General Awareness

GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION - January 2019

Jan 2019

Apr 17, 2020

SCTIMST develops GeneLAMP-N Makes Confirmatory Tests Results Of COVID-19 Possible In 2 Hours

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, has developed a diagnostic test kit that can confirm COVID-19 in 2 hours at a low cost. The method is expected to be the world's first few methods.
The confirmatory diagnostic test detects the N Gene of SARS-COV2 virus using reverse transcriptase loop-mediated amplification of viral nucleic acid (RT-LAMP).
The test kit is funded by the DST called Chitra GeneLAMP-N.
The kit is highly specific for SARS-CoV-2 N-gene and can detect two regions of the gene. It will ensure that the test does not fail even if one region of the viral gene undergoes mutation during its current spread.

IMF To Double Its Emergency Financial Assistance To Countries Combating COVID-19 Pandemic

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) proposed to release its full $1 trillion lending capacity to support countries that battle the COVID-19 outbreak. The IMF described the COVID-19 pandemic as a crisis like no other crisis ever. The announcement was made by the IMF head Kristalina Georgieva.
In the first-ever virtual annual spring meeting of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington, the IMF announced its plans to double emergency financial assistance. The IMF Board has already approved debt relief for 25 of its poorest members due to the COVID-19 crisis. The G20 Finance ministers showed unanimous support for the Fund to raise more capacity for concessional funding for poor countries.

DRDOs PPE Testing Facility Shifted From DRDE Gwalior to INMAS Delhi

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) shifted its testing facility from Defence Research Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior to Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), New Delhi. The move is to overcome the time delays and to speed up delivery of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and masks.
The DRDE, Gwalior has stood at the forefront in fighting COVID-19. It has now been tasked to do the testing of masks only received by HLL Lifecare Limited from foreign countries before it is distributed to various agencies.

CCMB To Develop Inactivated Virus Vaccine For Novel Coronavirus

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is currently developing an inactivated virus vaccine for COVID-19. These inactivated vaccines are known for their safety and easy production.
Generally, the active virus is cultured in large numbers. They are then killed either by a chemical or heat. Although the pathogen is killed or made to lose its reproduction capacity, various parts of the virus, like the spike protein with which it enters the cells, remains intact.

Apr 16, 2020

IIT Guwahati Researchers Develop Affordable Antimicrobial Spray-Based Coating For PPE

A team of researchers of IIT Guwahati has developed affordable antimicrobial (antiviral/antibacterial) spray-based coating for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 3D printed Ear Guard for comfortable use of face masks by healthcare workers.
The Institute has been working to fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The concepts have been developed by Dr. Biman B. Mandal, Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, along with his PhD scholars, Bibhas K. Bhunia and Ashutosh Bandyopadhyay.

'Bat Coronavirus' Strain Found In Two Species Of Bats In India: ICMR-NIV Study

In a first, researchers in the country have found pathogenic coronaviruses in two species of Indian bats. A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), found strains of coronaviruses, different from the novel coronavirus, in two bat species – the Indian Flying Fox and Rousettus (old world fruit bats).
The study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, states that there is no evidence to suggest that the bat coronaviruses can be transmitted to humans.

Apr 15, 2020

ICMR Issues Guidance On Use Of Truenat Beta CoV test for COVID-19

Indian Council of Medical Research, ICMR has issued guidance on the use of Truenat beta CoV test which has been validated by the research body for undertaking a screening test for COVID-19. ICMR has advised all the states which intends to initiate Truenat beta CoV test that the proposed sites of Truelab Workstation do not require approval of ICMR.
The states can appoint a core team of experts for assessing facilities with the Truelab Workstation for feasibility of initiating COVID-19 testing in the existing setup. It has also been advised that based on the evaluation of the core team, the designated officer of each state can accord approval for testing and the procurement of the cartridges for existing machines and other logistics should be done through the Central TB Division.

DRDO Develops Kiosk For Covid-19 Sample Collection

The Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad has added another product to the portfolio of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to combat the coronavirus by developing the 'COVID-19 Sample Collection Kiosk' (COVSACK).
The unit has been developed by the DRDL in consultation with the doctors of Employees' State Insurance Corporation, Hyderabad.

CBSE Launches Free Live Fitness Classes

PM Narendra Modi extended the Covid-19 lockdown to May 3, 2020 in India and students are now ready for another long wait before schools have any chance of re-opening. This calls for paying attention to the fitness of students who are stuck at home.
And CBSE has noted the problem and come up with free live fitness classes for its students available on social media channels with the aim of helping students "cultivate a sustainable and active lifestyle right from their younger days."
Keeping this in mind, CBSE and the Fit India Mission have collaborated to provide live sessions by experts covering a range of topics for holistic well-being of school going children, which will include simple actionable tips around Basic Exercises, Nutrition, Yoga & Meditation, boosting immunity etc.
These CBSE fitness classes will be available to everyone LIVE on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram daily at 9:30 am starting from April 15, 2020.

Former Pakistani Cricketer Develops Symptoms Of Coronavirus, Passes Away At 50

Former Pakistani first-class cricketer Zafar Sarfraz became the first professional player in the country to die after contracting the novel coronavirus, his family confirmed. The 50-year-old first fell ill earlier this month and was put on a ventilator at a hospital in Peshawar after his condition deteriorated. Later he died.
Sarfraz, a middle-order batsman, played 15 first-class games in Peshawar and retired in 1994.
Pakistan has recorded more than 5,000 coronavirus cases to date and nearly 100 deaths.

OFB to manufacture 1.10 lakh ISO Class 3 coveralls to fight COVID-19

The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has started supply of coveralls conforming to ISO Class 3 exposure standards in the fight against COVID-19 and manufacture of an initial order of 1.10 lakh from HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL) will be completed in 40 days.
The factories board has also developed special two-meter tents that can be used for a medical emergency, screening, hospital triage, and quarantine purposes. These are made up of waterproof fabric, mild steel, and aluminium alloy and their supplies have already started.

Uttar Pradesh To Start Pool Testing For Covid-19 To Expedite Process

Uttar Pradesh has obtained clearance from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) to start "pool testing" becoming the first in the country to attempt this method which aims at expediting the testing process for Covid-19.
Pool testing of a collection of samples is done using a single RTPCR ( Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) and has been used during large outbreaks and invisible community transmission.
Researchers from Israel have demonstrated that testing combined samples from up to 64 people for Covid-19 fastened the screening process and also brought down cost. Maharashtra is another state that has sought permission from ICMR to be allowed to use this testing method in the state.

ICMR May Use Remdesivir If Local Companies Can Manufacture It

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said it will consider using remdesivir, an experimental drug made by Gilead Sciences, to treat Indian Covid-19 patients if domestic companies can manufacture it.
Remdesivir was used during the Ebola outbreak. A study sponsored by Gilead showed that clinical improvement was observed in 36 of 53 patients (68%) hospitalised for severe Covid-19.

NIOS of HRD Ministry Initiates A Unique Method To Ensure Effective Schooling

In wake of COVID-19, innovations by NIOS in telecast of Live sessions through Skype in association with KVS, NVS and CBSE & NCERT through Swayam Prabha DTH Channels SWAYAM PRABHA is an effective tool of learning for those who do not have internet access at their home-Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank Students facilitated for preparation for JEE/NEET exams while sitting at home through this initiative
The HRD Ministry has taken several prompt, new and unique initiatives to ensure that the education of learners should not get affected by the challenging situation arising out of Covid 19.

Apr 14, 2020

SC Says Only Persons Covered Under Ayushman Yojana Can Be Tested For Free In Pvt Labs

The Supreme Court modified its April 8, 2020 order which asked private labs to conduct free Covid-19 tests and said the benefit will be available only to "economically weaker sections" who are covered under a government scheme such as the Ayushman Bharat.
The top court said it never intended to make testing free for those who can afford to pay.
It had on April 8 directed that private labs, which were allowed to charge Rs 4,500 for Covid-19 tests, would not charge for the tests observing that they need to be philanthropic in the hour of national crisis.

India's First Remote Health Monitoring System Set Up In Rishikesh

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh along with BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited) has set up India's first remote health monitoring system. The system is to be widely used in the state of Uttarakhand to monitor COVID-19 patients.
The remote health monitoring system allows the doctors at AIIMS to monitor body temperature and oxygen of patients remotely.
A website and mobile application were also built as a part of the system. The patients can use these resources and inform doctors about their illness sitting at home.

Apr 13, 2020

KVIC developed Double Layered Khadi Masks

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has developed a double-layered Khadi mask to contain the spread of COVID-19. It has procured orders for supplying it in large quantities.
KVIC masks:
♦ The masks prepared by KVIC will help to retain 70% of the moisture content inside and provide an easy passage for the air to pass through. It also proves to be the best easily available, pocket-friendly alternative Face Masks.
♦ The masks are made of hand-spun hand woven khadi fabric which is breathable, can easily be reused, washable and biodegradable.
♦ These masks are prepared from DT fabric and these masks can meet the quality and scale of demand while precisely matching medical guidelines.
♦ The cotton reusable mask will be of 7 inches length and 9 inches breadth with three pleats, four strips at the corner for tying.

NIPER-Guwahati Designs Innovative 3D Products To Fight COVID-19

Researchers at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research - Guwahati (NIPER-G) have come out with two products that promise to be of great help in the fight against the current pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 infection in the world.
The first product is a 3D-printed hands-free object that could be used to help open or close doors, windows, drawers (both vertical and horizontal), and refrigerator handle, or press elevator buttons, and laptop/desktop keyboards, including turning the switch buttons on/off.

IIT Bombay Develops 'Smart Stethoscope' Which Can Hear Heartbeats From A Distance A team at the I...

A team at the Indian Institute of Technology of Bombay (IIT-B) has developed a "digital stethoscope" that can listen to heart beats from a distance and record them, minimising the risk of healthcare professionals contracting the novel coronavirus from patients. This can help doctors and medical professionals practice social distancing with ease and prevent them from making excess contact with an infected individual.
The data or the auscultated sound from a patient's chest is wirelessly sent to the doctor using Bluetooth, doing away with the need to go near to take readings, according to members of the team.

SCTIMST Ties Up With Wipro 3D To Make Automated Ventilators

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, an institute of National Importance of the Department of Science and Technology, has joined hands with Wipro 3D to build a prototype of an emergency ventilator system.
The ventilator system is going to be based on an artificial manual breathing unit (AMBU), developed by the institute.

Apple and Google Team Up In Bid To Use Smartphones To Track Coronavirus Spread

Apple and Google announced on Friday an unprecedented collaboration to leverage smartphone technology to help trace and contain the spread of coronavirus.
The collaboration will open up their mobile operating systems to allow for the creation of advanced "contact-tracing" apps, which will run on iPhones and Android phones alike.

Indian Immunologicals Limited Partners With Griffith University

As part of the agreement, scientists from Indian Immunologicals and Griffith University will develop a 'Live Attenuated SARS – CoV-2 vaccine'
Vaccine maker Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), is going to commence research for developing a vaccine for Corona Virus (COVID-19).
The Hyderabad based IIL joined hands with Griffith University, Australia by entering into an agreement for research collaboration to conduct exploratory research to develop a lead vaccine candidate for Coronavirus.

DST Funded Startup Develops Kits For Testing Asymptomatic Covid-19 Infections & Gears Up For Vacc...

Seagull BioSolutions, a startup working on new biological technologies, is being funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), to undertake the development of Active Virosome (AV)-Vaccine and Immunodiagnostic kits for COVID-19 emergency.
Active Virosome Technology (AVT) developed by Seagull Bio is useful for the production of vaccines & immunotherapeutic agents. The AVT platform is useful for producing novel, non-hazardous & economical Active Virosome agents expressing desired antigens from the target pathogen. These will be used to develop a novel vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 infection and also immunodiagnostic ELISA kits for COVID-19.

IIT Roorkee Develops Low-Cost Portable Ventilator 'Prana-Vayu' To Save Lives Amid COVID-19 Crisis

In a bid to fight the shortage of medical equipment caused due to the novel coronavirus crisis, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Roorkee has developed a low-cost portable ventilator that would help save lives of the infected patients.
The indigenous ventilator has been named Prana-Vayu and has been developed in collaboration with All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Rishikesh.

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