Indian Govt to Investigate Enigmatic 'Havana Syndrome' in India

Indian Govt to Investigate ‘Havana Syndrome’ in India

In response to a petition filed by A Amarnath Chagu, the Indian government has informed the Karnataka High Court that it will initiate an inquiry into the potential occurrence of ‘Havana Syndrome’ within the country. The petitioner had urged the government to examine the presence of the syndrome in India and devise strategies to prevent its spread. Recognizing the significance of the issue, the government’s legal representatives have committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation within a timeframe of three months.

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What is Havana Syndrome?

Havana Syndrome is a cluster of unexplained medical symptoms experienced by U.S. government officials and military personnel, as well as Canadian government officials and their families. The symptoms range in severity from pain and ringing in the ears to cognitive dysfunction and were first reported in 2016 by U.S. and Canadian embassy staff in Havana, Cuba.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Havana Syndrome are similar to those of a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, and they can include:

Headaches
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Tinnitus
Visual disturbances
Memory loss
Confusion
Sleep problems
Cognitive decline

In some cases, the symptoms have been severe and long-lasting. Some people with the condition have been unable to return to work, and some have even had to retire.

Causes

The cause of Havana Syndrome is unknown. Some experts believe that it may be caused by a sonic weapon, while others believe that it may be caused by a biological agent, or even by mass psychogenic illness. The U.S. government has not yet concluded what the cause of Havana Syndrome is, but it is investigating all possible explanations.

Havana Syndrome is a serious and mysterious illness that has had a significant impact on the lives of those who have been affected. The cause of the syndrome is unknown, but the U.S. government is investigating all possible explanations.

Instances Around the World

Over the past few years, diplomats, intelligence agents, and US officials have reported thousands of potential cases of the perplexing condition known as ‘Havana Syndrome.’
This phenomenon has been alleged in various cities worldwide, including Vienna, Paris, Geneva, Beijing, and, notably, Havana.
In March 2018, Canadian diplomats underwent MRI scans and other assessments conducted by a neurologist in Pittsburgh, revealing brain damage resembling what their US counterparts had described earlier.
Similar accounts emerged concerning US intelligence officials who experienced unexplained symptoms in locations such as Moscow, Tbilisi, Poland, Taiwan, and Australia.

In 2021, an instance linked to the notorious syndrome was reported when a US intelligence officer traveling with CIA Director William Burns to India encountered symptoms associated with the condition.

How America is tackling Havana syndrome?

As of January 2022, the CIA issued a preliminary assessment indicating that the ‘Havana Syndrome’ was not attributable to a deliberate worldwide effort orchestrated by an adversarial nation. Among the 1,000 cases examined, foreign involvement was discounted in 976 instances.

In 2021, the United States introduced the HAVANA Act (Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks Act). This legislation was enacted to provide authorization for compensation to intelligence personnel and diplomats who suffered injuries due to the syndrome, along with other specified objectives.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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