Student activists hold a candlelight vigil as they protest against the Hathras gang rape case at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Oct 2, 2020. (Photo: IANS).
Over 10,000 women, feminist groups and rights activists from all over the world on Sunday got together to seek justice for the Hathras gang-rape victim as the case has rocked national and Uttar Pradesh politics in the past one week…reports Asian Lite News.
While a majority of the signatories are from India, there are many others from USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Japan, Hong Kong, Nepal Sweden, Slovenia, the Netherlands, etc, cutting across religious, occupation or community lines have issued the joint statement.
Sharply condemning the brutal incident, they said that “despite a continuing saga of countless other cases of brutal sexual assault and murders, especially of young Dalit women, the conscience of this nation does not seem to be shaken enough to do anything serious to stop the systematic targeting of women, Dalits and the poor”.
Student activists hold a candlelight vigil as they protest against the Hathras gang rape case at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Oct 2, 2020. (Photo: IANS).
“While there is a historicity to these incidents, under CM Yogi Adityanath’s rule, UP has only gone from bad to worse. Crimes against women and Dalits have increased, and police have been given unlimited powers without any accountability. Today, UP tops the charts for atrocities against Dalits, it also tops the charts for crimes against women,” the statement pointed out.
It expressed concern that even as news of the Hathras victim’s death broke, there were more cases of sexual violence against Dalit women from Balrampur, Bulandshahr and Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.
“The growing support base for Thakurs, the fact that no official visited the girl’s family even once after her death, tells us the facts as they are, nobody cares and caste solidarity remains one of the ugliest and strongest kinship performances of the modern Indian State, one that must be challenged and broken. The actions of the state will only further strengthen those who continue to commit such crimes without any fear of punishment,” they said.
“While the caste atrocities gain public attention only when they manifest themselves as sexual violence, suicide or murders, we also need to understand the ways in which caste manifests itself in our daily lives.”
The Hathras case is a blatant case of upper caste power and patriarchy operating through both, socially sanctioned violence and through state agencies, and the signatories expressed their firm resolve to address the issue of caste-based discrimination, violence and atrocities, until its complete annihilation.
Student activists protest against the Hathras gang rape case, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Oct 2, 2020. (Photo: IANS)
They said that a fair probe, proper justice, holding the guilty persons and police or other state officials responsible is the only way forward, and added that the state must not push the rhetoric of ‘death penalty for rape’ as that is not the answer to stopping sexual or other crimes anywhere in the world.
“After all, in our own country, it is barely 6 months since the hanging of those held guilty of the December 2012 gang-rape and murder in Delhi. Has it stopped the guilty in Hathras, or Balrampur, or Bulandshahr or Azamgarh or anywhere else?” they demanded.
The 10,000-plus signatories include activists, journalists, homemakers, corporate sector executives, designers, cultural groups and artists, writers, lawyers ,poets, school teachers, students, retired private and public officials, film personalities, medicos, faculty, IT professionals, rationalists, and numerous other groups and organisations.
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the number one cause of deaths across the globe, and in India. CVD is also a costly disease to treat and can cause a huge economic burden on the patient, and his/her family…reports Asian Lite News.
For India in particular, CVD has become a severe cause of concern, owing to the disease’s accelerated buildup, early age of onset in the population and the high case fatality rate. Some factors that have contributed to the rise of CVD cases across India include the south Asian genetic makeup and it’s a proneness to the disease, the ever-changing lifestyle, lack of exercise, dietary imbalance and a high intake of saturated and/or trans fats amongst the population.
In the past, multiple studies have also shown that regular consumption of almonds may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL “bad”) cholesterol levels, a recognized risk factor for CVD – especially amongst Indians.
Are men at a greater risk of heart disease than women?. (Photo: Pixabay)
Recent research by Tufts University shows that eating 42.5 grams of almonds each day compared to not eating almonds may help reduce healthcare costs associated with cardiovascular disease among US consumers.
The objective of this study, funded by the Almond Board of California, was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of almond consumption in preventing coronary heart disease through changes in LDL cholesterol levels in the U.S. population, using both short-term base case analysis and 10-year risk prevention. The researchers developed a model to assess the relationship between eating 42.5g of almonds per day versus no almond intake. CVD parameters included the probabilities of increasing LDL levels, developing acute myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack), MI-related surgeries, and death due to the disease and surgeries and the cost of disease and procedures in the US population in 2012. The cost of almonds used in this research was also factored into the model and was based on price in the US market in 2012, as well.
The base-case model used in this research, which was a study of 150 US adults with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, showed that eating 42.5g of almonds per day would result in an annual cost savings of $363 compared to eating no almonds. The almond eaters had reductions in CVD risk factors including LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, body weight and Apoliprotein B (also known as Apo-B, the main protein found in harmful LDL cholesterol). These improved parameters decreased the average healthcare costs for treating CVD.
Obesity.
Speaking about the study, Regional Head-Dietetics, Max Healthcare – Delhi, Ritika Samaddar noted: “The study establishes a very positive correlation between almond consumption, heart health, and a derived cost benefit, each of which are relevant for a country like India where CVD cases are rising every day. While the health benefits of almonds have been analyzed by several other studies in the past, this new research also highlights a long term cost advantage of almond consumption which is very unique. So make sure to include almonds in your family and your diet, to lead a healthier and more cost efficient lifestyle.”
When the time horizon was expanded to 10 years, findings were similar in pattern: it cost non-almond eaters $2566 in CVD prevention compared to a cost of just $1806 for almond eaters, or a savings of $760.
Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant said: “The results of this new study are interesting to note. Owing to the genetic makeup, sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary regime and high salt intake, Indians are at higher risk of heart disease. If one develops the disease, it adds to the household’s medical expenses. Therefore, I suggest that people with a genetic history of CVD or those with established risk factors (high BP, diabetes, obesity etc.) for heart disease alter their diets to include a daily dose of almonds, among other things. In the long run, improving your lifestyle will have a positive impact not just on your heart health, but may also reduce overall medical expenses.”
A ‘healthy’ shift in India’s snacking habit.
Based on these analyses, researchers concluded that consuming 42.5g of almonds per day is a cost-effective strategy for preventing CVD in short term and potentially, up to 10 years.
Acknowledging the findings in the study, Madhuri Ruia, Pilates Expert and Diet & Nutrition Consultant commented: “It is interesting to note the long term viability of this study, especially in context of a country like India where CVD is one of the leading causes of mortality. Opting for healthier snacking options like almonds, is a small yet impactful investment that is sure to pay off in the long run, especially for people with high risk to CVD. So the next time you head to the supermarket, stock up on roasted, salted or raw almonds instead of unwholesome or fried snacks, to begin your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.”
A video of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel is doing the rounds on the Internet with the national flag celebrating Republic Day at 17000 feet in snow today. The temperature in Ladakh at present is minus 20 degrees Celsius. In the 1 min 57 sec video the Indo-Tibetan Border Police's "Himveers" could be seen chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'.
On the eve of October 1st, when China was celebrating its National day, commemorating 71years of Communist Party rule, Indian security and strategic affairs think tank Usanas Foundation had organized a Webinar to bring the global attention to the lost and forgotten Tibetan cause, also pertinent to the current turn of events in the global arena. The focus of the Webinar was on the ‘Tibet Policy and Support Act of 2019’, its impact on the future course of the United States of America’s policy directives towards Tibet, and the possible spillover effect on New Delhi’s ‘One China policy’ and the Tibetan resistance movement.
Dr. Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director, Asia Program, Woodrow Wilson Center, made the opening remarks reflecting on the profound impact the Tibet cause had on Hollywood and Popular pop culture in the United States. He said that the Trump Administration’s China strategy is not directed at the Chinese people or their culture but the Communist Party of China. According to Mr. Kugelman, the downward spiral of the US-Sina relations started with Beijing’s failure in mediating the ‘North Korea Nuclear and Peace Negotiations,’ and Beijing’s pursuit of a muscular foreign policy which not well received in Washington D.C. He asserted that if Democrats’ presidential Candidate Joe Biden ascends to power, the USA’s strategy towards China might explore avenues of cooperation and tone down on the tough stand but overall, there is a consensus about disciplining China as opposed to complete reversal of existing China Policy. China’s abusive behavior of border spat with India, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the unilateral imposition of New National Security law in Hong Kong, coupled with the wolf warrior style of diplomacy, could impact the U.S’s national security strategy with robust support to Tibet. Push back the wolf warrior diplomacy, which flags strength.
Dr. Kugelman further added that the two important documents defining and guiding the U.S.’s foreign policy objects are the 2017 ‘National Security Strategy’ and the May 2020’s document titled ‘United States Strategic Approach to the people’s Republic of China.’ In these two essential documents, the emphasis is laid on ‘countering the China threat’ and not ‘containing.’ It is also argued that the U.S has a moral responsibility to ‘counter’ China’s continued threat. He also brought attention to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s statement calling the Chinese claims in the South China Sea are ‘Unlawful’ which indicates the policy shift. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Michael Kugelman said, ‘although the U.S and China are partners in counter-terrorism and infrastructure building, he believes that the U.S’s interests are better served in ‘countering China’ and cant go soft; Joe Biden might not soften the U.S strategy but soften diplomacy. Policymakers view the belt and road initiative as a military expansionist trojan horse.
The second speaker of the Webinar, Dr. Rajeswari Rajgopalan, Distinguished Fellow, ORF and Head, Nuclear and Space Policy Initiative-The U.S Bill will certainly impact India. Post Galwan conflict, India has become more antagonistic towards China. She alluded to the elite public opinion makers in India who call for a strong response and support to Tibet, Dalai Lama, and not merely use Tibet as a ‘card’ when needed to antagonize China. She demanded the Indian Government to stand a stand on Tibet and Taiwan and review of the One China Policy. There is a wave of public anger with the policy proposal to rename the Indo-China border to the ‘Indo-Tibet border,’ highlighted by Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Pema Khandu calling the Line of Actual Control as Indo-Tibet border during his interaction with Jawans at the border. Referring to a Hindustan Times article on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s proposal to recalibrate the ties with China and reappraisal of Tibet policy, re-examine and challenge the legitimacy of ‘Tibet claims’ of China.
Dr. Rajeswari citing the article noted that Tibet’s independence is intertwined with the values of India and whether the growing sentiment will be gratified as a policy is to be seen. Dr. Rajgopalan drew attention to conferring India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, to His Highness Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet for the remarkable and longest peaceful resistance of our times. She also pointed out the consensus among the Indian diplomatic community to acknowledge the failure of the two informal summits between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In referring to China’s consistent irritation and opposition to the Indian ministerial and His Holiness Dalai Lama’s visit to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, she remarked that New Delhi had been soft and downplayed the Tibet issue. She called for a consistent, serious, and carefully curated Tibet policy than merely activate ‘Tibet cause’ as a ‘card’ to irk the Chinese.
The third speaker was a Tibetan Writer and activist who was jailed by the Indian Government several times for peaceful assembly and protesting against China Mr. Tenzin Tsundue. Mr. Tsundue and the co-panelist Tenzin Dorjee(Tendor), a Senior Researcher at Tibet Action Institute, expressed their transcending gratitude to the Indian Government and the people of India for welcoming and hosting Tibetan refuges. As the repression under Xi’s new ‘Tibet Sinicization’ is the cause of greater concern for the Tibetan community living in the Tibet Autonomous region, occupied by China in 1950, the two activists jointly placed a request for the Government of India to allow and accept the new Tibetan refugees who are fleeing the cultural genocide.
Mr. Tsundue’s views are that of a Tibetan activist expressed the collective Tibetan yearning for liberation from the cultural genocide. Referring to President Nixon’s trip to China in 1972, he said, ‘the U.S.’s support for Tibetan liberation, CIA’s assistance in aiding and training armed rebellion was to contain the ideological opponent Communist China, the support to the guerilla rebellion diminished after the Sino-American rapprochement,.’ He said India went into a ‘freeze mode,’ i.e., ‘let us not talk about Tibet’ mode, after recognizing the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of China. Mr. Tsunde alluded to the recent Chinese aggressions at Galwan as Xi backstabbing PM Modi, and unmasking of Beijing’s ‘façade relationship.’ He made some recommendations for the Indian Government, such as to use the nomenclature ‘Indo-Tibetan Border’ replacing Indo-China Border, to add Tibetan history and cultural links with India in schools&colleges textbooks, and perceive the Tibetan cause as ‘India’s civilizational responsibility’ and in toto India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both the Tibetan activists noted that Tibetans accepted the ‘Middle way approach’ of His Holiness Lama, only to sustain the movement for a while, and believe that now the time has come for ‘Tibet’s independence.’
The fourth and last speaker of the Webinar, Mr. Tenzin Dorjee, made some insightful commentary on China’s deep-seated paranoia, emanating from the Covid19 crisis’s test of the CCP’s performance legitimacy( economic prosperity) which the party has been boasting for years, propagating a Chinese governance model. He added that for Tibetans to rekindle the liberation movement, they need political backing from India and the U.S. He said Tibetans regard highly of India’s independence movement and feel that ‘Swaraj’ is their birth-right and ape for the support of the civilizational big brother. He said China’s aggressions at Ladhak, Arunachal, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, occupation villages in Nepal, and the cultural genocide in TAR would persist as long as Tibet is under China. The speaker also emphasized preventing genocide is inclusive of the nomenclature, evoking ‘responsibility to protect’ to stop the cultural genocide in Tibet(TAR), East Turkestan( Xinjiang autonomous region), and Inner Mongolia. He said China is a surveillance state, and it is a threat to the global community and liberty across the globe.
The academic community, even in the U.S, is becoming more and more closed and cautious of airing opinions even in classrooms due to Chinese snooping and possible repercussions. He also said China uses visas as bait for Tibetans living outside of TAR, and open entry, the immigration officers, collect all the contact details (relationship/personal /official) and use it for intimation, torture, and blackmail. China has held many Tibetans in TAR as hostages for the actions of those relatives living in exile as refugees. Most importantly, Mr. Doorje reinstated China’s mendacity towards multilateralism; and that China pushes Bilateral dialogue to resolve any squabble /conflict to weaken the international institutional liberal world order by employing a ‘ divide and rule’ strategy of divide the international community and preventing a consensus against China; as it did so in averting a global consensus against it on Covid19 outbreak.
It appears that India’s biggest challenge is handling paranoid Chinese leadership, which is obsessed with flagging military strength and diplomatic intimation. China is posing a threat to Tibetans’ ethnic and linguistic identities of Uyghurs, and Inner Mongolians. China is the only country sitting on occupied land, accounting for more than 60 percent of its total landmass. The Tibetan activists made concluding remarks with their profound gratitude to the host countries India and the U.S and reiterated that ‘India is a country they can trust.’ China will not cease to niggling India as India is the only Asian country that challenges the Chinese governance model, economy, and military might.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public to “act fearlessly but with common sense” while dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, the media reported on Sunday.
Speaking to the BBC, Johnson said that there had to be a “balance” between saving lives and protecting the economy.
“The best thing we can do now for all those who have suffered in the course of this pandemic is bring it to an end in the speediest possible way,” he said.
The Prime Minister told the BBC that he believed over the “next few weeks and months”, the “scientific equation will change whether that is vaccines or testing” and there will be “progress” in beating the virus.
As a result, he said there was “hope” and “things can be significantly different by Christmas”.
But, Johnson warned there could be “a very tough winter for all of us”.
“I tell you in all candour, it will continue to be bumpy through to Christmas and may even be bumpy beyond.”
His remarks came as the Conservatives on Sunday were holding their first virtual party conference due to coronavirus restrictions on mass gatherings.
The UK has so far reported 482,654 coronavirus cases and 42,407 deaths.
This is the sixth time the President has issued such a decree since March 5, when the first coronavirus cases were confirmed in Bethlehem…Reports Asian Lite News
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has extended a state of emergency for 30 days in an effort to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, state-media report.
The report by the state-run WAFA news agency, Abbas on Friday evening issued a presidential decree extending the state of emergency for another month throughout the occupied Palestinian territories starting from Saturday.
This is the sixth time the President has issued such a decree since March 5, when the first coronavirus cases were confirmed in Bethlehem.
On Friday, Health Minister Mai al-Kaileh confirmed 545 new cases, three deaths and 435 recoveries.
According to the latest coronavirus data, the confirmed cases in the territories of West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza, has reached 51,607.
Out of the 51,607 cases, 37,582 are recorded in the West Bank, 3,184 in the Gaza Strip and 10,841 in East Jerusalem.
Recoveries have totalled 42,544, including 9,600 in Jerusalem, and the death toll reached 379, leaving a total of 8,684 active cases
The Palm Fountain will attempt to break a Guinness World Records title on Thursday,22nd October during its inaugural launch event…Reports Asian Lite News
The Pointe, Dubai’s premier lifestyle and dining destination by Nakheel Malls, is gearing up to launch the world’s largest fountain.
‘The Palm Fountain’, Palm Jumeirah’s latest waterfront attraction, will attempt to break a Guinness World Records, GWR, title on Thursday, 22nd October during its inaugural launch event, and the public is invited to witness the celebration.
Spread over 14,000 square feet of seawater, the fountain’s super shooter will stand tall at 105 metres and come alive with over 3,000 LED lights. The attraction is the only multicoloured fountain in Dubai and is a celebration of Dubai’s resurgence and ambition to aim for the sky. On the day of the launch, visitors of The Pointe are invited to enjoy an entire day of festivities, with all-day events and competitions from The Pointe’s restaurants and, starting at 16:00, an array of live entertainment including multiple DJ sets, dance shows, performers, a magical fireworks show.
Omar Khoory, Managing Director, Nakheel Malls, said, “As pioneers of retail and lifestyle destinations in Dubai, the launch of The Palm Fountain is a testament to our commitment to support retailers and push boundaries to provide our customers with unique experiences. We look forward to the inspiration this will bring customers at The Pointe, residents of Palm Jumeirah, our retailers, tourists and the wider community.”
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, DFRE, said, “The Palm Fountain is yet another incredible addition to Dubai’s list of world-famous landmarks and is sure to be a big draw among residents and visitors alike.”
From 20:00 on 22nd October, spectators can enjoy the breath-taking views of The Palm Fountain show from 30 different restaurants at The Pointe. The day-long event is open to the public through registration, and the first 5,000 customers who arrive will receive a free LED wristband.
The public is encouraged to RSVP for the launch event and join in The Palm Fountain’s Guinness World Records attempt via platinumlist.net. For guaranteed restaurant seating, the public is highly advised to book a table at any of the restaurants at The Pointe. Free shuttle buses will be available to take visitors from Nakheel Mall to The Pointe every 30 minutes.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Sunday said that the RBI had affirmed the possibility of currency notes as potential carriers of novel coronavirus and demanded government incentives for digital payments.
The development comes after CAIT wrote a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman on March 9, 2020 seeking clarification whether or not currency notes are carriers of bacteria and viruses.
However, the letter was forwarded to the Reserve Bank of India, which replied to CAIT and hinted that currency notes could be carriers of bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus, and therefore more and more usage of digital payments should be done to avoid handling of currency, the confederation said in a statement.
The RBI further stated that “in order to limit the coronavirus pandemic, the public can make payments by sitting at homes through various online digital channels like mobile and Internet banking, credit and debit cards etc and avoid using or withdrawing cash to the extent possible”.
According to CAIT National President BC Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, the RBI’s reply indicates that the currency notes do carry viruses and bacteria and, therefore, the maximum use of digital payments to avoid handling of currency notes was advised by them.
Furthermore, the CAIT urged Sithraman to introduce an ‘incentive’ scheme for acceptance and adoption of digital payments.
“Bank charges levied for digital transactions should be waived and the government should give subsidy directly to the banks in lieu of bank charges,” the statement said.
“In due course, such subsidy will not be a financial burden on the government; on the other hand, it will minimise the expenses incurred on printing of bank notes.”
In addition, the CAIT pointed out that the RBI in its annual report released on August 29, 2019 had mentioned that “the value and volume of notes in circulation increased by 17 per cent and 6.2 per cent to Rs 21,109 billion and 108,759 million pieces respectively during 2018-19”.
“In value terms, the share of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes, which had together accounted for 80.2 per cent of the total value of notes in circulation at the end of March 2018 had increased to 82.2 per cent by the end of March 2019.
A new poll has revealed that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was leading US President Donald Trump by sizable margins in the two key swing states of Florida and Pennsylvania, following the first fiery debate between the two rivals on September 29.
The New York Times-Siena College poll published on Saturday found that Biden was Trump in Pennsylvania by 7 percentage points, garnering 49 per cent support, compared to the President’s 42 per cent, reports The Hill news website.
In Florida, the former Vice President was leading by a slightly smaller margin, 47 per cent to Trump’s 42 per cent.
The races in the two states, both of which Trump won narrowly in the 2016 election, had been particularly close before the debate, although an ABC-Washington Post poll released on the day of the showdown placed Biden ahead by 9 percentage points in Pennsylvania.
Last week, RealClearPolitics reported that Biden had a 1.3-point lead in Florida, down from 8.4 percentage points in July.
Also the Times-Siena College poll found that only 21 per cent of likely voters in Florida and Pennsylvania said Trump won the debate, with 65 per cent disapproving of the President’s conduct.
An additional 48 per cent said they “support Trump less after” the debate.
Meanwhile, a Hill-HarrisX poll conducted after the debate but before Trump announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus, found Biden leading nationally by 7 percentage points, a 2-point increase from the last poll conducted September 19-21.
The swing states are Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
In an eco-friendly tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 151st birth anniversary, more than 4,000 students of Sharjah Indian School made his iconic round-framed glasses with recycled paper, used matchsticks and cardboards to create his famous charkha and paper plates to depict the three monkeys.
The students ranged from classes 1 to 9,
Craft teacher, Rashida Adil, who is holding all her classes remotely, said: “We decided to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 151th birth anniversary in an eco-friendly way as that’s what the leader always propagated.
“So, I started this project with 750 students from Grade 8 and 9 where I taught them to sketch and paint on old newspapers.”
The teacher said she had planned to dedicate a wall in her school to Mahatma Gandhi by putting up paintings and art creations made by students using eco-friendly materials, but due to Covid-19 pandemic, the school has advised students to opt for distance learning.
She later decided to engage the younger classes and sent out a plan to teachers of Grade 1-7 to start different craft projects based on Gandhi and his teachings.
As a personal homage, Rashida created an artwork, showing Gandhi on his charkha, using around 1,000 recycled buttons.
She gifted it to the Indian Association of Sharjah.
As part of its measures to combat the pandemic, Saudi Arabia had suspended the Umrah pilgrimage and prayers in mosques in mid-March…Reports Asian Lite News
Mecca’s Grand Mosque on Sunday opened its doors to the first group of pilgrims performing Umrah after six months of Covid-19 restrictions.
The pilgrims entered the mosque at 6 a.m. after applying through Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Eatmarna app, reports Arab News.
As part of its measures to combat the pandemic, Saudi Arabia had suspended the Umrah pilgrimage and prayers in mosques in mid-March.
The Kingdom also halted international flights and implemented a lockdown.
To accommodate a quota of 6,000 pilgrims per day, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has prepared five meeting points, including the Al-Gaza, Ajyad and Al-Shasha sites, where pilgrims will meet and join health professionals on buses to the Grand Mosque.
Thermal cameras will be placed at the entrances and inside halls of the Grand Mosque to monitor body temperature spikes and issue alerts if necessary.
Meanwhile, about 1,000 employees have been trained to monitor the rituals of Umrah in the Grand Mosque.
The mosque will be cleaned 10 times a day between each group’s presence, the Arab News report said.
Escalators leading to the top floors have also been equipped with cleaning devices, while hand-washing devices have been placed at the mosque’s entrances.
As of Sunday, Saudi Arabia has reported a total of 335,997 coronavirus cases and 4,850 deaths.
