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Russia’s Vektor COVID-19 vaccine to complete clinical trial in Sept

A look at Bharat Biotech and SII's efforts to develop Covid vaccines approved by DCGI
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): After Russia successfully launched the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, the clinical trials of a second COVID-19 vaccine is due to be completed in September, the country’s healthcare watchdog has said.

This COVID-19 vaccine is being developed by the Siberian Vektor research centre in the country.

“14 persons were vaccinated during the first phase, and 43 more during the second phase. Forty-three more volunteers from the placebo control group received a placebo,” Rospotrebnadzor, Russia’s consumer rights protection and human well-being watchdog said, the Sputnik News reported.

He also said all the volunteers taking part in the clinical trials of the second COVID-19 vaccine are feeling fine.

The watchdog added that the volunteers only experienced sensitivity at the injection site, but other than that did not have any side effects.

On August 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin successfully launched world’s first COVID-19 vaccine named ‘Sputnik V’, developed by the Gamaleya Institute. However, the Phase 3 of the vaccine trial, involving around 2,000 people is currently underway.

Moreover, mass testing of the country’s first potential COVID-19 vaccine to get domestic regulatory approval will involve more than 40,000 people and will be overseen by a foreign research body when it starts next week, according to media reports.

These were the first details on the shape and size of the upcoming late-stage trial of the vaccine given by its developers, who are aiming to allay concerns among some scientists about the lack of data provided by Russia so far.

The vaccine, called ‘Sputnik V’ in homage to the world’s first satellite launched by the Soviet Union, has been acclaimed as safe and effective by Russian authorities following two months of small-scale human trials. It has not been tested in Phase 3 or larger clinical trials.

Meanwhile, Russia has also received requests for up to a billion doses of the vaccine from around the world and has capacity to produce 500 million doses per year via manufacturing partnerships.

The country is also looking for a partnership with India for producing Sputnik V, Kirill Dmitriev, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said, as per the reports.

Addressing a media briefing, Dmitriev said several nations are interested in the production of the vaccine from Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

“The production of the vaccine is a very important issue. Currently, we are looking for a partnership with India. We believe that they are capable of producing the Gamaleya vaccine and it is very important to say that these partnerships to produce the vaccine will enable us to cover the demand that we have,” he added.

-RJV

Two firms issued notices for ‘fraudulently’ using brand name ‘Khadi’

New Delhi (NVI): Two firms have been issued legal notices by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for “unauthorizedly” and “fraudulently” using the brand name “Khadi”, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises said in a statement today.

Khadi Essentials and Khadi Global have been issued the notice by KVIC which has stated that these firms have engaged in selling a range of cosmetic and beauty products through various e-commerce platforms using the brand name “Khadi” and thus misleading consumers.

In the notices served in the first week of August, KVIC has asked the firms to immediately stop selling or promoting its products using the brand name “Khadi” while also cancelling the domain names www.khadiessentials.com and www.khadiglobalstore.com respectively. MSME said.

The two firms have also been told to discontinue their social media handles on various platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

“The adoption of your mark is being used to sell products online…clearly the adoption of your mark is in bad faith and is aimed at misappropriating the goodwill and reputation of Khadi trademark. Apart from Khadi India, the trademark “Khadi” can only be used by authorized licensee or franchisee holders,” the notices read.

“The use of a mark which completely subsumes KVIC’s trademark for identical goods will undoubtedly lead to confusion and deception in the market. Use of your mark amounts to misuse and misrepresentation of “Khadi” trademark,” it further said.

The two firms have strictly been told to immediately stop selling products using the brand name of “Khadi” and destroy all product packaging, labels, publicity material, signboards and any other business stationary using the brand names Khadi Essentials and Khadi Global respectively. KVIC has said that failing to comply with the instructions in seven days, legal action will be initiated against the firms.

KVIC Chairman, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena said any misuse of the brand name “Khadi” has a direct bearing on the livelihood of our artisans who are making genuine handcrafted products in remote parts of India.

“KVIC will take stern action against any individual or firm misusing the brand name Khadi. This is to safeguard the interest of Khadi artisans and prevent the sale of any spurious product in the name of Khadi,” Saxena said.

KVIC has said that in the last few years it has acted tough against any misuse of its brand name “Khadi India” and infringement into its trademark. So far KVIC has issued legal notices to over 1000 private firms including Fabindia for misusing its brand name and selling products under the name of Khadi. KVIC has sought damages to the tune of Rs 500 crore from Fabindia which is pending before the Mumbai High Court.

KVIC has also sought damages from these firms for causing harm to its reputation and loss of wages to Khadi artisans due to sale of fake Khadi fabric. However, after legal notices were served, a majority of firms have apologized to KVIC and withdrawn their products, advertisements fraudulently using Khadi’s name, MSME said.

On July 27, KVIC filed a complaint for FIR against a Chandigarh-based person for unauthorizedly selling face masks dubbing them as Khadi Face Masks and also using the Prime Minister’s photograph on the packets. Earlier, in May this year, 3 Delhi-based firms were issued legal notices by KVIC for selling fake PPE kits under the brand name of Khadi.

-ARK

Mumbai, neighbouring areas likely to get heavy rains; orange alert issued

New Delhi (NVI): Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts of Maharashtra are likely to receive heavy rains and gusty winds in the next 24 hours, ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, according to IMD.

An ‘Orange’ alert has been issued for Vidarbha region in the state in the next 48 hours, according to weather department.

Furthermore, Fishermen are advised not to venture into along and off the North and South Maharashtra-Goa coast till August 24.

There are possibilities of waterlogging, localised flooding and minor damage to homes and roads in areas, where orange alert has been issued.

Meanwhile, Mumbai and neighbouring Thane have received widespread rainfall over the last 24 hours and received over 120mm rainfall during this period.

According to the Met department, the Matheran observatory in adjoining Raigad district recorded 122 mm rainfall. The Alibaug weather station recorded 49 mm rain during the 24-hour period. Ratnagiri in the Konkan cost received 83 mm rainfall.

Earlier, the IMD has predicted heavy rain in parts of Mumbai, Thane and Palghar till August 24.

A well-marked low pressure weather system over interior Odisha, which is adjoining Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, is likely to move westwards over the next 3-4 days over parts of Madhya Pradesh, activating weather systems over the Arabian Sea, according to IMD.

-CHK

Best places to visit in Delhi in 2020

New Delhi (NVI): National Capital Delhi is known for its historical monuments that are rooted in history. Visiting this place is on the travel itinerary of every tourist, whether from outside Delhi or the country.

From breathtaking old structures to mesmerising tombs etched in the sands of time, here are the best places to visit in Delhi:

7 Best Places To Visit In Delhi

Red Fort

bst places o visit in delhi

Symbolising the era of Mughal rule in India, the fort was built in 1638. The magnificent monument captivates the attention of every tourist who visits Old Delhi and served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. The fort has some of the best architectural designs from the Mughal era that leaves visitors awestruck. The 33 mm high red sandstone walls of the fort add to its charm and grandeur. Known for its museums and historic appeal, the place is among the best places in Delhi for students.

Entry fee for Indians is Rs 35 and Rs 500 for foreigners. You can also enjoy the light and sound show at the grand monument which will cost Rs 80 for adults and Rs 30 for children. The fort opens from Tuesday to Sunday and one can enjoy the light show at 6 PM. The duration of the visit is 102 hours.

Qutub Minar

best places to visit in delhi

Standing at 73 meters high, Qutub Minar is the highest minaret (tower) in India, located in Mehrauli Qutb complex. Also known as “victory tower”, the place is a UNESCO Heritage site and among the best places to visit in Delhi. With a spiral staircase of 379 steps, it is yet another wonder of the Mughal architecture in the capital. The tower was built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak after defeating the last Hindu kingdom and hence known as “victory tower”.

Red sandstone has been used to construct the first three storeys and marble and sandstone has been used to construct the last two storeys. Known for its serene and not so crowded settings, Qutub Minar is one of the best places in Delhi for couples.

India Gate

best places to visit in delhi

With its presence in almost every postcard image of Delhi, the iconic monument is located in the heart of the city. The structure was built by Edward Lutyens in the honour of all the Indian and British soldiers who died during World War I.

Recently, National War Memorial has been built near the India Gate. Situated on Rajpath and surrounded by a well maintained green cover, the place looks stunning in the evening with lights. Featured in many Bollywood movies, the place is another ideal place for couples as well as families to visit in Delhi.

Jama Masjid

best places to visit in delhi

Another example of the fine Mughal architecture, Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Built between 1650- 1656, the mosque has three enormous gates and two 40 metres high minarets constructed with strips of red sandstone and white marble. The monument is located in Chandni Chowk and quite popular among foreign tourists who visit the national capital.

Rashtrapati Bhavan

best places to visit in delhi

Delhi is known as the seat of power in the country and Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India. Known for its majestic gardens and architectural marvel, Rashtrapati Bhavan is also among the best places to visit in Delhi. Designed by the famous British architect Edwin Lutyens, the construction of the building was completed in 1929.

One can visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens which opens for a short period of time during the festival of Udyanotsav between the months of February and March. Apart from that, you can have a tour of the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex. The site is very near to India Gate.

Humayun’s Tomb

best places to visit in delhi

A visual treat for connoisseurs of Mughal art and architecture, Humayun’s Tomb was built nine years after the death of Humayun. Apart from tourists from all across the world, students and school children are often seen as making visits to the magnificent tomb.

The best time to visit the monument is in the afternoon and is an ideal place for photography enthusiasts.

Lotus temple (Baha’i House of Worship)

best places to visit in delhi

Bearing resemblance to a lotus flower, the Bahai temple or Lotus Temple is yet another architectural marvel in the national capital which attracts a lot or tourists. Situated in Badarpur area of Delhi, the temple is constructed entirely out of white marble that gives it a very peaceful and spiritual aura. The temple doesn’t have any idol as Baha’i faith doesn’t believe in idol worship. The place is open for prayers and meditation by people, irrespective of their religion.

So if you are someone who loves peace and spirituality, you can head to this unique place. Tickets are free and the nine pools of water around the petals is a sight to watch at dusk.

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ESIC relaxes norms, to pay 50% of three months’ wages to unemployed workers

New Delhi (NVI): The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has relaxed norms to pay 50 per cent of average wages of three months as unemployment benefit to people who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic between March 24 and December 31 this year.

This move will benefit more than 40 lakh workers across several sectors.

Under the Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana, ESIC approved the relaxations in eligibility criteria and enhancement to ensure payment of unemployment benefits.

ESIC has also decided to extend the scheme till June 1 next year.

The payment of relief has been enhanced to 50 percent of average wages from 25 percent of average wages payable up to a maximum of 90 days of unemployment, ESIC said in a statement.

In addition to this, the relief has now become payable 30 days after unemployment, it was earlier payable after 90 days of employment.

The person seeking the benefit can submit the claim if the person has had insurable income for at least a minimum of two years and contribution should have been made for not less than 78 days in the contribution period immediately preceding to unemployment and in one of the three remaining contribution periods in two years prior to employment, the ESIC statement added.

The statement also said the insured person can submit the claim directly to ESIC branch office instead of the claim requiring the need to be forwarded by a previous employer. The money will be transferred directly to the bank account of the person.

-CHK

Researchers developing kit that will differentiate types of coronavirus infection

COVID
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The researchers with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) are developing an aptamer-based diagnostic kit for detection of SARS-Co-V2 infection and to differentiate the various types of coronavirus infection, the Ministry of Science and Technology said.

In a official statement, the ministry said, “With support from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a body of DST, the Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, has initiated a research with the detection of a target protein using bioinformatics tool against which the diagnostic kit has to be developed.”

This study has taken the special domain of spike protein in consideration for the development of the diagnostic kit, it added.

The statement said that, the researchers are developing an aptamer-based diagnostic kit for detection of SARS-Co-V2 infection. Their study will first ensure the detection of corona virus infection while subsequently, the kit will also differentiate the various types of corona virus infection (SARS Co-V1, MERS) including COVID-19 infection.

The general coronavirus infection may be detected on the basis of conserved domain present in all three corona virus infection (SARS Co-V1, MERS & COVID 19) while the differential kit will be developed on the basis of combination of conserved and non-conserved domain present in SARS-CoV2 virus, SARS-CoV2 virus & MERS virus respectively, it added.

Meanwhile, the development of the diagnostic kit will be done at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra lab while testing of kit will be conducted at Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar.

The aptamer-based technology is a relatively new technique, the statement said, adding that, it can detect a number of infections in precise and efficient manner.

Besides, it makes detection of COVID-19 infection less costly and the devices can be stored in less stringent conditions, making it more effective over conventional antibody-based detection techniques, especially for the rural and remotely located population.

Furthemore, this kit also has the advantage of detecting coronavirus infection in very less time as it will be a rapid diagnostic kit for detection based on the change in colour.

The kit will be less costly in comparison to antibody-based detection technique due to low production cost and requirement of the less stringent storage facility, the statement noted.

-RJV

Kolkata ACP Uday Banerjee dies of Covid-19

Uday Shankar Banerjee

New Delhi (NVI): Assistant Commissioner rank officer from Kolkata Police, Uday Shankar Banerjee lost his life to coronavirus.

The 54-year-old senior officer succumbed to the infection at a private hospital in Kolkata this morning.

Banerjee had been feeling unwell since August 11 and on being tested was diagnosed with COVID-19 on August 14.

Kolkata Police mourning the officer’s demise, tweeted, “We deeply mourn the untimely demise of Assistant Commissioner Uday Shankar Banerjee, who was posted in the Central Division . He was affected with COVID-19 and was at the forefront of our Fight Against Corona.”

Banerjee was posted in the Central division of Kolkata Police. He is the ninth police officer from the capital city to have lost his life to the deadly virus.

-RJV

Chandrayaan-2 completes a year around moon, enough fuel for 7 more yrs: ISRO

Chandrayaan-2 being launched in 2019.

New Delhi (NVI): Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar mission, has completed one year in orbit around the moon and there is adequate onboard fuel to keep it operational for about seven more years, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said, adding that all its instruments are currently performing well.

Chandrayaan-2 was launched on July 22, 2019 and inserted into the lunar orbit on August 20, exactly one year ago.

“Though the soft-landing attempt (of the lander carrying the rover) was not successful, the orbiter, which was equipped with eight scientific instruments, was successfully placed in the lunar orbit,” ISRO stated.

The orbiter has completed more than 4,400 orbits around the Moon and all the instruments are currently performing well, it added.

The Indian space agency said that the orbiter is being maintained in 100+/-25 km polar orbit (circling the moon along the poles) with periodic orbit maintenance (OM) manoeuvres.

When any satellite or spacecraft is in space in a certain orbit it swings wildly on a certain plane and moves a few hundred metres or even a few kilometres away from the intended path. That’s when commands are issued to fire its on-board liquid-fuelled Motors to steer it back on course.

So far, 17 such OMs have been carried out since achieving 100 km lunar orbit on September 24, 2019.

The statement from ISRO also adds that the eight scientific payloads on-board are being used optimally.

Chandrayaan-2 mission was India’s first attempt to make a softlanding of a rover on the unchartered South Pole of the lunar surface.

However, the Vikram lander hard-landed in September last year.

-CHK

Soldier found dead under mysterious conditions in J&K’s Poonch

Policeman
Representational Pic.

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): A soldier posted on the forward post of Line of Control (LoC) in Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district was found dead under mysterious conditions today, officials said.

They said that preliminary investigations reveal that the solider has committed suicide but things will be clear only when postmortem will be done.

Officials further added that a soldier posted with the Army’s RR who was deployed at a forward post along the LoC in Krishna Ghati sector in J&K’s Poonch district, was found dead mysteriously.

“The soldier was found dead mysteriously today morning. Investigations have been started to find the cause of death. Initial probe reveals that he has committed suicide but things will be clear once postmortem will be done,” the officials said.

They also informed that a police team has rushed to the spot and a case has been registered. This is the second incident in J&K since morning today. Earlier, a BSF man committed suicide at north Kashmir’s Kupwara district by shooting himself dead with his service riffle.

-RJV

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has reached 29,05,823, after 68,898 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry data.

Meanwhile, the death toll stands at 54,849 after 983 new fatalities were reported in the country during this period.

In terms of total number of cases, Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state with 6,43,289 coronavirus cases followed by Tamil Nadu with 3,61,435 cases, Andhra Pradesh with 3,25,396 positive cases.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 2,680

Andhra Pradesh- 3,25,396

Arunachal Pradesh- 3,066

Assam- 86,052

Bihar- 1,14,941

Chandigarh- 2,515

Chhattisgarh- 18,501

Dadra Nagar Haveli & Diu – 2,030

Delhi- 1,57,354

Gujarat- 83,107

Goa- 13,099

Haryana– 50,926

Himachal Pradesh- 4,538

Jammu and Kashmir- 30,717

Jharkhand- 26,753

Karnataka- 2,56,975

Kerala- 52,199

Ladakh- 2,077

Madhya Pradesh- 49,493

Maharashtra- 6,43,289

Manipur- 4,925

Meghalaya- 1,661

Mizoram- 895

Nagaland- 3,583

Odisha- 70,020

Puducherry- 9,292

Punjab- 37,824

Rajasthan- 66,619

Sikkim- 1,290

Tamil Nadu- 3,61,435

Telangana- 99,391

Tripura- 8,091

Uttarakhand- 13,636

Uttar Pradesh- 1,72,334

West Bengal – 1,29,119

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 31

Andhra Pradesh- 3,001

Arunachal Pradesh- 5

Assam- 221

Bihar- 492

Chandigarh- 31

Chhattisgarh- 168

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 4,257

Goa- 126

Gujarat- 2,853

Haryana- 578

Himachal Pradesh- 23

Jammu and Kashmir- 578

Jharkhand- 286

Karnataka- 4,429

Kerala- 191

Ladakh- 18

Madhya Pradesh- 1,171

Maharashtra- 21,359

Manipur- 18

Meghalaya- 6

Nagaland- 8

Odisha- 380

Puducherry- 137

Punjab- 957

Rajasthan- 921

Sikkim- 3

Tamil Nadu- 6,239

Telangana- 737

Tripura- 69

Uttar Pradesh- 2,733

Uttarakhand- 187

West Bengal- 2,634

However, a total of 21,58,946 people have been cured or discharged. Total active cases stand at 6,92,028.

-CHK

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