Srinagar, Sep 8: Amidst a barrage of bad news this year, Russia has shared news hailed as a medical breakthrough, a development that could change the fates in years to come. An mRNA-based cancer vaccine, named Enteromix, according to Russian health officials, has achieved remarkable results in early clinical trials.

The vaccine promises ‘100% efficacy’ in targeting colorectal cancer and significant tumor regression in some other cancers.

The vaccine has been developed by the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA) and the Gamaleya Center. Apart from Colorectal cancers, it has also been tested on other tumors like melanoma and glioblastoma. It will be available for wider clinical use by late 2025, as per the announcements. Treatment will be provided free of charge to Russian patients. The development is being hailed as a milestone in personalized medicine – where the vaccine is tailored to an individual’s tumor mutations using mRNA technology. Russia has highlighted three years of trials and stated that the vaccine has “safety and high efficacy”.

Results of 60-80 per cent tumor shrinkage and improved survival rates have taken the world by storm.

Prof. Omar Javed Shah, former Director SKIMS Soura and a Gastroenterologist of international repute echoed cautious optimism. “It is a development worth celebrating and a significant step in personalized cancer therapy. However, it is crucial to recognize its major limitations – it’s inability to prevent cancer,” he said. He said the vaccine has the potential to treat cancers such as melanoma (skin cancer), glioblastoma (malignant brain tumor) and colorectal cancers which affect millions of people worldwide. Prof Shah hoped for more research into cancer treatments, especially cancers linked to Gastrointestinal tract, that have plagued J&K especially. “The vaccine, it is said, has the ability to regress the highly malignant tumors by up to 80%,” he said, adding that it holds great promise for personalized cancer treatment. “These findings could herald a major breakthrough in the treatment of cancer.”

However, the announcement has also been met with skepticism from many international experts. Some have called it “too good to be true” without peer-reviewed data or independent verification. Professor Kingston Mills, a prominent immunologist, has expressed doubtabout the claims regarding efficacy, in absence of peer reviewed literature. He has stated that while mRNA vaccines show promise, Russia’s rapid rollout raises concerns given the lack of published scientific papers.

Russia has positioned Enteromix as a world-first mRNA cancer vaccine. Some critics however call this claim misleading stating that many multinational pharma giants like Moderna, BioNTech, and Merck are also in the concluding phases of their trials of similar vaccines. The news however has signaled a fresh wave of efforts to tailor-treat cancers. Whether Enteromix will live up to the hype? Only time and data can tell.

Srinagar, Sep 08: Barely a year after its inauguration, the Habba Kadal Bridge in Srinagar, rebuilt under the much-hyped Smart City project, is now facing a storm of criticism from locals and pedestrians, who allege the structure has turned into “both a safety and a security concern.”

Earlier the administration had announced plans to redesign the bridge into a pedestrian-only zone with gazebos, seating and heritage-style architecture, similar to the Zero Bridge model. But, the locals argue that instead of beautification, authorities should first address what they call “serious ground problems.”

Locals from Habba Kadal Srinagar told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that there are cracks in the bridge’s wooden flooring.

“The bridge is beautiful, but I don’t feel safe walking here. It looks weak and any accident could happen. The administration must treat this as a serious safety issue,” said Muntazir, a commuter.

Another local said authorities must take the matter as seriously and look into this before any possible accident.

Moreover, residents also alleged that the bridge has become a “toxic space” during late evening and night hours. “Youth gather here late in the evenings. Instead of being a family-friendly public space, it has become a spot for unwanted activities,” said another resident.

Spending crores to boost commerce and connectivity in Downtown Srinagar, the bridge has instead sparked controversy and skepticism.

Community members say repeated failures in construction quality have raised questions over the city’s infrastructure planning. “They need to fix the cracks, ensure safety, and address ‘unwanted activities’ concerns before talking about redesigning or beautifying. Otherwise, it feels like money is being wasted while our livelihoods suffer,” said another resident.

Srinagar, Sep 08: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has expressed profound grief over the untimely demise of Dr. Sagadevan R, Assistant Professor in Department of Civil Engineering, who passed away in Srinagar on Saturday. His sudden demise has left the entire campus community in deep shock and mourning.

On Monday, his mortal remains were flown to his hometown in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where the last rites will be performed on Tuesday. Faculty members from NIT Srinagar accompanied the body to ensure a dignified and respectful farewell.

NIT Srinagar expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Jammu and Kashmir Government and SKIMS Soura for extending the best possible medical treatment to Dr. Sagadevan during his illness and for assisting in the completion of medical and legal formalities after his passing.

The Institute also extended its gratitude to Director SKIMS Soura, SP Hazratbal, Police Control Room (Embalming Section), Indigo Cargo, the Airport Authority of India, and other concerned authorities for their timely support in ensuring the dignified transportation of Dr. Sagadevan’s mortal remains to Tamil Nadu.

Their cooperation ensured that all arrangements were carried out smoothly and with full respect.

Director NIT Srinagar Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia expressed deep shock over the loss, describing it as both a personal and institutional tragedy.

He said the news had left the entire NIT Srinagar fraternity in grief, as Dr. Sagadevan was not only a promising academic but also a kind and humble human being.

Prof. Kanaujia added that the institute made all necessary arrangements for the safe transportation of the mortal remains to Chennai.

“We ensured that Dr. Sagadevan’s body was sent to his family by air with full dignity and respect. We remain in constant touch with the bereaved family and extend our complete support in this difficult hour,” he said.

Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, along with Deans, Heads of Departments, Chairpersons of Centres, faculty members, and administrative staff, also expressed sorrow over the tragic loss. He described Dr. Sagadevan’s demise as a “major loss to the academic community.”

“He was not only committed to teaching but also actively engaged in research and mentoring young scholars. His passing has created a void that will be hard to fill,” Prof. Rehman said.

Faculty colleagues and students remembered Dr. Sagadevan as a dedicated teacher, a promising researcher, and a humble individual who made a significant contribution to the academic environment of NIT Srinagar.

Many recalled his approachable nature, sincerity, and commitment to academic excellence. Students described him as a guide and mentor who was always available for academic discussions and personal advice.

Born and educated in Tamil Nadu, Dr. Sagadevan’s academic journey reflected brilliance and perseverance. He completed his B.E. in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, in 2011.

He pursued his M.Tech in Structural Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in 2013, and in 2020, earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from IIT Madras.

His strong academic credentials and research expertise earned him recognition and respect across the academic community.

The NIT Srinagar fraternity deeply mourns the loss of Dr. Sagadevan and stands in solidarity with his family during this difficult time. His contributions as a teacher, researcher, and mentor will continue to be remembered with respect and gratitude.

Kulgam, Sep 08: One more army jawan lost his life after sustaining injuries leading the toll of security casualities to two in the ongoing encounter with terrorists in the Gudar forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday.

Officials told news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC) that initially a JCO among three jawans were injured during the exchange of fire.

All the injured personnel were evacuated to hospital for treatment, two among  three succumbed to his injuries, official said adding that the Condition of JCO is stable.

Moreover, earlier, two terrorists were killed while the operation is still ongoing.

The joint operation by Army, Police, and CRPF was launched following specific inputs about the presence of terrorists in the forest area.

The firefight is still underway as security forces continue to engage the hiding terrorists. Further details are awaited.