Page 26 - Latest Updates on Coronavirus
Disease X could be next big pandemic, kill 50 million people, says expert
Kate Bingham, who chaired the UK's Vaccine Taskforce from May to December 2020, stated that scientists have identified 25 virus families, any of which could mutate into a deadly pandemic
 "Disease X could be next big pandemic, kill 50 million people, says expert")
Vivad se Vishwas - I scheme: Govt grants Rs 256 crore in relief to MSMEs
The Ministry of Finance said in a release that this move will increase the flow of bank credit by freeing up guarantees
 "Vivad se Vishwas - I scheme: Govt grants Rs 256 crore in relief to MSMEs")
Covid antiviral drug molnupiravir linked to virus mutations: Research
Many of these mutations will damage or kill the virus, reducing viral load in the body. It was one of the first antivirals available on the market during the COVID-19 pandemic
 "Covid antiviral drug molnupiravir linked to virus mutations: Research")
Omicron subvariant BA.5 more virulent, study in mice finds
Scientists have used engineered mice to compare SARS-COV-2 Omicron subvariants and found that the BA.5 strain was more virulent likely due to its ability to rapidly replicate early during infection
 "Omicron subvariant BA.5 more virulent, study in mice finds")
Merck's Covid medicine linked to virus mutation patterns, says study
Findings adds weight to earlier work by the same team of researchers that suggested that drug-induced mutations of Covid were spreading in some populations, although not in great numbers
 "Merck's Covid medicine linked to virus mutation patterns, says study")
Number of MSMEs in Bengal to have reached 10 mn after Covid: Official
Addressing a programme, West Bengal Small Industries Development Corporation Ltd (WBSIDCL) executive director V Teja Deepak said there were 9 million MSME units in the state before the pandemic
 "Number of MSMEs in Bengal to have reached 10 mn after Covid: Official")
As many as 412 infra projects show cost overruns of Rs 4.77 trn in August
According to the report, the expenditure incurred on these projects till August 2023, is Rs 15,57,188.10 crore, which is 52.28 per cent of the anticipated cost of the projects
 "As many as 412 infra projects show cost overruns of Rs 4.77 trn in August")
Biden admin announces $600 mn to produce Covid tests; will reopen website
Federal officials said that will help guard against supply chain issues that sparked some shortages of at-home Covid tests made overseas during past surges in coronavirus cases
 "Biden admin announces $600 mn to produce Covid tests; will reopen website")
WHO chief urges China to give full access to probe origins of Covid: Report
These comments from the WHO chief come as health authorities update vaccines in response to a surge in Covid-19 cases
 "WHO chief urges China to give full access to probe origins of Covid: Report")
WHO chief pushes China for 'full access' to determine Covid's origins
Ghebreyesus has for long been pressing China to share its information about the origins of Covid-19, saying that until that happened all hypotheses remained on the table
59% growth in TOEFL test takers in India post-pandemic, rise in share: ETS
"The trends show that the interest is no longer limited to the US or UK but the destination landscape has widened," Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India and South Asia, told PTI
 "59% growth in TOEFL test takers in India post-pandemic, rise in share: ETS")
Demand for champagne softens after post-Covid boom years, says LVMH
"2023 is a bit more complicated, because this effect of Covid is fading out, and there's a lot of inflation in all countries," Schaus said. "So we see that we are going back to normal
 "Demand for champagne softens after post-Covid boom years, says LVMH")
World disappointed by United Nations now looks elsewhere for answers
With dozens of world leaders descending upon New York for the United Nations General Assembly's annual gathering, global problems are showing up fast and thick at the world body's door
 "World disappointed by United Nations now looks elsewhere for answers")
Try extending benefits of Covid schemes to all orphans: SC to govt
A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra asked Additional Solicitor General Vikramjeet Banerjee, appearing for Centre, to seek instructions in the matter
 "Try extending benefits of Covid schemes to all orphans: SC to govt")
Delhi Metro crosses pre-coronavirus passenger journeys from March-August
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) witnessed the highest growth in June at 114.3%
 "Delhi Metro crosses pre-coronavirus passenger journeys from March-August")
Australia's highest court finds Qantas illegally fired 1,700 ground staff
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission initiated the Federal Court lawsuit two weeks ago for what it considers Australia's most serious-ever breach of consumer law
 "Australia's highest court finds Qantas illegally fired 1,700 ground staff")
New supply of retail space in shopping malls to rise 43% by 2027: JLL India
New supply of retail real estate space is expected to rise 43 per cent across seven major cities by 2027 as developers are expanding their business amid strong revival post COVID pandemic
 "New supply of retail space in shopping malls to rise 43% by 2027: JLL India")
Covid body bags purchase scam: Ex-Mumbai mayor Pednekar appears before EOW
On September 6, the Bombay High Court granted interim protection from arrest for four weeks to Pednekar, noting the case probe was on and at this stage custodial interrogation was not warranted
 "Covid body bags purchase scam: Ex-Mumbai mayor Pednekar appears before EOW")
Implementation of technology changed dynamics of healthcare delivery: Min
Speaking on National Digital Health Mission, mansukh Mandaviya said that the government is opening the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)
 "Implementation of technology changed dynamics of healthcare delivery: Min")
Updated Covid-19 shots are coming soon, to be part of trio of vaccines
COVID-19 hospitalizations have been steadily increasing since late summer, although not nearly as much as this time last year, and RSV already is on the rise in parts of the Southeast
 "Updated Covid-19 shots are coming soon, to be part of trio of vaccines")