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New Delhi, July 20: In a significant milestone for India’s public health system, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted market authorisation to Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India’s QDENGA (TAK-003), making it the country’s first approved vaccine for the prevention of dengue.

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The vaccine has been approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years and is expected to strengthen India’s fight against dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that continues to affect lakhs of people every year.

QDENGA is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine developed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes. It is administered in a two-dose schedule, with the second dose given three months after the first.

One of the vaccine’s key advantages is that it can be administered regardless of whether a person has previously been infected with dengue, eliminating the need for pre-vaccination screening.

The approval comes at a time when dengue remains a major public health concern in India. Reported cases have increased sharply over the past two decades, with the country accounting for nearly one-third of the global dengue burden. Health experts believe the actual number of infections is significantly higher than officially reported.

According to Takeda, the approval is backed by an extensive global clinical development programme involving 19 Phase I, II and III studies with more than 28,000 participants from dengue-endemic and non-endemic countries.

The company’s pivotal Phase III TIDES (DEN-301) trial, which enrolled over 20,000 participants across eight dengue-endemic nations, showed promising results. The vaccine demonstrated 80.2 per cent efficacy against laboratory-confirmed dengue one year after the second dose and 90.4 per cent efficacy in preventing dengue-related hospitalisation after 18 months. Long-term follow-up also indicated sustained protection against severe dengue and hospitalisation.

The Indian approval was further supported by a Phase III clinical trial involving participants between 4 and 60 years of age, where the vaccine was found to be safe, well tolerated and capable of generating a strong immune response in children, adolescents and adults.

QDENGA has already received regulatory approval in 43 countries across Asia, Europe and Latin America. More than 32 million doses have been distributed through public and private immunisation programmes. The vaccine has also received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification and is recommended by the WHO for use in dengue-endemic regions with high transmission.

Takeda said it will work closely with Indian regulatory authorities, healthcare professionals and public health agencies to facilitate the rollout and availability of the vaccine across the country in the coming months.

The approval marks a major step forward in India’s efforts to reduce dengue-related illness and hospitalisations, offering a new preventive tool against one of the country’s most persistent vector-borne diseases.

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn

July 20: President Droupadi Murmu paid homage at the iconic ‘Stephen the Great’ monument in Moldova, as part of her historic visit to the European nation.

The President laid floral tributes at the monument honouring Stephen the Great, a celebrated ruler and national figure of Moldova, acknowledging the country’s rich history and cultural legacy.

The visit marks the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Moldova, underlining the growing significance of India-Moldova relations and the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

During her visit, President Murmu is expected to engage with Moldovan leadership to explore new opportunities in areas such as trade, investment, education, technology, culture, and other sectors of mutual interest.

The tribute ceremony reflected India’s respect for Moldova’s heritage and further highlighted the importance of cultural understanding in building stronger diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The landmark visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to India-Moldova cooperation and create new avenues for collaboration in the future.

July 20: New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith has been honoured with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for June 2026 following his outstanding performances on the international cricket stage.

Smith impressed with his consistent contributions with both bat and ball, playing a key role in New Zealand’s recent success. His match-winning efforts and all-round abilities earned him recognition among the top performers in world cricket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) recognised Smith’s exceptional form, highlighting his impact during crucial matches and his ability to deliver under pressure.

The award marks another milestone in Smith’s growing international career and reflects his emergence as one of New Zealand’s most promising cricket talents.

Smith expressed his gratitude for the recognition and credited his teammates, coaches, and support staff for their encouragement and contribution to his success.

The ICC Men’s Player of the Month award celebrates outstanding individual performances and recognises cricketers who make a significant impact during each month of international competition.

India’s currency system could soon witness one of its biggest transformations in decades as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) takes significant steps towards introducing polymer-based banknotes, popularly known as plastic notes.

The move aims to replace traditional paper-based currency with a more durable, secure, and technology-driven alternative. The initiative gained momentum after the Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL), a subsidiary involved in currency printing, invited global technology partners to help establish a polymer substrate manufacturing facility in India.

The development marks a major step towards building a domestic ecosystem for producing the specialised material required for polymer banknotes.

A New Era for Indian Currency

Most Indian banknotes currently use cotton-based paper embedded with multiple security features. Polymer notes, made from a specialised plastic film, offer greater durability and can withstand daily wear and tear more effectively.

Reports suggest that the initial phase may focus on lower denomination notes, including ₹10 and ₹20, with field trials planned to evaluate their performance under Indian conditions. However, the RBI has not yet announced an official launch date or final rollout plan.

Why Polymer Notes Could Change the Way India Uses Cash

The proposed polymer currency comes with several advantages:

Longer Life: Unlike paper notes, polymer notes are more resistant to tearing and damage, allowing them to remain in circulation for a longer period.

Water and Dirt Resistant: Their plastic-based material prevents damage caused by moisture, stains, and frequent handling.

Advanced Security Features: Polymer notes can include sophisticated anti-counterfeiting technologies such as transparent windows, optical elements, and advanced security markings.

Cost Savings Over Time: Although manufacturing costs may initially be higher, the extended lifespan of polymer notes can reduce the need for frequent replacement.

RBI Focuses on Domestic Production

Through the Expression of Interest (EOI), BRBNMPL is looking for companies with expertise in manufacturing security-grade polymer substrates. The objective is not only to source technology but also to develop India’s own manufacturing capability for currency materials.

The process includes strict security guidelines to ensure that the production of currency-grade materials meets national security requirements.

Learning From Global Examples

Countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have already adopted polymer banknotes due to their durability and enhanced security features.

More than 60 countries worldwide currently use polymer currency, making it an established technology in the global financial system.

No Demonetisation-Like Move

The possible introduction of polymer notes should not be confused with demonetisation. Existing paper currency will continue to remain legal tender, and old notes will circulate alongside the new polymer notes if the RBI proceeds with the rollout.

The transition, if approved, will be gradual and based on the outcome of trials and assessments.

India’s Next Step Towards Smarter Currency

The RBI’s move reflects a broader effort to modernise India’s currency infrastructure by combining durability, security, and technology. If successfully implemented, polymer banknotes could redefine everyday cash usage in India and mark a new chapter in the country’s financial journey.

New Delhi, July 20: The Indian women’s hockey team is preparing for its journey towards the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, with the squad focused on delivering a strong performance on the global stage.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/narendramodi 

The team’s qualification campaign has reflected its determination, consistency, and growing strength in international hockey. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, India aims to compete against the world’s best teams in the prestigious tournament.

The players and coaching staff have been working on improving tactical execution, fitness levels, and match strategies ahead of the World Cup challenge.

The FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 will provide India with an opportunity to showcase its progress and build on recent achievements in international competitions.

With strong preparation and renewed confidence, the Indian women’s hockey team is looking to make a memorable impact at the global event.

Tokyo, July 20: Indian badminton star PV Sindhu scripted history by winning the Japan Open title after defeating local favourite and three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi in straight games.

Sindhu secured a convincing 21-17, 21-17 victory over Yamaguchi to claim the championship, ending a two-year wait for an international title. The win also marked her first victory over Yamaguchi in four years.

With this achievement, Sindhu became the first Indian player to defeat the three-time world champion Yamaguchi at the tournament, adding another milestone to her illustrious career.

The victory highlights Sindhu’s continued dominance and determination on the international badminton stage, further strengthening India’s presence in global badminton.

The Japan Open title marks a significant comeback for the Olympic medallist and reflects her strong form and competitive spirit.