One more Vaccine gets DCGI nod for trials

Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Delhi government and Delhi police to ensure that the number of Afghan nationals protesting the outside of the office of United Nations of High Commissioner on refugees in Vasant Vihar is ‘suitably reduced’ and they strictly followed COVID-19 norms. Meanwhile the Union home ministry has said that Indian Visa or stay stipulation period of foreign nationals stranded in India has now been extended till 30th September. The Ministry further said, that Afghan nationals already in India on any category of visa will be granted extension under guidelines issued separately for them.

-The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a charge sheet against suspended Mumbai police officer Sachin Waze and other accused in Antilia bomb scare-Mansukh Hiran murder case. The central probe agency filed the charge sheet before a special NIA court in Mumbai.The chargesheet has been filed against a total of 10 arrested persons including Waze, former encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma and a few other former police personnel under various sections of IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act and UA (P) Act.According to NIA, during investigation incriminating evidences came to fore against the 10 arrested accused involved in various stages of conspiracy of placing explosive laden Mahindra Scorpio vehicle, its theft and commission of murder of Mansukh Hiran.

-Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh distributed medicinal plants saplings to farmers during ‘Ayush Aapke Dwar’ being organised under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The launching of the program was held at Imphal on Friday. Mentioning the benefits of AYUSH medicine in curing various diseases and maintaining overall health, the Chief Minister said that there has been a tremendous increase of using AYUSH medicines and treatment in the last several years. He informed that different varieties of medicinal plants are found in the State. Such plants have great health benefits and have been used since time immemorial. The CM said that our agricultural and horticultural products are of great demand outside the State as it has different taste, unique and higher nutritional value. The government is continuously helping the farmers to export their products outside the State. He also appreciated the initiatives and role of the AYUSH department during the pandemic. AYUSH-64 tablets were distributed to those patients who are in home isolation.

-As part of the ongoing Mission SAGAR, INS Airavat on Friday arrived at Sattahip, Thailand with COVID Relief Material. The ship is delivering 300 oxygen concentrators based on the requirement projected by the Government of Thailand in its fight against the ongoing COVID19 pandemic.Defence Ministry said, INS Airavat has been deployed to deliver COVID relief to friendly foreign nations in South East Asia who are battling the COVID19 pandemic under the aegis of Mission SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The ship INS Airavat has taken an active part in the nation’s effort to battle COVID19 since April this year.

-Another indigenous COVID-19 vaccine candidate CORBEVAX has received DCGI approval for two clinical trials. Vaccine maker Biological E has received approval from Drugs Controller General of India to conduct phase two and three clinical trials on children aged five to eighteen years with certain conditions.The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its PSU, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have supported Biological E’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Preclinical Stage to Phase-III clinical studies. In addition to receiving financial assistance under Mission COVID Suraksha, this vaccine candidate has also obtained a financial support under COVID-19 Research Consortia through National Biopharma Mission, BIRAC.