HRD Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Launches COVID-19 Test Kit Developed By IIT-Delhi
Union HRD Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal today launched a low-cost COVID-19 testing kit developed by IIT-Delhi. The kit, called Corosure, costs roughly Rs 650 and has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
Launching the world's most affordable probe free RT-PCR based #COVID19 diagnostic kit, along with MoS for HRD Shri @SanjayDhotreMP ji. #AatmaNirbharBharat https://t.co/7u9dqR79W9
— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) July 15, 2020
Moderna Says Phase 1 Trials Show COVID-19 Vaccine Safe
The pharmaceutical company Moderna announced that its COVID-19 vaccine candidate mRNA-1273 provoked immune responses in all 45 volunteers in the first phase of the trial. Volunteers who got two doses of mRNA-1273 produced more virus-killing anti-bodies than people who recovered from COVID-19. No serious side-effects of the vaccine have been reported but some volunteers reported mild side-effects.
India Reports Nearly 30k New COVID-19 Cases
India has reported a record one-day rise of COVID-19 cases after 29,429 people tested positive for the disease. The total case count stands at 9,36,181 of which 3,19,840 are active cases while 5,92,031 patients have been cured or discharged. 582 patients succumbed to COVID-19 as the death toll rose to 24,309.
One-week Lockdown To Be Implemented In Bengaluru
Bengaluru will be under lockdown for a week from 8 pm on July 14 for a week after witnessing a surge of COVID-19 cases. Public transport and private vehicles will be suspended except for emergency purposes. Hotel and restaurants, which had opened for dining in, will only be allowed to operate for home delivery. Essential shops will be allowed to operate from 5 am to 12 pm. Only essential government offices will operate while secretariat offices in the Vidhana Soudha and Vikas Soudha will function with 50% staff.
Singapore Enters Economic Recession
The economy of Singapore entered a recession, after it reported a record 41.2% slump in its economy after it reported its second quarter numbers. This slump is largely attributed to the broader COVID-19 fallout that is impacting the trade-reliant city-state. In the first quarter, the economy contracted 3.3% quarter on quarter. The government expects a full-year GDP contraction from -4% to -7%, its worst in history.
Assamese Students Write To CM Sarbananda Sonowal Demanding Jailed Activist Akhil Gogoi's Release
Assamese students across India have written to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal demanding the release of jailed activist Akhil Gogoi who has tested positive for COVID-19, reports PTI. Gogoi, an adviser for the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, had been arrested by the NIA for his involvement in the anti-CAA protests. He tested positive for COVID-19 inside the Gauhati Central Jail and has been shifted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.
India's Total Case Count Crosses 9 Lakh
India's total COVID-19 case count crossed 9 lakhs after 28,498 people tested positive for the disease. The case count stands at 9,06,752 of which 3,11,565 are active cases while 5,71,459 patients have been cured or discharged so far. 553 patients succumbed to COVID-19 as the death toll rose to 23,727.
Glenmark Reduces Price Of Fabiflu By 27%
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced that it has reduced price of anti-viral drug FabiFlu by 27% from Rs 103 to Rs 75 per tablet. FabiFlu is the brand name for the oral anti-viral drug Favipiravir which is being used to treat COVID-19 patients. The company has also announced the commencement of a Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) study on FabiFlu to monitor the efficacy and safety of the drug in 1000 patients.
India Reports More Than 25K Cases For Fourth Day
India reported its highest one-day spike with 28, 701 cases taking the total number of cases in the country to 8,78,254. The country has been reporting more than 25,000 cases since 10th July.
With 500 new deaths, the death toll stands at 23,174. Over 18,800 people recovered in the last 24 hours bringing the number of recovered cases to 5,53,471. The number of currently active cases stands at 3,01,609 bringing the difference between active and recovered cases over 2,50,000
Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, Daughther Aaradhya Test Positive For COVID-19
Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya have tested positive for COVID-19, Abhishek Bachchan announced in a tweet. Abhishek and father Amitabh Bachchan had announced on Saturday that they had tested positive with the elder Bachchan getting himself admitted to Nanavati hospital. Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan and Aaradhya will be in quarantine at home. Jaya Bachchan and the rest of the Bachchan family have tested negative.
Aishwarya and Aaradhya have also tested COVID-19 positive. They will be self quarantining at home. The BMC has been updated of their situation and are doing the needful.The rest of the family including my Mother have tested negative. Thank you all for your wishes and prayers 🙏🏽
— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) July 12, 2020