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Scientists develop mechanism to inactivate Covid by blocking entry to cells

Published

3 years ago

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 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.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) Fully Operational — A New Era of Urban Connectivity Begins

Published

22 hours ago

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October 17, 2025

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Mumbai, October 2025:
Mumbai has taken a major leap in public transportation with the full launch of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) — the city’s first underground metro corridor. Connecting the northern suburbs to South Mumbai, the 33.5-kilometre line aims to transform the way Mumbaikars commute, offering a fast, clean, and comfortable alternative to road and rail congestion.

Route and Connectivity

The Aqua Line runs from Aarey / JVLR in the north to Cuffe Parade in the south, covering 27 underground stations. The line passes through key business and residential areas such as Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Dharavi, Siddhivinayak, Worli, Churchgate, CSMT, and Nariman Point.

One of its biggest highlights is direct connectivity to both terminals of Mumbai’s airport — the Domestic and International terminals — making airport travel smoother than ever before.

The entire north–south journey can now be completed in about 45 minutes, a major improvement over the two-hour average by road during peak traffic.

Station Highlights

Some of the prominent stations on the Aqua Line include:
Aarey / JVLR, Seepz, MIDC, Marol Naka, Airport Terminal 1, Airport Terminal 2, BKC, Dharavi, Siddhivinayak, Worli, Haji Ali, Churchgate, and Cuffe Parade.

Each station features modern facilities such as escalators, elevators, digital information screens, and air-conditioned platforms. Entry and exit points are designed for smooth passenger movement, including dedicated access for persons with disabilities.

Technology and Features

  • Fully underground corridor, ensuring minimal impact on road traffic.
  • 8-coach trains with advanced safety systems and automatic doors.
  • Platform screen doors at major stations for enhanced safety.
  • Real-time passenger information systems inside trains and stations.
  • CCTV surveillance, emergency communication systems, and modern fire safety equipment.
  • Energy-efficient operations, regenerative braking, and noise reduction design.
  • Seamless ticketing system* with QR code tickets, smart cards, and mobile app payments.

Fares and Timings

The fare structure has been designed to stay affordable and distance-based:

Distance (in km)Fare (₹)
0 – 3 km10
3 – 12 km20
12 – 18 km30
18 – 24 km40
24 – 30 km50
30 – 36 km60
36 – 42 km70
Beyond 42 km80

Metro services operate from 5:55 AM to 10:30 PM, with trains running every few minutes during peak hours to ensure minimal waiting time.

Benefits for the City

  • Time Saving: Travel from the northern suburbs to South Mumbai in less than an hour.
  • Reduced Traffic: Expected to ease road congestion and lessen dependence on private vehicles.
  • Environmental Impact: Cleaner, electric transit reduces carbon emissions.
  • Economic Growth: Improved access to commercial hubs like BKC, Fort, and Nariman Point will support business and real estate growth.
  • Passenger Comfort: Air-conditioned coaches, smooth rides, and high safety standards enhance the commuting experience.

A Step Toward a Smarter Mumbai

With Metro Line-3 now fully operational, Mumbai moves closer to a truly integrated transport network, connecting its suburban rail, metro, and bus systems. The Aqua Line is more than just a transport project — it’s a symbol of progress, promising faster, greener, and more efficient mobility for millions of daily commuters.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti public darbar on October 21 postponed due to Diwali

Published

23 hours ago

on

October 17, 2025

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Mumbai Police Commissioner’s Janta Awami Darbar will not be held in the backdrop of Diwali. Please note that due to the Diwali festival, Tuesday’s meeting with Mumbaikars has been postponed to October 21, 2025.

Citizens are requested to meet the Police Commissioner on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM with their complaints and suggestions.

No prior permission is required for this. This message has been shared by Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti on X.

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Maharashtra

SpiceJet connects Indian pilgrims to Najaf with new non-stop flights

Published

24 hours ago

on

October 17, 2025

By

Non-stop services from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to begin October 18, 2025

Gurugram, October 17, 2025:
India’s leading airline SpiceJet has announced the launch of special non-stop flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to the holy city of Najaf, Iraq — one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Muslims across the world.

With this launch, SpiceJet becomes the only Indian airline to operate direct flights to Najaf, offering Indian pilgrims a faster, smoother, and more comfortable travel experience by eliminating long layovers and complex connecting routes.

Flight Commencement Schedule

  • Mumbai to Najaf: Starting October 18, 2025
  • Ahmedabad to Najaf: Starting October 19, 2025

These flights will provide a seamless connection for devotees travelling from India to Najaf, ensuring that their spiritual journey is convenient, time-saving, and comfortable.

Najaf – A Centre of Faith and Spirituality

Najaf holds immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is home to the holy shrine of Imam Ali (A.S.), one of Islam’s most revered sites. Every year, millions of Indian pilgrims visit Najaf to pay homage, seek blessings, and strengthen their spiritual connection.

In addition to the shrine of Imam Ali (A.S.), Najaf offers a wealth of historical and spiritual landmarks, including:

  • Wadi-us-Salaam, the world’s largest cemetery
  • Kufa Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Islamic history
  • The Great Najaf Seminary, a renowned center of Shia religious learning

Najaf’s close proximity to Karbala and Kufa further enhances its spiritual importance, making it a central destination for pilgrims from across the world.

SpiceJet’s Strategic Expansion

This new service forms part of SpiceJet’s broader expansion strategy, under which the airline is significantly enhancing its fleet size, operational reach, and international connectivity.

SpiceJet aims to double its operational fleet and triple its Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM) by December 2025. As part of this growth plan, the airline will introduce new routes, increase flight frequencies, and add several attractive domestic and international destinations to its network.

Statement from SpiceJet

Mr. Debojyoti Mahapatra, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said:

“For millions of devout Indians, the journey to Najaf is one of the most important pilgrimages of their lives.
We are proud that SpiceJet is the only Indian airline offering direct flights to this holy city.
Through these non-stop flights, we are not merely providing connectivity — we are honouring a sacred journey by making it simpler, safer, and more comfortable.”

Future Outlook

Initially, these flights to Najaf are being launched as special services, but SpiceJet is considering the possibility of making Najaf a regular scheduled destination in the near future to meet the growing year-round travel demand.

About SpiceJet

SpiceJet Limited is one of India’s leading low-cost carriers, known for its extensive domestic and international network, customer-centric service, and affordable travel options. The airline continues to expand strategically, focusing on enhancing connectivity to key religious, leisure, and business destinations across the globe.

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