India and UK institutes will lead fight against superbugs
Pharma chief Dr Yusuf Hamied backs lord Darzi's anti-microbial resistance project
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines (Photo: iStock)
By Amit RoySep 20, 2024
THE philanthropist, Yusuf Hamied, has said he is supporting the setting up of a Fleming Institute in London – and in India – to combat Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), the problem that leads to “superbugs” in hospitals.
Dr Hamied, the chairman of the Indian pharma giant Cipla, is backing Lord Ara Darzi, of Imperial College London, in the fight against AMR.
He said he also has the “blessings” of Dame Sally Davies, master of Trinity College, Cambridge, recognised as one of the world’s leading AMR authorities.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “AMR threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.
“AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.
Speaking to Eastern Eye, Hamied set out the extent of the global problem: “Everyone in the medical profession, the (UK) government and all of us are seeing the enormity of the problem caused by AMR. Sally Davies and others have announced in the past that at least 10 million people will die over the next decade due to AMR.
“I have been involved in AMR for a number of years. Originally, it was through Dame Sally Davies.”
Lord Ara Darzi
Dame Sally, the chief medical officer for England and chief medical adviser to the UK government from March 2011 to September 2019, is the UK special envoy on AMR. She co-led a global campaign to bring the issue of AMR to the 71st UN General Assembly in New York, leading to 193 countries agreeing the landmark 2016 political declaration on AMR.
Hamied added: “Following up from this, earlier this year for the first time I met Lord Ara Darzi and we got on very well. And one of the functions that Imperial College and Lord Darzi want to take up is to set up, at the site of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, the Fleming Institute. It is named after Alexander Fleming, who discovered/ invented penicillin way back in 1928.”
Professor Darzi holds the Paul Hamlyn chair of surgery at Imperial College London, the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research. He is also director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College. Research led by Darzi is aimed at achieving best surgical practice through innovation in surgery and enhancing patient safety and the quality of healthcare.
The WHO states: “Anti-microbials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and anti-parasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants. Micro-organisms that develop anti-microbial resistance are sometimes referred to as ‘superbugs’.
“It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.
“The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens.
Dame Sally Davies
“AMR affects countries in all regions and at all income levels. Its drivers and consequences are exacerbated by poverty and inequality, and low- and middle-income countries are most affected.
“It puts many of the gains of modern medicine at risk. It makes infections harder to treat and makes other medical procedures and treatments – such as surgery, caesarean sections and cancer chemotherapy – much riskier.
“There is an inadequate research and development pipeline in the face of rising levels of resistance, and urgent need for additional measures to ensure equitable access to new and existing vaccines, diagnostics and medicines.
“In addition to death and disability, AMR has significant economic costs. The World Bank estimates that AMR could result in $1 trillion additional healthcare costs by 2050, and $1tr-$3.4tr gross domestic product losses per year by 2030.”
The problem of AMR is particularly acute in India. According to the National Library of Medicine in America, “the emergence and rapid spread of AMR pose a grave threat to public health globally, and particularly so in India. With its unique combination of a dense population, a significant disease burden, and diverse healthcare practices, India stands at a critical juncture in the global battle against AMR.
“AMR is a crisis within the Indian healthcare system as it severely hampers the effective treatment of infectious diseases, leading to higher mortality rates, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Its rise could mark the return of the pre-antibiotic era, where common infections and minor surgeries could once again become life-threatening.”
This is an important reason why Hamied wants the Fleming Institute in London – he has visited the site by a canal in Paddington where it will be built with “the blessings” of the UK government – to have an Indian counterpart.
He said: “What we require is the Fleming Institute to develop a few things, such as newer antibiotics for the resistant strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to the current antibiotics. Also stop the misuse of antibiotics and see that the existing antibiotics that work are used effectively.
“All this activity will be done here in London at the Fleming Institute, hopefully under Lord Ara Darzi and with the blessings of Dame Sally Davies.
“My personal interest in this was that at a very early stage, in my talks with Lord Darzi, the suggestion came up that India needs a Fleming Institute as one-fourth of the world’s population is in India.
“And India is a major centre for the misuse and excessive use, particularly of anti-microbial agents, including antibiotics.
Dr Yusuf Hamied
“On this basis, we will cooperate with the Fleming Institute here and set up a suitable establishment in India which can work hand in glove with the Fleming institute that is being set up in London.
“On a personal basis, I will support the Fleming Institute here in London. The Indian counterpart would be funded by Indian philanthropists.
“One cannot today predict the cost of the establishment in the UK, or the running expenses. But I know they are planning in the region of £100 million as the cost here.
“It is early days regarding the Indian counterpart. But the cost of not taking an active interest in tackling AMR worldwide is much more than the cost of trying to tackle the problem.”
He said the problem in India is not simply one of doctors overprescribing antibiotics, but also patients demanding them: “They tell the doctor, ‘I’m not feeling well, please give me an antibiotic.’ They want to get well faster. And they all think that by taking an antibiotic, you can get well faster.”
INDIAN cricket has signed Apollo Tyres as its new lead sponsor after fantasy sports platform Dream11 ended its contract following a government ban on online gambling.
The men's team travelled to the United Arab Emirates for the ongoing Asia Cup without a sponsor on their shirts after Dream11 exited the deal, which was worth about $44 million and was set to run until 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the new contract with Apollo Tyres runs until March 2028. While the value was not disclosed, the board said it is higher than the previous deal.
"The new partnership, secured after a rigorous bidding process, represents a substantial increase in sponsorship value, signifying the immense and growing commercial appeal of Indian cricket," the BCCI said in a statement.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said, "We are excited about this being Apollo's first major sponsorship in India cricket, which speaks volumes about the sport's unparalleled reach and influence. This is more than a commercial agreement; it's a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions."
Apollo Tyres Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar said, "Cricket's unmatched popularity in India and worldwide makes it an honour for us to become the national team lead sponsor of Team India."
The Apollo Tyres logo will appear on the jerseys of the Indian men's and women's teams across all formats.
Last month, the Indian parliament passed a law banning online gambling. The government said gambling platforms had caused financial distress, addiction and even suicide, and were linked to fraud, money laundering and terrorism financing. Fantasy sports apps such as Dream11 continue to operate, though for prizes and not cash.
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Sydney Sweeney reportedly offered £45m for a leading role in a major Bollywood film
The package includes £35m in fees and £10M in sponsorship deals
Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026 across New York, Paris, London, and Dubai
The project could make Sweeney one of the highest-paid Hollywood stars to join Indian cinema
A record-breaking offer
Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney has reportedly been approached with a staggering £45M deal to star in one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever produced.
The 28-year-old Euphoria and The White Lotus star is said to have been offered £35m in fees plus an additional £10m through sponsorship agreements.
Details of the proposed project
The untitled film would cast Sweeney as a young American celebrity who falls in love with an Indian star. Filming is expected to begin early next year, with international locations including New York, Paris, London, and Dubai.
Industry insiders describe the project as an effort to bring Indian cinema to an even larger global audience, with Sweeney’s involvement seen as a move to elevate its international appeal.
Industry perspective
A source close to the negotiations said: “Sydney was shocked by the offer at first — £45m is an incredible sum. But the project is intriguing, and it could elevate her global profile even further. Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s a huge opportunity and she is weighing her options carefully.”
A step into Bollywood
If she accepts, Sweeney would join other international stars who have crossed into Bollywood, including Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty. The Indian film industry has increasingly sought crossover projects to expand its global reach.
Recent career highlights
Sweeney, who rose to fame on HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, has recently been building her film career. Her latest project, Christy, sees her portraying US boxing champion Christy Martin, the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Speaking about the physically demanding role, Sweeney said: “Every single fight you see, we’re actually punching each other. I always believed that you wouldn’t be able to make it feel real if it’s a stunt double or if it’s faking the hits.” Christy is set for release on November 7.
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Nvidia boss Jensen Huang has said he is “disappointed” following reports
China’s Cyberspace Administration has reportedly ordered tech firms to stop using Nvidia’s AI chips
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says he is “disappointed” but will remain “patient”
Huang is visiting the UK alongside other tech leaders during Donald Trump’s state visit
Nvidia became the world’s first $4tn company earlier in 2025 amid the AI boom
Huang responds to reported China directive
Nvidia boss Jensen Huang has said he is “disappointed” following reports that China has told its leading technology firms to halt purchases of the company’s artificial intelligence chips.
Speaking to reporters in the UK, Huang added that he would remain “patient” in light of the reported order from China’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration. “There are a lot of places we can’t go to, and that’s fine,” he said.
Background to chip restrictions
Nvidia is the world’s leading chipmaker, central to the global AI boom with its processors powering data centres worldwide. China, meanwhile, has been working to develop its own semiconductors as part of a broader AI strategy to reduce reliance on US technology.
The company had already faced restrictions in China. Its most advanced chips were previously banned from sale to the country before US President Donald Trump reversed the decision in July. As part of an unusual arrangement, Nvidia must pay 15% of its Chinese revenues to the US government.
Financial Times report
According to the Financial Times, China’s Cyberspace Administration recently told domestic technology firms — including major players such as DeepSeek, Tencent and Alibaba — to stop buying Nvidia’s specially designed China-market chips.
Shares in Nvidia were down more than 1% in pre-market trading following the news.
Support for US policy
Asked about the geopolitical tensions, Huang said he would support the US as it sought to resolve the issues and would convey the same message directly to President Trump if asked.
Huang is one of several technology leaders, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, attending Trump’s state visit to the UK. They are expected to join a state banquet on Wednesday evening.
UK investment and tech collaboration
Despite the reported setback in China, Nvidia has continued to expand its footprint elsewhere. The company recently announced it would supply chips to the Stargate UK data centre, a major project in north-east England involving OpenAI, Arm and NScale. The commitment forms part of a broader UK-US technology pact.
Valuation milestone
Nvidia became the first company in the world to surpass a $4tn (£2.9tn) market valuation earlier this year, underscoring its dominance in the AI sector even as geopolitical tensions shape its global reach.
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Tagenarine Chanderpaul. (Photo by PAT HOELSCHER/AFP via Getty Images)
BATSMEN Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze were recalled to the West Indies ranks when they were named in the squad to tour India on Tuesday (16) while left-arm spinner Khary Pierre is included for the first time.
The two-Test series, with matches in Ahmedabad and Delhi, marks the West Indies' first tour to India since 2018 and forms part of the World Test Championship.
Neither Chanderpaul nor Athanaze were involved in the recent series against Australia but have been included to bolster the top-order batting.
"The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling," said head coach Daren Sammy.
Pierre, meanwhile, has been included as the second specialist spinner in the squad after strong performances in the West Indies championship, where he claimed a chart-topping 41 wickets at an average of 13.56.
"Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions," said Sammy.
Another left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who has not figured since the second Test against Pakistan in Multan in January, has been rested for this red-ball series to focus on the upcoming limited-overs schedule which includes the T20 World Cup in February and March.
West Indies, who are ranked eighth in the Test rankings, face a stiff test against the fourth-ranked side who are always so strong on home soil.
"Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions." said Sammy.