In a groundbreaking development, eight children in the UK have been saved from devastating genetic diseases using a three-person IVF technique, providing hope for families affected by mitochondrial disorders.

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a widely-used medical procedure that helps individuals or couples facing fertility challenges to achieve pregnancy. It is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

IVF Process:

1. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are retrieved from a woman's ovaries.

2. Fertilization: The eggs are then combined with sperm in a laboratory dish.

3. Embryo Transfer: After successful fertilization, the embryo is cultured for a few days and then transferred into the woman’s uterus.

4. Pregnancy: The pregnancy occurs if the embryo implants successfully in the uterine wall.

Three-Person In Vitro Fertilization (3-Person IVF)

The three-person IVF technique addresses a particular challenge related to mitochondrial diseases, which are caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Unlike nuclear DNA, which is inherited from both parents, mitochondrial DNA is passed only from mother to child.

What is Mitochondrial DNA?

• Mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of the cell, contain their own small amount of DNA, separate from the nuclear DNA in the cell's nucleus.

  Mitochondrial diseases arise when there are mutations in the mitochondrial DNA, leading to a range of potentially fatal conditions, including muscle weakness, seizures, developmental delays, and organ failure.

How Does the Three-Person IVF Work?

1. Step 1 – Egg Donation: A healthy donor egg, which has had its nucleus removed, is used in the procedure.

2. Step 2 – Nucleus Transfer: The nucleus (which contains the genetic material) from the mother’s egg is then transferred into the donor egg.

3. Step 3 – Fertilization: The father’s sperm is used to fertilize this egg.

4. Result: The child inherits nuclear DNA from both biological parents and healthy mitochondrial DNA from the donor, significantly reducing the risk of inherited mitochondrial diseases.

Genetic Contribution of the Donor

• The donor’s mitochondrial DNA contributes only about 0.2% of the baby’s genetics.

  The majority of the child’s DNA (around 99.8%) comes from the biological mother and father.

Impact of the Three-Person IVF Technique

• Prevention of Mitochondrial Diseases: By using healthy mitochondrial DNA from the donor, this technique prevents the transmission of dangerous mitochondrial mutations that would otherwise cause severe genetic diseases.

  Ethical and Medical Significance: Although this process involves genetic material from three individuals (the mother, father, and egg donor), the vast majority of the child’s genetics are inherited from the biological parents, making them the genetic parents.

  Long-term Benefits: Children born through this method are free from mitochondrial diseases, providing hope for families with a history of such conditions.

Conclusion

The three-person IVF technique marks a monumental achievement in genetic medicine, offering hope to families who face the prospect of passing down mitochondrial diseases to their children. This approach represents a cutting-edge solution to genetic disorders, and as technology advances, it may pave the way for future treatments targeting other genetic conditions as well.

The POSH Act was enacted to address the serious issue of sexual harassment of women in workplaces, ensuring a safer environment for all employees. The recent directive from the Odisha government to sensitize teachers, non-teaching staff, and students about this act highlights the importance of creating awareness and fostering a safe and respectful environment.

Background:

The POSH Act was enacted following the Vishaka Guidelines of 1997, established after a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India. The guidelines aimed to prevent and address incidents of sexual harassment at the workplace, leading to the eventual formulation of the Act in 2013.

Key Provisions of POSH Act:

1. Definition of Sexual Harassment:

   • The Act provides a clear definition of sexual harassment, which includes any unwelcome act, gesture, or behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating environment at the workplace.

   • It also covers acts of sexual advances, unwelcome physical contact, requests for sexual favors, or verbal/physical conduct of a sexual nature.

2. Applicability:

   • The POSH Act applies to all workplaces, whether in the government, private sector, or NGOs.

   • It is applicable to both formal and informal sectors, educational institutions, and even homes where work-related services are performed.

3. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):

   • The Act mandates every workplace with more than 10 employees to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

   • The ICC is responsible for receiving complaints of sexual harassment, conducting inquiries, and ensuring appropriate action is taken.

   • The committee should have a majority of women members, and one member should be from a women's rights NGO.

4. Local Complaints Committee (LCC):

   • For workplaces with fewer than 10 employees or those unable to form an ICC, the district officer will form a Local Complaints Committee (LCC) to address complaints of sexual harassment.

   • The District Magistrate or Collector is the designated officer responsible for constituting the LCC.

5. Complaint Procedure:

   • A written complaint must be filed by the aggrieved woman or an authorized representative.

   • Complaints must be filed within three months from the incident (or from the last incident in case of recurring harassment).

   • The inquiry should be completed within 90 days, and any delay should be properly justified.

6. Confidentiality:

   • The POSH Act ensures the confidentiality of the identities of both the complainant and the accused.

   • All proceedings, including testimonies, must be kept confidential to ensure a fair investigation and to protect the privacy of the involved parties.

7. Protection Against Retaliation:

   • The POSH Act offers protection against any form of retaliation for individuals who file a complaint in good faith.

   • It prohibits adverse actions such as termination, demotion, or any discriminatory treatment against the complainant.

8. Penalties for Violations:

   • Employers found guilty of not implementing the POSH Act may face severe penalties, including fines.

   • The employee found guilty of harassment may also face penalties, including termination or other disciplinary actions.

9. Employer’s Obligation:

   • Employers must implement the recommendations of the ICC or LCC within 60 days of receiving the report.

   • They must also provide appropriate relief to the aggrieved woman, including monetary compensation, counseling, or any other necessary measures to ensure a safe workplace.

Complaint Procedure:

1. Filing the Complaint:

   • The aggrieved woman or her representative can file a written complaint either with the ICC or LCC depending on the workplace size.

2. Timeframe:

   • Complaints must be filed within three months of the incident. If there are multiple incidents, the complaint can be filed within three months of the last incident.

3. Committee Inquiry:

   • The ICC or LCC must conduct a fair and impartial inquiry. Both the complainant and the accused have the right to present their case and evidence.

   • The inquiry should be completed within 90 days, but extensions are possible if warranted.

4. Report and Action:

   • Upon completing the inquiry, the ICC or LCC prepares a report with their findings and recommendations.

   • If the accused is found guilty, appropriate penalties are recommended to the employer. The employer must act on the recommendations within 60 days.

5. Appeal:

   • Either party dissatisfied with the outcome can appeal to the Appellate Authority within 60 days.

Conclusion:

The POSH Act provides a robust framework for addressing sexual harassment in the workplace, protecting women from exploitation and abuse. The focus on awareness, education, and training—like the one being initiated in Odisha—will play a vital role in preventing harassment and promoting a culture of safety and equality.

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, has been seeing a concerning rise in cases globally, including in the United States. This resurgence of measles is a serious public health issue, as the disease can cause severe complications, particularly in unvaccinated children and vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women.

Cause:

• Measles is caused by the measles virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus family.

• The virus primarily spreads through direct contact or airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Transmission:

• Measles is incredibly contagious, with the ability to spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area, increasing the chances of transmission in crowded or enclosed spaces.

Symptoms of Measles:

1. Incubation Period (10-14 days after exposure):

   • High fever that lasts for 4-7 days.

   • Runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, and Koplik spots (small white spots inside the cheeks).

2. Rash:

   • After a few days, a rash appears, starting on the face and neck, and spreading to the rest of the body.

   • The rash typically reaches the hands and feet by the third day and fades after 5-6 days.

3. Other Symptoms:

   • Fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, and sensitivity to light.

Complications of Measles:

• Pneumonia (most common cause of death related to measles)

• Encephalitis (brain inflammation, can lead to permanent brain damage)

• Severe diarrhea

• Blindness

• Death, especially among young children and pregnant women.

At-Risk Populations:

1. Unvaccinated children: Children under the age of 5 are the most vulnerable to severe complications.

2. Pregnant women: Measles can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.

3. Immunocompromised individuals: Those with weakened immune systems due to conditions like cancer or HIV.

Treatment:

• There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles.

• Treatment is generally supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms:

  • Fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

  • Fluids to prevent dehydration.

  • Vitamin A supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of complications in children.

Prevention:

1. Vaccination (MMR Vaccine):

   • The most effective way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella), which is typically given in two doses:

     • First dose at 1 year of age.

     • Second dose between 4-6 years of age.

   • The MMR vaccine has proven highly effective, with more than 97% of individuals being protected after two doses.

2. Herd Immunity:

   • When a large percentage of the population is vaccinated, it prevents the spread of the virus, offering indirect protection to those who are not immune.

   • However, declining vaccination rates have made herd immunity harder to maintain, contributing to the resurgence of measles.

Global Resurgence:

The global resurgence of measles is alarming, with many countries experiencing outbreaks due to a decline in vaccination coverage. This decline is linked to factors like:

• Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

• Increased international travel leading to the spread of the virus across borders.

• Disruption of immunization programs, especially in conflict areas or due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact in the U.S. and Globally:

• In the United States, measles outbreaks have surged, primarily due to lower vaccination rates in certain areas.

• Worldwide, measles remains a significant concern in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, and South America, where healthcare infrastructure and vaccination coverage may be inadequate.

Conclusion:

The recent measles resurgence highlights the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to protect individuals and communities. Public health efforts must focus on combating misinformation, increasing vaccine access, and educating the public about the dangers of measles and the safety of vaccination.

The Raji Tribe of Uttarakhand is an indigenous community known for their unique way of life, deep cultural heritage, and distinct connection to the land.

About the Raji Tribe:

• Location: The Raji tribe primarily resides in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, in the remote Kumaon region, and parts of western Nepal.

• Size: The Raji tribe is one of India’s smallest tribes, often referred to as “Banrawats,” “Ben-Manus,” or “cave dwellers”, indicating their historical lifestyle of living in caves and forests.

• Language: They speak Bat-Kha, a Tibeto-Burman language.

Cultural and Social Characteristics:

• Traditional Lifestyle: The Rajis have historically been forest dwellers, relying on their natural surroundings for sustenance. They were traditionally hunters and gatherers, and beekeeping (collecting honey from bee hives) was a major livelihood activity.

• Agriculture Shift: In modern times, many Rajis have transitioned into agriculture, growing rice, maize, and barley, though they still maintain their cultural practices tied to nature and the forest.

• Handicrafts: The community is skilled in weaving and basket-making, utilizing natural resources around them to create products.

• Religion: Their religious practices are rooted in Hinduism, but they also worship nature, reflecting their deep connection to the land.

Social Organization:

• Social Structure: The Raji tribe has a well-defined social hierarchy, where elders play a central role in decision-making and resolving conflicts. Their clan-based structure is a key aspect of their social organization.

• Panchayats: Local councils or Panchayats are integral to maintaining order and addressing local issues within the community.

Housing and Architecture:

• Traditional Homes: Their houses are made from locally sourced wood, stone, and mud. They are elevated to avoid flooding and to protect from wild animals in the area.

The Absence of Female Leadership in Khetar Kanyal

• Khetar Kanyal is a village in Pithoragarh, where the absence of a female candidate for the post of village head (pradhan) highlights an underlying social crisis. This situation points to gender-related challenges within the tribe, where patriarchal norms may be hindering the participation of women in leadership roles.

Challenges Facing the Raji Tribe:

1. Cultural Disintegration: As the tribe transitions from traditional livelihoods to agriculture and modern-day living, they may risk losing elements of their unique cultural heritage.

2. Gender Inequality: The absence of female leadership in political or community roles indicates gender disparities, particularly in tribal communities where traditional gender roles are often strongly defined.

3. Vulnerability: Being a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), the Raji tribe faces challenges in terms of development, education, and healthcare access.

4. Modernization vs Tradition: Balancing the integration of modern development with the preservation of their ancestral ways is another complex issue.

Conclusion:

The Raji tribe is an important part of Uttarakhand’s indigenous communities, known for their resilience, unique cultural identity, and sustainable ways of living. However, the recent concerns raised about gender inclusivity and leadership roles reflect the evolving challenges they face in a modernizing world.

The 'Prachand Shakti' exercise is a major milestone in India's efforts to modernize its military and adapt to the evolving demands of modern warfare.

About Exercise Prachand Shakti:

• Location: The exercise took place at the Kharga Corps Field Training Area in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

  Conducted By: The Ram Division of the Indian Army, as part of its modernization initiatives and tech-driven reforms in military operations.

Key Objectives:

• Demonstrating Technological Advancements: The primary focus of the exercise was on showcasing how disruptive technologies can be integrated into Strike Corps operations. These technologies included:

  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

  • AI-enabled systems

  • Loitering munitions

  • Autonomous platforms

  Operational Capabilities: The demonstration emphasized how these technologies enhance the agility, lethality, and survivability of infantry units, particularly during deep offensive missions in combat scenarios.

  Showcasing Real-Time Combat: The exercise highlighted how the integration of these modern technologies can redefine warfare, making forces more dynamic, faster, and capable of responding to threats in real-time.

Broader Vision:

• ‘Year of Tech Absorption’: This exercise was part of the Indian Army's broader initiative to integrate indigenous technologies and advanced civilian solutions into military operations. It is a reflection of India's growing emphasis on self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defense technology.

  Future of Warfare: The exercise underlined how technologies such as AI, UAVs, and autonomous systems are becoming critical for future combat efficiency, helping troops gain a technological edge on the battlefield.

Strategic Significance:

1. Enhancing Combat Effectiveness: With technologies like AI, the Indian Army is positioning itself to make better strategic decisions faster and with more precision.

2. Deep Offensive Missions: Strike Corps are key units for aggressive operations, and the new tech capabilities are expected to increase their effectiveness in penetrating enemy defenses.

3. Real-Time Combat Adaptation: The introduction of loitering munitions and autonomous systems enhances the ability of infantry to adapt to changing battlefield conditions rapidly.

Conclusion:

Exercise Prachand Shakti not only demonstrates the Indian Army's capabilities in modern warfare but also marks a significant step towards a technology-driven military force. With an emphasis on disruptive technologies, it is clear that the future of warfare in India is shifting toward greater integration of AI, unmanned systems, and autonomous technologies, ensuring the Army remains prepared for challenges posed by evolving global threats.

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an important player in global trade, especially with respect to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and economic cooperation.

What is the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)?

• Established: 1960, under the Stockholm Convention.

• Objective: EFTA aims to promote free trade and economic integration between its member countries and globally. Unlike the European Union (EU), EFTA does not have a common customs union, allowing its member countries more flexibility in their external trade policies.

Current Member Countries:

EFTA currently consists of 4 member countries:

1. Iceland

2. Liechtenstein

3. Norway

4. Switzerland

Historical Context:

• Founding Members (1960): Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

• Expanded Members: Iceland (joined in 1970), Finland (1986), and Liechtenstein (1991).

• Over time, several countries, such as Denmark, United Kingdom, Portugal, Austria, Finland, and Sweden, left EFTA as they joined the European Union (EU).

Key Features of EFTA:

• Non-Customs Union: Unlike the EU, EFTA is not a customs union, meaning that its members can independently set their own customs tariffs and foreign trade policies with non-EFTA countries.

• Global Network of FTAs: EFTA has one of the largest networks of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), covering over 60 countries and territories, including the EU.

• European Economic Area (EEA): EFTA members Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are part of the EEA, allowing them to participate in the EU's single market without being full EU members. Switzerland is not part of the EEA but has bilateral agreements with the EU.

Governance Structure:

1. EFTA Council: The highest governing body, which meets 8 times a year at the ambassadorial level and twice annually at the ministerial level. It oversees the operation of the association and its trade agreements.

2. EFTA Secretariat: Based in Geneva, this body assists the EFTA Council and manages relations between member countries.

3. EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA): It monitors compliance with EEA rules, particularly in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

4. EFTA Court: Located in Luxembourg, it resolves disputes related to the implementation and interpretation of EEA agreements.

EFTA’s Role in Trade:

• FTAs and Trade Liberalization: EFTA plays a key role in creating opportunities for open, competitive economies. Its FTAs support progressive liberalization of trade.

• Notable FTAs: EFTA has signed multiple FTAs with countries and regions around the world, including major markets in Asia, North America, and South America.

India-EFTA FTA:

The India-EFTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA) set to be implemented from October 1st is a significant development for both India and the EFTA members. The FTA will:

• Boost Trade: Facilitate smoother and tariff-free trade between India and the EFTA member countries.

• Improve Economic Relations: Strengthen economic ties, opening up new opportunities in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

Importance of EFTA:

EFTA's structure offers its members significant advantages, including greater control over external trade relations. The association’s approach contrasts with the EU's model, providing a flexible trade framework that encourages economic growth while maintaining independence on key policy decisions.

This FTA with India will be a part of EFTA's broad network of agreements, which demonstrates the global and progressive stance the association takes towards promoting trade liberalization and cooperation. For India, this would mean greater access to the markets of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, boosting trade in multiple sectors, including manufacturing, services, and technology.

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is an important tool developed by the Indian government to evaluate and rank higher educational institutions across India.

Overview of NIRF:

• Launched: 2015 by the Ministry of Education (MoE), with the objective of ranking institutions across the country.

• Ranking Categories: Institutions are ranked based on various parameters, including:

  1. Teaching, Learning, and Resources

  2. Research and Professional Practices

  3. Graduation Outcomes

  4. Outreach and Inclusivity

  5. Perception

Institution Categories:

• Category A: Includes Institutions of National Importance, State Universities, Deemed Universities, Private Universities, and Autonomous Institutions.

• Category B: Includes institutions that are affiliated with a university.

Rankings:

The NIRF ranks institutions annually in various categories, including:

• Overall Ranking

• University Ranking

• Engineering, College, Management, Pharmacy, Law, Agriculture, Architecture, Medical, and Research Institutions

NIRF's Role:

• The NIRF helps students make informed decisions regarding higher education.

• It also motivates institutions to enhance their educational standards and quality.

Key Changes for NIRF 2025:

In a major development, starting from the NIRF 2025, a new parameter will be introduced: Negative Scores for Retracted Papers.

• Negative Scoring for Retractions: Higher educational institutions will be penalized for having retracted academic papers and cited papers in their research publications.

  • Impact: The presence of retracted research papers can affect the institution's research credibility and quality.

  • Purpose: This measure aims to encourage institutions to maintain high standards of academic integrity and ethical research practices.

  • Time Frame: The new rule will affect publications retracted in the past three calendar years.

NIRF 2024 Highlights:

• Participation Growth: The number of institutions participating has grown by 86%, from 3,500 in 2015 to 6,500 in 2024.

Top Institutions in NIRF 2024:

1. Overall: IIT Madras has ranked 1st for 6 consecutive years (2019–2024).

2. Engineering: IIT Madras also ranked 1st in Engineering for the 9th consecutive year (2016–2024).

3. Universities: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has ranked 1st for 9 consecutive years (2016–2024).

4. Management: IIM Ahmedabad ranked 1st for 5 consecutive years (2020–2024).

5. Medical: AIIMS New Delhi ranked 1st for the 7th consecutive year (2018–2024).

6. Pharmacy: Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, ranked 1st in Pharmacy for 2024.

7. Law: National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, retained its 1st position in Law.

8. Dental: Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, ranked 1st in Dental.

9. Agriculture: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, ranked 1st in Agriculture for 2nd consecutive year.

10. Architecture: IIT Roorkee maintained its 1st position in Architecture for the 4th consecutive year.

11. Innovation: IIT Kanpur tops in the Innovation category.

Key Significance of NIRF:

• Educational Benchmarking: NIRF is India's most significant and comprehensive mechanism for ranking higher education institutions, providing benchmarks across different sectors.

• Increased Participation: The growing number of institutions participating highlights the increasing importance of NIRF rankings for institutions in terms of reputation and credibility.

• Global Recognition: A high NIRF ranking helps institutions attract national and international students, faculty, and research opportunities.

The inclusion of negative scoring for retracted papers in NIRF rankings is a critical step in maintaining academic integrity. It sends a strong message to institutions to prioritize research ethics and ensures that only high-quality, credible work is reflected in their academic output.

BioEmu is a groundbreaking deep learning system developed to predict the full range of shapes that a protein naturally adopts under biological conditions. This new system represents a significant advancement in protein structure prediction, which is crucial for understanding biological processes and developing drug therapies.

About BioEmu:

• Full Name: Biomolecular Emulator (BioEmu).

• Developed By: Microsoft in collaboration with Rice University (USA) and Freie Universität (Germany).

Key Features:

1. Generative Deep Learning System:

   • BioEmu is a generative model that samples from the approximated equilibrium distribution of structures for a protein monomer, given its amino acid sequence.

   • This means it predicts how a protein might fold or shift into different shapes based on its genetic information.

2. High-Speed Sampling:

   • It can generate thousands of statistically independent samples per hour on a single GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which significantly speeds up the process compared to older methods.

3. Modeling Protein Flexibility:

   • Unlike traditional approaches like molecular dynamics (MD), which are slow and costly, BioEmu provides high-resolution protein flexibility modeling at a much faster rate, making it ideal for large-scale studies.

4. Capturing Complex Structural Changes:

   • BioEmu captures large shape changes in enzymes, like local unfolding that can activate or deactivate proteins.

   • It also identifies cryptic pockets, temporary crevices on proteins that can serve as drug docking sites, which is crucial for drug discovery (e.g., cancer-linked protein Ras).

5. Accurate Predictions:

   • The system predicts 83% of large shifts and 70-81% of small changes accurately, including important enzymes like adenylate kinase, which are vital for cellular processes.

6. Handling Hard-to-Predict Proteins:

   • BioEmu is capable of handling proteins that do not have a fixed 3D structure, which are typically difficult to model.

   • It also predicts how mutations in proteins affect their stability and behavior.

7. Speed and Efficiency:

   • The system can generate thousands of protein structure snapshots in just a few minutes to hours on a single GPU. This efficiency is crucial for large-scale drug discovery or biological research.

Limitations:

• Doesn't Model Certain Factors:

  • BioEmu cannot model cell walls, drug molecules, pH changes, or predict the reliability of predictions in the same way as other systems like AlphaFold.

  • It also does not account for factors such as temperature shifts, membranes, or other biological conditions that might affect protein behavior.

Impact on Research and Drug Discovery:

• Protein Structure Prediction: Protein folding and structure prediction are at the heart of understanding biological function and designing therapeutic interventions. With BioEmu, researchers can access a vast array of protein conformations in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take.

• Drug Discovery: By predicting cryptic pockets and structural changes, BioEmu has immense potential for drug discovery. It can aid in the identification of druggable sites on proteins, which is vital for designing drugs targeting specific diseases, like cancer or neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusion:

BioEmu represents a significant leap forward in the field of biomolecular modeling. With its speed, accuracy, and ability to handle complex protein structures, it will greatly aid scientists in understanding how proteins function and interact within the body.