Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness.

Russia announced last month that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval.&nbsp;

This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous.&nbsp;

Russia denounced criticism as an attempt to undermine Moscow's research.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epivaccorona-now-russia-readies-approval-for-second-covid-19-vaccine-323361">Also read|&nbsp;'EpiVacCorona': Now, Russia readies approval for second COVID-19 vaccine</a>

In the Lancet study, Russian researchers reported on two small trials, each involving 38 healthy adults aged between 18 and 60, who were given a two-part immunisation. &nbsp;

Each participant was given a dose of the first part of the vaccine and then given a booster with the second part 21 days later.&nbsp;

They were monitored over 42 days and all developed antibodies within the first three weeks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report said the data showed that the vaccine was "safe, well tolerated, and does not cause serious adverse events in healthy adult volunteers".&nbsp;

The trials were open label and not randomised, meaning there was no placebo and the participants knew they were receiving the vaccine and were not randomly assigned to different treatment groups. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Researchers underlined that larger and longer trials -- including a placebo comparison -- would be needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing Covid-19 infection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-may-mount-stronger-covid-19-immune-response-323294">Also read|&nbsp;Women may mount stronger COVID-19 immune response</a>

The report said the 76 participants of these trials would be monitored up to 180 days, adding that a more rigorous phase 3 clinical trial was planned with the involvement of 40,000 volunteers "from different age and risk groups".&nbsp;

'Safety is paramount'

Naor Bar-Zeev of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study, said the research was "encouraging but small", adding that it did not give any data on effectiveness among older age groups, who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19.&nbsp;

"Showing safety will be crucial with Covid-19 vaccines, not only for vaccine acceptance but also for trust in vaccination broadly," he said in a commentary in the Lancet. &nbsp;

"Since vaccines are given to healthy people and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially to everyone after approval following phase 3 trials, safety is paramount."

The pandemic has seen an unprecedented mobilisation of funding and research to rush through a vaccine that can protect billions of people worldwide.

This week the US urged states to get ready for a potential Covid-19 vaccine rollout two days before the presidential election in November, sparking concerns President Donald Trump's administration is accelerating research to fit a political timetable.&nbsp;

Russia has said that industrial production of its version is expected from September.

President Vladimir Putin said in early August that the vaccine gave "sustainable immunity" and that one of his own daughters had been inoculated, even though Russia's health ministry said clinical trials were not yet complete.

The World Health Organization has urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go "through all the stages" necessary to develop a safe vaccine.&nbsp;

Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya research institute for epidemiology and microbiology in Moscow in coordination with the Russian defence ministry.&nbsp;

It uses a cold-causing adenovirus, which is then modified and combined with a part of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

The report's lead author, Denis Logunov of Gamaleya, said the adenovirus vaccine enters people's cells and delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein genetic code, helping the immune system "recognise and attack" the virus. &nbsp;

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness.

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness. Russia announced last month that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval. This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous. Russia denounced criticism as an attempt to undermine Moscow's research. Also read| 'EpiVacCorona': Now, Russia readies approval for second COVID-19 vaccine In the Lancet study, Russian researchers reported on two small trials, each involving 38 healthy adults aged between 18 and 60, who were given a two-part immunisation. Each participant was given a dose of the first part of the vaccine and then given a booster with the second part 21 days later. They were monitored over 42 days and all developed antibodies within the first three weeks. The report said the data showed that the vaccine was "safe, well tolerated, and does not cause serious adverse events in healthy adult volunteers". The trials were open label and not randomised, meaning there was no placebo and the participants knew they were receiving the vaccine and were not randomly assigned to different treatment groups. Researchers underlined that larger and longer trials -- including a placebo comparison -- would be needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing Covid-19 infection. Also read| Women may mount stronger COVID-19 immune response The report said the 76 participants of these trials would be monitored up to 180 days, adding that a more rigorous phase 3 clinical trial was planned with the involvement of 40,000 volunteers "from different age and risk groups". 'Safety is paramount' Naor Bar-Zeev of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study, said the research was "encouraging but small", adding that it did not give any data on effectiveness among older age groups, who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. "Showing safety will be crucial with Covid-19 vaccines, not only for vaccine acceptance but also for trust in vaccination broadly," he said in a commentary in the Lancet. "Since vaccines are given to healthy people and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially to everyone after approval following phase 3 trials, safety is paramount." The pandemic has seen an unprecedented mobilisation of funding and research to rush through a vaccine that can protect billions of people worldwide. This week the US urged states to get ready for a potential Covid-19 vaccine rollout two days before the presidential election in November, sparking concerns President Donald Trump's administration is accelerating research to fit a political timetable. Russia has said that industrial production of its version is expected from September. President Vladimir Putin said in early August that the vaccine gave "sustainable immunity" and that one of his own daughters had been inoculated, even though Russia's health ministry said clinical trials were not yet complete. The World Health Organization has urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go "through all the stages" necessary to develop a safe vaccine. Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya research institute for epidemiology and microbiology in Moscow in coordination with the Russian defence ministry. It uses a cold-causing adenovirus, which is then modified and combined with a part of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The report's lead author, Denis Logunov of Gamaleya, said the adenovirus vaccine enters people's cells and delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein genetic code, helping the immune system "recognise and attack" the virus.

Russia vaccine 'passes early trial test'

Russian President Vladamir Putin proudly announced the approval of the world's first COVID-19 vaccine. A Russian doctor has raised some concerns over the use of vaccines. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Russian doctor flags concerns regarding use of Sputnik V

All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V'

Russia has claimed to develop its 1st coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine has been developed by Moscow's Gamaleya institute. What and how much do we know about the vaccine. Watch report.

Russia 1st COVID-19 vaccine ready for use | What do we know about the vaccine?

Twenty countries including India have expressed interest in acquiring doses of Sputnik V which has been claimed as Russia's world's first vaccine against COVID-19. Watch report.

20 countries have expressed interest in Russia's COVID-19 vaccine: India pre-orders | World news

Russia's President Vladimir Putin that the world has its first vaccine against the coronavirus. The President announced that the vaccine has been registered and his daughter is among those who have been vaccinated. The move comes before the country plans to start mass vaccination in October. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Russia names new COVID-19 vaccine 'Sputnik V'

Russia on Tuesday declared itself the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine with President Vladimir Putin saying one of his daughters had been inoculated.

WION Fineprint: Details of Russia's clinical trials not known yet

Vladimir Putin: Russian vaccine is ready for use | Russia COVID-19 vaccine | WION

Russia's President Vladamir Putin that the world has its first vaccine against the coronavirus. The President announced that the vaccine has been registered and his daughter is among those who have been vaccinated. The move comes before the country plans to start mass vaccination in October. Watch report.

Russia claims to have developed first COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik

WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary was invited to the photo exhibition event as guest of honour and said that it was a great honour to attend the "special event organised by Sputnik".

WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary attends Sputnik's photo exhibition event as guest of honour

WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary was invited to the photo exhibition event of Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest, organised by Russian International News Agency Sputnik and said that it was a great honour to attend the "special event organised by Sputnik". WION-Sputnik are aiming to uplift the spirit of friendship and cooperation between Russia and India.

WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary invited as a 'guest of honour' to the photo exhibition event organised by Sputnik

WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary was invited to the photo exhibition event of Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest, organised by Russian International News Agency Sputnik and said that it was a great honour to attend the "special event organised by Sputnik". WION-Sputnik are aiming to uplift the spirit of friendship and cooperation between Russia and India

Speaking at the photo exhibition event of Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest, organised by Russian International News Agency Sputnik, Zee News and WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary said that India's relationship with Russia "was first cemented by pictures" but of another kind.

WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary was invited to the event as&nbsp;guest&nbsp;of honour&nbsp;and said that it was a great honour to attend the "special event organised by Sputnik".

Lauding the event, which revolved around pictures, Chaudhary hoped "that the conversations and impressions" from the event "will bring India and Russia closer".

<img alt="WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary at Sputnik event." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a727f6f-1e20-4cd1-8f46-5b02f14a8986" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_5.jpg" />

(WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary with Russian envoy, Nikolay Rishatovich Kudashev;&nbsp;Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia;&nbsp;Professor Biman Bihari Das&nbsp;and other distinguished guests at the Sputnik event)

<img alt="WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary at Sputnik event." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48b32b51-0f12-4ef2-85d4-b5abcf013a1f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_8.jpg" />

Sudhir Chaudhary described the event as a "brilliant initiative" and said it recognises "young talent and gives them a platform to showcase their work".

"They say a picture is worth a thousand words. And as a journalist, I can tell you that pictures and photographs are extremely important. Pictures are the most expressive documents of history and the most effective means of communication," Sudhir&nbsp;Chaudhary noted.

He then turned to talk about India's relationship with Russia and noted that the ties were first cemented by pictures of another kind - the movies of Raj Kapoor.

"Today, the two countries are strong defence and strategic partners, but along the way, people-to-people communication seems to have eroded. Today's event is special because it also fosters this very important link," he said.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia, principal director-general, Press Information Bureau while the function was presided over by Nikolay Rishatovich Kudashev, Russian envoy to India.

Eminent sculptor and AIFACS chairman Professor Biman Bihari Das was the co-Guest of Honour at the event.

WION and Russian news agency Sputnik exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia in September.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-sputnik-partnership-announced-at-eastern-economic-forum-vladivostok-247812">WION-Sputnik tie-up</a> is a mutual partnership between Federal State Unitary Enterprise Rossiya Segodbya International Information Agency, founder of the Russian media outlet (SPUTNIK) information agency and Zee Media Corporation Limited's entity WION.

On the historic tie-up, Zee News and WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary had said, "A glorious friendship that has withstood the test of time and vagaries of history embarks on a journey to deepen mutual respect through culture, education and science. This new era of bilateral cooperation promises to be a model for the world and will demonstrate the importance of soft power in a complex geopolitical landscape."

The partnership focuses on the creation of an interactive platform that develops rich content in all forms to ensure an improved understanding of the socio-cultural values of the two nations with a view towards harnessing technological innovation while delivering accurate content. The exchange of content involves issues related to cultural, humanitarian, economic, sports and political events.

The partnership is meant to uplift the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two great nations - Russia and India.

Speaking at the photo exhibition event of Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest, organised by Russian International News Agency Sputnik, Zee News and WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary said that India's relationship with Russia "was first cemented by pictures" but of another kind.

Speaking at the photo exhibition event of Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest, organised by Russian International News Agency Sputnik, Zee News and WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary said that India's relationship with Russia "was first cemented by pictures" but of another kind. WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary was invited to the event as guest of honour and said that it was a great honour to attend the "special event organised by Sputnik". Lauding the event, which revolved around pictures, Chaudhary hoped "that the conversations and impressions" from the event "will bring India and Russia closer". (WION's Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary with Russian envoy, Nikolay Rishatovich Kudashev; Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia; Professor Biman Bihari Das and other distinguished guests at the Sputnik event) Sudhir Chaudhary described the event as a "brilliant initiative" and said it recognises "young talent and gives them a platform to showcase their work". "They say a picture is worth a thousand words. And as a journalist, I can tell you that pictures and photographs are extremely important. Pictures are the most expressive documents of history and the most effective means of communication," Sudhir Chaudhary noted. He then turned to talk about India's relationship with Russia and noted that the ties were first cemented by pictures of another kind - the movies of Raj Kapoor. "Today, the two countries are strong defence and strategic partners, but along the way, people-to-people communication seems to have eroded. Today's event is special because it also fosters this very important link," he said. The exhibition was inaugurated by Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia, principal director-general, Press Information Bureau while the function was presided over by Nikolay Rishatovich Kudashev, Russian envoy to India. Eminent sculptor and AIFACS chairman Professor Biman Bihari Das was the co-Guest of Honour at the event. WION and Russian news agency Sputnik exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia in September. The WION-Sputnik tie-up is a mutual partnership between Federal State Unitary Enterprise Rossiya Segodbya International Information Agency, founder of the Russian media outlet (SPUTNIK) information agency and Zee Media Corporation Limited's entity WION. On the historic tie-up, Zee News and WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary had said, "A glorious friendship that has withstood the test of time and vagaries of history embarks on a journey to deepen mutual respect through culture, education and science. This new era of bilateral cooperation promises to be a model for the world and will demonstrate the importance of soft power in a complex geopolitical landscape." The partnership focuses on the creation of an interactive platform that develops rich content in all forms to ensure an improved understanding of the socio-cultural values of the two nations with a view towards harnessing technological innovation while delivering accurate content. The exchange of content involves issues related to cultural, humanitarian, economic, sports and political events. The partnership is meant to uplift the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two great nations - Russia and India.

India-Russia ties were first cemented by pictures but of another kind: WION Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary at Sputnik event

WION and Russian news agency Sputnik exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum(EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia.

The tie-up is a mutual partnership between Federal State Unitary Enterprise Rossiya Segodbya International Information Agency, founder of the Russian media outlet (SPUTNIK) information agency and Zee Media Corporation Limited's entity WION.

Sputnik and WION aim to amplify digital and broadcast content of the two nations with technologically enhanced communication. The MoU will also help facilitate coordination and exchange of information and ideas with various communities of the two countries.

Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor-in-Chief, WION, said: "A glorious friendship that has withstood the test of time and vagaries of history embarks on a journey to deepen mutual respect through culture, education and science. This new era of bilateral cooperation promises to be a model for the world and will demonstrate the importance of soft power in a complex geopolitical landscape."

The partnership will focus on the creation of an interactive platform that develops rich content in all forms to ensure improved understanding of the socio-cultural values of the two nations with a view towards harnessing technological innovation while delivering accurate content. The exchange of content would involve issues related to cultural, humanitarian, economic, sports and political events.

"The ties between Russia and India are very strong historically, and our cooperation will meet this high standard. The Indian media field has requested for news content from our country, and we hope that we can satisfy the needs of the audience," Vasily Pushkov,&nbsp;Sputnik Head of International Projects, said, at a letter-exchange ceremony between WION and Sputnik at Vladivostok.

The partnership is meant to uplift the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two great nations - Russia and India.

WION is India’s first news channel dedicated to putting forth India’s perspective on emerging global issues to the world. WION's vision is to create avenues for discourse which can complement India’s efforts in setting a new global agenda on principles of free trade, human rights and co-existence of civilizations that in turn can consolidate India’s position in the world as a responsible global power.

As a responsible fourth pillar of democracy, WION believes in the importance of providing news that is rich in content and allows viewers to form an informed view on key debates affecting India and the world. In order to achieve this end, WION actively engages with global leaders, game changers, influencers, activists, environmentalists and corporate leaders from all quarters of the world to fulfill its goals.

India's premier English channel was inaugurated by the honourable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and former President of India Pranab Mukherjee in 2016.

Sputnik is one of the largest international media houses combining multimedia and regional Internet sites in 32 languages including in analogue and digital broadcasting in Russian, English, French and other languages ​​in more than 90 cities around the world and on the Internet.&nbsp;

Sputnik's through its news feeds delivers information to leading publications around the world in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Farsi.

WION and Russian news agency Sputnik exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum(EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia.

WION and Russian news agency Sputnik exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum(EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia. The tie-up is a mutual partnership between Federal State Unitary Enterprise Rossiya Segodbya International Information Agency, founder of the Russian media outlet (SPUTNIK) information agency and Zee Media Corporation Limited's entity WION. Sputnik and WION aim to amplify digital and broadcast content of the two nations with technologically enhanced communication. The MoU will also help facilitate coordination and exchange of information and ideas with various communities of the two countries. Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor-in-Chief, WION, said: "A glorious friendship that has withstood the test of time and vagaries of history embarks on a journey to deepen mutual respect through culture, education and science. This new era of bilateral cooperation promises to be a model for the world and will demonstrate the importance of soft power in a complex geopolitical landscape." The partnership will focus on the creation of an interactive platform that develops rich content in all forms to ensure improved understanding of the socio-cultural values of the two nations with a view towards harnessing technological innovation while delivering accurate content. The exchange of content would involve issues related to cultural, humanitarian, economic, sports and political events. "The ties between Russia and India are very strong historically, and our cooperation will meet this high standard. The Indian media field has requested for news content from our country, and we hope that we can satisfy the needs of the audience," Vasily Pushkov, Sputnik Head of International Projects, said, at a letter-exchange ceremony between WION and Sputnik at Vladivostok. The partnership is meant to uplift the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two great nations - Russia and India. WION is India’s first news channel dedicated to putting forth India’s perspective on emerging global issues to the world. WION's vision is to create avenues for discourse which can complement India’s efforts in setting a new global agenda on principles of free trade, human rights and co-existence of civilizations that in turn can consolidate India’s position in the world as a responsible global power. As a responsible fourth pillar of democracy, WION believes in the importance of providing news that is rich in content and allows viewers to form an informed view on key debates affecting India and the world. In order to achieve this end, WION actively engages with global leaders, game changers, influencers, activists, environmentalists and corporate leaders from all quarters of the world to fulfill its goals. India's premier English channel was inaugurated by the honourable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and former President of India Pranab Mukherjee in 2016. Sputnik is one of the largest international media houses combining multimedia and regional Internet sites in 32 languages including in analogue and digital broadcasting in Russian, English, French and other languages in more than 90 cities around the world and on the Internet. Sputnik's through its news feeds delivers information to leading publications around the world in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Farsi.

WION & Sputnik partnership announced at Eastern Economic Forum, Vladivostok

The partnership will focus on the creation of an interactive platform that develops rich content in all forms to ensure improved understanding of the socio-cultural values of the two nations with a view towards harnessing technological innovation while delivering accurate content.

WION & Sputnik partnership announcement at EEF, Vladivostok

WION and Russian news agency Sputnik exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum(EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia.

The tie-up is a mutual partnership between Federal State Unitary Enterprise Rossiya Segodbya International Information Agency, founder of the Russian media outlet (SPUTNIK) information agency and Zee Media Corporation Limited's entity WION.

Sputnik and WION aim to amplify digital and broadcast content of the two nations with technologically enhanced communication. The MoU will also help facilitate coordination and exchange of information and ideas with various communities of the two countries.

Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor-in-Chief, WION, said: "A glorious friendship that has withstood the test of time and vagaries of history embarks on a journey to deepen mutual respect through culture, education and science. This new era of bilateral cooperation promises to be a model for the world and will demonstrate the importance of soft power in a complex geopolitical landscape."

The partnership will focus on the creation of an interactive platform that develops rich content in all forms to ensure improved understanding of the socio-cultural values of the two nations with a view towards harnessing technological innovation while delivering accurate content. The exchange of content would involve issues related to cultural, humanitarian, economic, sports and political events.

"The ties between Russia and India are very strong historically, and our cooperation will meet this high standard. The Indian media field has requested for news content from our country, and we hope that we can satisfy the needs of the audience," the head of the directorate, Vasily Pushkov, said at a letter-exchange ceremony between WION and Sputnik at Vladivostok.

The partnership is meant to uplift the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two great nations - Russia and India.

WION is India’s first news channel dedicated to putting forth India’s perspective on emerging global issues to the world. WION's vision is to create avenues for discourse which can complement India’s efforts in setting a new global agenda on principles of free trade, human rights and co-existence of civilizations that in turn can consolidate India’s position in the world as a responsible global power.

As a responsible fourth pillar of democracy, WION believes in the importance of providing news that is rich in content and allows viewers to form an informed view on key debates affecting India and the world. In order to achieve this end, WION actively engages with global leaders, game changers, influencers, activists, environmentalists and corporate leaders from all quarters of the world to fulfill its goals.

India's premier English channel&nbsp;was inaugurated by the honourable Prime Minister of India&nbsp;Narendra Modi and former President of India&nbsp;Pranab Mukherjee in 2016.

Sputnik is one of the largest international media houses combining multimedia and regional Internet sites in 32 languages including in analogue and digital broadcasting in Russian, English, French and other languages ​​in more than 90 cities around the world and on the Internet.&nbsp;

Sputnik's through&nbsp;its news feeds delivers information to leading publications around the world in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Farsi.

WION and Russian news agency Sputnik exchanged letters of intent on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum(EEF) in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia. The tie-up is a mutual partnership between Federal State Unitary Enterprise Rossiya Segodbya International Information Agency, founder of the Russian media outlet (SPUTNIK) information agency and Zee Media Corporation Limited's entity WION. Sputnik and WION aim to amplify digital and broadcast content of the two nations with technologically enhanced communication. The MoU will also help facilitate coordination and exchange of information and ideas with various communities of the two countries. Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor-in-Chief, WION, said: "A glorious friendship that has withstood the test of time and vagaries of history embarks on a journey to deepen mutual respect through culture, education and science. This new era of bilateral cooperation promises to be a model for the world and will demonstrate the importance of soft power in a complex geopolitical landscape." The partnership will focus on the creation of an interactive platform that develops rich content in all forms to ensure improved understanding of the socio-cultural values of the two nations with a view towards harnessing technological innovation while delivering accurate content. The exchange of content would involve issues related to cultural, humanitarian, economic, sports and political events. "The ties between Russia and India are very strong historically, and our cooperation will meet this high standard. The Indian media field has requested for news content from our country, and we hope that we can satisfy the needs of the audience," the head of the directorate, Vasily Pushkov, said at a letter-exchange ceremony between WION and Sputnik at Vladivostok. The partnership is meant to uplift the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two great nations - Russia and India. WION is India’s first news channel dedicated to putting forth India’s perspective on emerging global issues to the world. WION's vision is to create avenues for discourse which can complement India’s efforts in setting a new global agenda on principles of free trade, human rights and co-existence of civilizations that in turn can consolidate India’s position in the world as a responsible global power. As a responsible fourth pillar of democracy, WION believes in the importance of providing news that is rich in content and allows viewers to form an informed view on key debates affecting India and the world. In order to achieve this end, WION actively engages with global leaders, game changers, influencers, activists, environmentalists and corporate leaders from all quarters of the world to fulfill its goals. India's premier English channel was inaugurated by the honourable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and former President of India Pranab Mukherjee in 2016. Sputnik is one of the largest international media houses combining multimedia and regional Internet sites in 32 languages including in analogue and digital broadcasting in Russian, English, French and other languages in more than 90 cities around the world and on the Internet. Sputnik's through its news feeds delivers information to leading publications around the world in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Farsi.

Just a day after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-four-dead-20-injured-in-car-bomb-explosion-in-ghazni-238783">suicide attack targeted Afghanistan`s Ghazni</a>, another explosive-laden car detonated in the province`s Ab Band district early Sunday morning, a local source told Sputnik.

"The car bombing occurred today early morning in Ab Band District in Ghazni province early morning close to an Afghan forces base," the source said.

The casualty figure is yet to be confirmed. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming that the incident has caused massive casualties and damages to the base.&nbsp;

On Saturday, another Taliban-perpetrated attack saw an explosive-laden vehicle targeting the district, killing at least three policemen and wounding 12 others. 
&nbsp;

Just a day after a suicide attack targeted Afghanistan`s Ghazni, another explosive-laden car detonated in the province`s Ab Band district early Sunday morning, a local source told Sputnik.

Just a day after a suicide attack targeted Afghanistan`s Ghazni, another explosive-laden car detonated in the province`s Ab Band district early Sunday morning, a local source told Sputnik. "The car bombing occurred today early morning in Ab Band District in Ghazni province early morning close to an Afghan forces base," the source said. The casualty figure is yet to be confirmed. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming that the incident has caused massive casualties and damages to the base. On Saturday, another Taliban-perpetrated attack saw an explosive-laden vehicle targeting the district, killing at least three policemen and wounding 12 others.

Another explosive-laden vehicle detonates in Afghanistan's Ghazni

The Kremlin on Tuesday said it regretted that Russia's RT and Sputnik news organisations were barred from taking part in a global conference on media freedom in London, calling the decision absurd.

Britain on Monday said it refused to accredit the Russian state media outlets "because of their active role in spreading disinformation."&nbsp;

Some 60 ministers and 1,000 journalists and members of civil society are expected to attend the meeting on Wednesday and Thursday co-hosted with Canada.&nbsp;

"There can be no conference about the freedom of the press when journalists are barred from taking part in it," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

He mocked what he called "the absurdity of what is happening."

"We can only regret this," he added.&nbsp;

The Russian embassy in London previously condemned the decision relating to RT as "direct politically motivated discrimination" and said it had complained to the Foreign Office.

RT said in a statement that "it takes a particular brand of hypocrisy to advocate for freedom of the press while banning inconvenient voices and slandering alternative media."

In December, British media regulator Ofcom found RT had broken impartiality rules in several programmes broadcast after the nerve agent attack in the city of Salisbury.

Moscow has denied claims by London that it approved the attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in March last year.&nbsp;

Organisers of the London conference say it is intended to increase international discussion and cooperation on the issue of media freedom, including fake news.

A spokesman for Britain's Foreign Office said journalists from other Russian news organisations will attend the conference.&nbsp;

The Kremlin on Tuesday said it regretted that Russia's RT and Sputnik news organisations were barred from taking part in a global conference on media freedom in London, calling the decision absurd.

The Kremlin on Tuesday said it regretted that Russia's RT and Sputnik news organisations were barred from taking part in a global conference on media freedom in London, calling the decision absurd. Britain on Monday said it refused to accredit the Russian state media outlets "because of their active role in spreading disinformation." Some 60 ministers and 1,000 journalists and members of civil society are expected to attend the meeting on Wednesday and Thursday co-hosted with Canada. "There can be no conference about the freedom of the press when journalists are barred from taking part in it," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. He mocked what he called "the absurdity of what is happening." "We can only regret this," he added. The Russian embassy in London previously condemned the decision relating to RT as "direct politically motivated discrimination" and said it had complained to the Foreign Office. RT said in a statement that "it takes a particular brand of hypocrisy to advocate for freedom of the press while banning inconvenient voices and slandering alternative media." In December, British media regulator Ofcom found RT had broken impartiality rules in several programmes broadcast after the nerve agent attack in the city of Salisbury. Moscow has denied claims by London that it approved the attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in March last year. Organisers of the London conference say it is intended to increase international discussion and cooperation on the issue of media freedom, including fake news. A spokesman for Britain's Foreign Office said journalists from other Russian news organisations will attend the conference.

Kremlin condemns 'absurdity' as Britain bars Russian media from conference on press freedom

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