Category: India

Xenotransplantation — here’s how a gene-edited pig cures humans

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The early success of the transplant of a pig kidney into a human being marks a major milestone in the quest to lessen the critical shortages of human kidneys for patients with kidney failure. This has raised hopes for the researchers that large clinical trials involving pig organs could be a reality. It could also bring the process of xenotransplantation which involves use of animal organs into the clinic.

The need for transplantation of organs is growing. While some scientists feel that animal organs can help in reducing the demand, there is a critical component which  discusses on how this could lead to dangerous infections.

Transplanting a whole organ from a pig has been difficult because of genetic differences that causes the human body to reject them. There are also concerns on being infected by a latent virus inside the pig. This virus could then spread to other humans. 

These kind of efforts will soon lead to a surge in small clinical trials of animal for human transplantation in extremely sick people. If successful, this could help many who have been waiting for organ transplants. 

What is Xenotransplantation  

Xenotransplantation is a process that involves the transplantation, implantation or infusion into a human recipient from a non-human animal source.  Despite several potential benefits, there is a risk of an infection of the recipients. This process called as cross species organ transplantation is still in a nascent stage. There are no human clinical trials that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. 

Transplants from animals have a higher risk because animals have a different genetic code. To lower this risk, researchers make small changes to the animal’s DNA to match better with the human genes. It is very important to find the right genetic code  cells. The genes are edited so that the cells do not  produce a particular sugar that is foreign to the human body and triggers immediate organ rejection. The immune systems of humans were reacting mainly to one sugar molecule on the surfaces of pig cells, called α-Gal.

Xenotransplantation can just be a short-term solution that will reduce the organ shortage in the next five to seven years.

The Risks

There are ethical issues and many animal supportive groups strongly feel that the animals should not be genetically modified. A spokesperson for Animal Aid, a UK-based animal rights group, had told the BBC it was opposed to modifying animal genes in any circumstances. “Animals have a right to live their lives, without being genetically manipulated with all the pain and trauma this entails, only to be killed and their organs harvested,” the organisation said.   The other potential risks are that of organ rejection and virus infection which could be fatal.

The Trajectory 

Lisa Pisano, a 54-year-old woman from New Jersey last month became the second living person to receive a transplant of a gene-edited pig kidney. Doctors also implanted a mechanical heart pump, making Pisano the first person to receive both a heart pump and an organ transplant, according to a statement from NYU Langone Health, where the surgery was performed.

In March this year, a patient at the Massachusetts General Hospital received the first pig kidney transplant. 

The NYU team has earlier experimented with transplanting gene edited pig organs into brain dead patients. They have also twice transplanted pig hearts into deceased human patients. 

In 1984, the heart of a young baboon was transplanted into an infant born with a fatal heart defect. The infant lived for three weeks but died because of heart failure that was caused by the organ rejection. Before this there were other experimental non human heart transplants, the earliest in 1964 using a chimpanzee heart.

The animal to human transplant needs a lot more collaboration, scientific  and clinical trials before they can actually be categorised as a medical success.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Orange alert in Kerala as Kallakadal threatens coastline–all you need to know

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Kerala has been placed under an ‘Orange Alert’ by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) as high-energy swell waves, known locally as Kallakadal, pose a grave threat to the Thiruvananthapuram coastline.

An Orange Alert signifies the imminent risk of adverse weather conditions that could endanger life and property.

Sea erosion, a persistent challenge along Kerala’s coast, has been exacerbated by the emergence of high-energy swell waves.

These waves, generated by distant weather systems, carry immense energy as they travel across the open ocean before crashing onto the coastline with tremendous force.

What exactly is Kallakadal?

The term “Kallakadal,” which translates to “angry sea” in Malayalam, aptly describes the fierce and unpredictable nature of the ocean during such periods of heightened wave activity.

These waves can cause flooding, damage to coastal properties, and even loss of life. Additionally, fishing activities may be disrupted.

Residents have, therefore, been strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel to coastal areas until the situation stabilizes.

Fishermen have been advised to refrain from venturing into the sea until conditions improve, as the risk of accidents and emergencies is significantly heightened during this time.

Sea erosion in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala coast #seaswells #Kallakadal

Kerala: Sea erosion hits Thiruvananthapuram coastline

An ‘Orange Alert’ has been issued by INCOIS due to high-energy swell waves along the Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coasts. This phenomenon, locally known… pic.twitter.com/BktHh0E2tH

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 5, 2024

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had also issued a yellow alert for Alappuzha, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kozhikode districts due to an anticipated heatwave.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had issued several instructions including the closure of educational institutions until May 6.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Poonch attack: One IAF soldier killed, four injured; search operations on

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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One of the five Indian Air Force (IAF) soldiers injured in the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on May 4 passed away in the hospital during treatment.

Terrorists ambushed an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy three weeks ahead of polling in Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency.

Poonch is part of Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency which goes to polls in the sixth phase on May 25.

Officials said five security personnel were injured, two of them critically, when four terrorists opened fire on IAF vehicles moving towards Sanai Top in Poonch’s Surankot area in the evening.

One soldier is still critical and undergoing treatment while the remaining three are stable.

Search operations by the local Rashtriya Rifles unit, which had started cordon and search operations in the area, entered the second day today.

Update

In the ensuing gunfight with terrorists, the Air Warriors fought back by returning fire. In the process, five IAF personnel received bullet injuries, and were evacuated to the nearest military hospital for immediate medical attention. One Air Warrior succumbed to his…

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 4, 2024

The vehicles have been secured inside the air base in the general area near Shahsitar.

The terrorists are believed to have fled into a forest after the attack, the officials said.

There has been no contact with the terrorists yet, they said and added that security personnel are conducting combing operations.

With PTI inputs

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India, Australia agree to exchange monthly import data under preferential terms

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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During the first Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) under the India-Australia Economic Co-operation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), both countries have agreed to several key initiatives.

These include working closely on collaborative projects, ensuring timely resolution of market access issues, deepening people-to-people contacts.

They have also committed to creating an institutional mechanism for sharing preferential import data and exploring innovative areas to ensure the successful completion of the ongoing Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal led an Indian delegation that convened with Australian counterparts, led by Deputy Secretary George Mina from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Canberra.

The delegation also engaged with businesses in Sydney and Melbourne. The aim was to strengthen the existing economic ties between the two democracies.

During the JCM, the Rules of Procedure for the Joint Committee were adopted. An innovative institutional mechanism, the first of its kind for FTAs, was also established for the exchange of preferential import data on monthly basis.

The meeting also addressed certain critical services issues, such as India’s request for cross-border e-payment facilitation and mutual recognition agreements in professions like nursing and dentistry.

India reiterated its commitment to align with the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement by removing the remove the ENT/LMT requirement.

Discussions also centred on enhancing the mobility of healthcare workers between the two nations to promote telemedicine.

While both sides agreed to expand the benefits from trade complementarities, expertise, and unexplored potential in both economies; the meeting delved into various implementation issues of the ECTA.

These included discussions on mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) on organic products, market access challenges for specific products like okra, pomegranate, grapes, cottage cheese, macadamia nuts, lentils, and avocados, and issues related to tariff quota (TRQ) administration and pharmaceutical pricing control in Australia, particularly concerning generics.

The meeting addressed progress made by the working group on Whisky and Wine, aiming to tackle regulatory hurdles, outcomes of ECTA sub-committee meetings, and areas of mutual interest such as coastal tourism, critical minerals, and collaboration towards establishing Disease-Free Zones for shrimps and prawns in India.

Brief discussions were also held on an integrated approach for the forthcoming CEO forum event, with a focus on promoting investments, particularly in startups.

The JCM intends to serve as a vital platform for both the nations to further strengthening of trade ties and exploration of new opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation in areas like trade facilitation, investment promotion as well as cooperation in other areas including support for technology.

Australia is an important trading partner of India in Oceania region with merchandise trade between India and Australia reaching around $24 billion in 2023-24, signaling significant potential for further growth.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Liquor stocks surged by up to 62% over the past year: What drove the rally?

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Shares of liquor manufacturers have been on a bull run over the past year,  delivering solid returns to investors amid positive market conditions. Leading liquor stocks have surged by up to 61% during the period.

According to BSE data, United Breweries shares rose by more than 42% over the past year, while United Spirits’ shares jumped nearly 54%. Another leading IMFL producer, Radico Khaitan, rallied nearly 62% during the same period.

These are the key factors that aided the rally in Indian liquor stocks:

Demand for premiumisation:

Premiumisation is a key trend in the liquor industry, with manufacturers catering to the demand from the high-end segment of the alcohol market.

This is evident from Radico Khaitan’s recent launch of the limited edition Rampur Signature Reserve Single Malt whisky, which sold out within a week despite its hefty price tag of ₹5 lakh per bottle.

United Spirits is also actively targeting the premium market, with sales of its Prestige brand and similar offerings accounting for up 82% of total sales during the July to March period (FY24).

United Breweries is expanding its presence in the premium alcohol segment through new launches and efforts to enhance the penetration of its beer in urban markets.

Reduction in regulatory intervention:

A stabilisation in tax rates and less regulatory intervention also helped the performance of liquor companies.

Excise rates on gross sales also stabilised, leading to spurt in sales of liquor.

A similar trend is seen in diversified FMCG company ITC’s cigarette sales, where volumes improved due to less regulatory intervention in terms of taxation.

Stable input costs:

Barley, which is a key ingredient for alcohol manufacturers, has seen a price stabilisation, with prices coming down. Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) prices are also witnessing less inflation than was estimated, along with reduced prices of glass bottles. All these factors together make the street feel that margins could be up from a year as the input costs for the alcohol industry seem to be stabilising.

Toss-up between FMCG companies and liquor stocks:

It is estimated that alcohol companies are likely to achieve around one and a half to twice the growth seen in fast-manufacturing consumer goods (FMCG) companies. This is likely to boost investor sentiment and aid the rally in liquor stocks.

UK-India FTA Treaty:

The UK-India FTA Treaty could also possibly lower scotch prices and boost volumes for IMFL manufacturers.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

PM Modi likely to lead roadshow in Bhubaneswar on May 10

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lead a roadshow in Bhubaneswar on May 10, party leader Aparajita Sarangi said on Saturday. In a post on X, Sarangi, the MP of Bhubaneswar, urged the people to extend a grand welcome to the prime minister.

The roadshow will cover three assembly segments in the city — Ekamra-Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar North and Bhubaneswar Central. It will begin at Fire Station Square around 9 pm and culminate at Jayadev Vihar. Sarangi is seeking a re-election from the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency.

She held a meeting with the party’s candidates for the seven assembly seats that form the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency and discussed the preparations for the roadshow. Meanwhile, the PM is scheduled to address election rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur on Monday.

State BJP vice-president Golak Mohapatra said he is scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar on Sunday night. Berhampur, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Koraput will go to the polls on May 13, while Bhubaneswar will vote on May 25. Police said elaborate security arrangements have been made in Bhubaneswar for the PM’s latest visit.

DCP Prateek Singh said the PM will land at the Bhubaneswar airport at 9.30 pm on Sunday, and then he will head to the Raj Bhavan where he will spend the night.

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Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Mumbai: High sea waves till Sunday night, BMC issues advisory

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In the latest advisory, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday cautioned people from entering the sea amid warnings about high tide till Sunday night.

The civic body said that the city will witness a ‘swell of surge waves’ starting from 11.30 am on Saturday and it will last till 11.30 pm on Sunday.

“The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) have issued an alert indicating that the sea will be dominated by high-energy swell waves along the nearshore/beach areas,” read a post on the official X handle of the BMC.

📢The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) have issued an alert indicating that the sea will be dominated by high-energy swell waves along the nearshore/beach areas.

⚠️This alert is in effect for 36 hours,…

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) May 4, 2024

This alert will remain in effect for 36 hours till Sunday night, it added.

During this time, shore areas and low-lying areas may experience the combined effect of the swell waves, the height of which may reach up to 0.5 to 1.5 meters.

“As a precautionary measure, citizens are advised to refrain from entering the sea during the next 36 hours,” the civic body stated.

It has further asked fishermen to exercise caution.

The civic personnel have been asked by the BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagarin to coordinate with the police, while security guards at beaches in the city have been ordered to not allow people from entering the waters till Sunday night.

It further stated that extra precautions are recommended, particularly due to the rising number of tourists visiting beaches across Mumbai city during the summer vacation.

Meanwhile, people residing in coastal areas have been asked to remain cautious.

“Fisherfolk along the coast are urged to keep their boats at a safe distance on the shore during this period to prevent damage from collisions. Additionally, precautions are advised while fishing in the sea. Small vessels may navigate nearshore with due caution,” read the BMC advisory on X.

Also, citizens have been appealed to cooperate with security guards, lifeguards, and other deployed agencies on the beaches and near the seashore.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Prajwal Revanna’s father in custody for alleged kidnapping and sexual abuse

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A Special Investigation Team has taken into custody HD Revanna, a legislator in Karnataka from Janata Dal (Secular), an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The arrest followed the court’s denial to give the accused interim bail in a case where he is said to have kidnapped a girl on April 29. The investigators traced the victim to a farm house in Mysuru district and brought her back to  Bengaluru.

HD Revanna is the father of Prajwal, a sitting member of the Parliament and the candidate for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Hassan in the ongoing election for the Lok Sabha.

Prajwal, who is also accused of rape and sexual harassment, has been absconding while the Karnataka state government is considering a move to ask the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to issue a blue corner notice to trace him down.

This is a developing story and will be updated with more details. 

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Puducherry’s unique solution to protect commuters from the heat is a hit

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Stopping at the traffic signals and waiting for the light to turn green can often feel like an hour-long task, especially during the summer season when several cities in India record temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. To alleviate the impact of the relentless heatwave in the city, the Public Works Department in Puducherry has set up green shade nets for a few meters near traffic signals in the city.

The unique initiative by the department is aimed at offering relief to daily commuters, especially those travelling on two-wheelers, who endure the blistering heat while waiting at the traffic signals for the light to turn green.

Multiple videos of bikers and motorists waiting at the traffic signals under the green shade nets on the roads in the city have gone viral on social media platform X, with users lauding the effort of the PWD.

Good initiative by Pondicherry PWD. 👏

(📹-@Jayaram9942Blr) pic.twitter.com/OhED19Lfug

— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) May 2, 2024

The video showcases two-wheeler riders taking refuge under the green shade nets, while patiently waiting for the traffic signal to turn green.

Installing these shades at traffic lights can also help deter people from jumping the red lights as individuals may be tempted to do so to escape the heat during the summers.

Praising the ‘wonderful initiative’ by the Pondicherry Public Works Department, an X user said, “Erecting a shaded structure at a busy traffic crossing is a simple yet impactful way to improve the daily lives of residents and commuters. In the sweltering heat, having a place to find respite from the sun’s relentless rays can make a big difference, both in terms of physical comfort and overall well-being.”

Another user pointed out that these green shades stop about 10 feet before the pedestrian crossing. “At least to avoid scorching sun, motorists won’t block pedestrians,” the person said.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe between May 4 and May 8.

Further, it stated in its daily bulletin on Saturday that heatwave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over “Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Rayalaseema on May 4 and May 5.”

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Major celestial events to watch out for in May 2024: From the Flower Moon to the Eta Aquariid meteor shower

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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May 2024 promises a dazzling display of multiple celestial events that will surely leave astrophotography enthusiasts mesmerised.

From a meteor shower to a beautiful full moon and a planetary sighting, this month features several opportunities to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. Here’s a look at some of the upcoming celestial events in the next few weeks:

Eta Aquariid meteor shower

These meteor showers occur when Earth passes through the debris field left by a comet or asteroid. The Eta Aquariid started on April 16 and they will remain active till May 27. Multiple reports predict that it might reach its peak on May 6-7. For Eta Aquarids, Halley’s Comet is the parent celestial body.

As the planet encounters this debris field, several small particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating a dazzling light show, which we know as a meteor shower.

New Moon

This time, it will not be possible to see the moon in the night sky since it is expected to be on the same side of the earth as the sun. This phase begins at 3:23 UTC (8:52 am IST) on May 8.

Often, this is considered the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies as there is no moonlight.

Mercury at its greatest western elongation

This fascinating celestial event takes place when Mercury, which is the closest planet to the Sun, reaches its maximum angular distance, far away from the Sun as seen from the Earth.

On May 9, the planet will reach its greatest western elongation. This usually takes place twice every 116 days, according to reports.

ALSO READ: China successfully launches lunar probe mission to collect samples for first time from far side of moon

Flower Moon

‘Flower Moon’, which originated in North America, reflects the vibrant spring season blooms gracing the landscape in May. This time, the moon’s face shall be completely illuminated, situated on the opposite side of Earth from the sun, on May 23.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow