BRUSSELS, 22 September 2020, (DW): The European Union has imposed sanctions on three firms for breaking a UN arms embargo on Libya. Two individuals were also sanctioned for involvement with supplying military equipment material to the country.

 EU foreign ministers on Monday agreed to sanctions against entities that violated the UN embargo on arms flowing into Libya. 

The measures target three companies — from Jordan, Kazakhstan, and Turkey — as well as two individuals for providing planes, ships and other logistics to funnel combat equipment into Libya.

DECCA, 14 September 2020, (TON): Foreign Minister of Bangladesh AK Abdul Momen said Dhaka fears that the Rohingya crisis can be an obstacle towards regional peace and stability if it is not solved as soon as possible.

"Our fear is that, if this problem is not solved quickly, it may lead to pockets of radicalism, and since terrorists have no borders and faith, there's a high possibility of creation of uncertainty in the region which may frustrate our hope for a peaceful, secure and stable region," he said yesterday at the 27th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held online. He said Bangladesh received 1.1 million Rohingyas despite the threat to the country's economy and ecology, on humanitarian grounds, and Bangladesh was keen to solve the crisis through constructive diplomacy with good neighborly spirit with Myanmar.

He also added after a lengthy discussion, Bangladesh signed three agreements with Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation. According to those agreements, Myanmar was committed to ensuring a conducive environment for its voluntary repatriation, safety, and security. "But unfortunately till today, no one went back, and instead of creating a conducive environment, fighting and shelling are going on in the Rakhine state."

Foreign Minister said Rohingyas don’t want to back to their homeland because they don’t trust their government regarding their safety. That’s why  Dhaka had suggested Naypyidaw engage non-military civilian observers from their friendly countries and organizations like ASEAN, China, Russia, and India, saying it may reduce the trust deficit for a sustainable return.

He mentioned,"We solicit support from our ARF partners so that these hapless Rohingyas can return to their home in safety, security, and dignity, resettle there, and reintegrate in their society. Once they return to their homeland, they could be contributing members to the development of Myanmar." (Courtesy of TDS; Israt Jahan Leena, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh)

DECCA, 14 September 2020, (TON): Bangladesh has regained its 1^st position in sending battalions in the United Nations peacekeeping missions. On 17 July 2020, a QRF (Quick Re-Action Force) of 160 peacekeepers in the Central African Republic has regained the first position.

Bangladesh has about 6,731 peacekeepers to the UN peacekeeping operations, announced at the press, published by the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate on 12 July. Ethiopia progressed to the second position with 6,662 peacekeepers, and  Rwanda is third with 6,322 peacekeepers to the UN operations. Nepal, India, and Pakistan are in fourth, fifth, and sixth places sequentially with 5,682,  5,353, and 4,440 peacekeepers in total.

Bangladesh first deployed uniformed personnel to serve with the United Nations to help to regulate the truce between Iran and Iraq in 1988, which is called UNIIMOG. At the same time, Bangladesh also participated in another operation in Namibia called UNTAG. Since 1948, Bangladesh has successfully participated in 54 missions out of 69 tasks. About 1,63,887 peacekeepers from Bangladesh have participated in UN missions in 40 different countries. According to the Bangladesh Army Website, Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed in 09 peacekeeping missions in 08 other countries among 22 UN Sponsored tasks.

The Bangladesh Police gained the Best Police Unit Award for its contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping operations in November 2019.It is a matter proud for Bangladesh to acquire such a place. Bangladesh is incredibly proud of them who are working with UN peacekeeping missions. (Courtesy of TBS; Yeasin Arfat, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh)

Shariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was shot dead charging by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in Baliadangi Upazila of Thakurgaon on 10th September 2020 when he was fishing on the Nagor river.

This incident again is showing the reality of border killing occurrence by BSF. It's time to consider the promise of the Indian government not to kill any Bangladeshi people in the border what was just the talks.

Many reports have presented the previous border killing issue where Bangladeshi national killed by BSF in recent years are utmost high. Reports also have highlighted the torture of Bangladeshi nationals to death in the border area what is inhuman.

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) shows that 15 Bangladeshi people had been killed along the Indo-Bangla border in 2018. The number rose to 43 last year. In this year, to date, 29 people were killed.

According to rights defenders, since 2000, more than 1000 Bangladeshis have been killed in the border areas and described the Indo-Bangla border as killing fields.

The torture scenarios of the victims are such as to pour petrol into the victim's mouth and rectum and to pull out all fingernails of the victims.

 The annual border guard director general-level talks will hold upcoming from the September 13th to18th at the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) Pilkhana headquarters.

BGB DG Major General Md Shafeenul Islam will lead the Bangladesh side while DG of BSF Rakesh Asthana will lead his country at the meeting.

According to information, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will talk about the issue of Bangladeshi people killing in the border by BSF. BGB officials said border killings would be the primary topic of discussion at the meeting.

Jatiya Sangsad committee on foreign affairs has discussed the border killing issue. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said that India assured Bangladesh about the border killing issue, which would be discussed further.

Contributed by: Halima Akter, Department of International Relations, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

SRINAGAR, 21 March 2020, TON: The Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Wakf Board on Saturday announced suspension of regular prayers at its affiliated mosques and shrines as a preventive measure to contain the spread of deadly coronavirus disease.The New Delhi controlled District administration had issued strong ultimatum Wakf Board regarding imposition of Section 144 Crpc.

In view of the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), declared as Pandemic by the World Health Organization and as a preventive measure to contain the spread of the virus in Kashmir Valley and subsequent the imposition of restrictions under Section 144 Crpc by the District Administration concerned, it is hereby ordered to suspend regular prayers in shrines / mosques affiliated with the Wakaf Board and displaying of Holy Relic (PBUH) on the occasion of Mehrai-ul-Alam (Sal Allah Ho Alhehe Wasalam) celebrations” the Wakf Board said in the statement issued here today.

CHHATTISGARH, 21 March 2020, TON: Indian security forces carried out continued operations against CPI-Maoist cadres in Chintagufa forests of Sukma district on Saturday. According to the police officials four villagers of the area were killed in the operation.  

The residents of Sukma district have raised arms against the Indian security forces and situation in the southernmost Bastar division is tense. India has deployed large number of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) who face dual threat by the Maoists as well as villagers who are fed up of killing and I juries of innocent villagers.

Washington, 18 March 2020, TON: In a time when many are confined to their homes, consumers will have high expectations that Amazon will come though to meet their needs and demands.

Amazon, which has expanded its food operations with the acquisition of the Whole Foods grocery chain, has shifted its priorities in recent days to help people get needed household basics and medical supplies.

"There's enormous pressure on Amazon to meet these increased expectations," said Technalysis Research analyst Bob O'Donnell.

"Fairly or unfairly, people will expect that Amazon will always have some things, like toilet paper. If not, they're going to catch more grief than if a local grocery store is out."

Amazon this week boosted pay and set out to hire 100,000 more US workers to add to its global workforce of some 800,000 to cope with a surge in online shopping prompted by coronavirus fears.

The Seattle-based firm expects to spend more than $350 million to bump up hourly pay in the North America and Europe for employees and partners in distribution centers, transportation operations and stores.

"Getting a priority item to your doorstep is vital as communities practice social-distancing, particularly for the elderly and others with underlying health issues," senior vice president of worldwide operations Dave Clark said in a blog post.

"We are seeing a significant increase in demand, which means our labor needs are unprecedented for this time of year."

Amazon has been working to thwart price-gouging of sought-after products as it ramps up efforts to meet demands in the coronavirus age
Amazon accounts for some 37 percent of US e-commerce sales, according to the research firm eMarketer, and is the largest cloud computing firm which powers online operations around the world, including for firms like rival streaming platform Netflix.

If Amazon becomes a salvation for people unable or afraid to go out to shops due to coronavirus risk, it could win new users and become a more entrenched habit, and potentially boost its image at a time when Big Tech has come under fire.

Amazon this week said it was reorganizing its operations, slowing down some deliveries to help people with more pressing needs.

"We are seeing increased online shopping and as a result some products such as household staples and medical supplies are out of stock," Amazon said.

"With this in mind, we are temporarily prioritizing household staples, medical supplies and other high-demand products coming into our fulfillment centers so we can more quickly receive, restock and ship these products to customers."

Amazon has also been forced into policing the platform to thwart price-gouging efforts by vendors who stockpiled coveted supplies like breathing masks and hand sanitizers.

They are a serious liability that could cripple Amazon."

Amazon has also faced criticism for keeping warehouses open in Europe even after cases of COVID-19 have been detected among workers.

A side effect of the coronavirus could be accelerated development of drone delivery mechanisms already being tested in some locations, according to Enderle.

INDIA: 18 March 2020, TON: First case of coronavirus in an army soldier tested positive.  

The soldier is currently in isolation.

His father travelled back from Iran was also affected by the coronavirus. As he was on leave. After returning to Ladakh, his father was quarantined at a hospital and tested positive for Coronavirus on March 6. A day later, the soldier was quarantined and tested positive on Monday.

During his quarantine period, the soldier was staying in his native village and helping his family. His sister, wife and two children have been placed in quarantine as well.

India reports third coronavirus death

Another officer has been quarantined at a military institute in Pune with symptoms of the pneumonia-like virus.

As of now, 147 people have tested positive in India.

A 64-year-old man, who tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was hospitalized in Mumbai, died on Tuesday, raising the death toll in the country to three, officials said.

The patient had a travel history to Dubai. His wife is Coronavirus positive and is stable, according to the ministry.

To prevent the spread of coronavirus in India the health ministry announced a temporary travel ban from the EU, UK and Turkey.

What measures should parents take in ensuring their child is safe from Coronavirus?

Dubai: 18 March 2020, TON:  Keeping children safe is a concern among many parents, specifically with the children home from school. While there are many ways that preventative measures should be implemented in the home,  Consultant and Head of pediatric dentistry in Dubai Health Authority to ensure the safety of their children.

Dr. Mansoor pediatric firstly advises that children are sleeping well. Although it might be tempting during the holidays for children’s sleep schedules to shift, it is important that they are resting.

“These things are definitely important to ensure that their immunity is optimized. They should engage in any activity. In addition to all that, it’s extremely important to take this opportunity to teach them about hand hygiene and the importance of hygiene etiquette like washing their hands frequently, trying to avoid touching their faces with their hands and to know the etiquette of how to sneeze into a tissue or their elbow,” Dr. Mansoor says.

The pediatrics doctor understands that teaching children about certain habits differs from each individual depending on their age and character, “Every child has a unique personality so understanding what they like can make a huge difference. For example, parents can reward the children every time they wash their hands, they can have a timetable to keep track of handwashing, there can be small competitions in the house between the siblings, there could be a song that they sing while washing their hands, they can be watching a little clip, there are many different things they can follow and it just really depends on the personality of the child.”

NEW DELHI : 18 March 2020, TON: India has closed the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most visited tourist sites, as it battles the spread of coronavirus.

The Culture Ministry said  that it was “imperative” people keep away from the monument in the city of Agra, whose allure has apparently not been dimmed by the coronavirus scare. Each day, about 20,000 Indian and foreign tourists visit the Taj Mahal, a number that usually doubles on weekends.

Harsh Singh, who traveled with his family from New Delhi, said there were huge crowds when he visited the monument on Saturday. “The line for tickets was really long,” he said.

Dozens of other monuments that are popular with tourists have also been shut.

The closure of top tourist sites comes as states across much of India shut down schools, colleges, shopping malls, and theaters and cancel sports events in a bid to halt the outbreak of the respiratory disease.

India’s tally of confirmed coronavirus cases stands at 130 and the death toll at three. Health experts say those numbers may not fully reflect the extent of the disease’s spread in the world’s second-most populous nation due to limited testing done so far.

About 6,000 people have been tested in the country of 1.3 billion people, focusing mainly on those who came from abroad and the people who had contact with them.

Amid calls to ramp up testing, Indian officials announced on March 17 that they are increasing the number of laboratories and ordering more testing kits.

Health experts warn that India has entered a critical phase in which it needs to halt community transmissions.

Authorities have begun tightening restrictions as cases increase. In the financial hub of Mumbai, officials said they will stamp “Home Quarantined” in indelible ink on the wrists of all those who have been ordered to self-isolate.

It has been a challenge to keep people quarantined as many do not take the instructions seriously.

In a Mumbai suburb, local media reported that 11 people, who had been isolated after returning from Dubai, fled a hospital, leading to a manhunt.

Cities like Mumbai, where hundreds of thousands live in overcrowded slums and travel on packed transport networks, pose the greatest challenge in controlling the outbreak in India.

India was among the first countries to introduce screening at airports. Last week, it also imposed some of the world's toughest border measures, suspending most visas and shutting down most land borders.