Month: December 2021

• The Gamaleya Center’s recent preliminary laboratory study shows that Sputnik V demonstrates high virus neutralizing activity (VNA) against the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant and is expected to provide strong defense against severe disease and hospitalization.
• Sputnik V has demonstrated 3-7x less of a reduction in virus neutralizing activity against Omicron as compared to data from other vaccine producers: 11.8 times decrease of VNA for Sputnik V in contrast with 41 times decrease for Pfizer-BioNTech (according to the study led by scientists from Africa Health Research Institute published on Dec 7, 2021[1]) and 49-84 times decrease for Moderna (according to the study published by research group from scientific institutes including Vaccine Research Center on Dec 15, 2021[2]). So far, Sputnik V is showing the best virus neutralization results against Omicron in comparison with other vaccines.
• The study was conducted using sera with a longer period after vaccination (more than 6 months after vaccination) as an indicator of Sputnik V’s long-lasing protection, in contrast with short studied periods for other vaccines producers (12-27 days for Pfizer-BioNTech and 28 days for Moderna).
• Sputnik V elicits strong and long-lasting T-cell response, and as 80% of epitopes in the spike protein are not affected by the mutations in the Omicron variant, Sputnik V is expected to provide long-lasting protection against severe disease by Omicron. Sputnik V’s long-lasting T-cell immunity contributes to 80% efficacy against Delta on months 6-8 compared with efficacy of less than 29% demonstrated by certain mRNA vaccines after 6 months.
• Sputnik Light as a booster significantly increases virus neutralizing activity against Omicron based on sera 2-3 months after revaccination. Virus neutralizing activity against Omicron 2-3 months after a Sputnik Light booster in this preliminary laboratory study is higher than VNA against the wild-type virus 6 months after Sputnik V vaccination. Based on these data the expected efficacy of Sputnik V with Sputnik Light booster against Omicron infection could be more than 80%, as Sputnik V showed efficacy of more than 80% against wild-type virus 6 month after vaccination.
• 100% of individuals revaccinated with Sputnik Light as a booster developed neutralizing antibodies against Omicron and demonstrated their high level 2-3 months after the revaccination in contrast with only 25% of Pfizer booster recipients showing detectable level of neutralizing antibodies 3 month after vaccination (as demonstrated in the study published by research group from scientific institutes including Institute for Medical Virology (Frankfurt) on Dec 13, 2021[3]).
• Sputnik Light booster is expected to provide strong protection against infection, severe disease and hospitalization by Omicron. Sputnik Light booster is recommended to strengthen efficacy of vaccines against Omicron. Boosting by Sputnik Light can strengthen and lengthen the quickly waning efficacy of many vaccines in light of combined Delta and Omicron challenge. Sputnik Light is a universal booster to other vaccines, including Sputnik V. In Argentina, a combination of Sputnik Light with other vaccines has demonstrated its effectiveness as a universal booster inducing stronger antibody and T-cell response compared to a two-shots homologous regimen.
• Sputnik V and Sputnik Light were developed on the basis of a safe and well-studied over 30 years technology and have not been associated with rare serious side effects as myocarditis or pericarditis.
  • The highest safety and efficacy of Sputnik V and Sputnik Light was demonstrated in more than 30 studies and real-world data publications from more than 10 countries.

A preliminary laboratory study conducted by the Gamaleya Center has demonstrated that the Sputnik V vaccine and the one-shot Sputnik Light booster (based on human adenovirus serotype 26, the first component of Sputnik V) are effective against Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of COVID, providing for better protection when compared to other vaccines.

Heterologous boosting with Sputnik Light is the solution to increase other vaccines’ efficacy, including against Omicron, and extend the booster protection period.

Sputnik Light as a booster significantly increases virus neutralizing activity against Omicron based on sera 2-3 months after revaccination and is a universal booster to other vaccines inducing stronger antibody and T-cell response.

Efficacy of mRNA vaccines has proven to be waning, demonstrated by a number of scientific publications. A Swedish study in The Lancet journal[4] has shown that Pfizer vaccine’s efficacy against Delta is falling to 47% after 4 months, to 29% after 6 months and to 23% after 7 months. The recent study in US among 65+ years olds demonstrated the decrease in mRNA vaccine effectiveness accelerating against Delta after month 4, reaching a low of approximately 20% in months 5 through 7[5].

Recognizing the waning efficacy of mRNA vaccines, EU, UK, Greece, South Korea and other countries have recommended reducing the boosting period from 6 to 3 months.

Sputnik Light booster is recommended to strengthen efficacy of vaccines against Omicron. Boosting by Sputnik Light as well as heterologous boosting can strengthen and lengthen the quickly waning efficacy of many vaccines in light of combined Delta and Omicron challenge.

Sputnik Light has already been registered in more than 20 countries as a standalone vaccine and a universal booster to other vaccines helping to increase their efficacy (including in Argentina, UAE, Bahrain, Philippines, and San Marino). Sputnik V has been authorized in 71 countries with total population of over 4 billion people.

Sputnik Light has already shown strong results used as a booster in mix & match trials in Argentina. A combination of Sputnik Light with vaccines produced by AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Moderna and Cansino, conducted in 5 provinces (City and Province of Buenos Aires, as well as Córdoba, La Rioja and San Luis) has demonstrated that Sputnik Light induces stronger antibody and T-cell response as compared to homologous regimen (two shots of the same vaccine). Each “vaccine cocktail” combination with Sputnik Light provided higher antibody titer on the 14th day after administering a second dose when compared to original homogenous (same vaccine as first and second dose) regimens of each of the vaccines.

Authors of a study in Argentina have noted that protection against coronavirus remains stable over at least 4 months following vaccination with the Russian Sputnik V vaccine as a consequence of antibody maturation, resulting in improved potency of antibodies to viral escape mutations. The study results were summarized in an article at https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.22.21262186v1

Sputnik Light efficacy data:

• Sputnik Light has been proven to be safe and highly effective by real-world vaccination data. In particular, data from the Ministry of Health of Buenos Aires (Argentina) has demonstrated standalone efficacy of Sputnik Light between 78.6-83.7% among the elderly (over 40,000 people of 60-79 years old), which is higher than that of many two-dose vaccines.
• Findings by the Gamaleya Center based on data collected in Moscow have demonstrated Sputnik Light vaccine administered standalone has 70% efficacy against infection from the Delta variant of coronavirus during the first three months after vaccination. The vaccine is 75% effective among subjects under the age of 60. Sputnik V and Sputnik Light are based on a safe and effective human adenoviral vector platform and have not been associated with rare serious adverse events following vaccination, such as myocarditis or pericarditis.

 

• Book Launch of Study to highlight the lives of Women Beedi Workers and the adverse effect of the implementation of Amendments to COTPA on their livelihood
• Make separate law as implementation of Amendments to COTPA will destroy Beedi industry, demands raised in Delhi

• Beedi is Swadeshi, so promote it as Cuba does its Cigar

• Cross-section of parliamentarians meet in Delhi for unveiling of the book on beedi industry’s women workers which claims that implementation of COTPA amendments will make lakhs of people unemployed.

The Mysore Beedi Mazdoor Association released a book ‘A Study on the Lack of Alternate Employment for Women Beedi Workers’ at the India International Centre (IIC) in the capital city, New Delhi, recently. The book, written by Mrs. Vibha Vasuki and Dr Siva Prasad Rambhatla, is an in-depth study of the lives of women beedi workers and the adverse effect of the proposed Amendments to COTPA on their livelihoods.

The event was graced by various renowned dignitaries. Shri Rameshwar Teli,  Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Labour and Employment & BJP MP from Dibrugarh, His Excellency Mr. Alejandro Simancas Marin, Ambassador of Cuba to India, Shri Sushil Kumar Modi, BJP Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha & Former Deputy Chief Minister, Bihar, Shri Praful Patel, NCP MP and former Minister of Civil Aviation & Heavy Industries, Ms.  Dola Sen, MP Rajya Sabha and TMC Trade Union President, Dr. Ashwani Mahajan, National Convener, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Mr B. Surendran, All India Organizing Secretary, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh.

25 Members of Parliament from across party lines graced the entire evening with their  presence. Seven Women Beedi from Karnataka and Telangana travelled to the capital to make their voices heard, felicitate the dignitaries and launch the book with them. The evening which was dedicated to all Women Beedi Workers, was moderated by Ms. Priya Sehgal and the opening welcome given by Author and Journalist Rasheed Kidwai to a packed audience of 150, comprising of trade union leaders, workers, and journalists.

Beedi is Swadeshi, Organic, perhaps less carcinogenic, but the implementation of the Amendments to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) will further increase grave unemployment situation in India, so there is a separate law needed for the Beedi industry. These were the views of the dignitaries present at the launch of the book on women beedi rollers.

Probably it was the first time that a cross section of people met at the national capital not only to launch a book on India’s women beedi workers—’Study on Lack of Alternate Employment for Women Beedi Rollers’ but also to discuss the future of the Beedi industry since implementation of Amendments to Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) will leave millions of Beedi Workers unemployed.

 

Why an indigenous product Beedi could not be promoted like a Cigar?

The book launch event began with the opening speech by author and journalist Rasheed Kidwai, who pointed out that it is not just a book release function but about the issue of the livelihood and welfare of 30 million beedi workers, that too women, which and why a country like Cuba can showcase its Cigar at a global platform. “Cigar brings fame, fortune and money to Cuba, but here we have a very indigenous thing which contributes 25 billion rupees to GDP, which is a very staggering amount, but getting step-motherly treatment.”

 

Gives employment at remote areas of India

Former union minister and NCP leader Praful Patel highlighted the Beedi industry and its importance. “Beedi industry gives employment to people in remote and far-flung areas where there is no other source of work. It has more than 50 per cent labour component and money goes directly to the hands of people. Such industry needs governments support not neglect” said Patel.

 

Why 28 per cent GST on a Swadeshi product ?

Ashwani Mahajan, national co-convenor, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, who wrote the forward for the book talked straightforwardly. “Earlier there was no tax on beedi, neither excise duty nor sales tax applied on it. They reasoned that it gives huge employment. It gets made in nine states and goes to the entire country, so beedi, sugar and textile used to be exempted. When GST was being implemented, he had thought either there will be no GST on beedis or it will be 5 per cent, but highest GST has been charged on it,” rued Mahajan.

 

WHO report is itself questionable

All India organizing secretary of Bharatiya Majdoor Sangh, B. Surendran claimed that The World Health Organization (WHO), which reported that 12 lakh people die every year from Tobacco in India on whose basis COTPA is being amended, is itself questionable and that they have asked in their Court Petition that let the data of every hospital, every block should be submitted by WHO, then only they will support it. He also mentioned that Beedi is organic and less nicotine gets used.

 

Beedi workers are the most marginalised people

One of the authors, Vibha Vasuki mentioned that although Covid constraints could not permit her to study more workers’ lives, the book touched and covered all the aspects comprehensively.

 

Cuba Cigar is the premium Cigar in the world

The Cuban Ambassador Marin who came to speak with a Cigar in his hand highlighted the Cigar industry and its 1000 year history in Cuba, with early usage of tobacco in healing by indigenous people. He also said that there is a similarity between the hand rolled Beedi and Cigar industry as both have large number of women workers, besides being indigenous. He also mentioned that Cigar industry people had participated in country’s independent movement.

Will surely discuss it

 

After listening to all the speakers patiently, MOS Rameshwar Teli who himself claimed to be pro labour said, “I know that no such meeting on beedi workers has taken place, so I will talk about it with our senior minister.”

 

There is a need to lobby for the Beedi industry

Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Modi while saying that it is a complicated matter pointed out that no Government would like to do something which will cause lakhs of people to become unemployed. “I have been associated with GST implementation too. And many people from the Cigarette and other tobacco industry people met us with their grievances but I never met anybody from the Beedi industry. It needs a lobby. Lobbying has a negative image in India, but in the United States, it is systematized.”

Call For Greater Consultation between States and Centre

MP and TMS Trade Union President Ms. Dola Sen requested the Union Minister that for the welfare of Beedi industry and its workers, States should be consulted by the Center before formulating policy. During her speech, Ms Sen raised the slogan, “Save the Industry and Save the Workers”.

On the occasion, The Mysore Beedi Mazdoor Association issued a press communiqué           which said that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, proposes to amend COTPA 2003. The Ministry has put a draft of the said Bill on their website for comments/views.

Most of the proposed amendments are directly going to affect the livelihood of 2.3 crore workers currently employed in the Beedi Industry. They have no alternative employment. Employing crores of workers overnight is highly improbable, considering the present rate of unemployment.

The proposed harsh and punitive Amendments to COTPA are unreasonable and need to be re-considered so as not to strangulate the Beedi industry.

It is critical to segregate Beedis from Cigarettes and other tobacco products, and to reformulate separate Rules for Beedis under COTPA 2003 while finalizing the proposed amendments and saving this indigenous, high employment generating Swadeshi industry. In the interest of the livelihood of 85 Lakh Beedi Workers, 40 Lakh native Adivasis and Tribals engaged in Tendu leaves plucking, 30 Lakh Beedi Tobacco farmers and workers who are directly dependent on the Beedi industry. Proposed Amendments to COTPA should not be applied to the Beedi industry.

The Association also requested people to follow the official Twitter handle of all Beedi Workers Unions : Beedi Livelihoods Matter @beedilivelihood

Praj Industries Limited (Praj) announced innovative solution to process sugarcane juice in to a new sustainable feedstock BIOSYRUP® for round the year ethanol production.

Sugarcane juice is a perishable and seasonal feedstock that cannot be stored for more than 24 hours. Praj has developed a patented technology to process cane juice into conditioned BIOSYRUP® that has storability of upto 12 months. This facilitates sugar mills to produce ethanol beyond sugar season thus helping increase production capacity & maximize revenue.

Praj’s first of its’ kind patented technology for producing BIOSYRUP® was successfully demonstrated during the launch ceremony held at M/s Jaywant Sugars, Satara on Friday, 3^rd December 2021. Mr. Jaiprakash Dandegaonkar – President National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) & Chairman of Sakhar Sangh, Mumbai was the chief guest of the function, that was also attended by Guest of Honor, Mr. Shekhar Gaikwad, Sugar Commissioner along with other dignitaries of sugar industries.

Sugar sector is experiencing challenges of sugar glut due to demand supply mismatch. Traditionally, sugar mills are constrained to produce ethanol only during sugar season. To avoid excess sugar production, GOI permitted direct use of sugar cane juice for production of ethanol as part of National Biofuels Policy 2018.

Praj’s commercial demo facility for production of Ethanol from BIOSYRUP® has been successfully implemented in M/s Jaywant Sugars. BIOSYRUP® was stored for the period of one year and no sugar loss was observed even after the period of 12 months. The technology has been validated and certified Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI)- India’s premier sugar research institution.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Shekhar Gaikawad, Commissioner of Sugar said, “Currently India has a surplus sugar production of 6 MMT which blocks the liquidity of sugar mills for 18 to 24 months. Diverting sugarcane juice to ethanol production is the only sustainable way forward for sugar mills in the long term. I congratulate Team Praj for achieving such a great milestone which I am sure will become game changer not only in domestic but also in global sugar sector at large.”

Speaking at the Global Launch, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari – Executive Chairman Praj Industries said that “This is a landmark development for sugar industry that is facing market headwinds. BIOSYRUP® technology will help sugar mills sweat their assets and report better financial performance. Importantly this will step up ethanol production to meet 20% EBP targets. Coupled with advances in logistics, BIOSYRUP® technology is helping nationwide production and realization of ‘Anytime Anywhere Ethanol.’ Praj has always taken pride in developing and deploying innovative solutions for helping uplift the farmers community and boost the rural economy. I gratefully acknowledge continued co-operation of Commissioner of Sugar, VSI, Sakhar Sangh- Mumbai and Jaywant Sugar in this initiative. Our customers around the world are showing strong interest in this technology.”

Following its launch last week, BIOSYRUP® is catching attention from non sugar states around the nation in addition to sugar industry and is seen as a milestone in evolution of India’s ethanol industry in its growth journey.

 

Shop on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Store for the Samsung Galaxy A03s and get Rs. 1,000 cashback on your purchase, this is a limited-time offer
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Log in to the Bajaj Finserv EMI Store using the registered mobile number
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• Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) allows for sharp & clear calls by reducing ambient noise
• Dedicated Movie Mode elevates the movie-watching experience with low-latency zero-audio lag

pTron, the rapidly growing and leading maker of affordable digital lifestyle and audio accessories brand in India, announced the launch of its new ENC series wireless earbuds pTron Bassbuds Tango. With remote work and entertainment as the new norm, pTron sought to develop a next-level earbud that would deliver the highest voice quality with an additional feature to take care of GenZ’s entertainment needs. The new high-performance Wireless Earbuds, the Bassbuds Tango aims to make work and entertainment seamless by redefining phone calls and movie-watching experience.

   

Equipped with innovative and industry-leading DSP ENC Technology, Bassbuds Tango efficiently filters out ambient noises from the background to offer incredible sound and clearer phone calls. Redefining personal entertainment, Bassbuds Tango’s dedicated Movie-mode feature ensures zero lag between audio and visuals for an extraordinary long movie and binge-watch session.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ameen Khwaja, Founder & CEO, pTron, said: “Bassbuds Tango is the ultimate work & play accessory keeping in mind the demanding lifestyle of the GenZ. The ENC Technology with Movie mode feature, Bassbuds Tango redefines style and convenience in an all-in-one trendy design. This gadget is such an asset for people who desire outstanding sound and connectivity from truly wireless earbuds by the day be it busy city roads or home-office space, and their entertainment buddy by the night with the low latency movie mode and long battery life, all in an affordable price tag”.

The all-new Bassbuds Tango boasts the latest BT5.1 connection with 1-step pairing for fast and seamless connectivity and zero falters. With a 32-bit DSP processor FPU, built-in AAC codec for Hi-Fi audio, and acoustic echo cancellation the Bassbuds Tango packs a punch with its 13mm BASS boosted drivers. Offering ultimate true-wireless experience, the earbuds also feature intuitive smart touch control that allows easy toggling between music and dedicated movie mode, control music/calls, and activate the smartphone’s voice assistant with just a few easy taps.  Packed in a chic minimal aesthetic with a trendy design and matt-finish body, the earbuds are IPX4 certified for sweat and water and come in a comfortable to carry 400mAh charging case with smooth rounded edges offering 20Hours of total playback. The charging case also features a convenient Type C port that efficiently offers 3Hrs of playback on the earbuds with just 10mins of charging.

The pTron Bassbuds Tango TWS earbuds are available in two colour variants on Amazon India – Active Black and Stone White for a price of Rs. 1299/- and comes with one year warranty.

 

pTron Bassbuds Tango – Technical Specifications
Bluetooth version:	BT 5.1
Transmission distance:	up to 10M
Battery:	Charging Case 400mAh
Charge Power:	DC 5V/1A
Driver:	13mm Hi-Fi Stereo
Music & Play time:	20H Total
Mic:	Mono & Dual Bud Capability
Charge time:	1- 1.5Hrs
Standby time:	120H
Charge case charge earbuds:	2-3 times
Charging Port:	USB C Fast Charging
Waterproof:	IPX4
Noise Cancellation:	In-Ear Passive
Earbud weight:	4g*2
Charge case weight:	50g

 

Product Link:

• https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09KYDNSHC
• https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09KYGMHL9

SBI General, one of India’s leading General Insurance Companies has implemented its massive awareness campaign and farmer workshops to celebrate “Crop Insurance Week” under the umbrella of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with farmer communities. Under this campaign SBI the Company has undertaken various activities across 5 states viz Rajasthan, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Assam.

 

During the Crop Insurance Awareness Week, SBI General has been running on-ground activities to educate the farmers for protecting their crops, preventing sowing/planting risks, covering post-harvest losses, and secure them throughout the complete crop cycle. The company has charted out several activities such as van activation, farmer workshops and other on-ground visibility activities to spread the awareness across these select states.

 

SBI General has commenced its enrolment for farmers to get their crop production insured in each state with customization of add-on covers pertaining to the climatic conditions. It provides hailstorm covers in Karnataka for Mango, Pomegranate, Chilli, Pepper, Papaya, Ginger and Acid Lime crops, and for Apple trees in Himachal Pradesh. The awareness campaign and workshops will help educate farmers and ensure maximum enrolments under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana during this Crop Insurance Week.

 

Mr. P.C Kandpal, MD and CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “Crop Insurance week is a momentous occasion for an agrarian country like ours and as we celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our farmers for their contribution towards a glorious India. At SBI General, we take extreme pride in supporting and protecting our farmer community and our aim this year is to delve deeper, reach further and protect more than we have done so far.”

 

With this initiative, SBI General Insurance plans to establish a connect with farmers, the ones who help the country run. The company has constantly supported the farmers with all the necessary assistance required in securing the crops and the entire farming ecosystem and has so far covered over 1.8 crore applications and paid over Rs. 5297 crores of claims over the last 7 years.

 

“Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is one of the most successful financial initiatives for the farmers, and we at SBI General Insurance are glad to be the catalyst to secure our farmers’ risks through crop insurance and contribute positively to their growth story.” Mr. P.C Kandpal added.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund) today announced the Russian one-shot Sputnik Light vaccine against coronavirus has been approved by the Ministry of Health of Argentina as a standalone vaccine and a booster shot.

Sputnik Light vaccine is based on human adenovirus serotype 26 which is the first component of the Sputnik V vaccine.

Argentina was one of the first countries in the world to authorize Sputnik V in December 2020. The National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices (ANMAT) registered Sputnik V based on Russian clinical trial data without additional trials in Argentina. Sputnik V is one of the main vaccines used during the vaccination campaign throughout the country, providing for 35 times reduction in new COVID cases during 4 months. Sputnik V has played a decisive role in protecting population of Argentina and helping the country to stay among the leaders in the fight against coronavirus.

The one-shot Sputnik Light is also a highly effective vaccine used both on standalone basis and applied as a booster. Findings by the Gamaleya Center based on data from 28,000 subjects in Moscow have demonstrated Sputnik Light vaccine administered standalone has 70% efficacy against infection from the Delta variant of coronavirus during the first three months after vaccination. The vaccine is 75% effective among subjects under the age of 60.

Efficacy of one-shot Sputnik Light as a booster against Delta variant for other vaccines will be close to the efficacy against the Delta variant of the Sputnik V vaccine: over 83% against infection and over 94% against hospitalization.

Sputnik Light has been proven to be safe and highly effective by real-world vaccination data. In particular, the vaccine has demonstrated efficacy of between 78.6-83.7% among the elderly as confirmed by the Ministry of Health of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Moreover, a study in Argentina on heterogeneous regimens combining Sputnik Light and vaccines produced by AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Moderna and Cansino has demonstrated Sputnik Light is an effective universal booster. Each “vaccine cocktail” combination with Sputnik Light provided higher antibody titer on 14th day after administering the second dose as compared to original homogenous (same vaccine as first and second dose) regimens of each of the vaccines.

The data also demonstrated high safety profile of using Sputnik Light in combinations with all other vaccines with no serious adverse events following the vaccination in any combinations. The study provides the strongest scientific evidence to date supporting the mix&match approach with 5 vaccines involved.

Paraguay’s Ministry of Health found Sputnik Light to be 93.5% effective during the country’s ongoing vaccination campaign.

A one-shot vaccination regimen of Sputnik Light has a number of key advantages, including ease of administering the vaccine, monitoring and more flexible re-vaccination schedule when used as a booster.

Increff, a leading innovator of inventory optimization solutions for e-commerce, fashion, and retail brands, today launched its first-ever ‘E-commerce Festive Season Sales Report – 2021‘.The findings are based on the fashion and apparel sales data of over 1.5 million ordesrs processed by Increff’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) during the Flipkart Big Billion Day (BBD) & Amazon Great Indian Festival sale this year. The pandemic upended the retail industry in 2020, with many businesses either perishing or struggling to survive multiple lockdowns and other developments. However, with the gradual decrease in COVID cases, 2021 saw the Indian e-retail market grow by 25% despite a 2-month national lockdown and multiple prolonged disruptions in regional pockets over the year.* Increff’s E-commerce Festive Season Sales Report 2021 findings’ corroborated this fact that businesses were seen getting back on track with a higher revenue contribution from the top 20 cities in 2021 vis-a-vis 2020. Speaking on the launch of the report, Anshuman Agarwal, Co-founder, Increff said, “Despite the pandemic’s large-scale disruptions, this year we observed the return of the festive cheer and delight that comes with shopping especially during the festive sales. Through this report, our aim is to instill a sense of confidence in e-tailers, especially those who have faced losses during the pandemic by showcasing that businesses across scales are bouncing back strongly more than ever now. We at Increff will continue to play the role of a catalyst in supporting the growth of Indian fashion & apparel businesses by equipping them with cutting-edge technologies like WMS to foster their growth.” Other key findings from the report were: ·         Region-based ·         Bangalore, Hyderabad & Pune contributed to 12.6% of total revenue during the Flipkart & Amazon festive sales, but shopped at lower ASPs and higher discounts as compared to the national average ·         The highest percentage of COD orders, 71%, was received from the North-Eastern states, indicating the fear of order cancellations due to inconsistent delivery time and uncertainty of order fulfillment ·         During both the sales this year, there was a higher revenue contribution from East India as compared to West India. East also shopped at a higher ASP (INR 1,178) & lower discount compared to the national average (54%) ·         Gender-based ·         Women’s wear was shopped more (40.7%)as compared to Men’s (38.2%) and Kidswear (21.1%) ·         Category-based ·         While both men’s and women’s shopping trends were driven by discounts, women’s buying (61.4%) was much more influenced by discounts than that of men (54.5%) ·         Due to lockdown and extended periods of work-from-home, people were observed to be looking for relaxing options like track pants. Athleisure wear was also more in demand compared to jeans & trousers ·         Jackets and sweatshirts were one of the top choices among the buyers in the clothing categories with high revenue contributions. Jackets had the highest ASP of INR 2,154 and a discount percentage of 55%, whereas Sweatshirts were sold at an ASP of INR 1,211 and a discount percentage of 57% About Increff Increff helps fashion brands & retailers optimize inventory and improve sales velocity by 2 to 3x via Assure and Iris platforms. Backed by Binny Bansal, Sequoia, and 021 Capital, Increff serves the likes of Aramex, Namshi, hummel, GAP, GANT, Landmark Group, Lenskart, Puma, Celio, Pepe Jeans, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Vero Moda, Wincanton, Mango, Blackberrys, Amazon among others. For more information, please visit www.increff.com. *Reference: Bain & Company and Flipkart Report titled – How India Shops Online 2021

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(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir India and this publication takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

Partnership between Russia and India in the fight against COVID has already demonstrated significant results, and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund) strives to expand it through providing the one-shot Sputnik Light vaccine and Sputnik M vaccine (for adolescents).

The Russian Sputnik V vaccine, which is one of the safest and most effective vaccines in the world (as demonstrated by the real-world data from Hungary, San Marino, Argentina, Serbia, Bahrain, Mexico, UAE and others) is already used in India following an emergency use authorization in April 2021. Sputnik V became the first foreign-made vaccine used in India.

Sputnik V has been authorized in 71 countries with total population of over 4 bn people. To facilitate the necessary production capacities, RDIF has reached agreements with the leading Indian pharmaceutical companies, including Serum Institute of India – the world’s largest vaccine producer, as well as Gland Pharma, Hetero Biopharma, Panacea Biotec, Stelis Biopharma, Virchow Biotech and Morepen. Today India is the leading production hub for Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines.

Currently, RDIF is actively cooperating with India’s regulatory authorities on registration of Sputnik Light (the one-shot vaccine based on human adenovirus serotype 26, the first component of the Sputnik V) as a standalone vaccine and a universal booster and expects it to be authorized in the country soon. A major partner of RDIF, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, has conducted additional clinical trials of Sputnik Light in India. Positive data from these trials has also been presented to India’s regulator.

One-shot Sputnik Light is a highly effective vaccine: the latest findings by the Gamaleya Center based on data from 28,000 subjects in Moscow have demonstrated that Sputnik Light administered standalone has 70% efficacy against infection from the Delta variant of coronavirus during the first three months after vaccination. The vaccine is 75% effective among subjects under the age of 60. Efficacy of Sputnik Light as a booster against Delta variant for other vaccines will be close to the efficacy against the Delta variant of the Sputnik V vaccine: over 83% against infection and over 94% against hospitalization.

Sputnik Light has proven to be safe and highly effective by real-world vaccination data. In particular, the vaccine has demonstrated efficacy of between 78.6-83.7% among the elderly as confirmed by the Ministry of Health of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Paraguay’s Ministry of Health also found Sputnik Light to be 93.5% effective during the country’s ongoing vaccination campaign.

Interim results of the study in Argentina on heterologous regimens combining Sputnik Light and vaccines produced by AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Moderna and Cansino have shown Sputnik Light is an effective universal booster for these vaccines.

Results of a separate joint clinical trial of a combination of Sputnik Light with the AstraZeneca vaccine have demonstrated that it induces strong immunity and has a high safety profile.

AstraZeneca vaccine is produced in India under the Covishield brand and Sputnik Light could be successfully applied as a booster in partnership with Serum Institute of India, which already produces the two vaccines.

RDIF has also provided India’s regulator with documents for registration of Sputnik M – the vaccine for adolescents aged 12-17. Russia’s Health Ministry registered Sputnik M on November 24, 2021. It has become a new member of the Sputnik vaccines family and is offered to international markets joining Sputnik V and Sputnik Light.

Subject to positive decision of India’s authorities, Sputnik M could become the first registered vaccine for adolescents in the country and make an important contribution in protecting the younger population.

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, commented:

“Russia and India have joined forces since the beginning of the pandemic, with this strategic partnership including production of Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines. A number of agreements with partners in India have helped RDIF to significantly increase our production capabilities. We are ready to offer the Sputnik Light vaccine and the Sputnik M vaccine for adolescents to support strong herd immunity in India and continue saving millions of lives.”

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund) announces that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has granted approval for entry of individuals vaccinated with the Russian Sputnik V vaccine starting from January 1, 2022.

Saudi Arabia joined 101 other countries approving entry of individuals vaccinated with the Sputnik V vaccine following the extensive cooperation and discussions between Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia and RDIF, supported by the Ministry of Investments of the country. Granting approval for Sputnik V vaccinated to visit Saudi Arabia and further joint steps in fighting the pandemic were in focus of the meeting between Health Minister of Saudi Arabia Fahad Al-Jalajel, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid Al-Falih and RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev in Riyadh earlier in November.

The decision reached will enable Muslims from all over the world vaccinated with Sputnik V to participate in the Hajj and the Umrah pilgrimages to Islam’s holiest sites in the cities of Mecca and Medina.

Upon entering the country, persons vaccinated with Sputnik V will be required to quarantine for 48 hours and take a PCR test.

Countries opening their borders for those who have received the Sputnik V vaccine are demonstrating the will to help their tourism industry and businesses to recover more quickly. As Saudi Arabia opens its borders for the Sputnik V vaccinated, this decision will play an important role for increasing the tourist flows and establishing new business ties between Russia and Saudi Arabia, including through activities of The Russia-Saudi Economic Council.

Established in 2019, The Council aims to develop bilateral economic and trade ties as well as investments between Russia and Saudi Arabia across all sectors. It is Co-Chaired by Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the RDIF and HRH Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz, the Kingdom’s National Guard Minister.

Overall, separating authorization of COVID vaccines from vaccination certificates is another important step to avoiding vaccine discrimination and supporting governments’ efforts in safely re-opening borders for both locals and tourists.

Key requirements of 102 countries which allow visits following Sputnik V vaccination[1]:

• Sputnik V vaccinated individuals may visit a total of 31 countries without any additional COVID-19 related approval;
• Other 71 countries request negative PCR or positive antibody tests or have additional requirements at entry.

Only 15 countries require vaccines other than Sputnik V. Only 5 of these countries (less than 9% of international travel journeys), including the U.S. (representing less than 3%), fully rely on the WHO’s approved list of vaccines which Sputnik V is expected to be added to this year.

Sources: ministries of respective countries, tourism sites

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