Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 1

Utilise CCMB labs for COVID-19 testing: KCR to PM

CSIR -CCMB 20 March, 2020 Bringing the existence of CCMB laboratories to the notice of the PM, KCR said the facility can be utilised to conduct tests on blood samples of a large numer of patients and from any place in the country

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Friday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to utilise the laboratory facilities at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad for coronavirus tests.

Bringing the existence of CCMB laboratories to the notice of the Prime Minister, Chandrashekhar Rao said the facility can be utilised to conduct tests on blood samples of a large numer of patients and from any place in the country.

He pointed out that CCMB, which was under the Union government‘s control, was into life sciences research. If CCMB is given the opportunity to conduct tests for Coronavirus, a thousand samples can be tested at one go at the Institute, he said.

Chandrashekhar Rao, participating in the video-conference of all Chief Minister with the Prime Minister, explained to the latter about the measures taken by the State government to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. He also offered some suggestions to Modi on the measures that need to be taken, and it was in this context that he spoke about the CCMB labs.

The Chief Minister said that in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, where passenger traffic from foreign countries was high, there was a need to check them thoroughly. He wanted more focus on these cities and called for appropriate measures to be taken in this regard. Since the chances of the virus spreading are more Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 2

with the entry of passengers from abroad, international flights should be cancelled for some time in the country, the Chief Minister suggested.

Since a large number of people in the country travel by trains, tests should be conducted at railway stations too, Chandrashekhar Rao told the Prime Minister, and suggested high levels of sanitation in railway coaches and at railway stations.

The Chief Minister said all measures have been taken in Telangana State to prevent people from gathering in large numbers. Festivals like Sri Ram Navami, Jagne Ki Raat and celebrations connected with them have been cancelled, he said, and assured the Prime Minister that the State government will work with the Centre to stop spread of coronavirus in the country.

Published in: Telanganatoday Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 3

Indian Musicians unite for a “We Are The World” Like Project on World Water Day CSIR -NEERI 20 March, 2020 (Eds: Disclaimer: The following content is a press release. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.) A National Water Movement finds its calling Music is such a powerful social glue that it seems to bring us all closer to each other as one community. So whenever there has been a crisis in the world, musicians have always stepped in to resonate their voice and catapult it into a movement. One of the biggest moments in history has been the creation of the ―We Are the World‖ project, where artists came together to unite to raise funds for the famine in Africa. Back home, , the second-most populous country in the world, is staring at a severe water crisis as it nears ‗Day Zero‘ conditions when the taps run dry. Predictions of water tables being affected as early as 2020-2030 have been prominent stories within the nation. As a social enterprise, IdeaHive Media Pvt Ltd felt it was time to build a project that snowballs into a national citizens movement, with a vision to bring citizens across all sections of society to unite for reversing the effects of the crisis. And to support this cause, what could be more apt than getting the support of musicians to create a movement within the country and talk the language of water through the platform of music. IdeaHive Media‘s flagship project Paani Ka Teeka has designed an integrated project, which will work at multiple levels of advocacy and impact at the grassroots level. It is aimed to bring support to 1000+ water-stressed villages of India as one of its major impact mechanisms, besides working on bringing a behavioral change across the nation. Paani Ka Teeka has partnered with Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) as its knowledge partner, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) and Emergy Enviro (A SINE IIT Bombay Company) as its Advisory and Technical partners who will work closely to make this project into a national movement. Ayiye Hum Sub Saath Milkar, Iss Desh Ko Paani Ka Teeka Lagayein !! with a patriotic line, as its signature line…Paani Ka Teeka is probably the answer

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to India‘s ―We are the World‖ Moment. Paani ka Teeka has the support of the legends of Advertising and Music - Piyush Pandey and Louiz Banks who are reuniting after the iconic ‗Mile Sur‘ anthem and have garnered the support of music industry leaders like Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, , Shaan, , , Neha Bhasin, Pankaj Udhas, Salim Merchant, Sivamani, Mame Khan, Rakesh Chaurasia, among others to join hands with the campaign for water consciousness. ―It‘s a blessing to be able to get the support of industry leaders and domain experts who have believed in our vision with Paani ka Teeka. The objective of the campaign is to make this project a citizens‘ movement and work towards a water-secure India,‖ said Dilip Moorkoth, Founder Paani Ka Teeka and the Director of IdeaHive Media Pvt Ltd. ―Music has the capacity to bridge cultures and create a momentum. If you look back in time, artists have always risen to the times and needs of the nation. It gives me utmost pleasure to come together along with my music industry friends and to team up yet again with Piyush Pandey. The vision created by IdeaHive for the Paani Ka Teeka project is definitely a great roadmap to a national water movement" said veteran musician Louiz Banks. Ad Guru Piyush Pandey said: "Water is critical for life and I''m very happy to collaborate with ''Paani Ka Teeka'' and Louiz Banks to make a small contribution and spread awareness in India about the necessity of saving water. I am honoured to be part of this journey." ―A ‗We Are The World‘-like story for India is a great idea for building a national water movement. I am glad to be a part of Paani ka Teeka‘s vision, as the entertainment industry joins hands to be the voice for the most precious thing in the world today – Water‖ said Salim Merchant. ―Over the last few years we all have started witnessing changes in the weather pattern. During such challenging times, it is our responsibility to stand up for the cause of water conservation. Paani Ka Teeka is a step in the right direction and I‘m happy to work closely with Paani Ka Teeka and spread the message of a need to secure this precious gift of nature‖ said Shaan. ―I‘m happy to be part of Paani Ka Teeka‘s vision for a national water campaign, I am positive that the energies of the music industry and the domain experts together will go a long way in building this into a Water Positive India‖ said Vishal Dadlani ―We need to start planning not only for us, but for the future generations as well and music is just the right medium to Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 5

connect us all as a nation to work towards a common goal. I‘m very excited to be associated with Paani Ka Teeka‘s vision, and together, and I‘m positive that we have set on the right track with this national movement.‖ said Shreya Ghoshal ―Music has always connected generations towards a cause. Water needs the attention of us all. I extend my full support to the campaign, and having seen the plans, I‘m more than happy to be part of this historic project. I sincerely hope our joint efforts are able to bring a huge impact to the cause‖ said Pankaj Udhas About us: Paani Ka Teeka - Founder: IdeaHive Media Pvt. Ltd. IdeaHive Media Pvt. Ltd. is a social enterprise, created with a vision of building initiatives that enable a better community around us. IdeaHive specialize in the creation and management of Social Impact Projects across varied subjects that matter to the nation and our people. Their key focus is to best utilize integrated marketing and consumer engagement mediums to create awareness, facilitate behavioural changes, give voice to pertinent issues that affect society and through the support of domain experts, bring impact on ground. Paani Ka Teeka - Knowledge Partners, Advisory & Technical Partners WOTR: (Paani Ka Teeka – Knowledge Partner)Establishedin 1993, the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) is a non-profit that engages at the intersection of practice, knowledge and policy across scales and in collaboration with stakeholders from across sectors. Headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, the WOTR group has worked and supported work in over 4,800 villages across 8 Indian states, namely, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, , Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha. It has impacted more than 3.70 million beneficiaries and trained over 475,000 persons from 27 states of India and 63 countries and collaborated with 230 NGOs/ Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs). NEERI: National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) is a research institute created and funded by Government of India. It falls under the Ministry of Science and Technology of Central Government and is a pioneer laboratory in the field of environmental science and engineering. The Institute earned recognition from various International bodies, such as WHO, UNICEF and UNEP as Centre of Reference for environmental science and technologies. NEERI was nominated as ‗Stockholm Convention Regional Centre on Persistent Organic Pollutants for Asia Region‘ in September 2010 and has been endorsed as Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 6

the ‗Regional Centre for Capacity Building and Technology Transfer‘ at COP-5 Meeting held at Geneva. ATREE:The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), is a global non-profit that generates interdisciplinary knowledge to inform policy and practice to achieve environmental conservation and sustainable development. ATREE is the 2nd highest ranked socio-environmental think tanks in Asia (www.atree.org). Emergy Enviro: EMERGY Enviro, a SINE IIT Bombay company was established to provide solutions to Environmental Issues. Professionals from India and across the globe, researchers, experts from IITs besides in-house experts have collaborated to offer wide range of strategic and tailor made solutions for specific environmental and sustainability issues PWR PWR

Published in: Outlookindia Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 7

Private labs to begin COVID-19 testing next week; Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw panel to work on modalities CSIR -CCMB 20 March, 2020 able to start testing from next week.

Currently, the kits used by the ICMR labs cost the government around Rs 5,000 per test, which is being absorbed by the government, and are offered free of charge to the patients. How this will be done in the private setting, is still not clear

To begin with the testing is expected to be Test kits used by ICMR labs cost the based on the well-established USFDA (US government around Rs 5,000 per unit and Food and Drug Administration) approved kits, are offered free of charge; it's still not which those in the private laboratory circles, clear how this will work in the private read as kits made by companies like Roche setting Diagnostics and Thermo Fisher. However, it is likely that the list could perhaps be Government of India has constituted a extended later to include other kit makers, committee headed by Biocon Chairperson including some domestic kit manufacturers. and Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar- Shaw to work out the modalities for private Only NABL-accredited private laboratories in sector diagnostic labs to be involved in the country will be allowed to undertake creating nationwide capacity for testing COVID-19 tests. NABL is quickspeak for COVID-19. Business Today has learned that National Accreditation Board for Testing and the process has gained momentum and there Calibration Laboratories. Once identified, the is a good chance that the private labs will be private labs will wait for directions on the kits Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 8

to be used. Most of these labs are already equipped with the first part of the test, which is RNA and genetic material extraction, and will need the go ahead on the kits/reagents to be used in the next stage to identify coronavirus.

Who can make the kit: Several companies have jumped into the fray and want to make the kits. Some have even been approaching entities like the CCMB for getting their kits evaluated. However, at the moment, Business Today learns, the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research), the parent organisation of CCMB, is apparently, in talks with ICMR for getting CCMB to conduct testing and training for coronavirus detection. But as things stand, none of the kits can be used in the country until these are clinically validated by any of the ICMR labs and approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

Which kits can be used and what is the process: Any kit to test for coronavirus has to be clinically validated by an ICMR laboratory or National Institute of Virology, Pune. After that, the DCGI will need to approve it for use and supply in the market. Right now, an official from the DCGI says, seven kits have been sent to NIV Pune for clinical validation. These include kits by companies like Roche Diagnostics, Thermo Fisher, and a few others.

What is stopping the government from roping in the CSIR laboratories from conducting the tests: An ICMR official says 49 CSIR labs have been identified and if there is a need, the will be put into action.

Published in: Businesstoday Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 9

Cipla to manufacture anti-viral drugs eyeing Covid containment

CSIR -IICT 19 March, 2020 ―Scientists throughout the world are working towards developing new drugs for containment of Covid-19. The research on anti-viral drugs has been going throughout the world since long. Many companies have developed molecules having anti-viral properties. But due to lack of demand, these molecules were not widely marketed,‘‘ Dr SChandrasekhar, director, CSIR-IICT, told FE. CSIR-IICT has decided to work on three promising compounds namely ―IICT has taken up the task to develop active Remidesivir, Favipiravir and Baloxavir. pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for the drug. When they are developed, it would be In a voluntary initiative, pharma major Cipla handed over to Cipla, which would then has come forward to manufacture anti-viral manufacture the drugs based on the knowhow drugs, which could be effective for Covid-19, given by IICT. Dr YK Hamied, chairman, through a partnership with CSIR-Indian Cipla, has requested to start work on these Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR- molecules on an immediate basis,‘‘ he said. IICT). CSIR-IICT has decided to work on three promising compounds namely It is learnt that Cipla will follow it up with Remidesivir, Favipiravir and Baloxavir. It bioequivalence tests on dogs and human trials would take about six to 10 weeks to make before approaching the regulatory authority two of the compounds of 100 gms each at for manufacturing the drug which is claimed the lab scale. to cure coronavirus. However, Cipla did not Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 10

respond to queries on the investment details or the timing to market the drug. Earlier, Cipla and IICT had joined hands to make drugs for AIDS, cancer, etc.

According to Chandrasekhar and principal scientist Prathama S Manikar, Cipla chairman has requested them to manufacture three compounds — Favipiravir, Remidesivir and Bolaxivir — and Cipla would look after formulation and bio equivalence studies and mass production of the drugs.

―Anti-viral drugs may work. The need of the hour is that there has to be an API stock to make the drug. While CSIR-IICT will synthesise in lab scale of 100 gms, Cipla will upscale and manufacture the drug,‖ he said. ―Clinical trials have been either done or under progress on Favipiravir and Remidesivir. It would take around 4-6 months to make them, but we will also start making Bolaxavir now,‖ Chandrasekhar said. Besides, IICT is ready to supply Reverse Transcriptase, an enzyme used for Covid 19 testing kits with 40,000 units. This could help ease managing the shortage of kits once primer is procured by diagnostic labs.

Published in: Financialexpress Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 11

CM to request for access to CCMB to screen patients

CSIR-CCMB 19 March, 2020 Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has said that he will request Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the video conference with the chief ministers on Friday, to ban all international flights immediately.

Addressing a media conference, Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao said so far 1,165 people were quarantined in Hyderabad and those who requested to be sent home too would be under government‘s medical supervision. Initially, those who came from seven countries and later 11 countries were quarantined but now the virus had spread to 161 countries. Thus, every one coming from overseas would be quarantined, he said.

He said there were six screening centres in the State and they would also request the Prime Minister to let the State use the facility at the CCMB.

Ruling out that the State was not imposing prohibitory orders under Section 144 to prevent gathering of people, he said he expected people to voluntarily refrain from gathering in groups and adhere to safety and preventive measures and cooperate with the government to keep the State safe from onslaught of COVID -19.

The government was not in favour of shut down and bring the State to a standstill. They would let various sectors function but emphasis would be on measures to be taken by people to check spread of virus.

Even Muslim religious elders who met him on Thursday said they would shut down Shadikhanas and limit gatherings, he said . Published in: Thehindu Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 12

CSIR-CSIO 18 March, 2020

Published in: Tribune Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 13

Huge evolutionary divide between African and Asian , says CCMB study

CSIR-CCMB 18 March, 2020 DNA analyses tracks evolutionary history between the two sub-species

The divide between North-east African cheetah with both the South-east African and is 100-200,000 years ago. Also, the South-east African and Asiatic cheetah have diverged from each other 50-100,000 years ago, according to DNA analyses to understand evolutionary history of Asiatic and African by scientists of the CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).

The study of the sub-species of ‗Acinonyx jubatus‘ was taken up in collaboration with Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, University of Cambridge, UK, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, University of Johannesburg, South Africa and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

―This is contrary to an existing belief that the evolutionary divide between Asiatic and African cheetahs is only of 5,000 years,‖ said Guy Jacobs of the University of Cambridge. The study results comes in the wake of the Supreme Court allowing the Central government to introduce Southern African cheetah in India.

Vast difference

A major parameter that decides the choice between Asiatic and African cheetah reintroduction in the country would be to see how different the two populations are. The farther back they diverged along evolution, the more different these two populations would be from each other, CCMB‘s chief scientist and senior author K Thangaraj said. Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 14

―We have analysed three distinct cheetah samples — skin of a cheetah believed to be shot in Madhya Pradesh in 19th century from gallery of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, second was a bone obtained from Mysore‘s Natural History Museum, dates to 1850 – 1900, and the third was a blood sample of a modern cheetah from Nehru Zoological Park (NZP), Hyderabad,‖ he explained.

DNA from historical skin and bone samples was separated in the ancient DNA facility of CCMB, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of these two samples and the modern cheetah sample were sequenced and analysed along with mtDNA of 118 cheetah from different parts of Africa and southwest Asia, another author Niraj Rai said.

Genetic uniqueness

Mr. Thangaraj said that the museum specimen from ZSI and modern sample from NZP are of Northeast African maternal descent while the museum specimen from Mysore showed close affinity with Southeast African cheetahs. The results have been published in ‗Scientific Reports‘

CCMB Director Rakesh K Mishra said the the study provides evidence towards establishing the genetic uniqueness of Asiatic cheetah, and hence, merits their targeted conservation efforts. Cheetah vanished from the country just after independence and Africa today harbours the highest number of these cats, called the African cheetah. Asiatic cheetahs found in numbers as small as 50 in Iran.

Published in: Thehindu Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 15

Scientists ready for field trials of pest-resistant cotton variety

CSIR -NBRI 18 March, 2020 Whiteflies are one of the top ten devastating pests in the world that damage more than 2000 plant species and also function as vectors for some 200- plant viruses. Cotton is one of the worst-hit crops by these, in 2015 two-third of the cotton crop was destroyed by the pest in Punjab. In a move to fight against whiteflies National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) Lucknow has developed a pest- resistant variety of cotton and is going to start field trials this year from April to October in Faridkot Center of Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana.

As Bt cotton is also a genetically modified cotton and present in the market for farmers usage then why this variety was needed. Answering to this to identify novel protein molecules senior scientist, Dr PK Singh from NBRI told, ―Bt that are toxic to whitefly. ―Leaf cotton is resistant to two pests only it is not extract of all the plants were resistant against white flies. In 2007 we decided to prepared separately, and whiteflies work on one more insect pest- whiteflies. It not were allowed to feed on them. Out of only damages cotton but many other crops too the 250 plants, the leaf extract of an with this it transmits disease viruses too.‖ edible fern Tectaria macrodonta causes toxicity to the whitefly‖ said To develop the pest-resistant variety researchers Dr Singh. explored 250 plants from lower plant biodiversity‖ Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 16

This fern is known to be used as salad in Nepal and as a concoction for the gastric disorders in many regions of Asia also goes in favour for the possibility of the insecticidal protein that is found in the fern. It works against whiteflies but being safe for application on the crop plants and provides protection from them.

When whiteflies fed on sub-lethal doses of insecticidal protein, it interferes with the life cycle of insect that in turn resulted with very poor egg-laying, abnormal egg, nymph and larval development and extraordinary poor emergence of the fly. However, this protein was found to be un-effective on non-target insects. ―This clearly shows that the protein is specifically toxic to whitefly and does not cause any harmful effect on other beneficial insects like butterfly and honeybee. To answer whether this protein is safe to or not, the toxicity of the protein was also tested on the rat mammalian model‖ said Dr Singh.

By when this variety may be expected to be there for farmers use? ―It depends on many factors. Whiteflies tolerance trait that has been introduced in the plant if that performs the same way in the field then only it can be given to the farmers for cultivation. We have to see if this trait can be an agronomic trait too‖ said Dr Singh.

Published in: Thehindubusinessline Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 17

Cipla, CSIR-IICT join hands for COVID-19 drugs

CSIR -IICT 18 March, 2020 „It could take about six to 10 weeks to make two of the three chemical compounds‟

Indian Pharmaceutical giant Cipla has voluntarily come forward to immediately manufacture three promising chemical compounds with anti-viral properties to treat COVID-19 and has sought the help of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) to make the Active Pharma Ingredients (APIs) for the same

IICT director S. Chandrasekhar and principal scientist Prathama S. Mainkar on Tuesday told presspersons that Cipla chairman Y.K Hamied has requested them to start preparing the chemical lack of demand. IICT scientists had compounds — Favipiravir, Remidesivir and narrowed down to about 15 such Bolaxavir — so that his pharma-biotech firm can compounds which had passed start the next phase of trials, regulatory authority toxicology reports and the above approvals and subsequent mass production of the three are in that category. anti-viral drugs ―at any cost‖. “Favipiravir and Remidesivir have Dr. Chandrasekhar and Dr. Mainkar said several already undergone clinical trials and anti-viral drugs were discovered in the past few hence, we will not require much time years but were halted after clinical trails due to to make them as the raw materials Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 18

are readily available. It could take about six to 10 weeks to make them. We had proactively started making the molecules in our modern Kilo lab with scientists working in two shifts. Process to start Bolaxavir molecule will begin now,‖ they said.

The director explained that due to artificial intelligence, deep data mining and advanced computational and mathematical models, it is not that difficult to narrow down to the chemical compounds required. ―We will be making about 100gm each to begin. Cipla will follow it up with bio-equivalence tests, on dogs and human trials before approaching the regulatory authority to manufacture the drug to cure coronavirus,‖ he said.

―Cipla will be investing substantial resources into the making of the drug which should be in the market in rthe next six months. We will get royalty and this is not the first time we are collaborating with the pharma giant as we had helped them make drugs for AIDS, cancer and others,‖ said Dr. Chandrasekhar.

The institute is ready to supply Reverse Transcriptase PCR or RT-PCR enzyme used for COVID-19 testing kits with 40,000 units ready and the process is on to make more of them on demand.

Published in: Thehindu Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 19

NCL shuts labs, asks students to vacate hostels in 48 hours; IITM restricts visitors till April 15 CSIR -NCL 18 March, 2020 researchers, project assistants and interns to vacate the hostel facility before March 19. The institute also imposed restrictions on visitors‘ entry to the lab. ―Research scholars and scientists must shut down their reactions and experiments by midnight of March 17,‖ stated the official notification.

The NCL administration asked those students, who were unable to travel to Covid- The CSIR- National Chemical Laboratory 19-affected regions, to make their own (NCL) on Tuesday also asked its 200-odd arrangements for staying before midnight of researchers, project assistants and interns March 19. to vacate the hostel facility before March 19. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) also issued a notification in this After Indian Institute of Science, Education regard,which read: ―In the wake of Covid-19, and Research (IISER), two more research all visits to the institute will be restricted till institutes in the city have imposed April 15. Visits will be arranged after restrictions on visitors with immediate effect reviewing the situation.‖ in the wake of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. Officials at NCL confirmed that the lab was discouraging groups of persons from visiting The CSIR- National Chemical Laboratory the lab. ―Our regular and official meetings or (NCL) on Tuesday also asked its 200-odd works will continue as usual, but we are Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 20

discouraging groups from visiting us for the time being,‖ said NCL authorities.

Since March 14, IISER, Pune, had imposed similar ban on visitors to the campus. Students were advised against venturing outside the campus, unless there was some dire need.

Published in: Indianexpress Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 21

IHBT scientists develop new hand-sanitizer

CSIR -IHBT 17 March, 2020 (WHO). One of the special things is that chemicals like parabens, triclosan, synthetic fragrance and phthalates have not been used in this product. ‖

The technology has been transferred to Palampur based company M/s A.B. Scientific Solutions for the commercial production of this newly developed hand-sanitizer. An agreement has been signed between CSIR- The demand for products such as sanitizer is Institute of Himalayan Bioresource increasing amidst reports of preventive Technology (CSIR-IHBT) and the company. measures against coronavirus and many counterfeit materials being sold in the The company, which has a strong nationwide market. In view of this, a new hand-sanitizer marketing network of its own, will be has been developed by the scientists of establishing a facility in Palampur for the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource commercial production of hand-sanitizer. The Technology (CSIR-IHBT) based in company will also market these hand- Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. sanitizers and other disinfectants in all major cities across the country. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director of IHBT stated that ―The natural flavours, active tea Dr. Sanjay Kumar says that due to the sudden constituents and alcohol content in this increase in demand for sanitizer in the market, hand-sanitizer have been used as per the its arbitrary prices are being charged. In the guidelines of the World Health Organization Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 22

view of current increase in demand for the right product, this hand sanitizer has been developed at an appropriate time.

Published in: Thehindubusinessline Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 23

HAL, NAL join for Saras MKII aircraft

CSIR -NAL 16 March, 2020 customers. The indigenously developed 19- seat aircraft will cater to the needs of Indian Air Force and also the regional connectivity services among the tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

HAL chairman and managing director R Madhavan told Telangana Today, ―The design and manufacturing of systems and landing gears will happen at HAL Kanpur. The first customer for the aircraft will be Indian Air Aircraft is intended to be sold to the Force but we also see opportunities in the civil Indian defence forces, civil aviation sector aviation space. The aircraft will take about 2-3 and foreign customers years for development. After the testing and approvals are over, we will get into the Hyderabad: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited production mode.‖ (HAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CSIR- National ―In addition to India, we see good market in Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) for design, South East Asia. The aircraft will use most development, production and maintenance of advanced technology that will make it easy for Saras MKII aircraft. The MoU has been pilot to handle and fly. Civil aviation will be a exchanged between the companies at Wings. large market. We will also supply to defence forces of friendly nations,‖ he added. The aircraft is intended to be sold to the Indian defence forces, civil aviation sector HAL also signed a MoU with Blue Ray and foreign Aviation under which two HAL Do-228 Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 24

aircraft will be used by the latter for air connectivity, charter services or air ambulance service. The Transport Aircraft Division (TAD) of HAL in Kanpur has been producing the aircraft.

Published in: Telanganatoday Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 25

Premlata: Nothing is impossible in this world

CSIR -NML 16 March, 2020 CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory celebrated International Women‘s Day at CSIR- NML.

Padma Shri awardee Premlata Agarwal, Dr I. Chattoraj, director, CSIR-NML, Jamshedpur, D Chattoraj, , Dr S Palit Sagar, Sr. principal scientist, CSIR-NML were present during the inaugural function.

Around 200 staff and family members from different divisions and centres of CSIR-NML participated in the programme. The theme of today's inaugural session was ―EachforEqual‖ — The theme of International Women's Day 2020.

While welcoming the gathering, Dr I Chattoraj appreciated the women employees working at the laboratory.

Chief Guest, Padma Shri Premlata Agarwal emphasised on the role of women. Man and Women both are equal. Man & Women have different qualities, we should respect each other. Nothing is impossible in this world, if your goal is fixed, you can achieve at any point of time. Nothing can be the hurdle in the path of success if you are bent upon achieving the goals in your life.

Dr. S. Palit Sagar, Chairperson of the programme opined that women's role in the development of country. He said, the theme of our team is to uplift under privileged women employee through education and improve their confidence level so that they can perform in an open audience.

Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 26

Mrs. D. Chattoraj proposed the vote of thanks and expressed her appreciation to all the members of the organising committee for their untiring effort in making the programme a success. Special thanks was given to our temporary women employee for their performance. Mrs. Chattoraj ended saying, ―Empowerment is for weak only and we are woman‖

On the eve of International Women's Day celebration, lot of activities like – Food zone, Creativity, Rangoli, Pot Painting, Game Zone and so on. Other cultural programme were also organised by the CSIR-NML family in this occasion.On March 12, CSIR-NML organised a day long Health Check-up for all its women employees, spouses of male employees, project staff and contractual staff.

About 80 women mandatorily attended the health check-up. In this endeavour, the entire medical staff of CSIR-NML was involved and facilitated the camp under the supervision of Dr. Priyanka Singh, Resident Medical Officer to make the program a success.

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Next two weeks critical for India‟

CSIR -CCMB 16 March, 2020

Vaccine for coronavirus may take at least a year: CCMB chief

There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19, having originated from China, is very different from what is prevalent in Europe, West Asia or United States of America. ―There is nothing to indicate it is a less virulent strain, looking at the pattern. Hence, it becomes all the more crucial to control spread of the virus in the community in the next couple of weeks, before it affects large sections of population,‖ said Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) Director Rakesh Mishra on Monday.

There is no scientific basis to claim that the coronavirus will vanish once summer sets in and a vaccine is a long way off. ―Summer will bring in more heat and dryness to that extent the cough droplets may evaporate but the virus can spread indoors — inside cinemas, malls — and wherever there is dampness. There is a good chance it could help but we should not depend on weather alone,‖ he explained.

Isolation necessary

Therefore, rather than expect some quick remedies, the populace should brace for two weeks of isolating themselves from community gatherings, avoiding travel and practising personal hygiene like washing hands often. ―Virus is not the issue as most will recover. We need to break the fast spread to thousands of people and though they too will recover, it will be difficult for the system to tackle large numbers,‖ said Dr. Mishra Produced by Unit for Science Dissemination, CSIR, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 28

―Central government and scientific heads have decided the next fortnight is going to be crucial in halting the spread of the contagion because even if a virus it is not fatal but a sudden rise in the number of sick people could put the entire healthcare machinery under strain,‖ he said, in an exclusive interaction.

Top scientists from various research institutes have been interacting with principal scientific adviser K. Vijayaraghavan through video-conferencing in the past few days to deliberate on the steps to be taken to tackle the crisis and on pushing forward the research and development processes with the help of the private sector, he stated.

―A combination of drugs can be tried to tackle any virus, but it comes with the risk of toxicity and uncertainty of benefits. However, a vaccine for coronavirus is many months away and could take at least a year,‖ said the director.

The CCMB has not banned any visitors as such to its facility but has halted international travel of scientists and non-essential travel. Large gatherings are a no-no and staff have been sensitised about the precautions.

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