What Is Disease X? How Scientists Are Preparing For The Next Pandemic

It sounds like something Elon Musk might have cooked up: "Disease X." In fact, the term was coined years ago as a way of getting scientists to work on medical countermeasures for unknown infectious threats - novel coronaviruses like the one that causes Covid-19, for example - instead of just known ones, like the Ebola virus. The idea was to encourage the development of platform technologies, including vaccines, drug therapies and diagnostic tests, that could be rapidly adapted and deployed in response to an array of future outbreaks with epidemic or pandemic potential. 

1. What is 'Disease X?'

It's the somewhat mysterious name for an illness caused by a currently unknown, yet serious microbial threat. The World Health Organization added Disease X in 2017 to a short list of pathogens deemed a top priority for research, alongside known killers like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Ebola. The issue made it onto the agenda of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, with WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus joining other health officials to discuss it. 

Covid-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, was an example of a Disease X when it touched off the pandemic at the end of 2019. The vast reservoir of viruses circulating in wildlife are seen as a likely source of more such diseases. That's because of their potential to spill over and infect other species, including humans, giving rise to an infection against which people will have no immunity.

2. What's the point of studying Disease X?

As the WHO puts it, it's to "enable early cross-cutting R&D preparedness that is also relevant" for an unknown disease. The humanitarian crisis sparked by the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa was a wake up call. Despite decades of research, there were no products ready to deploy in time to save more than 11,000 lives. In response, the WHO created an R&D Blueprint to accelerate development of a range of tools for "priority diseases." The current list includes:

• Covid-19,
• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever,
• Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease,
• Lassa fever,
• Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and SARS,
• Nipah and henipaviral diseases,
• Rift Valley fever,
• Zika,
• Disease X

3. How's the research for the next pandemic going?

It took just 326 days from the release of the genetic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the authorization of the first Covid vaccine, thanks in part to the work done since 2017 in preparation for Disease X. Now groups like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, or CEPI, are supporting rapid response vaccine platforms that could develop new immunizations within 100 days of a virus with pandemic potential emerging under a $3.5 billion plan. Other efforts underway include:

• Updating the International Health Regulations and developing a new global agreement to protect the world from future emergencies.
• A new fund, approved by the World Bank, for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
• A WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin that aims to speed access to key data, and develop analytic tools and predictive models to assess potential threats.
• The Global Virome Project that aims to discover zoonotic viral threats and stop future pandemics.
• A $5 billion US government initiative to develop next-generation vaccines and treatments for Covid-19, called Project NextGen.
• $262.5 million in funding for a US national network for detecting and responding more efficiently to public health emergencies.
• Establishment of global center for pandemic therapeutics.

Still, numerous challenges threaten to undermine these efforts, including depleted and weakened health systems, a growing anti-science movement that has increased vaccine hesitancy, and the potential for governments to eventually deprioritize funding for outbreak detection and preparedness as perceived risks dissipate

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"I Knew I Had Married...": Akshay's Post For Twinkle On Her Graduation Day

Akshay Kumar wrote the sweetest message for wife Twinkle Khanna on her graduation day. ICYDK, the actress-turned-author recently completed her Master's degree from the University of London. On Tuesday, Akshay Kumar, who attended his wife's graduation ceremony, posted a picture with Twinkle and wrote a heartfelt message, "Two years ago when you told me you wanted to take up studies all over again, I wondered if you meant it. But the day I saw you work so hard and perfectly manage a full-fledged student life along with home, career, me and kids, I knew I had married a super woman. Today on your graduation, I also wish I had studied a bit more to know enough words to tell you how proud you make me, Tina. Congratulations and all my love. "For the graduation ceremony, Twinkle Khanna wore a pretty green saree while her husband complemented her in a black blazer and pants. The Mela actor was also seen wearing her black graduation robe and hat.

Take a look at her post below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar)

at the closing of 2023, Twinkle Khanna flew off to Maldives on a winter break with her family. A few weeks back, Twinkle Khanna dropped a clip, offering insights into her “truly paradise” vacation. The clip begins with Twinkle Khanna riding a bike, but eventually losing control and banging it into a pole, leaving Akshay Kumar, who is recording her, in splits. The next frame shows Akshay enjoying snorkelling in the turquoise blue water. We also caught glimpses of Akshay and Twinkle Khanna's son Aarav and daughter Nitara. Channelling her inner Mrs Funnybones, Twinkle Khanna, in the note attached to the clip, spoke about her hilarious New Year's resolution—converting cellulite into wine. Sharing the post, Twinkle Khanna wrote, “Aside from banging my wayward bike into a pole, this was truly paradise. It has also been a holiday where taking it a step further from Jesus who turned water into wine, I have already performed my own transmogrification by turning wine into cellulite…Now let's see if I can perform another miracle and reverse this situation. If you have any grander resolutions feel free to inspire others by throwing them in the comments below.”

Take a look at the post below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna)

On the occasion of her 50th birthday, Twinkle Khanna shared a video of herself snorkelling amidst the aquatic life. She wrote, “On my 50th birthday, my eyes and heart are still filled with wonder when I look at the world around me and at my family. People may cite great philosophers, but I follow Dory from Finding Nemo, where, no matter what life brings, she says, ‘Just keep swimming.' May the adventures never cease.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna)

Twinkle Khanna is well known for movies such as Barsaat, Baadshah and International Khiladi. She is a popular writer and has delivered three bestsellers—Pyjamas Are Forgiving, The Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad and Mrs Funnybones.

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"Your Job May Disappear Altogether, Or...": IMF Chief On AI Impact

Artificial intelligence poses risks to job security around the world but also offers a "tremendous opportunity" to boost flagging productivity levels and fuel global growth, the IMF chief told AFP.

AI will affect 60 percent of jobs in advanced economies, the International Monetary Fund's managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, said in an interview in Washington, shortly before departing for the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

With AI expected to have less effect in developing countries, around "40 percent of jobs globally are likely to be impacted," she said, citing a new IMF report.

"And the more you have higher skilled jobs, the higher the impact," she added.

However, the IMF report published Sunday evening notes that only half of the jobs impacted by AI will be negatively affected; the rest may actually benefit from enhanced productivity gains due to AI.

"Your job may disappear altogether -- not good -- or artificial intelligence may enhance your job, so you actually will be more productive and your income level may go up," Georgieva said.

Uneven effects

The IMF report predicted that, while labor markets in emerging markets and developing economies will see a smaller initial impact from AI, they are also less likely to benefit from the enhanced productivity that will arise through its integration in the workplace.

"We must focus on helping low income countries in particular to move faster to be able to catch the opportunities that artificial intelligence will present," Georgieva told AFP.

"So artificial intelligence, yes, a little scary. But it is also a tremendous opportunity for everyone," she said.

The IMF is due to publish updated economic forecasts later this month which will show the global economy is broadly on track to meet its previous forecasts, she said.

It is "poised for a soft landing," she said, adding that "monetary policy is doing a good job, inflation is going down, but the job is not quite done."

"So we are in this trickiest place of not easing too fast or too slow," she said.

The global economy could use an AI-related productivity boost, as the IMF predicts it will continue growing at historically muted levels over the medium term.

"God, how much we need it," Georgieva said. "Unless we figure out a way to unlock productivity, we as the world are not for a great story."

'Tough' year ahead

Georgieva said 2024 is likely to be "a very tough year" for fiscal policy worldwide, as countries look to tackle debt burdens accumulated during the Covid-19 pandemic, and rebuild depleted buffers.

Billions of people are also due to go to the polls this year, putting additional pressure on governments to either raise spending or cut taxes to win popular support.

"About 80 countries are going to have elections, and we know what happens with pressure on spending during election cycles," she added.

The concern at the IMF, Georgieva said, is that governments around the world spend big this year and undermine the hard-won progress they have made in the fight against high inflation.

"If monetary policy tightens and fiscal policy expands, going against the objective of bringing inflation down, we might be for a longer ride," she added.

- Concentrating on the job -

Georgieva, whose five-year term at the IMF's helm is set to end this year, refused to be drawn on whether she intends to run for a second stint leading the international financial institution.

"I have a job to do right now and my concentration is on doing that job," she said.

"It has been a tremendous privilege to be the head of the IMF during a very turbulent time, and I can tell you I'm quite proud of how the institution coped," she continued.

"But let me do what is in front of me right now."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath Shares Video Of A "Hidden Beach" In Udupi

Nikhil Kamath, Zerodha's co-founder, offered a sneak peek into an undiscovered coastal gem close to his hometown in Udupi, Karnataka, shedding light on India's frequently neglected yet stunning beaches. Mr Kamath praised the serene and pristine nature of these coastal havens, highlighting a notable distinction from the bustling and frequently crowded beaches in the western regions.

In contrast to well-known tourist spots such as Bali and Thailand, where beaches often suffer from overcrowding and pollution, the Udupi beach offers a tranquil retreat from such chaos. Mr Kamath emphasized the lack of large crowds, hectic scenes, and the disheartening sight of litter commonly found on international beaches.

Mr Kamath wrote on X, "India has some spectacular hidden beaches, this one is near my hometown in Udupi. Unlike beaches in the west, no crowds/chaos (game-changer this), no trash-filled beaches like Bali and Thailand right now, plus Mangi food is mindblowing. Also no expensive seaplanes, boat rides, immigration, visas or waiting in lines at international airports."

Mr Kamath's post comes amidst a diplomatic tiff between India and the Maldives concerning Lakshadweep. 

See the post here:

India has some spectacular hidden beaches, this one is near my hometown in Udupi. Unlike beaches in the west, no crowds/chaos (game-changer this), no trash-filled beaches like Bali and Thailand right now, plus Mangi food is mindblowing.
Also no expensive seaplanes, boat rides,… pic.twitter.com/LHxnBW7I7T

— Nikhil Kamath (@nikhilkamathcio) January 15, 2024

Mr Kamath's post soon went viral and people flooded the comments with enquiries about the beach's location and how to visit it. Numerous users were thrilled to explore new beach destinations, others took the opportunity to share their secret beach spots across India. 

A user wrote, "The absence of crowds and chaos paints a compelling picture of the potential for mindful tourism. Can we strike a balance between exploration and conservation to ensure these hidden paradises remain untouched?"

Another user wrote on X, "Let's not forget the great mutton and prawn ghee roasts with neer dose! I love coastal Karnataka."

"There are so many unexplored and beautiful places in India that are waiting to be found...the only bad thing about this is that once a place gets popular it gets too crowded and dirty," the third user wrote. 

"Udupi is the best-kept secret of India. Amazing place. Spectacular beaches. Cultural hotspots. Great food. And it's quite affordable compared to places like Goa," the fourth user commented. 

"The whole coastal Karnataka belt is beautiful and serene with tonnes of historic temples around," the fifth user wrote. 

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Yemen Rebels Hit US Cargo Vessel With Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile

Yemen's Huthi rebels hit a US-owned cargo vessel with a missile on Monday, the US military said, heightening fears for the volatile region after repeated attacks on shipping triggered American and British strikes.

The Marshall Islands-flagged Gibraltar Eagle suffered a fire on board but no casualties and remained seaworthy, the US Central Command said, in the latest attack in recent days.

"Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle," it posted on X, formerly Twitter.

On Jan. 15 at approximately 4 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and operated container ship. The ship has… pic.twitter.com/gixEMaUiVT

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 15, 2024

"The ship has reported no injuries or significant damage and is continuing its journey," added CENTCOM, which directs US military operations in the region.

There was no immediate statement from the rebels, but a Huthi military and a Yemeni government source told AFP that the insurgents fired three missiles on Monday.

An anti-ship ballistic missile launched towards shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea failed in flight, CENTCOM said.

The incident in the Gulf of Aden, south of the Red Sea, comes a day after a Huthi cruise missile targeting a US destroyer was shot down.

It also follows Friday's attack by the United States and Britain on scores of sites in rebel-held Yemen.

Attacks by and against the Huthis, part of the "axis of resistance" of Iran allies and proxies against Israel, have raised concerns about violence spreading in the region from the Gaza war.

The Huthis say their attacks on Red Sea shipping are in solidarity with Gaza, where Iran-backed Hamas militants have been at war with Israel for more than three months.

Around 12 percent of global trade normally passes through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea's entrance between southwest Yemen and Djibouti, but the rebel attacks have affected trade flows.

'Potential shift' 

In Monday's attack, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations security agency, run by Britain's Royal Navy, reported a "vessel hit from above by a missile".

Ambrey, a British maritime risk company, "assessed the attack to have targeted US interests in response to US military strikes on Huthi military positions in Yemen", adding that the vessel was "assessed to not be Israel-affiliated".

"The impact reportedly caused a fire in a hold. The bulker reportedly remained seaworthy, and no injuries were reported," Ambrey said in a report.

The ship was transiting the International Recommended Transit Corridor, a passage of the Gulf of Aden that is patrolled for pirates, when it was struck, Ambrey added.

Mohammed Albasha, senior Middle East analyst at the US-based Navanti Group consultancy, said the attack in the Gulf of Aden could signal a change in strategy by the Huthis.

"With the US Navy and Royal Navy warships directing their firepower primarily to the Red Sea, I expect a potential shift, where the Huthis redirect their attention to vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea in Yemen," he said.

Washington last month announced a maritime security initiative, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to protect maritime traffic in the area. But the Huthis have kept up attacks despite several warnings.

After Friday's strikes, the rebels declared that US and British interests were "legitimate targets".

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Hamas Are Abroad, Kill Them": Gazans To Israeli Army In Audio Recording

Palestinian civilians living in Gaza who have been in contact with the Israeli military are piling scorn on Hamas and encouraging the Israeli military to remove the terror group from power, in audio recordings released by the Israel Defence Forces on Sunday.

The Palestinians were talking to Arab-speaking officers of Unit 504, which specialises in human intelligence.

Through social media and leaflets dropped in the Strip, the IDF has encouraged Gazans to call the military if they have information about the whereabouts of the 136 hostages being held or top Hamas leaders.

Israel has already offered a USD 400,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

But now, Palestinians are calling simply to vent their anger at Hamas and encourage the Israelis to continue their offensive.

One Palestinian called the Hamas leaders "dogs" before vowing they would be cursed by Allah.

Gazan civilians on Hamas leaders: “Hamas' people are abroad, outside of Palestine…They ruined us, they took us back 100 years.”

Listen to the conversations between Gazan civilians and IDF officers. pic.twitter.com/TsmjAtIc6k

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 14, 2024

"Listen, listen to what the people around me are saying, may Allah protect us from you, Hamas," the Palestinian told the Israeli officer. "Allah will curse them, Allah will curse them and those that voted for them."

He went on to add that Hamas "destroyed us, pushed us 100 years into the past. May Allah bring disaster upon them. Our people are their hostages. Those dogs are taking advantage of their power over us."

Another Gazan told an Israeli officer, "Tell your leaders: Hamas people are abroad, outside of Palestine, screw them outside of Palestine, kill them."

He added, "I am telling you in the name of our nation. I am sitting alone, and I'm screwed. Everything's destroyed. They're all abroad, sitting around in hotels. Sitting around in hotel rooms."

At least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas' attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7.

The number of men, women, children, soldiers, and foreigners held captive in Gaza by Hamas is now believed to be 136. Other people remain unaccounted for as Israeli authorities continue to identify bodies and search for human remains. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Man Hugs Virat Kohli During Match, Detained For Security Breach

After a hiatus of more than 14 months, Team India's talisman batter Virat Kohli was back in T20I colours on Sunday, playing a handy knock to help his team beat Afghanistan in the second T20I in Indore. The crowd inside the Holkar Stadium gave a special ovation to Kohli everytime he touched the ball or collected a boundary. While no one has ever doubted Kohli's intent and desire while batting, the former India captain came out to bat with a different mindset as India blew away Afghanistan in a rather chilly evening in Indore.

Striking at 181.25, Kohli raced his way to 29 off just 15 balls before a mistimed shot ended his innings prematurely. He cracked five fours during his stay in the middle before being caught at mid-off.

While fans were chanting his name throughout the game, a fan seized his opportunity to meet Kohli as he ran inside the outfield while Kohli was fielding near the boundary.

The fan hugged Kohli and the star batter made his day by embracing him too. Pictures of the same moment has gone viral on social media. The incident happened in the 18th over.

A Fan Hug Virat Kohli

The GOAT THE KING KOHLI #ViratKohli | #INDvsAFG | #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/Ag0pqsnBZv

— Muhammad Ibrar (@iMIbrarr) January 14, 2024

Everything is temporary but King Kohli Hug is Permanent#PAKvsNZ #INDvsAFG pic.twitter.com/75PWeWefHb

— Ahtasham Riaz (@AhtashamRiaz_) January 14, 2024

However, the fan was detained for breaching security arrangements.

After detaining him, cops took the young man to Tukoganj police station.

A police official said that the youth had a ticket for the match and entered the Holkar Stadium from Narendra Hirwani Gate.

He said that the young man seemed to be a big Kohli fan and entered the ground by climbing the fence of the spectators' gallery with the desire to meet the player.

The officer said that the youth was being interrogated.

Further steps will be taken in the case on the basis of interrogation, the official said.

(With PTI Inputs)

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