SNBNCBS develops Nanomedicine to alter oxidative stress for better immune power to treat viral infections including COVID-19

Scientists at S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata (SNBNCBS) have developed a safe and cost-effective nanomedicine that promises treatment of a number of diseases by altering oxidative stress in the body. The research may provide a ray of hope in India’s fight against COVID-19, as the nanomedicine can decrease or increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) in our body, depending on the situation and cure the disease.

The ability of this research for controlled enhancement of ROS in mammals raises hopes of a new potential for the application of nanomedicine in controlling virus infections, including COVID-19. Animal trial for the Reduction & Oxidation processes (Redox) healing of several diseases is completed, and now the institute is looking for sponsors to start clinical trials on humans.

The medicine combines nanoparticles extracted from manganese salt with citrus extract, like from lemon. A crucial combination of manganese and citrate employing tricks of nanotechnology produces the nanomedicine. The artificially made nanomedicine was found to be important to maintain a balance of reduction and oxidation processes (Redox) in our body’s tissues. Redox reactions in cells add or remove oxygen and are essential for many processes such as generating energy in cells. The redox reactions can also create products harmful to cells called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can instantly oxidize lipids (fat), proteins, and nucleic acids, accelerating the ageing process. However, it has to be noted that our immune cells naturally produce ROS or generate oxidative stress to kill viruses or bacteria and infected cells in our body. Thus, controlled increase of ROS or oxidative stress aids our immune cells to perform their natural functions more efficiently.

Enhancement of oxidative stress by nanomedicine in animal tissue is also commendable and finds application in curing diseases, including neonatal jaundice. Recently the institute has shown that the added oxidative stress upon administration of the nanomedicine can break down bilirubin (the toxic molecule causing jaundice), providing a cure for hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice). In a trial on mice, the nanomedicine was found safe and swift, precisely bringing down bilirubin levels within two and a half hours. This ability of controlled enhancement of oxidative stress (ROS) in mammals paves new potential for the application of nanomedicine in controlling virus infection, including COVID-19. Recently, local administration of hydrogen peroxide, which is in a class of ROS, is recommended to be a way of surviving COVID-19. The excess ROS was achieved by applying the hydrogen peroxide chemical in respiratory track through a nebulizer is advised in order to inactivate COVID-19 by breaking down the viral structure. As a direct application of hydrogen peroxide create several complications, including direct oxidation of normal body cells, replacement of the chemical by the nanomedicine would be beneficial.

These findings have been published in international journals. In October last year, a comprehensive review entitled “Role of Nanomedicine in Redox Mediated Healing at Molecular Level” of all the development has been published in the journal Bimolecular concepts. The concept got immediate attention of international experts in the field and referred as “a new front in redox medicine, the emerging field of ROS-based nanomedicine, involving nanomaterials with ROS-regulating properties, holds promise for optimized therapeutic efficacies” in a recent Nature journal in March in this year. The efficacy of the developed nanomedicine in balancing oxidative stress (ROS) in mice was tested recently by injecting Lead (Pb) ions to create higher oxidative stress (ROS) and liver damage. It was found that the nanomedicine reduces oxidative stress of the mammal due to lead-exposure and also helps to remove the toxic ions from the liver (popularly known as chelation therapy in medicine) reversing the damage of the organ. Recently, ChemMedChem has highlighted this work on the front cover.

AYURAKSHA-Corona Se Jung - Delhi Police Ke Sang launched by All India Institute of Ayurveda

The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), under Ministry of AYUSH and Delhi Police organised AYURAKSHA programme for Delhi Police personal at New Delhi today. The joint programme titled AYURAKSHA “Corona Se Jung- Delhi Police Ke Sang” aims to fight against corona through simple and time-tested Ayurveda immunity boosting measures.

These measures are as per the advisory issued by the Ministry of AYUSH. The recommended formulations like Chyawanaprasha (Amla as main content), Anu Taila and SanshamaniVati (prepared from Guduchi) have simple herbs which are time tested and scientifically proven for enhancing the immunity.

On this occasion, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, highlighted the role of Giloy as Vayasthapana (Anti-aging herb). He mentioned that the Ministry is working for AYUSH medicines to be given as add-on therapy for COVID 19 positive cases. He also appreciated the efforts of Delhi Police as frontline warriors.

Delhi Police Commissioner Shri S N Shrivastava appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of AYUSH & AIIA toward health promotion for Delhi Police. He highlighted immune boosting effect of simple Ayurveda herbs which are time tested and scientific. He mentioned that the joint venture of AIIA and Delhi Police is biggest ever first of its kind and will be successful and role model for others.

Delhi Police has come forward with a proposal for maintaining the health of front line COVID warriors like Delhi police personal through Ayurveda immunity boosting measures. The proposal would be implemented in a phase wise manner. The distribution will take place for nearly 80000 personal of Delhi police across 15 districts of NCT Delhi. All India Institute of Ayurveda has nominated 3 main coordinators under the Director of Institute. 15 nodal officers of AIIA have been identified for 15 districts of Delhi State who will be working in close coordination with 15 Nodal officers from Delhi Police.

1. Phase I: All quarantined police officers and officials
2. Phase II: Police officials/officers deputed in containment zones
3. Phase III: Police officials/officers deputed in quarantine zones
4. Phase IV: All policemen working as front-line workers in field.

The All India Institute of Ayurveda has also planned for identifying police officials/officers with co morbid conditions like Diabetes, Stress, Hypertension etc. who are more susceptible to this pandemic. These officials/officers will be provided additional support and care. A proper health record would be maintained in a digital format for all the officers/officials taking these medicines. For this a specially designed questionnaire and Digital Arogya Sanjivani developed by Ministry of AYUSH would be used.

For distribution of medicines, special Kits are to be prepared which will contain the formulations, method of use and advisory issued by Ministry of AYUSH in Hindi and English. The medicines would be procured from government pharmacy (IMPCL) under Ministry of AYUSH.

It has also been planned to set up a Kiosk in every Delhi police district headquarters wherein the complete diet and lifestyle related information as well as usefulness of Ayurvedic formulations in boosting the immunity would be explained by consultants of All India Institute of Ayurveda initially for 15 days.

Promotion of health and prevention of diseases by a healthy daily regimen of lifestyle and immune boosters is the core objective of Ayurveda.

Shri Gadkari launches Bank of Schemes, Ideas, Innovation & Research Portal on MSMEs

Union Minister of Road transport & Highways and MSME Shri Nitin Gadkari today launched Bank of Schemes, Ideas, Innovation and Research portal (http://ideas.msme.gov.in/) on MSMEs through Video Conference from Nagpur in the presence of Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, MoS for MSME along with Secretary MSME Dr Arun Kumar Panda and DC, MSME Shri Ram Mohan Mishra and others senior officers. The Portal gives access to all Schemes of Union, State and UT Governments. It has the provision for uploading Ideas, Innovations & Research in the sector. The portal has unique features of not only crowd sourcing of Ideas, but also evaluation and rating the ideas by crowd sourcing. It can also facilitate inflow of venture capital, foreign collaboration etc.

Speaking about the importance of the portal, Shri Gadkari said that this portal will prove to be of great transformational significance to the MSMEs in particular and the economy in general. This is a very good beginning, Shri Gadkari added. He also suggested that category-wise classification and analysis of information and the achievements which may be published so that others learn/take lessons from successful experiences. Shri Gadkari advised that the portal should be handled by quality professionals to keep it updated on sustained basis. He stressed upin the need for conversion of knowledge into wealth. Shri Gadkari also said that there is a need for greater work on Research, Technology, Innovation which can bring down cost and improve quality.

Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, MoS for MSME said, this portal will help the MSMEs in a big way through information sharing. He also said that this will help in the research activities like those in rural tribal knowledge, skills will get a chance for spreading their knowledge. Similarly, it can assist the farmers in planning, production, storage and marketing of their produce.

Users who have idea, innovation or Research with him/her can share it on this platform which will be reviewed by the concerned Officer and publish them for public view. Registered users can rate these ideas (Crowd sourcing) and venture capitalist can connect with user having idea, innovation and research.

The online forms for Idea, innovation and research can be easily filled in 5-6 Minutes. Person can choose Areas (Credit/Finance, Human Capital Development, Technology, Infrastructure, Marketing, Policy, etc)

Person can indicate his Sector (Rural Technology Innovation, Waste-to-Wealth, Agro-Processing, Manufacturing, Services, Khadi, Coir, etc)

The portal has the facility to indicate the stage of Idea (Concept, Prototype or Commercialized) to make more user friendly. Papers and photo related to Idea and Video and Social Media links can also be uploaded.

The portal will benefit the potential entrepreneurs as One stop compendium of Ideas, innovation and research ready for commercialization. The Rating of Ideas can be seen publicly which will help in decision making. Venture capitalists can interact with Person and MSME having Idea or innovation. Similarly, options are available for adding Banks, Government Labs, Incubators, Accelerators, Foreign collaboration in future.

Over 325000 people are using "Janaushadhi Sugam" Mobile App to access Janaushadhi kendras

Amid nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 crisis Janaushadhi Sugam Mobile App is helping people in a big way to locate their nearest Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMJAK) and availability of affordable generic medicine with its price.

Over 325000 people are using Janaushadhi Sugam Mobile App to avail the host of benefits provided by it. In order to make use of digital technology for easing the life of consumers, this mobile application for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)  has been developed by Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) under Department of Pharmaceuticals , Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers,Government of India, for facilitating the general public by providing a digital platform at the tip of their fingers, by the virtue of which they can avail a host of user-friendly options like locate nearby Janaushadhi kendra, direction guided through Google Map for location of the Janaushadhi kendra, search Janaushadhi generic medicines, analyze product comparison of Generic and Branded medicine in form of MRP & overall Savings, etc.

Janaushadhi Sugam Mobile App is available on both Android & I-phone platforms. It can be downloaded free of cost by the user from Google Play Store and Apple Store.

In its Fight against COVID-19 Government of India is revolutionizing the face of healthcare system through notable schemes like PMBJP that have been providing over 900 quality generic-medecines and 154 surgical equipments & consumable at affordable prices for every citizen of the nation.

Presently, more than 6300 PMJAKs are functioning across the nation covering 726 districts of the country. In the lockdown period PMBJP is also generating awareness through informational posts on their social media platforms to help people protect themselves from Coronavirus.

India installed 7.3 GW of solar power in CY 2019

In the calendar year 2019, India installed 7.3 GW of solar power across the country, establishing its position as the third-largest solar market in the world.

According to a study by Mercom Communications India, a subsidiary of global clean energy communications and consulting firm Mercom Capital Group, India also had a robust pipeline of utility-scale projects under development of 23.7 GW at the end of 2019, with another 31.5 GW of tenders pending auction.

“The solar market leaders have changed in almost every category compared with last year. With a tough year ahead, we expect strong, resilient, and innovative companies continue to do well,” said Mr Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group.

The report added that the top 10 large-scale project developers account for 68 per cent market share in 2019. During 2019, ReNew Power was the top utility-scale developer, while Azure Power owns the largest project pipeline.

In India, there are about 29 large-scale solar developers with a project pipeline of 100 MW or more.

In 2019, large-scale solar installations accounted for 85 per cent with 6.2 GW. Additionally, solar accounted for 41 per cent of new power capacity additions in 2019 behind coal which accounted for 44 per cent.

There was delay in lot of projects in companies offering engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) due to delays caused by general elections, land and evacuation issues among others. In 2019, Mahindra Susten was the top EPC player for utility-scale solar installations, followed by L&T.

The largest cumulative rooftop portfolio is by Tata Power Solar, followed by CleanMax Solar. At the end of 2019, the top 10 rooftop solar installers represented 34 per cent of the total rooftop solar market share. In 2019, the rooftop solar market growth came down by 33 per cent compared with CY 2018.

The solar inverter market was led by Huawei in 2019, followed by Sungrow.

Other top string inverter suppliers included Growatt, Solis Inverters, and Delta Power Solutions.

Trina Solar was the leading module supplier to India in terms of cumulative shipments at the end of December 2019, while Waaree Energies, Adani, and Risen Energy held the top spot in CY 2019. In 2019, the top 10 module suppliers accounted for over 62 per cent of the market.

The top supplier of solar mounting structures in 2019 was Ganges Internationale, followed by Purshotam Profiles and Strolar. The top supplier of solar trackers was Scorpius Trackers in 2019.

Fintech startup NIRA closes US$ 2.1 million pre-series A funding round

NIRA, Fintech startup, which provides small ticket loans to blue and grey collared workers through its mobile app and website, has closed US$ 2.1 million in pre-series A funding from existing and new angel investors in UK, Europe, and India.

These funds will be utilised in hiring new talent, developing its product and technology further and scaling up its lending volumes.

“We’re delighted to move to the next phase of our journey with this new raise. While we did get offers for funding from a couple of VCs, we decided to stick to our existing investors and take more time to find the right long-term partners" said Mr Rohit Sen, chief executive and co-founder of NIRA.

“In the last 12 months, we’ve found a good product-market fit, so now we want to build on this strong foundation to scale our business."

The startup was founded in 2018 by former Goldman Sachs executives Mr Rohit Sen and Ms Nupur Gupta. The Bengaluru-based firm has thousands of customers in over 100 cities across the country. The company presently offers loans of up to Rs 1 lakh (US$ 1,418.64) for up to a year through its app-based credit line.

HCARD, a robot, to assist frontline COVID-19 healthcare warriors

Healthcare workers at hospitals are risking COVID-19 infection while taking care of those infected by it 24/7. Perhaps the level of risk may get reduced hereafter with the help of a new friend, HCARD. The robotic device HCARD, in short for Hospital Care Assistive Robotic Device, can help frontline healthcare workers in maintaining physical distance from those infected by coronavirus.

HCARD is developed by Durgapur-based CSIR lab, Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute. The device is equipped with various state-of-the-art technologies and works both in automatic as well as manual modes of navigation.

This robot can be controlled and monitored by a nursing booth with a control station having such features as navigation, drawer activation for providing medicines and food to patients, sample collection and audio-visual communication.

Prof (Dr) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI stated that “This Hospital Care Assistive Robotic Device could be effective for frontline healthcare officials dealing with COVID-19 patients in delivering services while maintaining mandatory physical distancing”. The cost of this device is less than Rs 5 lakh (US$ 7,093.2) and the weight is less than 80 kilograms, added Prof Hirani.

CSIR-CMERI is working on war footing to minimize the impact of COVID-19 through technological interventions. As spelled out by WHO, personal protective equipment (PPE) is very important in preventing transmission of coronavirus in the society, thus the Institute has channelized its resources optimally to develop PPE and community-level safety equipment for helping the public at large and healthcare institutions.

Scientists at CMERI have also developed a few other customized technologies, including Disinfection Walkway, Road Sanitizer Unit, Face Mask, Mechanical Ventilator and Hospital Waste Management Facility.

JNCASR scientists develop a natural product based Alzheimer inhibitor

Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre For Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India have modified the structure of Berberine, a natural and cheap product similar to curcumin, available commercially, into Ber-D to use as a Alzheimer’s inhibitor. Their research work has been published in the scientific journal iSceince.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and accounts for more than 70 per cent of all dementia. The multifactorial nature of the disease attributed to multifaceted toxicity has made it difficult for researchers to develop effective medication.

Prof T. Govindaraju, a Swarnajayanti fellow from JNCASR, led his team in the quest to discover natural product based therapeutic candidates for Alzheimer’s disease, and selected isoquinoline natural product berberine found in India and China and used in traditional medicine and other applications. However, berberine is poorly soluble and toxic to cells. So they modified berberine to Ber-D, which is a soluble (aqueous), antioxidant. They found it to be a multifunctional inhibitor of multifaceted amyloid toxicity of Alzheimer’s disease.

Protein aggregation and amyloid toxicity predominantly contribute to multifaceted toxicity observed in neuronal cells, including generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, interfering with synaptic signaling, and activation of premature cell death. The JNCASR team developed this multifunctional inhibitor to ameliorate in cellulo multifaceted toxicity.

The structural attributes of Ber-D are such that they prevent the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and rescue biomacromolecules from oxidative damage. Ber-D inhibits aggregations of metal-dependent and -independent Amyloid beta (Aβ) (which are the peptides of amino acids crucially involved in Alzheimer's disease as the main component of the amyloid plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease).

The team developed Ber-D to effectively target multifaceted Aβ toxicity of Alzheimer’s disease. Berberine has 4 Phenolic hydroxyl groups which are methylated, hence water-insoluble. Natural product berberine was subjected to demethylation to obtain water-soluble polyphenolic derivative Ber-D. Treatment of berberine with demethylation agent BBr3(Boron tribromide) gave Ber-D Because of demethylation of berberine, 4 phenolic groups are free, increase water solubility, antioxidant property, and Cu-coordination to ameliorate multifaced toxicity of Alzheimer’s disease Detailed studies showed that Ber-D modulated Aβ toxicity of Alzheimer’s disease. Ber-D treatment averts mitochondrial dysfunction and corresponding neuronal toxicity contributing to premature apoptosis (cell death) making Ber-D a potential therapeutic candidate to ameliorate multifaceted Aβ toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease.

The antioxidant Ber-D efficiently quenched both Reactive nitrogen species(RNS) & reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent DNA damage, protein oxidation, and lipid peroxidation, which cause numerous adverse biochemical cascade reactions leading to neuronal death. Ber-D inhibits the formation of toxic Aβ fibrillar aggregates and protects mitochondria from dysfunction, one of the major causes of neuronal death. Their design strategy of synthetically transforming berberine to Ber-D, a multifunctional antioxidant and aggregation modulator, effectively ameliorate multiple Aβtoxicity both in vitro and in cellulo conditions.

These multifunctional attributes make Ber-D a promising candidate for developing effective therapeutics to treat multifaceted toxicity of Alzheimer’s disease.

More than one crore face masks prepared by Self Help Groups across the country

More than one crore face masks have been made by various Self-Help Groups across the country. It shows relentless effort, positive energy and united resolve of SHGs to fight Covid-19 under DAY-NULM flagship scheme of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

At the core of this proud moment is a strong face of women entrepreneurs supported by the Mission. Their resilience is motivating others to multiply the efforts with more energy and determination. It is women empowerment safeguarding lives in true sense.

Ms Shubhangi Chandrakant Dhaygude, President, Samrudhhi Area Level Federation (ALF) has a distinct smile on her face that symbolizes satisfaction and pride. She collects orders through phone and stitches masks at her home in Titwala, Maharashtra. She says that they have made 50000 masks and 45 more women are involved in making masks with her.

Ms Meenu Jha, member of Savarni SHG in Kota, Rajasthan says that even she did not imagine that this small step can be so inspiring for others. These lines of Ms Meenu Jha reiterate the fact that all of us have unique capability of contributing to this fight even during lockdown.

Gamocha, the traditional cloth and symbol of respect in Assam has today become a symbol of health, safety and hygiene. Ms Rashmi from Nagaon, member of Runjhun SHG is busy preparing masks using this traditional cloth.

Ms Updesh Andotra, member Prayas Self Help Group in Kathua, J&K feels proud while making the tricolour masks.

403 Lifeline Udan flights operated to ensure delivery of essential and medical supplies across the country

403 flights have been operated under Lifeline Udan in domestic sector by Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private carriers. 235 of these flights have been operated by Air India and Alliance Air. Lifeline Udan flights cover distance of over 3,97, 632 km to deliver essential and medical supplies of around 748.68 tons till 27th April 2020 for people across the country. Lifeline Udan flights are being operated by MoCA to transport essential medical cargo to remote parts of the country to support India’s war against COVID-19.

Private Operators SpiceJet, Blue Dart, Indigo and Vistara are operating cargo flights on a commercial basis. Spicejet operated 633 cargo flights till 27th April 2020 covering a distance of 11,09, 028 km and carrying 4,637 tons of cargo. Out of these, 228 were international cargo flights. Blue Dart operated 219 cargo flights covering a distance of 2,38,928 km and carrying 3,636tons of cargo till 27th April 2020. Out of these, 10 were international cargo flights. Indigo has operated 50 cargo flights till 27th April 2020 covering a distance of 77,996 km and carrying around 185 tons of cargo and including 17 international flights.  This also includes medical supplies carried free of cost for the government. Vistara has operated 14 cargo flights till 27th April 2020 covering a distance of 20,466 km and carrying around 113 tons of cargo.

In international Sector, a cargo air-bridge was established with East Asia for transportation of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and Covid-19 relief material. The quantity of medical cargo brought in by Air India is 609 tons. In addition to the above, Blue Dart has uplifted around 109 tons of medical supplies from Guangzhou from 14th April to 27th April 2020. Blue Dart has uplifted 5 tons of medical cargo from Shanghai on 25th April 2020. Spicejet has uplifted 140 tons of medical supplies from Shanghai upto 27th April 2020 and 13 tons medical supplies from Hong Kong and Singapore upto 25th April 2020.