General
Scientists develop mechanism to inactivate Covid by blocking entry to cells
Scientists have developed a design of a new class of synthetic peptides that can not only block the entry of SARS-CoV-2 virus entry into cells but also clump the virions (virus particles) together, reducing their ability to infect.
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), in collaboration with researchers from the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, have made use of this approach to design peptides that can bind to and block the spike protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 virus, said the Ministry of Science and Technology on Wednesday.
This binding was further characterised extensively by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and other biophysical methods. This novel approach provides an alternative mechanism to render viruses like SARS-CoV-2 inactive, promising a new class of peptides as antivirals.
The research was supported under the Covid-19 IRPHA call of SERB Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The designed peptides are helical, hairpin-shaped, each capable of pairing up with another of its kind, forming what is known as a dimer. Each dimeric ‘bundle’ presents two ‘faces’ to interact with two target molecules.
In the study published in Nature Chemical Biology, the researchers hypothesised that the two faces would bind to two separate target proteins locking all four in a complex and blocking the targets’ action. The team decided to test their hypothesis by using a peptide called SIH-5 to target the interaction between the Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 protein, the SARS-CoV-2 receptor in human cells.
The S protein is a trimer – a complex of three identical polypeptides. Each polypeptide contains a Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) that binds to the ACE2 receptor on the host cell surface. This interaction facilitates viral entry into the cell.
The SIH-5 peptide was designed to block the binding of the RBD to human ACE2. When a SIH-5 dimer encountered an S protein, one of its faces bound tightly to one of the three RBDs on the S protein trimer, and the other face bound to an RBD from a different S protein.
This ‘cross-linking’ allowed the SIH-5 to block both S proteins at the same time. Under cryo-EM, the S proteins targeted by SIH-5 appeared to be attached head-to-head, and the spike proteins were being forced to form dimers.
Subsequently, the researchers showed that SIH-5 inactivated the viruses efficiently by cross-linking the spike proteins from different virus particles.
The team consisting of B Khatri, I Pramanick, SK Malladi, RS Rajmani, P Ghosh, N Sengupta, R Varadarajan, S Dutta and J Chatterjee from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), R Rahisuddin, S Kumar, N Kumar, S Kumaran and RP Ringe from CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, tested the peptide for toxicity in mammalian cells in the lab and found it to be safe.
When hamsters were dosed with the peptide and subsequently exposed to a high dose of SARS-CoV-2, they showed decreased viral load as well as much less cell damage in the lungs compared to hamsters exposed only to the virus, demonstrating the promise of this class of peptides as antivirals.
The researchers believe that with minor modifications and peptide engineering, this lab-made miniprotein could inhibit other protein-protein interactions as well.
Maharashtra
Pune Zubair Hangekar’s Pakistan connection, hope for new conclusions in the investigation… ATS releases him after questioning 19 people so far

Mumbai: Pune Suspected terrorist Zubair Hungakar’s contact list has Pakistani numbers. Zubair Hungakar’s mobile contact list has 5 international numbers. Numbers of Gulf countries were found in Hungakar’s old and used handset. The old handset has 1 number for Pakistan, 2 for Saudi Arabia, 1 number for Oman and 1 number for Kuwait. It has been found that 1 Omani and 4 Saudi Arabian numbers are stored in the mobile phone used.
When asked about this number, Zubair said in response to a question during interrogation that he did not know. Suspected Al-Qaeda member Zubair Hungakar has been sent to judicial custody. Zubair Ilyas Hungakar was arrested on charges of spreading jihad in support of the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent and threatening the unity and security of the country.
Zubair is originally from Solapur and currently works in a software company in Kalyani Nagar. He is married and has two children, and his family resides in the Kondwa area. Meanwhile, the ATS is thoroughly investigating the matter and is investigating whether Zubair had any links with Al-Qaeda members, why he had these materials and for what purpose. The police will also question his friend and examine his mobile and other electronic devices. It is also being investigated whether he was in contact with any other terrorist organisation. All these international numbers are important to Zubair and it is being speculated that he has terrorist connections and links. However, when questioned about these numbers, he gave vague answers that he did not know who they belonged to or what they were related to.
ATS officials said that investigations are being conducted to find out whether Zubair had any links with Al-Qaeda members and what was the purpose of this contact. We are also investigating why and for what purpose he had the Al-Qaeda material. His friend in his custody will be questioned and his mobile and other electronic devices will also be examined. It is also being investigated whether he came in contact with any other terrorist or not. Meanwhile, the ATS had earlier this month conducted search operations in different parts of the city. The operation was related to the investigation of an old ISIS module. At that time, suspected radical individuals were kept under surveillance. During this operation, 19 people were detained for questioning, but they were released after questioning. During these raids, the police have also seized some important documents along with electronic devices.
Mumbai Press Exclusive News
Imran Furniturewala Shines at ICN World Natural Games 2025 in Dubai, Wins Four Medals

Mumbai: fitness enthusiast Imraan Furniturewala has brought pride to India by winning four medals at the ICN World Natural Games 2025, held in Dubai, UAE. Representing Maharashtra, Furniturewala competed in multiple 50+ years categories and delivered an exceptional all-round performance on the global natural bodybuilding stage.
The prestigious international event featured top natural athletes from around the world, with participants undergoing strict doping tests to ensure fair and clean competition. Despite the tough line-up, Imraan secured medals across several divisions, including:
- Bodybuilding (50+)
- Men’s Fitness (50+)
- Men’s Classic Physique (50+)
- Men’s Physique (50+)
His victory has been celebrated by fitness communities and supporters across India, who praised his dedication, discipline and inspiring journey in natural bodybuilding. Holding the Indian tricolour after his win, Imraan expressed gratitude and credited his success to hard work, faith, and continuous support from his well-wishers.
With this remarkable achievement, Imraan Furniturewala has not only made Mumbai and Maharashtra proud but has also strengthened India’s presence in the world of natural sports.
A proud moment for the nation — Jai Hind.
Maharashtra
Amrauti MP Anil Bonde receives threat from Hyderabadi Muslim over email, anger over removal of IIC banner and anti-Islamic rhetoric, situation tense

Mumbai: A Muslim organization called ICC had put up a banner at Panchoti Chowk in Amrauti, Maharashtra, which sparked a controversy, due to which communal tension has arisen in Amrauti. MP Anil Bonde has demanded a case to be registered against the putting up of the banner. Today, Anil Bonde has received a threatening email in this matter, after which the police have registered an NC in this matter and started investigating. This email has been said that Anil Bonde’s anti-Islamic statement has created hatred and the atmosphere of resentment against him among the Muslims of Hyderabad is very hot. The personal secretary of the complainant Anil Bonde has complained that when he was checking his email as usual in the morning, he received a threatening email. The following email was received on Bonde’s official email from an unknown email ID. Dr. Sahib, the language you used against Islamic teachings has ignited such a fire in the hearts of the Muslims of Hyderabad that the atmosphere here has become dangerously hot. This is anger, which turns into a storm with a spark. Every word of yours is feeling like an open wound to the Muslims, so control your language and your speech because Dr. Sahib, this time emotions have flared up so much that even a wrong word is enough to make the entire atmosphere uncontrollable. A threatening email has been received in the name of the angry Muslim community of Hyderabad. Bonde had filed a complaint in Panchavati Chowk regarding the banner of the Islamic organization. That is why the threat has been sent through email on the official email ID. After which an NC has been registered. Abel Bonde is identified as a hardline Hindutva leader and he had opposed the putting up of an Islamic banner at Panchavati Chowk. The situation is extremely tense due to this incident. The police are on immediate alert.
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