their desks, while their sisters will still be stuck at home. "All male teachers and students should attend their educational institutions," the statement had said.Girls were also prohibited from secondary education under the Taliban`s previous rule across Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Meanwhile, Kabul University`s nearly 70 teaching staff resigned in protest after the Taliban fired the doctorate-level vice-chancellor. The group replaced the chancellor with one of their own members who has had significantly less formal education, reported New York Post. The Taliban-appointed new chancellor barred women from the institution as either teachers or students. But under the strict mandate of gender segregation, classes in various private institutions are open to all. According to UNESCO, Afghanistan has made important gains in the education sector in the past two decades. Since 2001, the female literacy rate has almost doubled from 17 per cent to 30 per cent, and the number of girls in primary school has increased from almost zero in 2001 to 2.5 million in 2018.The number of girls in higher education institutions has increased from 5,000 in 2001 to around 90,000 in 2018.

Taliban claim secondary schools in Kunduz province open for girls

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days.

As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.At present, active infections account for less than 1 per cent of total cases and are currently at 0.73 per cent, the lowest since March 2020.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-uk-in-talks-for-early-resolution-on-covid-travel-rules-row-417581">India, UK in talks for early resolution on Covid travel rules row</a>

The Union Health Ministry informed that the weekly positivity rate is at 1.68 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 103 days whereas the daily positivity rate has remained under 3 per cent for the last 37 days and is currently at 1.34 per cent.With 24,770 fresh recoveries, the cumulative recoveries have gone up to 3,31,75,656.

The national recovery rate is currently at 97.94 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to October 5 is 57,68,03,867 including 14,09,825 samples tested yesterday.

Active coronavirus cases in Kerala continue to remain over 1 lakh and are currently at 1,25,030. Maharashtra has 36,744 active infections while there are 16,749 active cases in Tamil Nadu.

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As many as 92.17 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive which began on January 16 this year.

Under the new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21, the Government of India is procuring and supplying (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccine doses being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

More than 92.57 crore (92,57,51,325) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category, read the release by the Union Health Ministry.More than 6.93 crore (6,93,46,080) balance and unutilised COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

On October 4, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that 70 per cent of the population has been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

India started the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pandemic-expose-pcr-test-kit-orders-doubled-months-before-first-covid-19-case-418395">&nbsp;China's pandemic expose: PCR-test kit orders doubled months before first COVID-19 case</a>

The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1 while vaccinations for people belonging to the age group 18-44 began from May 1.

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days. As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days. As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.At present, active infections account for less than 1 per cent of total cases and are currently at 0.73 per cent, the lowest since March 2020. Also Read | India, UK in talks for early resolution on Covid travel rules row The Union Health Ministry informed that the weekly positivity rate is at 1.68 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 103 days whereas the daily positivity rate has remained under 3 per cent for the last 37 days and is currently at 1.34 per cent.With 24,770 fresh recoveries, the cumulative recoveries have gone up to 3,31,75,656. The national recovery rate is currently at 97.94 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to October 5 is 57,68,03,867 including 14,09,825 samples tested yesterday. Active coronavirus cases in Kerala continue to remain over 1 lakh and are currently at 1,25,030. Maharashtra has 36,744 active infections while there are 16,749 active cases in Tamil Nadu. Also Read | Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study As many as 92.17 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive which began on January 16 this year. Under the new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21, the Government of India is procuring and supplying (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccine doses being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs. More than 92.57 crore (92,57,51,325) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category, read the release by the Union Health Ministry.More than 6.93 crore (6,93,46,080) balance and unutilised COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered. On October 4, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that 70 per cent of the population has been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. India started the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first. Also Read | China's pandemic expose: PCR-test kit orders doubled months before first COVID-19 case The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1 while vaccinations for people belonging to the age group 18-44 began from May 1.

India's COVID-19 active caseload drops to 2,46,687, lowest in 203 days

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