General
No external pressure to accelerate Covaxin development: Bharat Biotech

Vaccine-maker Bharat Biotech has denied that there was any external pressure to accelerate development of Covaxin, its vaccine for Covid-19.
“We condemn the targeted narrative against Covaxin put forth by a select few individuals and groups who have no expertise in vaccines or vaccinology. It is well known that they helped perpetuate misinformation and fake news throughout the pandemic. They are unable to comprehend global product development and licensure processes,” the Hyderabad-based company said in a statement on Thursday.
“The pressure was all internal to develop a safe, and effective vaccine for the Covid-19 pandemic, to save lives and livelihoods in India and globally,” it added.
The company claimed that Covaxin is one of the most highly studied covid-19 vaccines worldwide.
Covaxin was evaluated in about 20 preclinical studies, including three challenge trials and nine human clinical studies, more than any other Indian Covid-19 vaccine. These trials have clearly demonstrated safety and efficacy of Covaxin, Bharat Biotech said.
The vaccine-maker further claimed that with several hundred million doses administered worldwide, Covaxin has demonstrated an excellent safety record with minimal adverse events and no vaccine associated cases detected for myocarditis or thrombocytopenia.
“The entire product development and clinical studies were executed as per global guidelines and submitted worldwide. Data from Covaxin has resulted in more than 20 publications, documenting every aspect of its development.”
It termed as “incorrect and erroneous’ the recent media reports around the approvals for Covaxin.
“These few individuals and organizations were mostly involved in fake news and false information during the pandemic. They fail to understand product development and licensure pathways worldwide,” reads the statement.
It pointed out that the phase 1 study for Covaxin was one of the largest in the world, resulting in both the 3 and 6 mcg doses demonstrating safety and comparable immunogenicity.
The decision to proceed to phase III trials was taken based on data from phase I studies and results from successful animal challenge trials.
The phase II studies were designed to determine if the lower dose of 3 mcg would be effective, instead of the 6 mcg dose, which would have doubled our manufacturing capacity. In the interest of public health, it was decided to proceed with the 6 mcg dose for phase III clinical trials.
According to Bharat Biotech, vaccines against ebola and monkey pox, were approved by stringent regulatory agencies in developed countries based on phase I and II clinical data only and without phase III data.
“If such an approval was given by regulators in India, there would be an uproar, but the same people and organisations remain silent, demonstrating their hypocrisy.
“While these people and organizations were busy with false information and fake news during the pandemic, more than 1,000 personnel at Bharat Biotech across India were busy developing, testing, manufacturing and distributing Covaxin.
“Our diligent efforts have resulted in an universal Covid-19 vaccine for adults and children alike, which can be administered repeatedly as booster doses without safety concerns. The Bharat Biotech team is extremely proud of its efforts to develop a novel Covid-19 vaccine for India and the world. These efforts to discredit our work will not deter us,” it added.
Maharashtra
Mira Bhayander: Drugs worth Rs 32 crore seized Two Nigerians including an Indian woman arrested, used to sell drugs by creating groups on social media

Mumbai: Mira Bhayander police have claimed to have arrested two foreign drug peddlers including an Indian woman. The Mira Bhayander Crime Branch had received information that Shabina Sheikh’s house in Kashi Mira had a stash of drugs and that she was also involved in drug trafficking. The police raided it and recovered 11 kg 830 grams of cocaine. A case has been registered against her in the Nowghar police under the NDPS. The arrested accused told the police during interrogation that she used to buy these drugs from a foreign national named Ende and lives in Inder Mira Road. She was also arrested and drugs were seized from her possession and a Nigerian note of 1000 was recovered and 14 notes of 100 US dollars were also found in this case.
After investigation, two Nigerians and an Indian woman were arrested. Drugs worth Rs 23 million have been seized from their possession, in addition to 14 US dollar notes, four mobile phones, and drugs worth Rs 223 million have also been claimed to have been seized. This operation was carried out by a team of the Crime Branch including Mira Bhayandar Police Commissioner Madhu Karpande, Additional Commissioner Dattatreya Shinde, Avinash Ambore. The Crime Branch said that this cocaine was brought here by Nigerians hiding it in their stomachs. This cocaine is manufactured in South America. This cocaine is brought by plane by hiding it in human bodies. First, it is delivered to the Mumbai airport and then sold in various areas through the roads in Mumbai. The accused sell drugs by creating several groups on social media.
Maharashtra
Two arrested in Powai theft cases: Accused committed the crime a stolen motorcycle

Mumbai: Mumbai Police has claimed to have arrested two accused in two theft cases within 48 hours. On the morning of April 5, two thieves snatched a gold chain from a woman in the limits of Powai police station in Mumbai. A 30-gram gold chain was also recovered from their possession. The second incident took place in front of II Marg Gate in Powai area, in which the accused had inquired where the medical was and then threw a dirty cloth on the complainant’s face and escaped with a 15-gram gold necklace.
The matter was seriously investigated. The next day, at 8:30 am, the accused snatched two gold necklaces weighing 20 grams from the neck of a 45-year-old woman near Hiranandani guard and fled on a motorcycle. To solve all these thefts, the police examined more than 100 CCTV footage during the investigation. It was found that The accused fled towards Bahram Bagh. Then both the accused were arrested and 30 grams of gold ornaments were recovered from their possession. The motorcycle used by the accused for the crime has also been seized. Pappu Gajendra Mishra, 20, and Sunil Ganga Mohte, 20, have been arrested from Andheri. A case of theft has also been registered against the accused Pappu Mishra at Rabori police station 6 months ago and he had stolen a motorcycle six months ago and it was used in this theft as well. This information was given here today by DCP of Mumbai Zone 10, Sachin Kanjal.
Maharashtra
Strict action against contractor for negligent road concrete work; Ban on tendering for next 2 years, fine also imposed

Mumbai: Construction of cement concrete roads is going on at a fast pace in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) with the aim of making the roads free from potholes. The BMC administration is stressing on ensuring that the work is of the highest standard.
Strict action is being taken against those who are substandard or negligent.
In this regard, the contractor who caused unacceptable delay in the road concrete work in the Aarey Colony area has been debarred from participating in the tender process of all BMC departments for the next 2 years, and a fine of Rs. 5 lakh has also been imposed.
Similarly, the registration of 2 ready mix concrete (RMC) plants has been cancelled and they have been debarred from supplying concrete mix for any BMC project for 6 months.
In addition, a fine of Rs. 20 lakh each has also been imposed on 2 road contractors.
All these actions have been taken on the directions of BMC Commissioner Shri Bhushan Gagrani. He has made it clear that *no negligence or lapse in the road concrete work will be tolerated* and strict action will be taken against the guilty.
Specific Incidents:
- *Aarey Colony – Dinkar Rao Desai Road*:
- The quality of work was found to be poor in the inspection by Additional Commissioner (Projects) Shri Abhijeet Bangar.
- The contractor was issued a notice, fined Rs. 5 lakh and directed to rectify immediately.
- Delay in repairs also resulted in a ban on participation in tenders for 2 years.
- *Dr. Neetu Mandke Road, M-East Ward – 20 March 2025*:
- During a surprise inspection, a difference was found in the slump test (160mm at the plant, 170mm at the site).
- The concrete load was rejected, the vehicle was sent back, the RMC plant was fined Rs. 20 lakh and banned for 6 months.
- *Karagroh Road, B Ward – 1 April 2025*:
- Slump was found to be 65mm at the plant while 180mm at the site.
- Notice was given to the contractor and RMC plant, despite admitting the mistake, a fine of Rs 20 lakh and a supply ban of 6 months were imposed.
Importance of Slump Test:
Slump test is done to check the “workability” of concrete. It shows the ratio of cement to water.
If the water is too much, it has a negative impact on the quality.
That is why BMC has made slump test mandatory at both ready mix plants and sites.
Additional Commissioner Mr. Abhijeet Bangar said that BMC officers are inspecting the work themselves, and if any flaw is found, strict action will be taken against the responsible individual or institution. All contractors have to be careful, because no compromise with quality will be accepted.
-
Crime3 years ago
Class 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra6 months ago
Mumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra6 months ago
Mumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra7 months ago
False photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News6 months ago
Ministry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Crime6 months ago
Baba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
-
Maharashtra5 months ago
Maharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News7 months ago
J&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface