COVID Resources

Government felicitates best women COVID-19 vaccinators

On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2022, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) felicitated 72 Best Women COVID-19 Vaccinators from 36 states and UTs at the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi. The Union Health Minister applauded and saluted the efforts of women soldiers in the holistic development of the health sector.

The event was organised to celebrate and recognise the untiring efforts in successful implementation of India’s COVID-19 vaccination programme. The women vaccinators have been the harbingers of change in this whole journey.

The Union Health Minister applauded the efforts of women soldiers in the holistic development of the health sector, and said that the development of the health sector is incomplete without the contribution of women. He also lauded the efforts of ASHA and ANM workers who are the pillars of health sector development. They are reaching the last mile, traversing difficult terrains, going to every house to ensure that every eligible person is vaccinated. Under Har Ghar Dastak Campaign, ASHA workers reached out to every household, promoted the uptake of vaccines and thereby, overcame vaccine hesitancy, subsequently making India a global leader in the COVID-19 vaccination programme

To view the details of awardees, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GSBTq0vQjkTmxwiPgAcbKUxgjU51aN45/view

Website link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1804013

Government took numerous proactive measures to alleviate adverse effects of COVID-19 on the tribal communities

COVID-19 has been treated by the Government as a national calamity and accordingly different measures including vaccination are ensured for all. Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has coordinated with the officers in the State Tribal Welfare Department, to assess the preventive and curative needs to curb the spread of COVID-19 among tribal communities and extend a helping hand in meeting the urgent requirement in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With the spread of COVID-19 cases in peri-urban, rural and tribal areas, it is important to ensure that community-based services and primary level health infrastructure in these areas are equipped and oriented to manage COVID-19 cases. Primary healthcare facilities and health facilities in the private sector in these areas play a significant role in delivering health services to the population. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has taken up proactive measures to mitigate its adverse effects on the tribal community.

Website link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1805917

India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage crosses 180 crore doses

The world's largest vaccination drive is touching new heights. With the administration of more than 20.31 lakh (20,31,275) vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 180.13 crore (1,80,13,23,547) as per provisional reports till 13 March 2022

Website link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1805471

Ministry of Education releases e-booklet on COVID-19 related R&D work by centrally funded technical institutes

The Ministry of Education, Government of India has published an e-booklet on COVID-19 related research and development work done by different centrally funded technical institutes (CFTIs). CFTIs have embarked on cross domain multi-disciplinary research on providing effective solutions to some of the hard hitting problems during the pandemic that triggered a demand for safety products like masks, PPEs, sanitizers, handwash, etc. Besides these common products, the demand of the medical community for major medical devices like RT-PCR testing kits, ventilators, oxygen supplement, beds, mobile units was phenomenal due to the vast spread of the virus across the country.

CFTIs have also continued to pursue in their scientific pursuits by devising new ways of working by devising SOPs for research labs and incubation centres. The industry academia connect has also witnessed greater participation. Some of the successful prototypes have been taken up for commercialisation by industrial establishments and new products have been launched into the market at affordable costs for masses. New startups have also been initiated, which are being supported by investors and industries and it is expected to see more new products being launched in the near future

A compilation of the efforts of young students from CFTIs in the form of this booklet will help in spreading awareness and share their ideas with industry, academics, institutes and other entrepreneurs across the world.

Website link:
https://owncloud.iitd.ac.in/nextcloud/index.php/s/SwEF7Nfoon4MYMQ

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India releases a daily bulletin on COVID-19, starting from the early days of its outbreak. The bulletin contains press releases concerning COVID-19, issued in the last 24 hours, inputs from PIB field offices, and fact checks undertaken by PIB. These bulletins are published in 14 languages: Hindi, English, Urdu, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, Bangla, Kannada, Oriya, Gujarati, Assamese, Malayalam and Manipuri. The following data points were released on 21 March 2022.

Website link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1807898

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, more than 181 crore vaccine doses (1,81,24,97,303) to States/UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed four crores, and as of 21 March 2022, 08:00 AM, it stands at 4,30,09,390 cases, of which 4,24,67,774 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 98.21 per cent while the case fatality rate has been pegged at 1.20 per cent.

Website link:
https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

CSIR bulletin on COVID news and updates about the pandemic

CSIR was at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19 pandemic. It also put in place measures to counter the infodemic. CSIR-In-Media is a weekly newsletter published by CSIR magazine that showcases the institute’s significant research contributions

Website link:
https://www.csir.res.in/news-bulletin

Outreach initiatives of COVID-related information repository through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Portal

The India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Portal is a centralised window for information about developments in India on science, technology, and innovation. The vision is to provide a single-window source of information on a web portal about all data related to the Indian STI ecosystem by aggregating data on scientific inputs and outputs, bringing stakeholders together and disseminating science, technology and innovation content. The Portal focuses on bringing all stakeholders and Indian STI activities on a single online platform; helping efficient utilisation of resources; highlighting functioning of scientific organisations, laboratories and institutions; aggregating information on science funding, fellowship and award opportunities spanning from school to faculty level; and projecting science in India with its significant achievements. ISTI Portal has been developed by Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organisation of the DST.

In the critical times of the COVID-19 outbreak, the web portal serves as a one-stop online information guide to bring together a collection of resources in response to COVID-19. These resources are generated by efforts made by numerous initiatives and schemes taken up by several departments and ministries of the Government of India and a string of institutions spread across the country. The content presented here relies on the best available scientific understanding of the disease and its transmission.

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in the question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations, communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info:
istiportal@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:
https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

India Science is an Internet-based Over-The-Top (OTT) science TV channel. An initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, it is implemented and managed by Vigyan Prasar (VP), an autonomous organisation of the DST. This 24x7 video platform is dedicated to science and technology knowledge dissemination, with a strong commitment to spreading scientific awareness, especially with Indian perspectives, ethos and cultural milieu. The initiative is supported by the National Council of Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST.

Science and technology are the main driving forces of the nation and fundamental to progress and growth. So, the advantages of science and technology must reach all sections of the society through popular media of communication. India’s large Internet user base of 500 million is split between 305 million urban Indians and 195 million rural Indians, all of whom need to be reached with authentic science and technology content. And to do so, the Internet is fast becoming the most accessible and preferred media for content delivery.

Since the occurrence of COVID-19, India Science has been working tirelessly to connect with the people, in the form of regular bulletins, documentaries, interviews, bytes and live sessions of scientists, doctors, experts, science administrators and policymakers. The following is a brief account of the information products produced by India Science:

1. COVID-19 Explained: Short films to explain the important research findings related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination in layman’s language are produced on a weekly basis. The topics chosen for COVID-19 Explained cater to the curiosity of the common man towards the pandemic.

2. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.

3. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.

4. Live phone-in programme: A live phone-in programme on COVID-19 vaccination is telecast from India Science on every Monday and Tuesday. Experts from the field give answers to the questions related to COVID-19 vaccination received from the audience

5. India Science started ‘Corona Ko Harana Hai’ from April 2021. In this programme, India Science team conduct interviews on COVID-19-related different issues with top medical professionals of the country.

6. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly.

7. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.

8. Produced COVID-19 related videos in Self Reliant series.

9. Special interview telecast with Secretary, DBT on COVID-19 related work done by DBT.

Contact info:
indiascience@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:
https://www.indiascience.in/

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – An information resource on the pandemic

Effective communication is in its own right a non-pharmaceutical intervention for any epidemic that can increase adherence to protective behaviours necessary to mitigate its spread. There is no ‘best practice’ for communication during a complex public health emergency, but past experiences have led to several principles that contribute to a successful strategy. India is fighting the second wave of the COVID pandemic with a lot of resilience and grit. A very encouraging and precise trend is now visible as the positivity rate is declining rapidly. In 2020, India dealt with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with collective measures, scientific approaches, and awareness. The intelligent use of technology and well-planned resource allocation to tackle the new wave of the pandemic has been dealt with at a war footing. The newsletter – COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – is being compiled to inform our readers and strengthen the usefulness of any published information.

To bridge the gap between scientific contributions, leadership and administrative efforts, and the general public’s perspective, Vigyan Prasar is continuously reaching out to its audiences by way of a regular e-newsletter, taking its mandate of science communication, popularisation and extension to the next level. Our effort is firmly based on the fact that “Science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” The steady increase in the number of recoveries and the significant and continuous decrease in positivity rate provide us with the much-needed assurance that this may be the outcome of improving the health infrastructure and making health the cornerstone at the policy level. The e-Newsletter aims to be a handy guide to scientists, researchers, and scholars, especially those interested.

The latest edition was digitally published in February 2022.

Contact info:
covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:
https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

Jan Bhagidari, the world’s largest and most successful vaccination drive completes one year

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare today released a commemorative postal stamp on COVID-19 vaccine to mark the first anniversary of India’s national COVID-19 vaccination programme along with Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Shri Devusinh Chauhan, Union Minister of State for Communications.

The commemorative stamp design features a healthcare worker inoculating a senior citizen with COVID-19 vaccine, along with an image of ‘COVAXIN’ vial. This stamp signifies the remarkable work done by our frontline healthcare workers and scientific community across the country in protecting the people against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mandaviya said, “This is a historic occasion for us as a postal stamp is being released on the completion of one year of the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination programme, which was rolled out in India on 16 January 2021. Within a span of one year, we have administered more than 156 crore COVID-19 vaccinations. Our vaccination programme is in fact a role model for the global community. It is because of Jan Bhagidari that India was able to achieve this feat. He thanked all the healthcare professionals, scientific community, vaccine manufacturers and all the people for their relentless hard work and dedication in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlighting the remarkable efforts of all the stakeholders in our collective fight against COVID-19, the Union Health Minister said "The entire world community is surprised with our efforts in fighting the COVID pandemic. Despite having a high density of population, we have been able to administer more than 156 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses. India has encountered various challenges along the journey but it is the resolve and dedication of more than 135 crore people that we could overcome every challenge. Credit goes to our indigenous research and development and streamlined production and distribution of vaccines. Amidst the environment of criticism and disbelief, the country gathered its spirits and worked against those who wanted to spread doubts and misinformation against indigenous vaccines and create vaccine hesitancy."

He further highlighted that India’s vaccination programme is a story of the unparalleled journey of the country. It showcases the Indian model and the extraordinary achievement of our country guided by the unshakeable conviction of the Prime Minister in the hidden potential and capabilities of the citizens of our country.

Dr Mandaviya said that “The enormous preparation required with little time has made it an unparalleled journey. Understanding the highly infectious nature of the disease and the need to ensure overall healthcare availability across the country was vital.” India did a strategic repurposing of the existing health infrastructure to ensure that the health systems providing primary healthcare at grassroots levels were strengthened, he added.

The Union Minister remarked that proactive, pre-emptive, and graded entire Government and the society approach are the hallmarks of India’s COVID-19 response. Earlier, the process of vaccine research to vaccine availability for common people took several years but it was the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister that it could be achieved in just nine months. Our Prime Minister has always encouraged our scientific fraternity and development of indigenous COVID-19 vaccines in record time is an outcome of his strong belief, he added.

Applauding the collective efforts of all, the Union Health Minister said that India’s vaccine drive is indeed an example of what India can achieve if citizens come together in the spirit of Jan Bhagidari as remarked by the Prime Minister.

Website link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1790343

Over 40 lakh children got the first jab on first day – Young India strengthening the fight against COVID-19

The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on 16 January 2021 and vaccination of all the eligible population above 18 years of age started from 1 May 2021. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination has commenced from 3rd January 2022, for adolescents in the age group of 15-18 years.The move is likely to aid in normalisation of education in schools and will reduce the worry of the parents with school going children.

Over 40 lakh children between ages 15-18 have been given COVID-19 vaccine jabs on the first day of vaccination drive for children. The drive continued till 8 pm as per data shared by the CoWIN portal.

Website link:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1787282

COVID19: Learn & Lead - a self-paced online course curated by the experts of ICMR-NIE

While omicron is spreading panic in the country, let all try & make sure we are firm in our understanding of the pandemic by registering in a self-paced online course curated by the experts from ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) – COVID19: Learn & Lead.

ICMR- NIE conducts several Field Epidemiological Training Programme to build the capacity of medical professionals from various state health departments. ICMR- NIE is the South Hub for India Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) programme. The course COVID-19: Learn & Lead is one of the initiatives under the India EIS program. The study summarises the scientific evidence and best practices to reduce the spread and save lives from COVID. The course has eight modules with 17 sessions which can be completed in 6 to 7 hours. The learners can go through the course at their own pace and receive a completion certificate upon finishing the final assessment.

Eligibility: This course has been primarily designed to train healthcare professionals involved in COVID-related activities. Other professionals involved in COVID response may also find this course helpful. However, the content is highly technical and suits the best for the health care professionals and biology students.

Contact info:
director.nie@icmr.gov.in Website link:
https://www.nielearncovid.in/course/covid19#/home

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

COVID-19 Explained: Short films to explain the important research findings related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination in layman’s language are produced on a weekly basis. The topics chosen for COVID-19 Explained cater to the curiosity of the common man towards the pandemic.
Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.
Live phone-in programme: A live phone-in programme on COVID-19 vaccination is telecast from India Science on every Monday and Tuesday. Experts from the field give answers to the questions related to COVID-19 vaccination received from the audience.
India Science started ‘Corona Ko Harana Hai’ from April 2021. In this programme, India Science team conduct interviews on COVID-19-related different issues with top medical professionals of the country.
India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly.
COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.
Produced COVID-19 related videos in Self Reliant series.
Special interview telecast with Secretary, DBT on COVID-19 related work done by DBT.

Contact info:
indiascience@vigyanprasar.gov.in Website link:
https://www.indiascience.in/

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Website link:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1791031

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, more than 150 crore vaccine doses (1,59,67,55,879) to States/UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 20 January 2022, 08:00 AM, it stands at 3,82,18,773 cases, of which 3,58,07,029 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 93.69 per cent while the case fatality rate has been pegged at 1.28 per cent.

Website link:
https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

CSIR bulletin on COVID news and updates about the pandemic

Website link:
https://www.csir.res.in/news-bulletin

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The India Science, Technology and Innovation Portal (ISTI) is a centralised resource for information about developments in India on science, technology, and innovation. The vision is to provide a single-window source of information on a web portal about all data related to the Indian STI ecosystem by aggregating data on scientific inputs and outputs, bringing stakeholders together and disseminating science, technology and innovation content. The portal focuses on bringing all stakeholders and Indian STI activities on a single online platform; helping efficient utilisation of resources; highlighting functioning of scientific organisations, laboratories and institutions; aggregating information on science funding, fellowship and award opportunities spanning from school to faculty level; pooling together conferences, seminars and events; and projecting science in India with its significant achievements. The ISTI web portal has been developed by Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organisation of the DST.

Contact info:
istiportal@vigyanprasar.gov.in Website link:
https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – An information resource on the pandemic

To bridge the gap between scientific contributions, leadership and administrative efforts, and the general public’s perspective, Vigyan Prasar is continuously reaching out to its audiences by way of a regular e-newsletter, taking its mandate of science communication, popularisation and extension to the next level. Our effort is firmly based on the fact that "Science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom." The steady increase in the number of recoveries and the significant and continuous decrease in positivity rate provide us with the much-needed assurance that this may be the outcome of improving the health infrastructure and making health the cornerstone at the policy level. The e-Newsletter aims to be a handy guide to scientists, researchers, and scholars, especially those interested.

The latest edition was digitally published on 20th December 2021.

The revised discharge policy is aligned with the COVID-19 clinical management protocol.

Contact info:
covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in Website Link:
https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

Vaccine Maitri: India exports COVID-19 vaccines to other nations

India is committed to supplying COVID-19 vaccines to other nations. Since the start of Vaccine Maitri programme in January 2021, India has supplied around 10 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 94 countries and two UN entities in the form of grant, commercial export or through COVAX so far.

India is one of the largest contributors to the programme aiming at equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines from vaccine manufacturing nations to contribute to other countries.

In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic during the second wave, support in the form of COVID-19 related equipment and medicines were received from more than 50 countries. These included supplies from foreign governments, private companies, Indian associations abroad, etc.

Website link:
https://www.mea.gov.in/vaccine-supply.htm

Government announces portal to register children orphaned by COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the world, including India. Children have also been affected in many ways during the pandemic. Their perils range from loss of routine life and inability to go to school to facing anxiety due to loss of loved ones to COVID-19. Many children are reported to have lost both parents to the pandemic.

The Prime Minister has announced PM CARES for Children scheme to support children who have lost both parents or surviving parent or legal guardian or adoptive parents due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme is accessible through an online portal on which applications of such children are uploaded on the portal by the State/UT governments.

As on 2 December 2021, 5,491 applications have been uploaded on the portal out of which, 3,049 have been approved by District Magistrates after following due process and 483 are pending for approval.

The scheme provides support for education and health and will create a corpus of Rs 10 lakh for each child when he or she reaches 18 years of age. This corpus will be used to give a monthly financial support/stipend from 18 years of age, for the next five years to take care of his or her personal requirements during the period of higher education and on reaching the age of 23 years, he or she will get the corpus amount as one lump sum for personal and professional use. The scheme is accessible through an online portal (pmcaresforchildren.in).

The Ministry is implementing a centrally sponsored scheme, namely Child Protection Services (CPS) scheme, under which support is provided to States and UT Governments for delivering services to children in need and difficult circumstances. The Child Care Institutions (CCIs) established under the CPS scheme support, inter-alia, age-appropriate education, access to vocational training, recreation, healthcare, counselling, etc. and equally covers rural and urban children. As per the scheme guidelines, a quantum of sponsorship of Rs 2,000 per child per month is available for non-institutional care of children in need of care and protection and the provision for maintenance grant of Rs 2,160 per child per month for children living in a child care institution.

The Ministry has asked the States and UTs to take immediate action for care and protection of children adversely impacted by COVID-19, in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Rules thereunder, while leveraging the facilities funded under the Child Protection Services scheme. The Ministry has also issued advisories and guidelines for encouraging COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, monitoring of Child Care Institutions and coping strategies during the pandemic times for mental health support to children and care givers. A responsibility matrix defining the role of primary duty holders at all levels from State to Panchayati Raj Institutions was also shared with States/UTs.

Website link:
https://pmcaresforchildren.in/

Union Minister launches aerial delivery of COVID-19 vaccines through Octacopter drones in Jammu

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, has launched a drone-driven aerial delivery facility to transport COVID-19 vaccines and emergency medicines to inaccessible and difficult areas in a short span of time in Jammu. The first consignment of 50 vials of COVID-19 vaccines was dropped by a drone near the international border in Marh area.

CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) and CSIR-IIIM have teamed up with the Department of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of Jammu for aerial delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in remote areas.

The Octacopter drone can carry a payload of 10 kg with a range of 20 kilometres and it can fly at an operational altitude of 500 metres AGL (above ground level) at a maximum flying speed of 36 kmph, as per the minister.

On the occasion of the launch, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh formally handed over a consignment of COVID-19 vaccines to the drone operators, who then mounted the same on the drone, which took off on its aerial journey. It covered a distance of 15 km in 15 minutes, thereby cutting travel time and making it easier to deliver medical supplies to remote places.

More such demonstrations will be carried out by CSIR in remote hilly areas like Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch and Bhadarwah in the near future, Dr Jitendra Singh said.

Website link:
https://www.csir.res.in/sites/default/files/26%20To%2030%20November%202021.pdf

Himachal Pradesh: 100 per cent of its eligible population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 disease

India’s vaccination drive crosses another important milestone. Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to fully vaccinate its eligible population against COVID-19. Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to fully vaccinate 100 per cent of its adult population against COVID-19. According to the latest figure on COWIN App, more than one crore (1,13,03,150) COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered as on 16 December 2021.

Website link:
https://transformingindia.mygov.in/covid19/100-of-its-eligible-population-now-fully-vaccinated-against/, https://dashboard.cowin.gov.in/

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The India Science, Technology and Innovation Portal (ISTI) is a one-stop window for information about developments in India on science, technology, and innovation. The vision is to provide a single-window source of information on a web portal about all data related to the Indian STI ecosystem by aggregating data on scientific inputs and outputs, bringing stakeholders together and disseminating science, technology and innovation content. The portal focuses on bringing all stakeholders and Indian STI activities on a single online platform; helping efficient utilisation of resources; highlighting functioning of scientific organisations, laboratories and institutions; aggregating information on science funding, fellowship and award opportunities spanning from school to faculty level; pooling together conferences, seminars and events; and projecting science in India with its significant achievements. The ISTI web portal has been developed by Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organisation of the DST.

Contact info:
istiportal@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:
https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Website link:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1782365

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, more than 130 crore vaccine doses (1,35,99,96,267) to States/UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 17 December 2021, 08:00 AM, it stands at 3,47,26,049 cases, of which 3,41,62,765 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 98.38 per cent while the case fatality rate has been pegged at 1.37 per cent.

Website link:
https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

2. COVID-19 Explained: Short films to explain the important research findings related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination in layman’s language are produced on a weekly basis. The topics chosen for COVID-19 Explained cater to the curiosity of the common man towards the pandemic.

3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.

4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.

5. Live phone-in programme: A live phone-in programme on COVID-19 vaccination is telecast from India Science on every Monday and Tuesday. Experts from the field give answers to the questions related to COVID-19 vaccination received from the audience.

6. India Science started ‘Corona Ko Harana Hai’ from April 2021. In this programme, India Science team conduct interviews on COVID-19-related different issues with top medical professionals of the country.

7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly.

8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.

Contact info:
indiascience@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:
https://www.indiascience.in/

myGOV reaches out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

myGOV is inviting blogs from Indian citizens for the largest vaccination drive in India. It is inviting citizens from all walks of life to share a blog write-up of 500 words. The topics are as follows:

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy

2. Getting Covaxinated (COVID vaccine) is important

3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

The blog write-up should be in any of the two formats – word/pdf and the writer should not imprint or watermark the entry. Entries are to be submitted online only. Any other medium/ mode will not be considered for evaluation.

Website link:
https://www.mygov.in/task/inviting-blogs-mygov-citizens-largest-vaccination-drive/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=309211

Initiative by myGOV to engage the general public in thanking the healthcare workers

As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India’s strength and dedication in defeating coronavirus, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families and have been working day and night to battle the atrocities of the raging pandemic. To make their job easier and help them, people can support them by following COVID appropriate behaviour and take out time to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’.

To make them feel valued, myGOV has started an initiative for healthcare workers, for which you have to first join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative and share your appreciation message.

Website link:
https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/lets-thank-our-healthcare-workers/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=309871

CSIR bulletin on COVID news and updates about the pandemic

Website link:
https://www.csir.res.in/news-bulletin

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – An information resource on the pandemic

The latest edition was digitally published on 26 November 2021.

Contact info:
covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:
https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

NITI Aayog releases compendium of best practices on home-based management of COVID-19

NITI Aayog has released Home-Based Management of COVID-19, a compendium of best practices adopted by states to combat the pandemic. The report was launched by its ViceChairman Dr Rajiv Kumar, Member (Health) Dr Vinod K Paul, CEO Amitabh Kant, and Additional Secretary Dr Rakesh Sarwal.

The compendium presents a holistic picture of various home-based care models adopted by the states and summarises basic principles and practical recommendations. Several of these successful strategies can be replicated and scaled up.

Over the past two years, the country has been facing an unprecedented public health crisis in the form of COVID-19. Since the onset of the pandemic, state governments have responded with various innovative measures to contain the spread of the virus. The changing dynamics of the COVID-19 infection called for early identification, remote monitoring, and appropriate referral mechanism to reduce the number of severe cases and deaths. This led to the formulation of a ‘home-based care model for COVID-19’.

Why home-based care?

Home-based care is a low-cost model and can reach many people at the same time with the help of digital tools such as telemedicine/call centres/apps, etc. It has emerged as an important pillar of pandemic management. Various home care best practices included in this document have provided holistic support to patients and their families.

However, there could be some limitations if all services are not connected and integrated at all levels and if there are delays in referrals, transportation, and admissions. There is a risk of the spread of infection to family members if protocols are not followed properly. Clear standard operating procedures and triaging are, therefore, extremely critical for efficient home care. Hospitalisation should be accessible at well-functioning referral facilities.

The integrated command and facilitation centres should be flexible, adaptable, and resilient for use in COVID-19, and adaptable non-COVID-19 related services in a quiescent pandemic situation.

Community engagement and management have contributed to the large-scale take-up of home-based care. Local efforts are essential for better case management and for reducing fear and stigma. Community preparedness can help in ensuring that no one is left behind. The practices on home-based care described in this compendium may be adopted, adapted, and replicated by the states/UTs for scaleup in respective contexts, building on their experiences.

This compendium aims to provide information focused on sustainability and scalability of home-based care models adapted by various states of India. This document will act as an essential knowledge resource for the stakeholders from other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) across the globe and will go a long way in strengthening the battle against COVID-19 and similar pandemics in the future. The compendium will provide strategic direction to decision-makers for designing sustainable healthcare models at the national and sub-national levels.

Contact info: healthdiv-pc@gov.in

Website link: https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-11/State-practices-on-home-based-care-forCOVID-19.pdf

Kernel – IISc, Bengaluru’s research newsletter covers latest research on COVID-19

The IISc is India’s premier destination for science and engineering. Research at IISc spans six divisions and is distinctively interdisciplinary. Kernel, a monthly magazine that showcases the institute’s significant research contributions, is published as a monthly digest in its new avatar, providing snapshots of recent researches and initiatives.

Despite their limitations, models and simulations are useful for tracking the spread of a pandemic like COVID-19. In this issue of Kernel, read more about such tools developed by IISc researchers to gain deeper insight into disease transmission.

Contact info: kernel.ooc@iisc.ac.in

Website link: https://kernel.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Kernel-Issue-8-2021.pdf

CSIR bulletin on COVID news and updates about the pandemic

Website link: https://www.csir.res.in/news-bulletin

IIT Madras, IISc and ISI collaborate with Semantic Web India to upgrade COVID-19 data website

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Centre for Networked Intelligence at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), and Semantic Web India, a private technology firm based in Bengaluru, have joined hands to help continue the efforts of a critical COVID-19 Data Website, which was operated by a group of volunteers and has now shut down.

The previous website, Covid19India.org, offered a comprehensive view of the pandemic across India by providing data on confirmed cases, active and recovered cases, tests and fatalities. The portal also recently started showing vaccination administration status for single-dose and fully vaccinated. The website, which was run until now by volunteers based on a crowd-sourcing model, provided valuable data to the public and researchers studying the pandemic.

The new public repository is currently being hosted at www.incovid19.org

Contact info: contact@incovid19.org

Website link: https://iisc.ac.in/news-events/iisc-in-the-news/

Initiative by myGOV to engage the general public in thanking the healthcare workers

As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India’s strength and dedication in defeating coronavirus, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families and have been working day and night to battle the atrocities of the raging pandemic. To make their job easier, people can support them by following COVID-appropriate behaviour and take out time to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’.

To make them feel valued, myGOV has started an initiative for healthcare workers, for which you have to first join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative and share your appreciation message.

Website link:
https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/lets-thank-our-healthcare-workers/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=309871

Union Health Ministry organises national webinar for media to further strengthen awareness about the month-long Har Ghar Dastak campaign

A national interactive webinar was organised for the media by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) to further strengthen awareness about the month-long Har Ghar Dastak campaign. The campaign aims to ensure that the entire adult population is covered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while those who are due for the second doses are also motivated to take the same. Har Ghar Dastak, which means knocking at every door, aims to reach out to those eligible adults who have either not taken their first dose or for some reason have missed their second dose. Healthcare workers will conduct door-to-door vaccinations of eligible people across India with special focus on districts where less than 50 per cent of the eligible population has been vaccinated.

The interactive webinar was addressed by Dr. Manohar Agnani, Additional Secretary, MoHFW. He said that going by India’s current vaccination pace we can claim with confidence that the world’s largest adult vaccination programme is well on track since its launch on 16th January 2021. To date, about 79 per cent of the eligible population in India has been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the first dose, while another 38 per cent have been fully vaccinated. In several states, 100 per cent of the adult population has received the first dose of the vaccine. He expressed confidence that with India’s current vaccine delivery capacity, the entire adult population will soon be covered.

While enthusiasm for vaccines has been growing fast, the last mile coverage comes with its own set of unique challenges. There could be several reasons for some people not taking the vaccine, including accessibility issues for those living in remote areas, the continuing fear of side effects and lingering vaccine hesitancy in some communities. Dr Agnani observed that through this campaign, the country’s frontline health workers are addressing several such issues on the ground that are preventing people from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. The campaign also envisages collaboration with local religious and community leaders and other agencies and organisations, such as Central Statistics Office (CSO), non-government organisations, NSS, etc., to motivate people who have not taken their vaccine. Multimedia information, education and communication (IEC) campaign will be designed to counter anti-vaccine rumours and to emulate innovative approaches and practices followed by high coverage districts within the states/UTs.

While addressing queries from the participating mediapersons, Dr Agnani stressed on the importance of taking both the vaccine doses. He also urged them to motivate people through positive stories. Thanking the media for their continued support, he requested them to help fight the last vestiges of lingering hesitancy in some pockets of the country.

Website link:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1771292

INSA released white paper on COVID-19 immunity and vaccines

Globally, the year 2020 witnessed a huge surge in infections across all age groups, with a substantial number of patients becoming seriously ill leading to high mortality. Due to its recent association with humans, the SARS-CoV-2 may not yet have been fully adapted to the human host. This has led to the speculation that the virus may be evolving continuously towards even higher transmissibility.

It is now clear that COVID-19 is a droplet infection, driven largely by human-to-human transmission, forcing public health officials to announce wearing face mask, frequent hand wash and practicing social distancing as the most effective ways to drive down the virus’s reproductive numbers.

The world over, the scientific community quickly got together in an exemplary international effort to develop effective countermeasures against the virus, including robust diagnostics, novel treatment strategies and efficacious vaccines. There has been an unprecedented growth in scientific enquiry about various facets of the causative organism, underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, host immunity, epidemiology and clinical trials using new and repurposed drugs as well as scores of vaccines. The data generated so far has been particularly helpful in forecasting the disease outcome and for developing effective strategies of control.

The white paper released by Indian National Science Academy (INSA) is a comprehensive treatise with focus on host immunity, vaccines and ethical aspects of COVID-19 – the most significant pandemic that the human race has faced in recent times, leaving no country untouched. There are eight chapters, written in easy-to-understand format and contributed by biomedical scientists of notable eminence having made significant contributions in diverse areas of medicine and biology.

Contact info: esoffice@insa.nic.in, publicationinsa@gmail.com

Website link: https://www.insaindia.res.in/pdf/Host_Immunity_Vaccines_Covid19.pdf

IIT Mandi, by comparing India and the US, presents a COVID-19 research paper at UNESCO on social science elements

The French Presidency of the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Council (IGC) of UNESCO’s Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme organised a symposium, titled ‘Social Sciences and the COVID-19 Pandemic: State of Knowledge and Proposals for Action’, on 21st and 22nd October 2021. The symposium focused on the use of social science research in the management of health crises. The paper, titled, ‘Risk Perception, Fear, Social Distancing, Masks, and Treatments Regarding COVID-19 in India and the United States of America’, presented by Dr Varun Dutt, Associate Professor, IIT Mandi, highlighted the attitudes of people of India and the USA towards risk perception, fear, social distancing, mask-wearing, and treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the salient points from the presentation involving 405 respondents across India and the USA are the following: risk perception, fear, social distancing, mask wearing, and treatments.

Website link: https://www.iitmandi.ac.in/news/articles/files/COVID19_Colloquium_oct2021.pdf

myGOV reaches out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

myGOV is inviting blogs from Indian citizens for the largest vaccination drive in the country. It is inviting citizens from all walks of life to share a blog write-up of 500 words. The topics are as follows:

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy
2. Getting Covaxinated (COVID vaccine) is important
3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/task/inviting-blogs-mygov-citizens-largest-vaccination-drive/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=309211

IIT Kanpur develops an information resource on its research efforts to combat COVID-19

IIT Kanpur (IITK) is working round-the-clock to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. its researchers have been assiduously working to develop a rapidly scalable range of products and services for COVID-19 prevention, protection, and management. It has given the complete information about its products and researchers in one document containing all necessary information about all products. These products and services are classified under five major heads: Modelling for COVID-19 Trajectory Prediction, Critical Treatment Personal Protection & Primary Healthcare, Disinfection & Sanitization, and Autonomous Services. IIT Kanpur played a central role in the development of the SUTRA model for predicting the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic. The model predicted a peak for India in mid-May and for UP in April-end. A portal was developed for oxygen consumption in 56 hospitals of the state in which data was updated every day. Apart from this, it has also developed an invasive ventilator, SIR (susceptible infected-removed) model, oxygen generator and ventilator, pressure respirator system, reusable N95 and N99 masks, protective equipment, fake news verification app, disinfection system, smart bin system, and many more products.

Website link: https://www.iitk.ac.in/new/data/innovations-on-covid-19.pdf

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, around 120 crore vaccine doses (1,19,38,44,741) to States/UTs

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 25th November 2021, 08:00 AM, it stands at 3,45,44,882 cases, of which 3,39,67,962 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 98.33 per cent while the case fatality rate stands at 1.35 per cent.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

Outreach initiatives by India Science OTT Channel

1. Weekly COVID-19 video bulletin: Produced in both Hindi and English on a weekly basis from 7th July 2020, COVID-19 bulletin apprises the audience about the latest developments happening in the S&T scenario in India that are helping in managing and overcoming the challenges thrown up by the pandemic. Vigyan Prasar produced a daily COVID-19 bulletin from 11th April to 6th July 2020. Thereafter, a weekly bulletin is being produced, which provides details about the most important S&T updates from the country related to COVID-19. From January 2021 onwards, the COVID-19 bulletin carried news about the vaccination drive initiated by the Government of India.
2. COVID-19 Explained: Short films to explain the important research findings related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination in layman’s language are produced on a weekly basis. The topics chosen for COVID-19 Explained cater to the curiosity of the common man towards the pandemic.
3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.
4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.
5. Live phone-in programme: A live phone-in programme on COVID-19 vaccination is telecast from India Science on every Monday and Tuesday. Experts from the field give answers to the questions related to COVID-19 vaccination received from the audience.
6. India Science started ‘Corona Ko Harana Hai’ from April 2021. In this programme, India Science team conducts interviews on COVID-19-related different issues with top medical professionals of the country.
7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly.
8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.

Contact info: indiascience@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascience.in/

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, releases a daily bulletin on COVID-19, starting from the early days of the pandemic outbreak. The bulletin contains press releases concerning COVID-19, issued in the last 24 hours, inputs from PIB field offices, and fact checks undertaken by PIB. These bulletins are published in 14 languages: Hindi, English, Urdu, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, Bangla, Kannada, Oriya, Gujarati, Assamese, Malayalam and Manipuri. The following data points were released on 23rd November 2021.

Website link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1774384

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

In the critical times of the outbreak of the COVID-19, the web portal serves as a one-stop online information guide to bring together a collection of resources in response to the pandemic. These resources are generated by efforts made by numerous initiatives and schemes taken up by several departments and ministries of the Government of India and a host of institutions spread across the country. The content presented here relies on the best available scientific understanding of the disease and its transmission.

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations,communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info: istiportal@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – An information resource on the pandemic

Effective communication is in its own right a non-pharmaceutical intervention for any epidemic that can increase adherence to protective behaviours necessary to mitigate its spread. There is no ‘best practice’ for communication during a complex public health emergency, but past experiences have led to several principles that contribute to a successful strategy. India is fighting the second wave of the COVID pandemic with a lot of resilience and grit. A very encouraging and precise trend is now visible as the positivity rate is declining rapidly. In 2020, India dealt with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with collective measures, scientific approaches, and awareness. The intelligent use of technology and wellplanned resource allocation to tackle the new wave of the pandemic has been dealt with on a war footing. The newsletter – COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – is being compiled to inform our readers and strengthen the usefulness of any published information.

The latest edition was digitally published on 11th November 2021.

Contact info: covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

In the critical times of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the web portal serves as a one-stop online information guide to bring together a collection of resources in response to COVID-19. These resources are generated by efforts made by numerous initiatives and schemes taken up by several departments and ministries of the Government of India and numerous institutions spread across the country. The content presented here relies on the best available scientific understanding of the disease and its transmission.

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations, communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info: kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India releases a daily bulletin on COVID-19, starting from the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak. The bulletin contains press releases concerning COVID-19, issued in the last 24 hours, inputs from PIB field offices, and fact checks undertaken by PIB. These bulletins are published in 14 languages: Hindi, English, Urdu, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, Bangla, Kannada, Oriya, Gujarati, Assamese, Malayalam and Manipuri. The following data points are released on 9 November 2021.

Website link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1770332

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, more than 100 crore vaccine doses (1,09,63,59,208) to States/UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 10 November 2021, 08:00 AM, it stands at 3,43,88,579 cases, of which 3,37,87,047 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 98.25 per cent while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

India Science is an Internet-based Over-The-Top (OTT) science TV channel. It is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, implemented and managed by Vigyan Prasar (VP), an autonomous organisation of the DST. This 24x7 video platform is dedicated to science and technology knowledge dissemination, with a strong commitment to spreading scientific awareness, especially with Indian perspectives, ethos and cultural milieu. The initiative is supported by the National Council of Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST.

1. Weekly COVID-19 video bulletin: Produced in both Hindi and English on a weekly basis from 7 July 2020, COVID-19 bulletin apprises the audience about the latest developments happening in the S&T scenario in India that are helping in managing and overcoming the challenges thrown up by the pandemic. Vigyan Prasar produced a daily COVID-19 bulletin from 11 April to 6 July 2020. Thereafter, a weekly bulletin is being produced, which provides details about the most important S&T updates from the country related to COVID-19. From January 2021 onwards the COVID-19 bulletin carried news about the vaccination drive initiated by the Government of India.
2. COVID-19 Explained: Short films to explain the important research findings related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination in layman’s language are produced on a weekly basis. The topics chosen for COVID-19 Explained cater to the curiosity of the common man towards COVID-19.
3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.
4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.
5. Live phone in programme: A live phone in programme on COVID-19 vaccination is telecast from India Science on every Monday and Tuesday. Experts from the field give answers to the questions related to COVID-19 vaccination received from the audience.
6. India Science started ‘Corona Ko Harana Hai’ from April 2021. In this programme, India Science team conduct interviews on COVID-19-related different issues with top medical professionals of the country.
7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly. 8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.

Contact info: kapil@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascience.in/

myGOV reaches out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy
2. Getting Covaxinated (COVID vaccine) is important
3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/task/inviting-blogs-mygov-citizens-largest-vaccination-drive/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=309211

Initiative by myGOV to engage the general public in thanking the healthcare workers

As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India’s strength and dedication in defeating coronavirus, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families and have been working day and night to battle the atrocities of the raging pandemic. To make their job easier and help them, people can support them by following Covid appropriate behaviour and take out time to say a heartfelt thank you.

To make them feel valued, myGOV has started an initiative for healthcare workers, for which you have to first join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative and share your appreciation message

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/lets-thank-our-healthcare-workers/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=309871

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – An information resource on the pandemic

The latest edition was digitally published on 26 October 2021.

Contact info: covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

Consolidated COVID-19 research resources repository developed by NDLI

by NDLI In the ongoing fight against the novel corona pandemic, research institutes, researchers and individuals are coming out with several innovations to equip the nation to win this battle. National Digital Library of India (NDLI) has created a platform to collect, avail and widely disseminates such research resources and findings.

COVID-19 research resources repository is an initial collection of latest scholarly publications, publisher / indexed contents, data repositories, documents, videos, journals, conferences and idea calls from the nation as well as the world. In addition, it also enables people to contribute their works to this valuable repository through a contribute button.

Website link: https://ndl.iitkgp.ac.in/corona-research/journals_conferences

Ministry of Education launches intensive and focused COVID-19 awareness campaign

An awareness campaign launched by the Ministry of Education (MoE) on wearing masks, maintaining safe distance and hand hygiene to combat COVID-19, aims to reach out to everybody.

Website link: https://www.education.gov.in/covid-campaign/

Stories of hope, resilience and inspiration from the pandemic to lift your spirits

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has required us all to make difficult adjustments, it has served as an important reminder of the life-saving care doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers give every day, not just during public health crises.

myGOV features inspirational stories of unsung transformational pioneers, innovators and reformers who represent the voice of hope during the pandemic gloom. myGOV also curated few stories of ordinary citizens, who instigated change and inspired a sense of positivity in those around them.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/campaigns/positive-stories/?target=webview&type=campaign&nid=0

MoHFW, in collaboration with UNICEF, released a photo book on COVID-19 warriors

The frontline workers are a critical link in India’s response to COVID-19. From providing COVID-19 care services, to counselling and motivating the patients, ferrying patients, sharing factual information with their communities, to being the face of the vaccination drive and carrying it to the last mile and battling vaccine hesitancy, the frontline workers are the ones who have sustained the recovery process.

To pay tribute to these frontline and healthcare workers, who through their spirit of service at this critical time have earned the title of COVID-19 Warriors, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), with the support of UNICEF, captured the stories of these brave people from across India into a photo book, Sentinels of the Soil: A tribute to frontline and healthcare workers in India’s fight against COVID-19. These stories offer a glimpse into the lives of simple folks, who rose to the occasion when the nation needed them the most. Often when the going gets tough, the tough get going and these stories embody this spirit.

Their selfless and tireless efforts contributed in a big way in the successful management of COVID-19. This photo book will offer the reader a glimpse into the sheer grit and bravado of these COVID-19 warriors that led them to accomplish extraordinary tasks.

Website link: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/SentinelsoftheSoilSOILCOLOUR01092021.pdf

myGOV invites people to Vaccine Century Rap Contest 2021

Since the beginning of the pandemic, India has shown its commitment to protect its citizens by taking on this arduous and formidable task involving enormous resources, unstinted support of the states/UTs, untiring efforts of healthcare workers, frontline workers and proactive participation of all stakeholders.

With the aim to increase COVID-19 vaccine coverage in communities, myGOV has taken a novel initiative of using the power of music by conducting a rap contest on the theme ‘COVID vaccination’. Here’s your chance to join the celebrations by sharing your version of Vaccine Century Rap song.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/task/vaccine-century-rap-contest/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=324671

Online quiz on 100 crore vaccinations by MoHFW

MoHFW initiated an online quiz competition to create awareness among people across the country regarding the national COVID-19 vaccination drive by the Government of India. As the vaccination programme progresses, India has administered 100 crore vaccine doses to its people, which is an unprecedented feat/accomplishment for any country in the world. This landmark is an opportunity to celebrate the determination of the country towards overcoming this pandemic.

The activity aims to engage citizens to learn more about COVID-19 vaccination, create awareness about the role of vaccines in preventing the spread of global COVID-19 pandemic, and address vaccine hesitancy among the general people.

Website link: https://quiz.mygov.in/quiz/quiz-on-road-to-100-crore-vaccinations/

CSIR bulletin on COVID news and updates about the pandemic

Website link: https://www.csir.res.in/news-bulletin

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – An information resource on the pandemic

Effective communication is in its own right a nonpharmaceutical intervention for any epidemic that can increase adherence to protective behaviours necessary to mitigate its spread. There is no ‘best practice’ for communication during a complex public health emergency, but past experiences have led to several principles that contribute to a successful strategy. India is fighting the second wave of the COVID pandemic with a lot of resilience and grit. A very encouraging and precise trend is now visible as the positivity rate is declining rapidly. In 2020, India dealt with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with collective measures, scientific approaches, and awareness. The intelligent use of technology and well-planned resource allocation to tackle the new wave of the pandemic has been dealt with at a war footing. The newsletter – COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – is being compiled to inform our readers and strengthen the usefulness of any published information.

Contact info: covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations, communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info: kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Website link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1761174

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, more than 100 crore vaccine doses (1,00,59,04,580) to States/UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 22 October 2021, 08:00 AM, it stands at 3,41,43,236 cases, of which 3,35,14,449 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 98.16 per cent while the case fatality rate stands at 1.33 per cent.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

1. Weekly COVID-19 video bulletin: Produced in both Hindi and English on a weekly basis from 7 July 2020, COVID-19 bulletin apprises the audience about the latest developments happening in the S&T scenario in India that are helping in managing and overcoming the challenges thrown up by the pandemic. Vigyan Prasar produced a daily COVID-19 bulletin from 11 April to 6 July 2020. Thereafter, a weekly bulletin is being produced, which provides details about the most important S&T updates from the country related to COVID-19. From January 2021 onwards the COVID-19 bulletin carried news about the vaccination drive initiated by the Government of India.
2. COVID-19 Explained: Short films to explain the important research findings related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination in layman’s language are produced on a weekly basis. The topics chosen for COVID-19 Explained cater to the curiosity of the common man towards COVID-19.
3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.
4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.
5. Live phone in programme: A live phone in programme on COVID-19 vaccination is telecast from India Science on every Monday and Tuesday. Experts from the field give answers to the questions related to COVID-19 vaccination received from the audience.
6. India Science started ‘Corona Ko Harana Hai’ from April 2021. In this programme, India Science team conduct interviews on COVID-19-related different issues with top medical professionals of the country.
7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly.
8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science

Contact info: kapil@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascience.in/

myGOV reaches out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy
2. Getting Covaxinated (COVID vaccine) is important
3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/task/inviting-blogs-mygov-citizens-largest-vaccination-drive/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=309211

Initiative by myGOV to engage the general public in thanking the healthcare workers

As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India’s strength and dedication in defeating coronavirus, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families and have been working day and night to battle the atrocities of the raging pandemic. To make their job easier and help them, people can support them by following Covid appropriate behaviour and take out time to say a heartfelt thank you.

To make them feel valued, myGOV has started an initiative for healthcare workers, for which you have to first join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative and share your appreciation message.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/lets-thank-our-healthcare-workers/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=309871

Connect – IISc, Bengaluru’s newsletter covers research on COVID-19

The IISc is India’s premier destination for science and engineering. Research at IISc spans six divisions and is distinctively interdisciplinary. Connect is a quarterly magazine of Department of Mechanical Engineering, that highlighting academic, research activities and other notable achievements. In this issue, a special feature article was published on IISc scientists’ ongoing efforts against COVID-19.

Website link: https://connect.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Connect_SEP2021_web.pdf

Kernel – IISc, Bengaluru’s research newsletter covers latest research on COVID-19

The IISc is India’s premier destination for science and engineering. Research at IISc spans six divisions and is distinctively interdisciplinary. Kernel is a monthly magazine that showcases the institute’s significant research contributions, and is published as a monthly digest in its new avatar, providing snapshots of recent research and initiatives.

Contact info: ratnoo@iisc.ac.in

Website link: https://kernel.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Kernel-Issue-7-2021.pdf

IJMR publishes fifth special edition on COVID-19

The story of COVID-19 pandemic has been continuing unabated for almost a year and a half with numerous unexpected twists and turns due to emerging waves and variants. The pandemic has hit the world severely, including India, especially in the second wave of the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccinations combined with COVID-19 appropriate behaviour are the most effective tools for individual protection and pandemic containment. Extensive risk communications and continued efforts to win public confidence in the vaccine must persist.

The Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR) is one of the oldest medical journals in India, as it started in 1913. IJMR publishes peer reviewed quality biomedical research in the form of original research articles, review articles, short papers, and short notes. Research letters are also published in the corresponding section after peer review. Special issues and supplements are published in addition to the regular issues. In continuation with its tradition of communication, IJMR brings forth the fifth special edition on COVID-19, covering various aspects of the pandemic and the plausibility of any future waves.

Contact info: editorial@ijmr.in

Website link: https://www.ijmr.org.in/currentissue.asp?sabs=n

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare releases guidelines for safe dental practice in the pandemic times

In the current COVID-19 pandemic, dentists, auxiliaries as well as patients undergoing dental procedures are at high risk of cross-infection. Most dental procedures require close contact with the patient’s oral cavity, saliva, blood, and respiratory tract secretions. Many patients who are asymptomatic may be shedding the virus. Hence all patients visiting a dental clinic must be considered as potential sources of infection and dental professionals must follow appropriate infection prevention control guidelines.

To deal with this situation, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of India, issued national guidelines for safe practice during COVID-19. This guideline provides for safe dental practices to be followed in dental clinics located in government and private sector, and dental colleges

Website link: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/NationalGuidelinesforSafeDentalPracticeDuringCovid19pandemic.pdf

CSIR bulletin on COVID-19 news and updates about the pandemic

Website link: https://www.csir.res.in/news-bulletin

SERB develops COVID-19 diagnostic dashboard – COVID-NIDAN

Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of Department of Science & Technology (DST) has developed a dashboard called COVID - National Initiatives on Diagnosis and Analysis Network. The dashboard contains information regarding COVID-19 diagnostic technologies, various researches that are undergoing at various organisations, and other related information.

Contact info: venkatba@serb.gov.in

Website link: https://www.covidnidan.in/Covid19/HomePage

Chikitsa Setu mobile application developed to train doctors, paramedical staff and corona warriors

Keeping in view the present COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Medical Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched an android-based mobile application named Chikitsa Setu for the training of doctors, paramedical staff and other corona warriors in the fight against COVID-19, by providing short, video-based answers to their questions related to coronavirus. This mobile application has been adopted by Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

The key features of the Chikitsa Setu mobile application are:

1. Videos to train doctors, paramedical staff, safai karmi and other corona warriors 2. Contains short duration videos of five minutes
VOL. IV ISSUE 12 VIGYAN PRASAR 14 COVID-19 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EFFORTS IN INDIA 3. Bilingual (Hindi and English) application and easy to understand
4. User-friendly
5. Attractive and intuitive interface
6. Highly useful for general public as well
7. Includes COVID-19 helpline numbers
8. Users can submit their queries
9. Contains FAQs and IEC material
10. COVID-19 updates (including COVID-19 vaccines) are also available

Website link: https://www.nhp.gov.in/chikitsa-setu-mobile-application_pg

India has achieved milestone of 50 crore COVID-19 sample testing till 18 August

On 18 August 2021, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the apex body at the forefront of formulating COVID-19 testing protocols in India, achieved the milestone of conducting 50 crore tests. With average daily testing of more than 17 lakh in August, India has tested 50 crore samples across the country to date. India has achieved the milestone of the last 10 crore tests in only 55 days. On 21 July 2021, India had tested 45 crore COVID-19 samples, which reached the 50 crore mark on 18 August 2021. This has been enabled by rapidly increasing testing infrastructure and capacity across the country.

Contact info: guptanivedita.hq@icmr.gov.in, sharma.lk@icmr.gov.in

Website link: https://www.icmr.gov.in/pdf/press_realease_files/ICMR_PressRelease_19082021.pdf

MoHFW releases guidelines on operationalisation of maternal health services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Maternal Health Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) releases guidelines on the operationalisation of maternal health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This document provides necessary guidance for the management of pregnant women at the community and facility level during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the utilisation of telemedicine for antenatal care services.

Website link: https://www.nhm.gov.in/New_Updates_2018/Guidelines_on_Operationalization_of_Maternal_Health_Services_during_the_Covid-19_Pandemic.pdf

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – an information resource on the pandemic

Effective communication is in its own right a nonpharmaceutical intervention for any epidemic that can increase adherence to protective behaviour necessary to mitigate its spread. There is no ‘best practice’ for communication during a complex public health emergency, but past experiences have led to several principles that contribute to a successful strategy. India is fighting the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with a lot of resilience and grit. A very encouraging and precise trend is now visible as the positivity rate is declining rapidly. In 2020, India dealt with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with collective measures, scientific approaches, and awareness. The intelligent use of technology and well-planned resource allocation to tackle the new wave of the pandemic has been dealt with at a war footing. The newsletter – COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – is being compiled to inform our readers and strengthen the usefulness of any published information.

To bridge the gap between scientific contributions, leadership and administrative efforts, and the general public’s perspective, Vigyan Prasar is continuously reaching out to its audiences by way of a regular e-newsletter, taking its mandate of science communication, popularisation and extension to the next level. Our effort is firmly based on the fact that “science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” The steady increase in the number of recoveries and the significant and continuous decrease in positivity rate provide us with the much-needed assurance that this may be the outcome of improving the health infrastructure and making health the cornerstone at the policy level. The e-Newsletter aims to be a handy guide to scientists, researchers, and scholars, especially those interested.

The latest edition was digitally published on 26 September 2021.

Contact info: covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations, communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info: kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Website link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1761174

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, more than 92 crore vaccine doses (92,17,65,405) to States/UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 06 October 2021, 08:00 AM, it stands at 3,38,71,881 cases, of which 3,31,75,656 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 97.94 per cent while the case fatality rate stands at 1.33 per cent.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.

4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.

5. Live phone in programme: A live phone in programme on COVID-19 vaccination is telecast from India Science on every Monday and Tuesday. Experts from the field give answers to the questions related to COVID-19 vaccination received from the audience.

7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly. 8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science

Contact info: kapil@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascience.in/

myGOV reaches out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy
2. Getting Covaxinated (COVID vaccine) is important
3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

Last date: 31 December 2021

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/task/inviting-blogs-mygov-citizens-largest-vaccination-drive/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=309211

Initiative by myGOV to engage the general public in thanking the healthcare workers

As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India’s strength and dedication in defeating coronavirus, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families and have been working day and night to battle the atrocities of the raging pandemic. To make their job easier and help them, people can support them by following Covid appropriate behaviour and take out time to say a heartfelt thank you.

To make them feel valued, myGOV has started an initiative for healthcare workers, for which you have to first join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative and share your appreciation message.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/lets-thank-our-healthcare-workers/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=309871

DBT releases a resource book on COVID-19 DNA vaccine

The world’s first COVID-19 DNA vaccine has been developed in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India under the ‘Mission COVID Suraksha’ and implemented by BIRAC, a PSU of DBT. DBT has released a resource book on COVID-19 DNA vaccine.

The ZyCoV-D is the world’s first and India’s indigenously developed DNA-based vaccine for COVID-19 to be administered in humans including children and adults 12 years and above. Vaccine Technology Centre (VTC), a vaccine research centre of the Zydus group, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), an autonomous institute of the DBT and Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Pune, GCLP Lab set up under the DBTNational Biopharma Mission (NBM) also played a vital role in this success story.

Currently no DNA vaccines have been approved for use in humans, but many DNA vaccines are undergoing human clinical trials. Some DNA vaccines have been approved by US regulatory agencies.

Website link: https://dbtindia.gov.in/sites/default/files/World%27s%20First%20DNA%20Vaccine_The%20Scientific%20Journey.pdf

Ministry of Health releases a resource book on the world’s largest vaccination drive

A booklet on the world’s largest vaccination drive was released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), GOI. This booklet gives information about the scientific guidance about the programme, COVID-19 vaccination in India, use of Co-WIN portal, operationalisation of COVID-19 vaccine, progress of vaccination drive and surveillance of adverse events, etc. This book will be helpful for the public.

Website link: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/vaccinationbooklet/

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.

4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.

6. India Science started Corona Ko Harana Hai from April 2021. In this programme, India Science team conduct interviews on COVID-19-related different issues with top medical professionals of the country.

7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly.

8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.

Contact info: kapil@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascience.in/

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – an information resource on the pandemic

Effective communication is in its own right a non-pharmaceutical intervention for any epidemic that can increase adherence to protective behaviour necessary to mitigate its spread. There is no ‘best practice’ for communication during a complex public health emergency, but past experiences have led to several principles that contribute to a successful strategy. India is fighting the second wave of the COVID -19 pandemic with a lot of resilience and grit. A very encouraging and precise trend is now visible as the positivity rate is declining rapidly. In 2020, India dealt with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with collective measures, scientific approaches, and awareness. The intelligent use of technology and well-planned resource allocation to tackle the new wave of the pandemic has been dealt with at a war footing. The newsletter – COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – is being compiled to inform our readers and strengthen the usefulness of any published information.

The latest edition was digitally published on 11 September 2021.

Contact info: covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations, communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info: kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

CSIR releases bulletin on recent scientific developments including COVID-19 news and updates

Website link: https://www.csir.res.in/news-bulletin

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Website link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1757283

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, more than 84 crore vaccine doses (84,15,18,026) to States/UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 24 September 2021, 08:00 AM, it stands at 3,35,94,803 cases, of which 3,28,48,273 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 97.78 per cent while the case fatality rate stands at 1.33 per cent.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

myGOV reaches out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy

2. Getting Covaxinated (COVID-19 vaccine) is important

3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

Last date: 31 December 2021

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/task/inviting-blogs-mygov-citizens-largest-vaccination-drive/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=309211

Initiative by myGOV to engage the general public in thanking the health care workers

As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India’s strength and dedication in defeating coronavirus, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families and have been working day and night to battle the atrocities of the raging pandemic. To make their job easier and help them, people can support them by following Covid appropriate behaviour and take out time to say a heartfelt thank you.

To make them feel valued, myGOV has started an initiative for health care workers, for which you have to first join the Thank You Health care Workers Initiative and share your appreciation message

Last date: 31 December 2021

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/lets-thank-our-healthcare-workers/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=309871

NIDM releases report on COVID-19 third wave preparedness and children’s vulnerability and recovery

Website link: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/FAQsCOVID19vaccinesvaccinationprogramWebsiteupload.pdf

The COVID-19 pandemic in India has caused an unprecedented level of devastation, leaving no sector, no aspect of our lives untouched by its deadly consequences. During the second wave beginning in March 2021, India went through unimaginable levels of collective misery and grief, effects of which will be seen through generations.

Barely had the second wave ebbed that the leading experts of the nation sounded alarm bells for a possible third wave and its possible disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups like children. Hence, before the third wave, the country needs to be prepared to minimise the impact of the pandemic among our future generations. Therefore, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) proposed a working group committee and organised a series of webinars that covered issues related to the ‘Preparedness of the Third Wave in India’. This was done as it has been found important to discuss beforehand the preparedness for the third wave and the actions and plans to prevent the exponentially large loss of life that accompanied the second wave.

The study report, has delved into the likelihood of COVID-19 affecting children and the required strategies to deal with the pandemic. Drawing lessons from the first and the second wave, through deliberations by leading experts during these meetings, they have been able to produce, in the form of a final outcome, recommendations for preparedness of the third wave on the issues related to children and women and their well-being.

The objective of this document is also to make available, one easy-to-access document for NIDM faculty and professionals, policy-makers, programme managers and health professionals on the recommendations on third wave preparedness. NIDM as the nodal training and research institution for disaster management in the country can harness its resources to contribute in the preparedness efforts for the third wave in the following manner.

NIDM can work towards capacity building, human resource development, training of trainers and policy advocacy.
Known for being at the forefront in capacity building for disaster risk reduction, NIDM will play an important role in risk communication, community engagement and sensitisation of people from varying backgrounds.
The special cooperation with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, NDMA, NDRF, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and Department of Public Relations will play a vital role in documentation, management, development and dissemination of national level policies and guidelines relating to the current pandemic situation.

Website link: https://nidm.gov.in/PDF/pubs/TWPCVR_2021.pdf

INSACOG releases weekly bulletin on COVID-19 sequencing

INSACOG, jointly initiated by the Union Ministry of Health, and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) with Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is a consortium of 28 national laboratories to monitor the genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2. INSACOG is a multi-laboratory, multi-agency, pan-India network to monitor genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2 by a sentinel sequencing effort.

The network carries out whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 virus across the nation, aiding in understanding how the virus spreads and evolves, and provides information to aid public health response. Initially, 10 RGSLs spread across the country were identified to carry out genome sequencing of positive samples from different states. In view of the possibility of a third wave, it was decided to increase the sequencing efforts in the country. INSACOG also aims to focus on sequencing of clinical samples to understand the disease dynamics and severity.

A summary of the cumulative data of INSACOG and other state sequencing initiatives can be accessed through the INSACOG data portal (http://clingen.igib.res.in/covid19genomes/) or the weekly bulletin released by INSACOG (https://dbtindia.gov.in/insacog).

Kernel – IISc, Bengaluru’s research newsletter covers latest research on COVID-19

Contact info: kernel.ooc@iisc.ac.in

Website link: https://kernel.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kernel-Issue-6-2021.pdf

CSIR bulletin on COVID news and updates about the pandemic

Website link: https://www.csir.res.in/news-bulletin

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – An information resource on the pandemic

The latest edition was digitally published on 26 August 2021.

Contact info: covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The India Science, Technology and Innovation Portal (ISTI) is a one-stop window for information about developments in India on science, technology, and innovation. The vision is to provide a single-window source of information on a web portal about all data related to the Indian STI ecosystem by aggregating data on scientific inputs and outputs, bringing stakeholders together and disseminating science, technology and innovation content. The portal focusses on bringing all stakeholders and Indian STI activities on a single online platform; helping efficient utilisation of resources; highlighting functioning of scientific organisations, laboratories and institutions; aggregating information on science funding, fellowship and award opportunities spanning from school to faculty level; pooling together conferences, seminars and events; and projecting science in India with its significant achievements. The ISTI web portal has been developed by Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organisation of the DST.

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations, communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info: kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Website link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1753276

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, more than 70 crore vaccine doses (70,75,43,018) to States/UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 8 September 2021, 08:00 AM, it stands at 3,30,96,718 cases, of which 3,22,64,051 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 97.48 per cent while the case fatality rate stands at 1.33 per cent.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.

4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.

7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly. 8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.

Contact info: kapil@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascience.in/

myGOV reaches out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy

2. Getting Covaxinated (COVID vaccine) is important

3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/task/inviting-blogs-mygov-citizens-largest-vaccination-drive/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=309211

Last date: 31 December 2021.

Initiative by myGOV to engage the general public in thanking the healthcare workers

As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India’s strength and dedication in defeating coronavirus, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families and have been working day and night to battle the atrocities of the raging pandemic. To make their job easier and help them, people can support them by following Covid appropriate behaviour and take out time to say a heartfelt thank you.

To make them feel valued, myGOV has started an initiative for healthcare workers, for which you have to first join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative and share your appreciation message.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/lets-thank-our-healthcare-workers/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=309871

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – An information resource on the pandemic

The latest edition was digitally published on 11 August 2021.

Contact info: covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations, communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info: kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Website link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1748000

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, more than 58 crore vaccine doses (58,25,49,595) to States/UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 23 August 2021, 08:00 AM, it stands at 3,24,49,306 cases, of which 3,16,80,626 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 97.63 per cent while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.

4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.

7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly. 8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.

Contact info: kapil@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascience.in/

myGOV reaches out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy

2. Getting Covaxinated (COVID vaccine) is important

3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

Last date: 31 December 2021

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/task/inviting-blogs-mygov-citizens-largest-vaccination-drive/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=309211

Initiative by myGOV to engage the general public in thanking the healthcare workers

As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India’s strength and dedication in defeating coronavirus, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families and have been working day and night to battle the atrocities of the raging pandemic. To make their job easier and help them, people can support them by following Covid appropriate behaviour and take out time to say a heartfelt thank you.

To make them feel valued, myGOV has started an initiative for healthcare workers, for which you have to first join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative and share your appreciation message

Last date: 31 December 2021

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/lets-thank-our-healthcare-workers/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=309871

Kernel – IISc, Bengaluru’s research newsletter covers latest research on COVID-19

The IISc is India’s premier destination for science and engineering. Research at IISc spans six divisions and is distinctively interdisciplinary. Kernel is an annual magazine that showcases the Institute’s significant research contributions, and is published as a monthly digest in its new avatar, providing snapshots of recent research and initiatives.

Contact info: kernel.ooc@iisc.ac.in

Website link: https://kernel.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kernel-Issue-6-2021.pdf

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – An information resource on the pandemic

The latest edition was digitally published on 26 July 2021.

Contact info: covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

IIT Tirupati comes up with a collaborative healthcare game, SurviveCovid-19++, towards educating people about safety measures and vaccination for COVID-19

COVID-19 has been affecting the population across the world for more than a year, with diverse strains of this virus being identified in many countries. Vaccines to help in curbing the virus are being developed and administered. Preventing the spread of the disease requires collaborative efforts from everyone. People with varied professional backgrounds have varied responsibilities in controlling the pandemic. It is important that everyone is aware of their respective responsibilities and also empathise with the efforts and duties of other individuals. Researchers from IIT Tirupati wish to leverage the potential of games in healthcare domain to educate about COVID-19; educate people about vaccination against COVID-19; the responsibilities of citizens with varied professional backgrounds, and to emphasise the need for collaboration to fight against the pandemic, by following safety measures. SurviveCovid-19++ is a collaborative multiplayer desktop-based game. The game essentially revolves around four roles – doctor, sanitation worker, citizen, and law enforcer – delivering their duties, following safety measures and collaboratively clearing multiple stages in the game. They have performed a preliminary evaluation of the game through a qualitative and quantitative user survey. The results of the user survey were encouraging, with volunteers expressing their increased empathy towards the efforts of individuals with varied professional backgrounds, and a better understanding of the importance of safety measures against COVID-19.

Contact info: Akhila Sri Manasa Venigalla (cs19d504@iittp.ac.in)

Website link: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2104.08463.pdf

DBT-BIRAC brings out a compendium of Indian products, technologies, and innovations to combat COVID-19

Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a non-profit public sector enterprise of the DBT has brought out a compendium that showcases several innovations from all programmes that are being nurtured to move them forward in the innovation pipeline. This compendium provides products, technologies, and innovations developed by various start-ups on multiple aspects of mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

The compendium enumerates COVID-19-related products that are already commercialised, to be commercialised within next six months, research pipeline and additional facilitations towards mitigation of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Website link: https://birac.nic.in/webcontent/1621919585_COVID_19_solutions_May_2021.pdf

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations, communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info: kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Website link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1744201

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-state procurement category, more than 50 crore vaccine doses (50,86,64,759) to States/UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 9 August 2021, 08:00 AM, it stands at 3,19,69,954 cases, of which 3,11,39,457 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 97.40 per cent while the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

Since the occurrence of COVID-19, India Science has been working tirelessly to connect with the people, in the form of regular bulletins, documentaries, interviews, bytes and live sessions

of scientists, doctors, experts, science administrators and policymakers. The following is a brief account of the information products produced by India Science

3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.

4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.

7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly

8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.

Contact info: kapil@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascience.in/

myGOV reaches out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy

2. Getting Covaxinated (COVID vaccine) is important

3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

Last date: 31 December 2021

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/task/inviting-blogs-mygov-citizens-largest-vaccination-drive/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=309211

Initiative by myGOV to engage the general public in thanking the healthcare workers

As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India’s strength and dedication in defeating coronavirus, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families and have been working day and night to battle the atrocities of the raging pandemic. To make their job easier and help them, people can support them by following Covid appropriate behaviour and take out time to say a heartfelt thank you.

To make them feel valued, myGOV has started an initiative for healthcare workers, for which you have to first join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative and share your appreciation message.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/lets-thank-our-healthcare-workers/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=309871

MoHFW has published a booklet for frontline workers and vaccinators to counsel pregnant women

A frontline healthcare worker or a vaccinator needs to counsel pregnant women about the availability, value, and precautions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Considering the requirement, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has released a booklet for frontline workers and vaccinators to educate pregnant women. This booklet provides the information needed to educate and support pregnant women and help them make an informed decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The document is in question-answer form to make it easier for the workers to inform pregnant women and their families about the most important issues about COVID-19 vaccination. It also mentions the symptoms that could occur within 20 days after receiving any COVID-19 vaccine and the immediate action required after the symptoms surface.

Website link:https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/CounsellingbookletforFLWsEnglish.pdf

COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India – An information resource on the pandemic

In 2020, India dealt with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with collective measures, scientific approaches, and awareness. The intelligent use of technology and well-planned resource allocation to tackle the new wave of the pandemic has been dealt with at a war footing. The newsletter COVID-19: Science & Technology Efforts in India, is being compiled to inform our readers and strengthen the usefulness of any published information.

To bridge the gap between scientific contributions, leadership and administrative efforts, and the general public’s perspective, Vigyan Prasar is continuously reaching out to its audiences by way of a regular e-newsletter, taking its mandate of science communication, popularisation and extension to the next level. Our effort is firmly based on the fact that “Science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” The steady increase in the number of recoveries and the significant and continuous decrease in positivity rate provides us with the much-needed assurance that this may be the outcome of improving the health infrastructure and making health the cornerstone at the policy level. The e-Newsletter aims to be a handy guide to scientists, researchers, and scholars, especially those interested.

The latest edition was digitally published on 11 July 2021.

Contact info:covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations, communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info:kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

Ministry of AYUSH comes out with Homoeopathic treatment protocol for Black Fungus

The second wave of COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it not only the detrimental effects of the disease itself but also add on infections following a blow to the immune system of an individual convalescing with the disease. An emerging threat of fungal infections has been noticed recently in immune-compromised patients and following immune-suppressants drugs, which were earlier found in rare cases.

With increasing cases of Mucormycosis (black fungus), the present information has been prepared by experienced senior clinicians treating specific fungal infections and researchers of the system, to efficiently treatm suspected and diagnosed cases of Mucormycosis with Homoeopathy. This condition requires hospitalbased treatment under supervision, and Homoeopathic medicines can be prescribed in an integrated manner. Since mostly immune-compromised patients get this infection, strict monitoring of blood sugar and other vitals is required.

For Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis, the drug prescribed is Arsenicum album, Aurummetallicum, Cundurango, Fluoricumacidum, Sulphur iodatum, Acid Benzoicum, Hippozaeninum, Kali iodatum, Kaliumbichromicum, Mercuriussolubilis, Nitricumacidum, Phosphorus, and Secalecornutum. Similarly, different drugs are prescribed for other types of Mucormycosis.

Website link:
https://www.ayush.gov.in/docs/Information%20for%20homoeopathic%20management%20of%20Mucormycosis-reg.pdf

PANDEMICS: Past, Present, Future Challenges & Opportunities: Booklet by UNESCO MGIEP reflects upon basic questions encompassing the word ‘pandemic’

The booklet, PANDEMICS: Past, Present, Future - Challenges & Opportunities comes in handy to answer and reflect upon basic questions encompassing the word ‘pandemic’ – the what, where, when and how of it. The genesis of the book began when UNESCO MGIEP were approached by the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India to produce a document that was not meant to be: (i) a compendium for training individuals on pandemic science; (ii) an exhaustive compilation of dos and don’ts with respect to a pandemic; and iii) a commentary on global best versus worst practices to combat the pandemic.

This booklet aims to provide: (i) basic information about key concepts associated with and procedural understanding of the term ‘pandemic’; (ii) a synopsis of past and present pandemics with focus on lessons learnt – primarily from COVID-19 and preparedness for the future; iii) a brief overview of mitigation policies adopted by countries across the globe to combat the pandemic; iv) an account of direct and indirect impacts of a pandemic on various sectors of the society ranging from health, education to economic; and v) a preliminary inference of its ramifications on progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this booklet should be considered as a primer on pandemics with the main objective of familiarising its readers with key concepts, measures, lessons and preparedness on pandemics.

Website link:
https://static.psa.gov.in/psa-prod/publication/pandemic.pdf.pdf

PGIMER releases infographic booklet on COVID-19-and home based care

The current wave of COVID-19 in India is a public health emergency on a scale never seen before and is different from last year’s wave. The disease expansion to the rural countryside, which was primarily unaffected in 2020, is worrisome.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a lot about how primary care can respond to such a crisis. As the first line of protection, primary care reinforces the patient’s ability to manage infection at home, reducing the risk of infection transmission and preventing overcrowding in hospitals. So, home isolation should be provided for mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases. During home isolation, patients or caregivers should be in direct contact with doctors and should update their conditions regularly

The infographic booklet provides information in easyto-understand graphics on monitoring vital symptoms, including clinical guidance for the management of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases in resource-limited settings for both mild and asymptomatic patients. The booklet provides basic education and knowledge on COVID-19 and home-based care. This will enhance home-based care in patients who are suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

This booklet guides about home isolation and provides instruction for caregivers and patients, treatment for patients with mild / asymptomatic disease in home isolation, when you should seek medical help and when you should stop being isolated at home.

Contact info:Khaiwal.ravindra@pgimer.edu.in, Khaiwal.ravindra@pgimer.edu.in

Website link:
https://6c7e24ae-fb40-4331-a67d-c876b179abc8.filesusr.com/ugd/bce95d_7ce9f70f18be43ddb3d7208bc52c763b.pdf

DBT has released an e-book on its efforts during COVID-19

DBT and its autonomous institutes along with public sector undertakings are working relentlessly to mitigate the COVID-19 health crisis through the development of diagnostics, vaccines, monoclonals, and novel protection equipment.

DBT released an e-book on S&T solutions for COVID-19 that showcased the initiatives undertaken by the department for mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the development of indigenous vaccines, novel point-of-care diagnostics, and therapeutic formulations based on traditional knowledge, to the establishment of research resources and offering services, the department is focused on creating an ecosystem to foster Atmanirbhar Bharat for innovative product development, with societal relevance. The e-book showcased the indigenous COVID-19 interventions developed by DBT-supported initiatives.

Website link:
https://dbtindia.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploadfiles/DBT%20Response%20to%20COVID%20New.pdf

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.

4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.

7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly.

8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.

Contact info:kapil@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:https://www.indiascience.in/

myGOV reaching out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy

2. Getting covaxinated (COVID vaccine) is important

3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

Last date: 31 December 2021

Website link:https://www.mygov.in/task/inviting-blogs-mygov-citizens-largest-vaccination-drive/?target=inapp&type=task&nid=309211

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 vaccination programme.

4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 vaccination.

7. India Science makes infographics on COVID-19-related different issues regularly.

8. COVID-19 vaccine: Fact File also telecast every Saturday from India Science.

Contact info: kapil@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascience.in/

MoHFW releases resource materials to promote youth campaign on COVID appropriate behaviour, vaccination drive and psychosocial well-being

Young people are central to tackling the COVID-19 crisis and finding new ways to transform their lives and communities. To respond to the challenges of the new post-crisis reality and help shape a better future, they are once again leading the way with their innovative and disruptive ideas.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) issued an actionable toolkit in support of COVID appropriate behaviour and the largest vaccine drive. This toolkit is designed to encourage eligible citizens, who are above 18 years of age, to become youth champions in the fight against COVID-19 supporting the #LargestVaccineDrive and COVID appropriate behaviour.

Website link: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/YouthGuidebookonCAB&VaccinationEnglish.pdf

PGIMER, in collaboration with Panjab University, releases infographic booklet on COVID-19-associated mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is a critical condition caused by a group of molds known as mucormycetes. These fungi can be found in the environment, but they thrive in soil and decaying organic materials like leaves, compost piles, and rotten wood. It affects people who have health issues that impair and reduce their ability to combat pathogens in the environment. They include immune-compromised individuals with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, neutropenia and in people who have taken immunosuppressant for the treatment of blood cancer, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, etc. The infection is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another, but if left uncared, it could be fatal.

Mucormycosis can also complicate the case of severe COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19 pandemic is still a major public health issue around the world and now its wide range of symptoms and complications have also emerged. One of these complications is fungal infection such as mucormycosis. Patients who have been treated for COVID-19, who have taken excessive steroids and who are diabetic are more susceptibile to mucormycosis. Clinical manifestations of mucormycosis can vary based on anatomical sites such as nasal blockage, discharge from the nose, pain or swelling on one side of the face, chest pain, cutaneous involvement, abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, etc.

This pictorial booklet aims to create awareness by providing education and knowledge on COVID-19 and its complications such as mucormycosis in simple, easy to understand language. Its purpose is to enhance the self-care measures in persons who are suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to protect themselves against mucormycosis.

Contact info: khaiwal.ravindra@pgimer.edu.in, sumanmor@pu.ac.in

Website link: https://6c7e24ae-fb40-4331-a67d-c876b179abc8.filesusr.com/ugd/ bce95d_8e2ee155d34d4be99825e997c80f03bb.pdf

MoHFW releases operational guidance for COVID-19 vaccination of pregnant women

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may result in rapid deterioration of the health of pregnant women and could also affect the foetus. According to experts, the benefits of vaccination to pregnant women outweigh its potential risks. Based on the recommendations from National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), MoHFW has approved the vaccination of pregnant women against COVID-19 with the condition that they are informed about the risks of exposure to COVID-19 infection along with the risks and benefits associated with the vaccines. Based on this information, a pregnant woman will have the choice to take the vaccination.

Contact info: ncov2019@gov.in

Website link: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/OperationalGuidanceforCOVID19vaccinationofPregnantWoman.pdf

PGIMER-Chandigarh and Panjab University bring out sixth educative comic series to spread COVID-19 awareness amongst children

COVID-19 has become a nightmare for most of the people around the world. While adults can gather data from common platforms like a newspaper, for children it really becomes incomprehensible to understand the talks, advisories and other scientific information. To overcome the challenge, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER, Chandigarh) and Panjab University (PU) have created an educative comic series titled Kids, Vaayu & Corona, for children. Here is the sixth edition sensitising the young kids on various COVID variants and vaccine warriors. This is aimed at helping them become aware about the threats of coronavirus and of ways to remain safe by taking simple precautionary steps for prevention and control of the spread of the infection.

The series is based on conversations between three children and the superhero of the series, Vaayu, who is a global citizen, who works for better public health and environment. The sixth part of the series in simple words explains terms like COVID vaccine, yoga, COVID appropriate behaviour, double mask, and other common dos and don’ts

Contact info: khaiwal.ravindra@pgimer.edu.in, sumanmor@pu.ac.in

Website link: https://6c7e24ae-fb40-4331-a67d-c876b179abc8.filesusr.com/ugd/bce95d_cb2b7297c8c049f58ca5b1d5c3f8f6f8.pdf

COVID 2021: Nation’s S&T Efforts Against COVID-19 – An e-Newsletter on COVID-19

In 2020, India dealt with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with collective measures, scientific approaches, and awareness. The intelligent use of technology and well-planned resource allocation to tackle the new wave of the pandemic has been dealt with at a war footing. The newsletter COVID 2021: Nation’s S&T Efforts Against COVID-19, is being compiled to inform our readers and strengthen the usefulness of any published information.

To bridge the gap between scientific contributions, leadership and administrative efforts, and the general public’s perspective, Vigyan Prasar is continuously reaching out to its audiences by way of a regular e-newsletter, taking its mandate of science communication, popularisation and extension to the next level. Our effort is firmly based on the fact that “Science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” The steady increase in the number of recoveries and the significant and continuous decrease in positivity rate provides us with the much-needed assurance that this may be the outcome of improving the health infrastructure and making health the cornerstone at the policy level. The e-Newsletter aims to be a handy guide to scientists, researchers, and scholars, especially those interested.

The latest edition was digitally published on 28 June 2021.

Contact info: covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsletter-archive

myGOV reaches out to citizens by inviting blogs for the largest vaccination drive

1. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy

2. Getting Covaxinated (COVID vaccine) is important

3. Key to a successful COVID-19 inoculation drive

Initiative by myGOV to engage the general public in thanking the healthcare workers

As the second wave of COVID-19 once again tests India’s strength and dedication in defeating coronavirus, doctors, nurses and frontline workers have isolated themselves away from their families and have been working day and night to battle the atrocities of the raging pandemic. To make their job easier and help them, people can support them by following Covid appropriate behaviour and take out time to say a heartfelt thank you.

To make them feel valued, myGOV has started an initiative for healthcare workers, for which you have to first join the Thank You Healthcare Workers Initiative and share your appreciation message.

Last date: 31 December 2021

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/lets-thank-our-healthcareworkers/?target=inapp&type=group_issue&nid=309871

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The web portal provides all information related to COVID-19, from presenting symptoms to vaccine science, distribution strategy, and preventive measures initiated for envisaged future waves. It contains content on fact-checks and myth-busters in question and answer format, contributions from the research fraternity, start-up spotlights, industry collaborations, communications and resources, reaching out to society and so on. A dedicated focus has been given to exhibiting funding opportunities catering to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact info: kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

Press Information Bureau releases daily bulletin on COVID-19

Website link: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1733171/

Government of India presents a regular COVID-19 India factsheet and immunisation programme

Government of India has provided, through the free-of-cost category and direct-stateprocurement category, more than 36 crore vaccine doses (36,13,23,548) to States/ UTs.

India’s coronavirus cases have crossed three crores, and as of 7 July 2021, 08:00 AM it stands at 3,06,63,665 cases, of which 2,97,99,534 have recovered. The recovery rate stands at 97.18 per cent while the case fatality rate stands at 1.32 per cent.

Website link: https://www.mygov.in/covid-19

Office of the PSA releases Advisory on “Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic - Masks, distance, sanitation and ventilation to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus.”

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has issued a simple, easy-to-follow guideline titled “Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic - Masks, distance, sanitation and ventilation to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus”. As the pandemic rages in India, it is important to remember that simple tools and practices can reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The advisory highlights the important role well-ventilated spaces play in diluting the viral load of infected air in poorly ventilated houses, offices etc. Ventilation can decrease the risk of transmission from one infected person to the other. Just as smells can be diluted from the air through opening windows and doors and using exhaust systems, ventilating spaces with improved directional air flow decreases the accumulated viral land in the air, reducing the risk of transmission. Ventilation is a community defense that protects all of us at home or at work. Introducing outdoor air in offices, homes and larger public spaces is advised. Measures to improve ventilation in these spaces must be taken up on urgent priority in urban and rural areas alike; recommendations for hutments, homes, offices and large centralised buildings are given. Simple strategic placement of fans, open windows and doors, even slightly open windows can introduce outdoor air and improve the air quality inside. Introduction of cross ventilation and exhaust fans will be beneficial in curtailing the spread of the disease. In buildings with central air management systems improving central air filtration/increased filtration efficiency is especially helpful when enhanced outdoor air delivery options are limited. In offices, auditoriums, shopping malls etc. use of gable fan systems and roof ventilators are recommended. Frequent cleaning and replacement of filters is highly recommended.

Saliva and nasal discharged in the form of droplets and aerosols, by an infected person while exhaling, talking, speaking, singing, laughing, coughing or sneezing etc. is the primary mode of virus transmissions. Infected person who shows no symptoms also transmits the virus. People without symptoms can spread the virus. People should continue wearing a mask, wear double masks or an N95 mask. The SARS-CoV-2 virus infects a human host where it can multiply; in the absence of the host it cannot survive, and stopping the transmission of the virus from a person to another person will decrease the infection rate of the disease to a level where it can eventually die. This can be achieved only with the support and cooperation of individuals, communities, local bodies and authorities. With the use of masks, ventilation, distancing, and sanitation, the battle against the virus can be won.

Website link:

https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/advisorcov.pdf

https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2021/may/...

Government of Odisha develops advanced tech tools to combat COVID-19

Government of Odisha has developed COVID Dashboard to tackle the pandemic transparently and efficiently through technology. The COVID-19 dashboard depicts information of the status of the pandemic at state and district level. In addition to the epidemiological data, the dashboard is regularly updated, and it provides information on COVID care hospitals and centres based on number of bed available, government orders, age-wise and gender-wise summary, State-wide Vaccination Coverage, Covid related information database,Testing Summary and many more.

Website link:

https://statedashboard.odisha.gov.in/

National Institute of Epidemiology releases e-Book to control COVID-19 second wave

The COVID-19 pandemic has become the most significant global public health emergency to public health, human society, and the environment. Various mitigation strategies have been implemented by States, Districts and Cities in India to contain the rapid spread of the Coronavirus, such as complete or partial lockdown, travel bans, mass gathering restrictions, and home quarantines within communities, social distancing measures, personal protective actions, tracing and treatment. National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) released a compendium of strategies to be followed to overcome the second wave rapidly. The immediate priority is to reduce the COVID-19 deaths. Simultaneous mitigation efforts will help in reducing the spread of COVID within few weeks.

The practices and initiatives in the compendium have been categorized under eight areas:

1. Establish COVID Management Centre;

2. Reduce deaths;

3. Reduce the spread;

4. Establish data dashboards;

5. Establish alert system to turn on and off physical distancing measures;

6. Communicate effectively and counter misinformation;

7. Scale-up vaccination; and

8. Sustain non-cOVID services.

9. Covid related information database

Effective implementation of these strategies in the short term and medium term will certainly reduce deaths, spread of disease and prepare the health system for future outbreaks. The current situation calls for all stakeholders' strong involvement, including the community, to work in synchrony to win this war against COVID-19.

Website link:

http://www.nie.gov.in/images/leftcontent_attach/COVID_Strategy_Document_... compressed_278.pdf

CSIR-CCMB releases COVID-19 Chronicles

Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), an autonomous institute of CSIR, Government of India has come up with COVID-19 chronicles that provides an insight into the technologies developed, research on COVID-19, training programmes for mitigation of the pandemic.

Website link:

https://www.ccmb.res.in/docs/COVID_response_book_Edition_2.pdf

PGIMER releases infographic booklet on air pollution and COVID-19 mitigation strategies

Globally COVID-19 has caused a serious impact on human health by affecting the respiratory system. Among all the people, COVID-19 could disproportionately affect the vulnerable population and people with diseases. The higher levels of air pollution also increase the susceptibility of COVID-19 especially in the vulnerable population. The poor air quality affectsour lungs and other body organs, increasing the risk of various respiratory diseases. Understanding the correlation of poor air quality and COVID-19 is extremely important to respond wisely to reduce the impact on respiratory system. During COVID-19, air pollution can worsen the health condition of a person with respiratory and circulatory diseases and may lead to increase in severity of cases. Bringing awareness about air pollution sources (indoor as well as ambient) and associated health impacts during COVID-19 has become utmost important. Addressing the issue of air pollution will help and lead to decline in morbidity and mortality as well as decline in respiration-related illnesses during COVID-19 pandemic. To address these issues complete awareness and preventive measures about poor air quality and COVID-19 is very essential. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh (PGIMER) has brought out an infographic-based booklet on air pollution and COVID-19 mitigation strategies to create awareness among the public and to minimize the health impact of air pollution and COVID-19 on people.

Contact Info: Khaiwal.ravindra@pgimer.edu.in, sumanmor@pu.ac.in

Website link:

http://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Air-Pollution_COVID_Mitiga... Feb-21.._compressed.pdf

http://moef.gov.in/en/air-pollution-covid-19-mitigation-strategies/

Outreach initiatives by India Science Channel

India Science is an Internet-based Over-The-Top (OTT) Science TV channel. It is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, implemented and managed by Vigyan Prasar (VP), an autonomous organisation of the DST. This 24x7 video platform is dedicated to science and technology knowledge dissemination, with a strong commitment to spreading scientific awareness, especially with Indian perspectives, ethos and cultural milieu. The initiative is supported by the National Council of Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST. Science and Technology are the main driving forces of the nation and fundamental to progress and growth. So, the advantages of science and technology must reach all sections of the society through popular media of communication. India's large Internet user base of 500 million is split between 305 million urban Indians and 195 million rural Indians, all of whom need to be reached with authentic science and technology content. And to do so, the Internet is fast becoming the most accessible and preferred media for content delivery. Since the occurrence of COVID-19, India Science has been working tirelessly to connect with the people, in the form of regular bulletins, documentaries, interviews, bytes and live sessions of scientists, doctors, experts, science administrators, and policymakers. The following is a brief account of the information products produced by India Science.

1. Weekly COVID-19 video bulletin: Produced in both Hindi and English on weekly basis from 7 July 2020, COVID-19 bulletin apprises the audience about the latest developments happening in the S&T scenario in India that are helping in managing and overcoming the challenges thrown up by the pandemic. Vigyan Prasar produced daily COVID-19 Bulletin from 11th April to 06 July 2020. Thereafter, a weekly bulletin is being produced which provides details about the most important S&T updates from the country related to COVID-19. From January 2021 onwards the COVID Bulletin carried news about vaccination drive initiated by the Government of India.

2. COVID Explained - Short films to explain the important research findings related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination in layman's language are produced on weekly basis. The topics chosen for COVID Explained cater to the curiosity of common man towards COVID-19.

3. Facebook live sessions on interviews of various stakeholders on COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.

4. Facebook and India Science live sessions on interviews with experts on COVID-19 Vaccination.

5. Live Phone-in programme: A live phone-in programme on COVID-19 vaccination is telecast from India Science on every Monday and Tuesday. Experts from the field give answers to the questions related to COVID-19 vaccination received from the audience.

6. India Science started “Corona Ko Harana Hai” from April, 2021. In this India Science team interview top medical professionals of the country on COVID-19-related issues.

7. India Science makes infographics on different issues related to COVID-19.

Contact info: kapil@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:

https://www.indiascience.in/

Staying healthy while studying or working online – a booklet released by PGIMER

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we work, communicate, and socialize and left us with the challenge of making significant changes in a matter of days on an extraordinary scale. PGIMER released an infographic booklet which provides step-by-step guide, how we can limit our screen time to remain mentally and physically active to address the mental health and psychosocial aspects during conditions like COVID-19 and beyond. This pictorial booklet titled 'Staying Healthy While Studying or Working Online’ will be a valuable tool to educate everyone in simple, easy-to-grasp pictures about the importance of proper sleep, adequate lighting, a comfortable workplace and short exercises to reduce strain while working or studying online.

Contact Info: Khaiwal.ravindra@pgimer.edu.in, sumanmor@pu.ac.in

Website link:

https://www.care4cleanair.com/awarnessmaterial

IIT Gandhinagar releases white paper to help other institutions in setting up in-house Covid Care Facilities

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar has come out with a white paper to help educational and other institutions establish in-house COVID care facilities to tackle the surge in cases. This Whitepaper outlines the lessons from the development of IIT Gandhinagar’s Covid Care Facility in the hope that it will encourage other institutions and communities to develop similar facilities to provide relief to their community members and reduce the strain on the local, state, and national medical infrastructure.

Contact Info: crisis@iitgn.ac.in

Website link:

https://iitgn.ac.in/pdf/ccf.pdf

Guideline for oxygen self-use during homecare by PGIMERChandigarh & Panjab University

As the second wave of COVID-19 sweeps through the country with deadly consequences, doctors across the state have started advocating proning exercises to improve oxygen levels in COVID-positive patients — both in home isolation as well as in hospital. To overcome the challenge, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER, Chandigarh) and Panjab University (PU) have created an educative guideline for oxygen self-use during homecare. The Guideline advises people to not panic if they experience any COVID-19 symptoms, as the majority of people can manage their infections at home by following self-care measures. It lists the common symptoms of the disease and recommends that at the first sign of experiencing the symptoms, people should isolate at home and begin following self-care measures. It asks people to not worry or become anxious, as these interfere with the body’s natural immune response to fighting the infection.

Contact Info: Khaiwal.ravindra@pgimer.edu.in, sumanmor@pu.ac.in

Website link:

https://www.care4cleanair.com/awarnessmaterial

Outreach initiatives through India Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) Web Portal

The India Science, Technology and Innovation Portal (ISTI) is a one-stop window for information about developments in India on science, technology and innovation. The portal focuses on bringing all stakeholders and Indian STI activities on a single online platform; helping efficient utilisation of resources; highlighting functioning of scientific organisations, laboratories and institutions; aggregating information on science funding, fellowship and award opportunities spanning from school to faculty level; pooling together conferences, seminars and events; and projecting science in India with its major achievements. The ISTI web portal has been developed by Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organisation of the DST. In the critical times of outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the web portal serves as a one-stop online information guide to bring together a collection of resources in response to COVID-19. These resources are generated by efforts made by numerous initiatives and schemes taken up by several Departments and Ministries of Government of India. These are being implemented by public-supported research institutions in India. The content presented here relies on the best available scientific understanding of the disease and its transmission. The web portal provided all information related to COVID-19, its presentation of symptoms, transmission modes and mechanisms, and various models of protection of individuals, healthcare professionals and prevention from spreading to the community. The reasons, usefulness, and impact of social distancing have been communicated in an easy-to-understand manner.

Contact Info: kdgm@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:

https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/

COVID 2021: Nation’s S&T Efforts Against COVID-19 – An e-Newsletter on COVID-19

For the benefit of its target audience and reaching out to researchers and scientists in special and common public in general, Vigyan Prasar published a regular e-Newsletter on the most relevant initiatives and efforts taken by Government of India through its various Science Ministries, Departments, and Funding Organisations. These organisations are continuously VIGYAN PRASAR 90 striving for combating the outbreak of COVID-19. These research-driven and technology-based interventions have been initiated to combat the outburst of the pandemic. The e-Newsletter aims to be a handy guide to scientists, researchers, and scholars, especially those who are interested in knowing various aspects of COVID-19 and contributing to the coronavirus warfare and making the nation Atmanirbhar. It provides authentic information to the readers and validates the usefulness of any published information.

Contact Info: covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in

Website link:

https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/covid-19-the-pandemic/newsl...

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