Diwali crackers: Eyecare precautions to be taken while bursting crackers

 Authored by: Dr . Satya Prasad Balki, M.S  F.C.A.S (AEH), Consultant ophthalmologist

MaxiVision eye hospitals

 With our country achieving the fabulous milestone of a billion Covid shots administered, waning Covid case numbers, a bull run in the stock markets, tourism picking up again, a general sense of euphoria and relief, one can only say that the festive season is truly upon us, and we can expect it to be a -‘Dhamaka’ Diwali! Pic Courtesy : HT

Diwali is probably the biggest festival in our country and with the stress and toll that Covid put us through last year, I am sure people want to spare no excuse in indulgence this time around. Diwali is one of the busiest and stressful times for an eye doctor and for good reason, a kitchen running overtime, lamps, lightings, and fireworks-well there’s a recipe for disaster if there ever was! While I am all in for the celebrations, I also would like my readers to exercise caution.

Hazardous injuries to any part of our body are quite common and can range from mild to severe burns, as an eye doctor I would like to draw your attention to the eye injuries that can occur and safety precautions to be followed.

 

Our body has an instinctive mechanism to close the eyes shut when it expects an injury but sometimes it's not adequate. If we look at the structure of the eye, the outermost part Called the cornea is transparent and allows light to enter the eye and give vision, it is similar to watch glass and any kind of trauma to it usually leaves a permanent scar which results in diminished vision. The eye is a round structure with an inherent pressure within it which keeps it in this shape, any penetrating trauma seen in callous and close proximity to fireworks causes rupture of these tissues and is often difficult to treat.

 

 Hot oil from the lamps or while cooking can fall in the eyes and cause scalding of the superficial layers of the eye, electrical burn injuries from faulty wiring and lights can cause thermal burn injuries. Of all fireworks can cause the most damage, as they are akin to the effects of a blast injury albeit on a smaller scale, Injuries to the eye vary from small foreign body to severe penetrating injury requiring immediate surgical intervention.

 

Here’s the first aid guide you can follow-

 

In mild cases as in hot oil or foreign body, Wash the eye thoroughly by splashing copious amounts of clean drinking water, alternately you can use a shallow cup of water close to the eye and blink repeatedly.

Consult your eye doctor to remove the foreign body and prescribe appropriate medications.

In severe bleeding cases with direct impact to eyes with fireworks, wash eye with clean water, cover the eye with a clean cotton pad or towel, do not apply any pressure, and consult an eye doctor immediately as it may require surgical intervention.

 

Precautions to be taken-

·         Use protective eyewear, maintain a safe distance, and keep utensils above waist level while cooking.

·         While lighting fireworks, maintain a safe distance after lighting, use a face shield, easily available nowadays thanks to Covid.

·         DO NOT handle live fireworks or fling them in the air.

·         Adult supervision is a must for Children around fireworks.

·         Always keep a bucket of water close by.

·         Motorists should be careful and wear a helmet as many people light fireworks on the road.

·         Do not try to self-medicating and use readily available drops at home, give appropriate first aid and consult your eye doctor.

 

Conforming to the old adage ‘’prevention is better than cure’’ it is best to be cautious and avoid such scenarios altogether. Health, wealth, and happiness, wishing it all in abundance!!

Wish you a safe and happy Diwali!

ఢిల్లీలో దీపావళి రోజున పటాకులు కాల్చితే ఆరు నెలల జైలు శిక్ష, రూ. 200 జరిమానా

 

ఢిల్లీలో దీపావళి రోజున పటాకులు కాల్చితే  ఆరు నెలల జైలు శిక్ష, రూ. 200 జరిమానా విధిస్తామని పర్యావరణ శాఖ మంత్రి గోపాల్ రాయ్ బుధవారం తెలిపారు. ఇక్కడ ఏర్పాటు చేసిన విలేకరుల సమావేశంలో ఆయన మాట్లాడుతూ రాజధానిలో పటాకుల తయారీ, నిల్వ, విక్రయాలకు పాల్పడితే పేలుడు పదార్థాల చట్టంలోని సెక్షన్ 9బి ప్రకారం రూ. 5 వేల వరకు జరిమానా, మూడేళ్ల జైలు శిక్ష విధిస్తామన్నారు.

సెప్టెంబరులో, దీపావళితో సహా జనవరి 1 వరకు అన్ని రకాల బాణసంచా తయారీ, అమ్మకం మరియు వినియోగంపై పూర్తి నిషేధాన్ని నగర ప్రభుత్వం తిరిగి విధించింది, ఇది గత రెండేళ్లుగా అనుసరిస్తున్న పద్ధతి. “దియే జలావో పతాఖే నహీ” అనే ప్రజా చైతన్య ప్రచారాన్ని అక్టోబర్ 21న ప్రారంభించనున్నట్లు రాయ్ తెలిపారు.

WHO Report - 50 crore people will develop heart disease, obesity, diabetes or other noncommunicable diseases by 2030

 WHO highlights high cost of physical inactivity in first-ever global report

Almost 500 million people will develop heart disease, obesity, diabetes or other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) attributable to physical inactivity, between 2020 and 2030, costing US$ 27 billion annually, if governments don’t take urgent action to encourage more physical activity among their populations. 

The Global status report on physical activity 2022, published today by the World Health Organization, measures the extent to which governments are implementing recommendations to increase physical activity across all ages and abilities.

Data from 194 countries show that overall, progress is slow and that countries need to accelerate the development and implementation of policies to increase levels of physical activity and thereby prevent disease and reduce burden on already overwhelmed health care systems.

• Less than 50% of countries have a national physical activity policy, of which less than 40% are operational
• Only 30% of countries have national physical activity guidelines for all age groups
• While nearly all countries report a system for monitoring physical activity in adults, 75% of countries monitor physical activity among adolescents, and less than 30% monitor physical activity in children under 5 years
• In policy areas that could encourage active and sustainable transport, only just over 40% of countries have road design standards that make walking and cycling safer.  

"We need more countries to scale up implementation of policies to support people to be more active through walking, cycling, sport, and other physical activity. The benefits are huge, not only for the physical and mental health of individuals, but also for societies, environments, and economies...” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, “We hope countries and partners will use this report to build more active, healthier, and fairer societies for all.”  

The economic burden of physical inactivity is significant and the cost of treating new cases of preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will reach nearly US$ 300 billion by 2030, around US$ 27 billion annually.

Whilst national policies to tackle NCDs and physical inactivity have increased in recent years, currently 28% of policies are reported to be not funded or implemented. Considered a “best buy” for motivating populations to combat NCDs, the report showed that only just over 50% of countries ran a national communications campaign, or organised mass participation physical activity events in the last two years. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only stalled these initiatives, but it also affected other policy implementation which has widened inequities in access to and, opportunities for, engaging in physical activity for many communities.

To help countries increase physical activity, WHO’s Global action plan on physical activity 2018-2030 (GAPPA) sets out 20 policy recommendations – including policies to create safer roads to encourage more active transport, provide more programmes and opportunities for physical activity in key settings, such as childcare, schools, primary health care and the workplace. Today’s Global Status report assesses country progress against those recommendations, and shows that much more needs to be done.  One critical finding in the Global status report on physical activity is the existence of significant gaps in global data to track progress on important policy actions – such as provision of public open space, provision of walking and cycling infrastructure, provision of sport and physical education in schools. The report also calls for weaknesses in some existing data to also be addressed.   

“We are missing globally approved indicators to measure access to parks, cycle lanes, foot paths – even though we know that data do exist in some countries. Consequently, we cannot report or track the global provision of infrastructure that will facilitate increases in physical activity, “said Fiona Bull, Head of WHO Physical Activity Unit.  “It can be a vicious circle, no indicator and no data leads to no tracking and no accountability, and then too often, to no policy and no investment. What gets measured gets done, and we have some way to go to comprehensively and robustly track national actions on physical activity.”

The report calls for countries to prioritize physical activity as key to improving health and tackling NCDs, integrate physical activity into all relevant policies, and develop tools, guidance and training to improve implementation.

“It is good for public health and makes economic sense to promote more physical activity for everyone,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director Department of Health Promotion, WHO. “We need to facilitate inclusive programmes for physical activity for all and ensure people have easier access to them.  This report issues a clear call to all countries for stronger and accelerated action by all relevant stakeholders working better together to achieve the global target of a 15% reduction in the prevalence of physical inactivity by 2030.”

Data for the report are drawn from the WHO Noncommunicable Disease Country Capacity Survey (2019 and 2022) and the WHO Global status report on road safety (2018).

The cost of inaction on physical inactivity to healthcare systems manuscript at Preprints with The Lancet (peer-reviewed version forthcoming in The Lancet Global Health)

Roger Binny is the new BCCI president

 The 91st Annual General Meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was held on October 18th, 2022, in Mumbai.

Pic Courtesy :Wiki

The key decisions made are as under:

1. The following members were elected as the new Office Bearers of the BCCI:
(a) President: Mr. Roger Binny
(b) Vice President: Mr. Rajeev Shukla
(c) Secretary: Mr. Jay Shah
(d) Joint Secretary: Mr. Devajit Saikia
(e) Treasurer:  Mr. Ashish Shelar

2. One representative of the General Body was elected in the Apex Council of the BCCI:
(a) Mr. MKJ Majumdar.
 
3. Two representatives in the Indian Premier League Governing Council were elected:
(a) Mr. Arun Singh Dhumal; and
(b) Mr. Avishek Dalmiya.
 
4. The audited accounts for FY 2021-22 were passed and adopted by the General Body.

5. The Annual Budget of FY 2022-23 was approved by the General Body.

6. The Senior Men’s Future Tour Programs for 2023-2027 and Senior Women’s Future Tour Programs for 2022-2025 were approved by the General Body.

7. The General Body approved to conduct the Women’s Indian Premier League.

8. The members of the General Body appreciated the efforts of the outgoing office bearers, IPL Governing Council Chairman and members, and Councillors for the work undertaken in their term.

Jobs for Translation, Data Entry, and DTP from Ministry of Skill Development - Govt of India

                                 National Instructional Media institute

An autonomous Institution

Ministry of Skill Development - Govt of India

Empanelment for Translation, Data entry, and DTP

Applications are invited from Reputed Firms for Translation, Data Entry, and DTP published in English into Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bengali, Odia

The Rates are as follows

1. Rs.500 per 1000 words for translation from English

2. Rs.110 for 1000 words towards Data Entry of the translated work

3. Rs.35 per page for DTP of translated work

4. Rs.65 per 1000 words for proofreading of translated work

The late date for application is 07-11-2022

For more details visit: www.nimi.gov.in

Jobs for LDC,Steno,Accountant & Director in NCHMCT

 National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) 

Applications are invited for filling up the following regular posts in the council on direct recruitment basis

S.No	Post	Vacancy
1.	Director (Academic )	1 (UR)
2.	Accountant	1 for differently-abled persons with hearing impairment
3.	Stenographer Grade D	1 (SC)
4.	LDC	1 (UR)

 

The last date for submission of the application is 14^th Nov 2022

For more details visit: www.nchm.gov.in

Notification for Recruitment of Temporary / Full-time Assistant professors / Guest Faculty / Assistant programmer

                                        Karnataka State Law University

Notification No.KSLU/DPAR/2022-23/1194 A   Date 13-10-2022

Notification for the appointment of Temporary / Full-time Assistant professors / Guest Faculty / Assistant programmer

S.No.	Subjects	No of vacancy
1	Law	07
Guest  Faculty
1.	Kannada	02
2.	Political Science	01
3.	Sociology	01
4.	Management	01

Qualification: As per UGC Guidelines

S.No.	Post	Vacancy
1	Assistant Programmer	01

 

Qualification: BCA / B.Tech Computer / B.E Computer / B.Sc. Computer

The last date for submission of the Application is 03-11-2022

For more details: www.kslu.karnataka.gov.in

Now 125 Crore residents of India have AADHAAR

New Delhi: NOW 125 CRORE RESIDENTS OF INDIA HAVE AADHAAR At the end of the year 2019, Aadhaar saturation across the country crosses 125 crores .The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) announced a new milestone achieved by the Aadhaar project – crossing of the 125-crore mark. This means that over 1.25 billion residents of India have the 12-digit unique identity. The achievement comes along with the rapidly increasing use of Aadhaar as the primary identity document by the Aadhaar holders. This is evident from the fact that Aadhaar-based authentication services have been used close to 37,000 crore times since inception. At present UIDAI receives about 3 crore authentication requests every day. Also, residents are more inclined on keeping their details in Aadhaar updated. UIDAI recorded close to 331 crore successful Aadhaar updates (biometric and demographic)  till date. At present UIDAI receives about 3-4 lakh Aadhaar updates request every day.

TSCAB announced Appointment to the 27 posts of ‘Manager (Scale-I)’ in Telangana State Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd., (TSCAB), Hyderabad

 

Tomorrow is the last date for submission of the application

PAY SCALE & EMOLUMENTS: The Scale of Pay for the post of Manager (Scale-I), at present is Rs.36000-1490/7-46430-1740/2- 49910-1990/7-63840 (17 stages) plus 5 Stagnation increments.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Nativity: Applicant should be a local candidate of the State of Telangana. The following will be the methodology adopted to define the local candidate of the Telangana State:

Definition of the local candidate of Telangana State (a) ‘Local Area’ (Local candidate of State of Telangana) in tune with the spirit of Presidential Order 1975: The ten (erstwhile) Telangana districts, viz., Adilabad, Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Karimnagar, Khammam, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad and Warangal, shall be regarded as ‘Local Area’ of Telangana State. (b) Local Candidate –

‘Local Area’: 1) A candidate for direct recruitment, shall be regarded as local candidate in relation to the ‘Local Area’ on the following conditions: i. If he/she has studied in an educational institution(s) in ‘Local Area’ above, for a period of not less than four consecutive academic years ending with the academic year in which he/she appeared or, as the case may be, first appeared for SSC or equivalent examination; or ii. Where during the whole or any part of the four consecutive academic years ending with the academic year in which he/she appeared or as the case may be, first appeared for the SSC or equivalent examination he/she has not studied in any educational institution(s), if he/she has resided in the ‘Local Area’ above for a period of not less than four years immediately preceding the date of commencement of the SSC 

For more details visit https://tscab.org/apex-bank/

833 AE posts announced by TSPSC-21st Oct is the last date to apply

 TELANGANA STATE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION: HYDERABAD

NOTIFICATION NO. 16/2022, DATED: 12/09/2022

ASSISTANT ENGINEER, MUNICIPAL ASSISTANT ENGINEER, TECHNICAL OFFICER AND JUNIOR TECHNICAL OFFICER IN VARIOUS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS (GENERAL RECRUITMENT)

 PARA – I: 1) Applications are invited Online from qualified applicants through the proforma Application to be made available on Commission’s website (https://www.tspsc.gov.in) to the posts of Assistant Engineer, Municipal Assistant Engineer, Technical Officer and Junior Technical Officer in various Engineering Departments in the State of Telangana

i)                 Submission of ONLINE applications starts from Dt. 28/09/2022. ii) Last date and time for submission of ONLINE applications is up to 5.00 PM on Dt. 21/10/2022. The payment of Fee will be accepted upto 5:00 P.M of last date

HOW TO APPLY: HOW TO SUBMIT THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM: (i) The Applicant has to read the User Guide (https://www.tspsc.gov.in) for Online Submission of Applications and then proceed further. Step I: Before applying, the Applicant has to visit the website (https://www.tspsc.gov.in)

హైదరాబాద్ హవుస్, సంవత్సర కాలంలోనే పంజాగుట్టలో తమ రెండవ అవుట్ లెట్ ను ప్రారంభించడం ద్వారా అభివృద్ది దిశగా పయనం

1975 లో తన ప్రయాణాన్ని ప్రారంభించిన హైదరాబాద్ హవుస్ రెస్టారెంట్ బ్రాండ్ ను అత్యున్నత శ్రేణి, నాణ్యత కు చెందిన ముడి పదార్థముల వినియోగంతో పాటూ చారిత్రాత్మకమైన డెక్కనీ రుచులకు నమ్మకమైన పేరుగా భావించబడడమే కాకుండా అత్యంత నాణ్యతతో కూడిన పరిశుభ్రతకు పెట్టింది పేరుగా హైదరాబాదీయులు నమ్ముతారు.  తమ మొదటి అవుట్ లెట్ ప్రారంభించిన ఏడాది లోగా పంజాగుట్టలో రెండవ అవుట్ లెట్ ను హైదరాబాదు హవుస్ రెస్టారెంట్ ఛైన్ నేడు ప్రారంభించింది.

ఈ నూతన పంజాగుట్ట అవుట్ లెట్ ను శ్రీ దానం నాగేందర్, శాసనసభ్యులు, ఖైరతాబాద్ శాసనసభా నియోజకవర్గం, తెలంగాణా వారు ప్రారంభించారు.  లాంఛనంగా రెస్టారెంట్ ను ప్రారంభించిన అనంతరం ముఖ్య అతిథితో పాటూ ఇతర విశిష్ట అతిథులకు రెస్టారెంట్ ను నిర్వాహకులు పూర్తిగా చూపిస్తూ సదుపాయాల గురించి తెలియజేశారు.  అనంతరం ఆహూతులకు రెస్టారెంట్ లో లభించే ఆహారాన్ని రుచి చూపించడం జరిగింది.

ఈ సందర్భంగా శ్రీ దానం నాగేందర్ మాట్లాడుతూ హైదరాబాదు లాంటి పెద్ద నగరాలలో ఉండే రెస్టారెంట్ లలో పరిశుభ్రమైన ఆహారం మరియు శుభ్రమైన పరిసరాలు ఉండే చూడడం ఎంతో ఆవశ్యకత అని అన్నారు.   వీటిని పాటించడంలో హైదరాబాద్ హవుస్ చేస్తున్న కృషిని ప్రత్యేకంగా ప్రశంసించారు.  నూతన అవుట్ లెట్ ను ప్రారంభించిన రెస్టారెంట్ యాజమాన్యం, నిర్వాహకులకు శుభాకాంక్షలు తెలియజేస్తూ రెండవ అవుట్ లెట్ ప్రారంభించడంతో పాటూ నగరంలోని ఇతర ప్రదేశాలలో కూడా నూతన అవుట్ లెట్ లను ప్రారంభించడానికి సన్నాహాలు చేస్తున్న హైదరాబాదు హవుస్ పురోగతిని అభినందించారు.  

అనంతరం హైదరాబాదు హవుస్ స్థాపించడం వెనుక ఉన్న ప్రధాన ఉద్దేశ్యాలను వివరిస్తూ రెస్టారెంట్ ప్రారంభించాలన్న ఐడియా వెనుక దశాబ్దాల కృషి దాగి ఉందన్నారు.  హైదరాబాదు నగరంలోనే పెద్ద కాటరింగ్ కాంట్రాక్టర్ గా అందరి మన్ననలను అందుకొని పేరు గడించిన తన తండ్రి మీర్ మజారుద్దీన్ ద్వారా హైదరాబాద్ హవుస్ రెస్టారెంట్ బ్రాండ్ స్థాపించడం జరిగిందని వివరించారు.  కేటరింగ్ వ్యాపారంలో ఎంతో పేరు గడించిన తర్వాత డెక్కనీ వంటకాలను రుచి చూపించాలని ఎందరో ఆయనను కోరే వారని అయితే చిన్న చిన్న పరిణామాలలో వీటిని వండి అందించడం సాధ్యపడదని భావించిన ఆయన హైదరాబాద్ హవుస్ ను ముందుగా టేక్ అవే (ఆర్డర్ ఇచ్చి ఇంటికి తీసుకొని వెళ్లడం) అనే ఫార్మట్ లో ప్రారంభించారని తెలిపారు.  తదనంతరం అదే రెస్టారెంట్ చెయిన్ గా రూపొందిందని వివరించారు.

ఈ ప్రారంభోత్సవ కార్యక్రమంలో శ్రీ దానం నాగేందర్ తో పాటూ మిస్టర్ బి మహమ్మద్ ఆరిఫ్, పార్టనర్, పంజాగుట్ట హైదరాబాద్ హవుస్ మరియు మిస్టర్ మీర్ మజారుద్దీన్, వ్యవస్థాపకులు, హైదరాబాద్ హవుస్ - మిస్టర్ మీర్ జుబైర్ అహమ్మద్, డెరెక్టర్, హైదరాబాద్ హవుస్ - శ్రీ ఆదిత్య రావు లింగాల, డెరెక్టర్, బిజినెస్ డెవలెప్మెంట్ మరియు మార్కెటింగ్, హైదరాబాద్ హవుస్ – శ్రీ కౌశిక్ చుండి, జనరల్ మేనేజర్, ఆపరేషన్స్, హైదరాబాదు హవుస్ తో పాటూ పలువురు శ్రేయోభిలాషులు, ఆహార ప్రేమికులు పాల్గొన్నారు.

VINCOV-19, an antidote, and a cure against COVID-19, successfully completes Phase 2 Clinical Trials

VINCOV-19, developed by VINS Bioproducts in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH), is the first antidote against COVID-19 and has successfully completed Phase 2 Clinical Trials across multiple centres in India.  

Hyderabad: VINS Bioproducts Limited, a leading immunological company, based in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH), announced the successful completion of Phase 2 Clinical Trials of VINCOV-19, India’s first antidote and a cure against SARS-CoV-2 virus. VINCOV-19 is now ready for market authorization and for simultaneous Phase 3 Clinical Trials.

Phase 2 Clinical Trials were conducted across multiple centres in India and included over 200 patients. The Phase 2 Clinical Trials also included testing the antidote against the Omicron variant to ensure maximum coverage against the virus and its known mutations. 

Phase 2 Clinical Trials were completed successfully in September 2022. In this phase, VINCOV-19 was administered to patients with moderate severity of COVID-19. One group of patients was given VINCOV-19, along with Standard of Care (SoC), and another group was given Standard of Care (SoC) only. VINCOV-19 showed excellent safety profile in the Phase 2 Trials. There was a good and early improvement in the clinical condition of the patients administered VINCOV-19.

VINCOV-19 contains Equine polyclonal antibodies (EpAbs) against the COVID-19 virus. VINCOV-19 comprises highly purified F(ab’)2 antibody fragments that have a high neutralizing capacity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since neutralizing antibodies could block the internalization of SARS-CoV-2 to lung cells, it was postulated that their passive administration should render maximal clinical benefits if they are applied at the early stages of the disease.

Dr. Vinay K. Nandicoori, Director, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, while speaking on the successful completion of the Phase 2 Clinical Trials said, “We are very proud of the highly successful collaboration between VINS, CCMB, and UOH. These therapeutic antibodies are the first in India and among the few around the globe. It is essential to have multiple options, including therapeutic antibodies, especially for severe clinical cases of COVID. It is a major step for the future targeted collaborations between academia and industry”.

Prof. B J Rao, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad also congratulated the team members for their efforts in successfully completing Phase 2 trials for VINCOV-19. He expressed happiness at this academia and industry collaboration with complimenting technical and infrastructural strengths available in the three partnering organisations yielding fruitful results in less than a year.

Team led by Dr. Krishnan H Harshan at CCMB isolated SARS-CoV-2 in April 2020, which led to this successful collaboration. His group led the studies pertaining to the characterization of the virus, antigen, and viral neutralization assays. He said, “We are happy that we overcame all the uncertainties pertaining to the development of this product and are excited to see its success in clinical trials”.

The UoH team is headed by Dr. Nooruddin Khan, an Associate Professor at the Department of Animal Biology, School of Life sciences, University of Hyderabad. Dr. Khan specializes in the area of immunology and Vaccinology. His expertise in immunological studies helped in the success of VINCOV19 in Clinical trials. Dr. Khan said that the VINCOV19 is an outcome of outstanding academia-industry collaboration that reflects our strength in fighting pandemic.

Speaking on the successful completion of the Phase 2 Clinical Trials of VINCOV19, Siddharth Daga, Chief Executive Officer, VINS Bioproducts Limited said, “Phase 2 Clinical Trials of VINCOV-19 have been very successful. VINCOV-19 has been shown to be safe and ensures the speedy recovery of patients suffering from COVID-19. The development of VINCOV19 by VINS Bio is an affirmation of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the collaboration between the three partners is a step in the right direction. We would urge the authorities to allow us market authorization so that we can strengthen our fight against COVID-19.”

The development of VINCOV-19 is through a collaborative effort between the  Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) that helped develop the viral antigen; the University of Hyderabad (UoH) that helped with product characterization; and VINS Bioproducts Limited that managed the equine immunization and clinical development in their state-of-art manufacturing plant in Telangana. 

PM lays foundation stone of Bulk Drug Park in Una, Himachal Pradesh

 

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Bulk Drug Park and dedicated the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Una to the nation, today. Earlier today, the Prime Minister flagged off the inaugural run of the new Vande Bharat Express from Amb Andaura, Una to New Delhi.

The Prime Minister started his address by paying tribute to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Gurus of Sikhism and Maa Chintpoorni and expressed happiness on presenting gifts for Himachal Pradesh before Dhanteras and Diwali. Recalling his association with Himachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister remarked on its natural beauty and said that he had been fortunate enough to bow his head before Maa Chintpoorni.

The Prime Minister highlighted that it is a huge day for industrialization and mentioned the key focus of his visit to the state as connectivity and education. “Today work is beginning on the second bulk drug park of the country at Una here. Various projects have been inaugurated or their foundation stones have been laid in Himachal Pradesh today. These will greatly benefit the people”, he added. The Prime Minister pointed out that Himachal has been chosen as one of the states to get a bulk drug park. “Being chosen as one of the only three states for a bulk drug park is a momentous decision for the state and is a result of our affection and dedication for the state”, he said. Similarly, the decision to bring Vande Bharat to Himachal Pradesh also shows the priority that the government accords to the state. He pointed out that earlier generations from the state had not even seen a train, and today, Himachal has one of the most advanced trains running from here. He expressed satisfaction with how the double-engine government is working for the progress of the people.

The Prime Minister remarked that earlier governments at Himachal Pradesh and Centre paid no attention to the needs and aspirations of the citizens of Himachal Pradesh. “It was our mothers and sisters who have suffered the most because of such a situation”, he added. The Prime Minister interjected that time has changed for the better now and the present government is not only working to fulfil the needs of the people but also aiming to realise their hopes and aspirations with utmost dedication and force. “We are not only filling the gulf of development left by the previous governments but also building strong pillars of foundation for the state”, he added.

The Prime Minister pointed out that as early as last century many countries, and even some states like Gujarat managed to provide to its citizens basic amenities like toilets, rural roads, and modern healthcare. “In India, However, the earlier government made even these basic care difficult for the common people.  Hilly areas were the worst hit by this. I felt this from close quarters while living here”, he said. “New India is overcoming challenges of the past and growing rapidly. Amenities that should have reached the people in the last century are being made available now. We will get the amenities of the 20th century and will connect Himachal Pradesh with the modern facilities of the 21st century”, he added. He said rural roads are being constructed at double the speed and broadband connectivity is being taken to Gram Panchayats. “Our government is fulfilling the aspirations of 21st century India.”

The Prime Minister informed that Himachal Pradesh has played a crucial role in making India the number one medicine manufacturer in the world and its possibilities are only going to increase. “The entire world has witnessed the strength of the medicines manufactured in Himachal Pradesh”, Shri Modi added. He further pointed out that now that raw materials for medicine manufacturing will be produced in Himachal Pradesh, India’s dependency on the other nations is going to decrease significantly.  The Prime Minister highlighted that the government is providing free treatment expenses up to five lakh rupees for the poor and needy through Jan Aushadhhi Kendra under the aegis of Ayushman Bharat Scheme. “Bulk Drug Park will give further strength to the government’s campaign to provide quality and affordable medical care to people”, he pointed out. He said “Be it agriculture or industry, it is connectivity that provides impetus to the pace of development”, Shri Modi said. He gave the example of Nangal Dam-Talwara railway line which was approved 40 years ago and no progress was seen on the ground for 40 years till the current government took it up in right earnest. Double-engine government is committed to improving railway connectivity across Himachal Pradesh. Today, when the country is connected with Made in India Vande Bharat trains, Himachal is becoming one of the leading states in the country, he said.

The Prime Minister underlined the new working style of delivering on promises and delivering before time. He said “unlike earlier times when Himachal was valued less on its strength and more on the basis of the number of its Parliamentary seats, long pending demand for educational institutes in the state is being tackled with urgency. Himachal had to wait for the Double Engine government to get IIT, IIIT IIM, and AIIMS. Education sector-related initiatives in Himachal Pradesh will immensely benefit the students. Students will get more relief from the permanent building of IIIT in Una, he said. The Prime Minister who had laid the foundation stone of the IIIT building is today dedicating the building to further underline the changing work culture. He complimented the people involved in the project for completing it on time despite the challenge of the pandemic.

Pointing out the need for skill and innovation institutions across the country, the Prime Minister said that it is our biggest priority today to hone the skills and potential of the youth. He also noted the contribution of the youth of Himachal by serving in the army and creating new dimensions in the security of the country. “Now different types of skills will help them to take them to higher positions in the army as well”, he added.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said that when the dreams and resolutions are prodigious, then the efforts are put in equally. Shri Modi said that such effort is visible everywhere in the double-engine government model. And that this will create a new history, and emerge with a new custom. “I believe that the golden period of Himachal’s development is about to begin in the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. This golden period will take Himachal to that height of development for which you all have waited for decades”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, and BJP State President, Shri Suresh Kashyap were those present on the occasion among others.

Help to Afghanistan - Till date, India supplied 45 tons of medical assistance and 40,000 MTs of wheat

 India delivers the 13th batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan

New Delhi :

Courtesy :File Pic :Republic world

In continuation with our special relationship with the people of Afghanistan and in view of the urgent appeals made by the United Nations to assist the Afghan people, India has supplied the thirteenth batch of medical assistance consisting of essential medicines and medical/surgical items like Pediatric Stethoscope, Sphygmomanometer mobile type with pediatric BP cuff, infusion pump, drip chamber set, electro cautery, nylon sutures etc. The same were handed over to authorities of the Indira Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul.

2. Till date, India has supplied almost 45 tons of medical assistance, which included essential life saving medicines, anti-TB medicines, 500,000 doses of COVID vaccine, medical/surgical itemsetc. In addition, India has also supplied 40,000 MTs of wheat for the Afghan people.

PM to dedicate 75 Digital Banking Units across 75 districts to the Nation on 16th October

DBUs will provide enhanced digital experience of banking products and services all round the year

New Delhi

In yet another measure to deepen financial inclusion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will dedicate 75 Digital Banking Units (DBUs) to the nation on 16th October at 11 AM via video conferencing.  He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

As part of the Union budget speech for 2022-23, the Finance Minister had announced the setting up of the 75 DBUs in 75 districts of the country to commemorate the 75 years of independence of our country. The DBUs are being set up with an objective to ensure benefits of digital banking reach every nook and corner of the country and will cover all the States and Union territories. 11 Public Sector Banks, 12 Private Sector Banks and one Small Finance Bank are participating in the endeavour.

DBUs will be brick and mortar outlets which will provide a variety of digital banking facilities to people such as opening of savings account, balance-check, print passbook, transfer of funds, investment in fixed deposits, loan applications, stop-payment instructions for cheques issued, apply for credit / debit cards, view statement of account, pay taxes, pay bills, make nominations, etc. 

DBUs will enable customers to have cost effective, convenient access and enhanced digital experience of banking products and services all round the year. They will spread Digital Financial Literacy and special emphasis will be given to customer education on cyber security awareness and safeguards. Also, there shall be adequate digital mechanisms to offer real time assistance and redress customer grievances arising from business and services offered by the DBUs directly or through Business Facilitators/ Correspondents.

DefExpo2022 - DRDO to display 430 strategic & tactical weapon systems, defence equipment & technologies

 

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will display  a wide range of 430 products encompassing the strategic and tactical weapon systems, defence equipment and technologies developed in DefExpo 2022 being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18 – 22, 2022.  The major theme for this year’s DRDO participation is based on 3D (DRDO, Designed and Developed) ecosphere which will highlight its strong linkages with both Industry as well as Academia.

Further, it will showcase the advancements in technologies made by its laboratories as well as its partnerships with the industry, in recent years while representing a high level of indigenousness in advanced and futuristic defence products & technologies that contribute towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence.

DefExpo2022, a premier biennial event of the Ministry of Defence, is being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18 – 22, 2022. The 12th edition of Asia’s largest defence event will be highlighting the theme ‘Path to Pride’ aligned with ‘India at 75’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, encouraging the industry as well as the citizens to join in and contribute towards nation building. It aims to further the narrative of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. The overall event will showcase a range of indigenously designed, developed, prototyped, and produced Land, Naval, Aero and Homeland Security systems and technologies.

In addition, DRDO will showcase several initiatives to deepen its strategic partnerships with Industry, and Academia. These will include initiatives such as Technology Development Fund, Dare to Dream, DIA- Centres of Excellence and other similar schemes to support academia, Start-ups, MSMEs and large industries to continuously upgrade technology readiness levels of present and futuristic technologies in the country. All these DRDO led initiatives have led to operational readiness of many Indian industries, especially in the areas of systems, radars, sonars, missiles, aircrafts, etc. some of which will be displayed at the DRDO Pavilion, DefExpo22.

At DefExp2022, DRDO will provide numerous static displays, live demonstrations, seminars as well as immersive experience zones spread across three locations including the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Helipad Exhibition Centre, and Sabarmati River Front.

The venue for DRDO Pavilion is Hall no. 10 of Helipad Exhibition Centre. It will be segmented in 17 display zones of various classes including Immersive Zones and Experience Zones to showcase 376 products. These 17 zones are namely Engines & Propulsion, Aerospace & Aeronautics (UAVs, fighter aircrafts, aircraft for surveillance etc.), Sensors, Devices & Advanced Electronics, Naval Weapons & Systems (EW systems and Sensors), Armoured Vehicles & Land Systems, Armament, Guns & Ammunition, Materials, Missiles (Cruise, MBRLs, AAM, ATGM & MRSAM), BrahMos, Industry Partners in R&D (17 Partners-3 Start-ups &14 MSMEs), Soldier Support and Dual Use Technologies (Soldier support, LS products, Fire protection, Firefighting, Fuel & Energy, Food products etc.), Experience Zone (Simulator, Virtual Reality and Audio-Visual),  Software AI & Cyber, Academic Zone, Academic Outreach, Industry Outreach and Public Interface.

This year, several technologies developed for land based, naval and air-based systems will be showcased through experience zones – a closed room immersive cinematic experience. In a first, Advanced Combat Aircraft (AMCA) simulator will also be made available to experience, among other augmented and virtual reality Naval, Land and Air product simulators. A holographic deck providing a 3D experience of over 30 defence products will be present at the hall to gain insights into the intricacies of weapon designs.

Over a sprawling 1200 sq. mtr. outdoor display, 18 Outdoor static exhibits (actual products) will be also put on display at the Helipad Exhibition Centre. These include Border Surveillance System (BOSS), Laser Fence System(LFS), IRDE Tableau, BrahMos Air Version Missile, Mobile Autonomous Launcher(MAL) for BrahMos, CBRN Water Purification System, Infantry Combat Vehicle with Composite Hull (CICV), Advanced Composites Modular Bridge System(ACMBS), 155mmX52 Cal Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), CBRN Water Purification System, CBRN Recce Vehicles, 70 T Tank Transporter, Wheeled Armoured Platform(WhAP), Prahar Missile, Rudram III Missile, Quick reaction Surface to Air Missile(QRSAM), Medium Range Surface to Air Missile(MRSAM), Mounted Gun System(MSG), Unmanned Ground Mobile Platform(UGMP).

DRDO will present Live Demo as well as Static Display of equipment at the Sabarmati River Front. 5 Live demo of DRDO equipment will be put on display namely – Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS) with Electro Optic System (EOS), Imaging Sonar ‘CHITR’, Autonomous Survey Vehicle – Inland, Autonomous Survey Vehicle -Coastal (ASV- Coastal) and Weapon Mounted Surface Vehicle. Whereas 6 static displays of DRDO equipment presented will be AIR Independent Propulsion System, Virtual Reality based counter measure deployment simulator, TAL Torpedo, Portable Diver Detection Sonar, Wet End Unit, Counter Drone System for IN – D4 Radar, Soft Kill System and Hard Kill System, and Passive IRSS Device.

And finally, India Pavilion in the Helipad Exhibition Centre will be displaying a combined strength of DRDO along with public and private sectors. DRDO will put its 22 products on static display. These high-value products will be displayed in the form of actual products and will include – VIBHAV- Anti Tank Point Attack Munition, VISHAL- Anti Tank Bar Mine, PRACHAND- Anti Tank, 9 x 19 mm Machine Pistol- ASMI, Mine Field marking Equipment Mk II, Light Tank, Daksh Defuser, MBT Arjun Mk-1A,  Light Machine Gun, Pralay, QRSAM, Carbine- 5.56x 45 mm, AIP System- Air Independent Propulsion, TAPAS, ASTRA Mk-I, LCA Mk2 amongst others.

A seminar conducted by DRDO on the theme ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence R&D: Synergistic Approach’ will be held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in the forenoon session on 20 October 2022. This will be chaired by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri. Winners of Dare to Dream 3 will be awarded by Hon’ble RM. DRDO will exchange MOU with six IITs and Bharathihar University for establishing new DIA-CoEs in presence of Hon’ble RM. Dare to Dream 4 contest will also be declared open by Hon’ble RM. Hon’ble RRM will release a few monographs and policies.

Over the span of the exhibition, the participants and attendees will witness a string of major events, seminars, and discussions. Among these is one such event – Bandhan –designed to handover licenses of DRDO developed technologies to the industries. DefExpo2022 will see 15 LAToTs and 10 technologies to 12 industries in its Bandhan event.

The exhibition will also host the 2nd edition of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD), with invites extended to 53 African countries. A separate Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave with participation of approximately 40 countries is also on the anvil. Intensive interactions and ideation at seminars, planned at DefExpo2022 with eminent panellists from Government, Industry, Industry associations, States, Academia, Think-tanks etc., will also provide important learnings/takeaways/action points for further growth of this sector.