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Omicron subvariants escape antibody responses: study

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  • Subvariants can escape antibody responses among those who had contracted COVID-19 and those who are vaccinated, boosted. 
  • Vaccination is expected to provide substantial protection against coronavirus.
  • Study shows it may also increase “risk of vaccine-breakthrough COVID-19 infections.”

A new study shows that the Omicron subvariants BA4 and BA5 can escape antibody responses among people who had contracted COVID-19 and those who have been vaccinated and boosted. 

However, the vaccination is expected to provide substantial protection against coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the vaccine makers are also working on upgraded shots that may evoke a stronger immune response against the subvariants, CNN reported. 

According to the new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, compared with the original coronavirus, the levels of neutralising antibodies that a previous infection or vaccinations elicit are several times lower against the BA4 and BA5 subvariants. 

“We observed three-fold reductions of neutralizing antibody titers induced by vaccination and infection against BA4 and BA5 compared with BA1 and BA2, which are already substantially lower than the original COVID-19 variants,” wrote Dr Dan Barouch, who is an author of the paper. 

“Our data suggest that these new Omicron subvariants will likely be able to lead to surges of infections in populations with high levels of vaccine immunity as well as natural BA1 and BA2 immunity,” he added. 

The findings are separate researches by scientists at Columbia University, according to which, the escaping of BA4 and BA5 viruses also increases the “risk of vaccine-breakthrough COVID-19 infections.”

Their studies also suggest an increased risk of reinfection, among those people who had been immunised against the virus. 

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said that the subvariants are reported to be fast-spreading ones, which are expected to dominate the United States, United Kingdom and the rest of Europe in the upcoming few weeks. 

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Pakistan Establishes 20 New Trade Posts in China to Increase Investment and Exports

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Islamabad has authorized the establishment of 20 new jobs at Pakistan’s Trade Mission in China in an effort to boost exports, draw in foreign direct investment, and assist with the relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan.

An important factor in promoting further investment between China and Pakistan is the SIFC. 5.5 billion Pakistani rupees have been set aside for trade trips this year by the ministry of commerce.

A grant of 226.7 million Pakistani rupees has also been granted by the Economic Coordination Committee to encourage international investment.

These new roles are intended to draw in foreign investment and increase exports.

China continues to be Pakistan’s biggest trading partner, accounting for 2.56 billion dollars in exports to China. It is a good thing that SIFC is supporting the establishment of closer business connections with China.

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Law and Order: Section 144 is enforced throughout the province by the Punjab government

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The Punjab Government has imposed Section 144 throughout the province for three days, banning public gatherings, sit-ins, protests, and the use of loudspeakers.

From November 23 to November 25, all types of protests, public meetings, rallies, and sit-ins are forbidden, according to the announcement.

The implementation of Section 144 was suggested by the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order during its 18th meeting.

The decision to impose Section 144 has been taken to ensure peace and protect lives and property.

Any public gathering can become a soft target for terrorists.

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Bannu IBO: Security Guards Take Weapons and Explosives, Kill Three Khwarij

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In response to reports of Khwarij’s presence, security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in Bannu District early on November 22, 2024.

Three Khwarij were dispatched to hell and two others were injured when our troops successfully engaged the Khwarij site during the operation.

Additionally, weapons, ammunition, and explosives were found in the body of Khwarij, who continued to be actively involved in a number of terrorist attacks against security forces and the targeted murder of defenseless civilians.

In an effort to eradicate the threat of terrorism from the nation, the Security Forces of Pakistan are conducting a sanitization operation to eradicate any further Kharji that may be present in the area.

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