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Daily News Analysis

Daily News Analysis

Naturally Existing DNA Editing Tool: Bridge Recombinase Mechanism (BRM)

 The Bridge Recombinase Mechanism (BRM) is a newly discovered naturally occurring DNA editing tool. It utilizes mobile genetic elements, commonly known as "jumping genes," to perform DNA manipulation. These jumping genes are found in all forms of life and play a crucial role in genetic variation and adaptation. Key Features of BRM: Jumping Genes and Recombinase Enzymes: Jumping
30 Jul,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

3D Hologram Technology

 3D hologram technology creates three-dimensional images that simulate depth and can be viewed from different angles, mimicking real objects. Unlike traditional images that are flat and two-dimensional, holograms appear lifelike and interactive. This is achieved through the manipulation of light waves using principles of interference and diffraction. Principles of 3D Holography: Interferen
10 Jul,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Chandipura Virus (CHPV)

 Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes the rabies virus. It is known for causing Chandipura encephalitis, a severe neurological condition. The virus was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village, Maharashtra, during a dengue outbreak. Key Features of Chandipura Virus: Association with Encephalitis: Chandipura Encephalitis: This condition, al
02 Jul,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

TRANS-FAT

 The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published its fifth milestone report on global progress towards eliminating trans fats. This report covers the period from 2018 to 2023. Some key points about this issue: Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that has been associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. They are often found in processed foods, ba
30 Jun,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS)

 Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. Here's a detailed overview of STSS based on the information provided: About Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) Cause: STSS results from the rapid growth and release of toxins by GAS bacteria. While GAS is more commonly associated with
28 Jun,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Nidoviruses

 In a variety of vertebrates, researchers had identified 40 novel Nidoviruses using artificial intelligence. About Nidoviruses (notable for their large genomes and complex replication mechanisms) • They are a large and diverse order of positive-strand RNA viruses (largest RNA genomes among viruses) that infect a wide range of vertebrates and invertebrates, including humans, birds, reptil
26 Jun,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Reverse Transcriptase (RT) Enzyme

 Reverse Transcriptase played a pivotal role in both diagnostic testing and scientific research related to the SARS- CoV-2 virus. About Reverse Transcriptase Enzyme • It Plays a crucial role in the replication of some viruses, including HIV. • It allows the virus to convert its genetic material, which is single-stranded RNA, into double-stranded DNA. This DNA can then integrat
25 Jun,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

OUTER SPACE GOVERNANCE

 Armenia has become the 43rd signatory to NASA's Artemis Accords for lunar exploration. About the Artemis Accords • NASA established the organisation in 2020 in collaboration with the US Department of State and seven founding member nations (Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, UAE, and UK). Based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and related agreements, such as the Registration Co
15 Jun,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES (NTDS)

 The World Health Organization's recent report, "Global Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases 2024," has brought renewed attention to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) About Report 1.Reduction in the Need for Interventions: The goal is to reduce the percentage of people requiring interventions against NTDs by 90% by 2030. In 2022, 1.62 billion people needed such
13 Jun,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Lignosat

 LignoSat is a tiny cuboid satellite measuring 10 cm on each side, made from magnolia wood. It was developed through a collaboration between researchers from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry in Japan. The main goals of LignoSat are to promote the eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of using wood for satellite construction. LignoSat is designed to completely burn up u
10 Jun,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Hydroxyurea

 The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from various organisations for the “joint development and commercialisation” of low dose or paediatric oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease in India. About Hydroxyurea (taken orally in the form of capsules or tablets) • It's a medication used to treat certain types
06 Jun,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Daksha Project

 Leading Institutions: IIT Bombay Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Raman Research Institute (RRI) Project Goals: The Daksha project aims to advance our understanding of high-energy astrophysical phenomena through the deployment of two high-energy space telescopes. These telescopes will be equipped with advanced sensors capable of dete
05 Jun,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

What is a Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

 Overview: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two flight tests of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile. About Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) VSHORADS is a fourth-generation Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) specially designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats over short distances. These ar
05 Mar,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Hemophilia A

 Overview: Recently, the Union Science and Technology Minister told that India has conducted the first human clinical trial of gene therapy for ‘haemophilia A’ at Christian Medical College – Vellore. About Hemophilia A It is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to form blood clots. It is a rare disorder in which the blood doesn't clot in the typ
04 Mar,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

What is Gene therapy

 It is a technique that modifies a person’s genes to treat or cure disease. Gene therapies can work by several mechanisms: Replacing a disease-causing gene with a healthy copy of the gene   Inactivating a disease-causing gene that is not functioning properly Introducing a new or modified gene into the body to help treat a disease Gene therapy products are being studied to
04 Mar,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Milli-second burst detected by AstroSat

 Context: AstroSat, India’s first multi-wavelength space-based observatory, has detected bright sub-second X-ray bursts from a new and unique neutron star with ultrahigh magnetic field (magnetar), which can help understand the intriguing extreme astrophysical conditions of magnetars. Magnetars They are neutron stars having an ultrahigh magnetic field that are much stronger
01 Mar,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Voice clone-AI

 Voice clone fraud has been on the rise in India. AI voice cloning – It is the process of creating a synthetic replica of a person’s voice through machine learning and speech synthesis technology.It is called as voice deepfakesor audio deepfakes. Objective – To achieve a high level of naturalness that sounds exactly like a person&r
06 Feb,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

AI-powered misinformation biggest short-term threat to global economy

 Context: False and misleading information supercharged with cutting-edge artificial intelligence that threatens to erode democracy and polarise society is the top immediate risk to the global economy, the World Economic Forum said in a report on Wednesday. About the report: The World Economic Forum (WEF) report identifies misinformation and disinformation  as the most severe risk ove
05 Feb,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Peregrine Lunar Lander

 The Peregrine Lunar Lander, also known as Peregrine Mission One, is a lunar lander built by Astrobotic Technology, U.S. It was launched recently carrying payloads for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
05 Feb,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Ingenuity helicopter on Mars- USA

 NASA has re-established contact with its Ingenuity helicopter on Mars, the US space agency said recently. Ingenuity Mars Helicopter It is a small, autonomous aircraft. that flew to Mars aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover. It was sent to Mars to perform experimental flight tests to determine if powered, controlled flight at the Red Planet was possible. Ingenuity&rsqu
03 Feb,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Hepatitis A vaccine ‘Havisure’ 

 Recently, the Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) a wholly owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) launched India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine ‘Havisure’ in Hyderabad. About Havisure vaccine It is a two-dose vaccine — first dose administered at above 12 months of age and the second at least six months after the first
03 Feb,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Are antibiotics over-prescribed in India?

 Context: The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently found that over half of the nearly 10,000 hospital patients surveyed for a study were given antibiotics to prevent, rather than treat, infection.  The survey mapped patients treated on one to five days each at 20 tertiary care institutes across 15 States and two Union Territories between November 2021 and April 2022. It
01 Feb,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

The blood management system needs a fresh infusion

 Context: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted global health inequalities, prompting policymakers worldwide to advocate for enhanced global health infrastructure as a means to drive economic growth and ensure planetary well-being. However, amid these critical efforts, prioritizing access to blood and its products is deemed essential for establishing a robust global health architecture. The issue of
30 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

W1935

 W1935 is a brown dwarf star that is 47 light-years away from Earth. It is the 1st auroral candidate outside of the solar system that has been identified through methane emission signatures. It is also the coldest auroral candidate outside of our solar system, with a temperature of about 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Astronomers using NASA&#
30 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Vondy

 It is an all-in-one AI platform that can create content as well as enhance productivity. The application has been developed by New York-based software engineer Rohit Das and New Jersey-based software engineer David Laub. Vondy is free and there are no message limits unlike ChatGPTand also has an AI assistant that’s a social media influencer.
30 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon)- Japan

 Japan recently landed a spacecraft called SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) on the lunar surface, becoming the 5th country after the Soviet Union, the US, China and India to achieve a soft landing on the moon. About SLIM SLIM was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in September 2023 aboard the H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima spaceport. It aims to de
29 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Aditya-L1

 Context: With the Aditya-L1 spacecraft expected to reach the Lagrangian Point (L1) on Saturday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will attempt a crucial manoeuvre to bind the spacecraft to an orbit around L1. About the mission: - Aditya-L1 marks India's inaugural space-based observatory-class solar mission designed to scrutinize the Sun from a considerable distance of 1.5 mil
29 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

SpaceX’s Falcon-9 to launch India’s GSAT-20; satellite to spread broadband coverage

 Context: NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation, will launch GSAT-20 (renamed GSAT-N2), on board SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket during the second quarter of 2024. About GSAT-20 Satellite: Features: GSAT-20 is a high-throughput Ka-band satellite equipped with 32 beams, providing comprehensive coverage across India, including remote regio
29 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

How AI is changing what sovereignty means

 Context: Amidst competitive global politicking, as the world struggles to contain the toxic legacies of 2023 — cruel regional wars, civic conflicts and undeniable stories of anthropogenic harms — technocrats, ecocrats, and bureaucrats across the world continue to device and launch quiet initiatives portending a better and larger future for human rights. Relationship between AI and s
27 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Peregrine & Vulcan

 The Peregrine lander was built by Pittsburgh-based space robotics firm Astrobotic and aimed to become the first lunar lander constructed by a private company. This is also the first mission to fly under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, where NASA pays private companies to send scientific equipment to the moon. Vulcan Centaur is a two-stage-to-orbit, heavy
27 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

National Essential Diagnostics List

 The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has begun the process of revising the current National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) and invited relevant stakeholders to offer suggestions on adding or deleting diagnostic tests to the current list by the end of February. National Essential Diagnostics List The NEDL lists the essential and most basic tests that should be available at va
26 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Drug war: On use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance

 Context: Antimicrobial resistance is a health issue that will negate advances in medicine News: The 'First Multicentric Point Prevalence Survey of Antibiotic Use at 20 NAC-NET Sites India 2021-22,' conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control under the Health Ministry, has revealed alarming statistics. More than 70% of patients in tertiary-care hospitals across 15 Sta
24 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Anti-Microbial Resistance Cause and Solution

 Recently the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in a study found that over half of the nearly 10,000 hospital patients surveyed were given antibiotics to prevent, rather than treat, infection. What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? Antimicrobials - including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitic - are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, ani
23 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Gut Microbiota and Human Health

 Scientists are finding that the gut microbiota may be linked to heart health, some cancers, and even the colour of urine. Gut Microbiota The human gut microbiota refers to the trillions of microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that live in the human gut. Previously, people referred to the gut microbiota as the microflora of the gut. The gut microbiome i
21 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

A new high: On the Aditya-L1 mission and ISRO outreach

 Context: On January 6 Aditya-L1 reached its destination, around the L1 Lagrange point, from where it will have an unfettered view of the sun for its expected lifetime of five years. Overview of ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India, established in 1969, with headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is recognized for its cost-e
21 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

 Recently, an official delegation from the Department of Science and Technology visited Mauna Kea to discuss “challenges” to the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project. Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) It has been conceived as a 30-metre diameter primary-mirror optical and infrared telescope that will enable observations into deep space. It is proposed as a joint
19 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Hot Jupiters

 Hot Jupiters are a class of exoplanets that have features similar to Jupiter, but are much closer to their host star & its upper atmosphere is hotter than 1,800 degrees Celcius. The harsh ultraviolet radiation from its star is heating the planet’s upper atmosphere, which in turn causes magnesium and iron gas to escape into space. The star’s powerful gr
18 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

 Indian government is set to roll out a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls in the 9-14 years age group. Cervavac is an indigenously developed quadrivalent vaccine by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune, is already available commercially. Immunisation drive – It will be conducted through schools and existing vaccination points, pl
17 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Radiocarbon dating

 Context: The technology allowed scholars a clearer and measurable view of the past, clarifying the history of human migration, the rise and fall of civilisations, and undulations of the earth’s climate About: Radiocarbon dating, also known as carbon-14 dating, is a scientific method employed to precisely ascertain the age of organic materials, with its accuracy extending to around 6
15 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory

 India had decided to formally join the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, an international scientific collaboration working to build the world’s largest radio telescope. What is SKA? SKA – It will be the world's biggest and most advanced radio telescope ever constructed. It will not be a single large telescope, but a collection of thousands of dis
15 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

TM Module-2 in ICD-11

 Recently ICD-11 was launched with the inclusion of Traditional Medicine Module 2. ICD-11 – International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision, the global standard for diagnostic health information. Launched by – World Health Organisation (WHO). Prepared by – WHO in collaboration with Ministry of AYUSH. Aim - To modernize
15 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

ISRO launches XPoSat

 Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed its inaugural X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) into a meticulous circular orbit at an altitude of 650 km following a 21-minute flight on January 1. XPoSat represents the globe's second satellite mission exclusively focused on conducting X-ray polarimetry measurements. About  XPoSat: XPoSat, India's
14 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Zosurabalpin

 Researchers have identified a new class of antibiotics named Zosurabalpin with the potential to tackle a drug-resistant bacterium, Acinetobacter baumannii recently. It inhibits the transport of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules. Zosurabalpin was found to be effective against CRAB (carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii)-induced pneumonia and sepsis in mice
14 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Halo orbit

 Aditya-L1 spacecraft was successfully placed in halo orbit around the Lagrangian point (L1).A halo orbit is a periodic, 3-dimensional orbit that occurs near one of the L1, L2, or L3 Lagrange points. These points are locations in space where the gravitational pull from two celestial bodies is equal. It is called a halo orbit because the tracked orbit looks like a halo
14 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

SMART 2.0

 Context: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) along with National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has launched 'SMART 2.0' (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research among Teaching professionals) program to promote robust clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda with Ayurveda academic institutions/hospitals across the country throu
13 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

The global nuclear order is under strain

 Context: The current nuclear order has evolved over time, with nine states possessing nuclear weapons: the United States, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea Background: The global nuclear order is the process by which nuclear weapons affect the world order, dominated by powerful states, mostly from the Global North, with excessive  influence
12 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Starlink

 Starlink is a satellite internet network operated by SpaceX, an American aerospace company. It provides coverage to over 70 countries and aims to provide high-speed internet coverage to every part of the world. It also aims to provide global mobile phone service after 2023.
11 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

A look back at AI in 2023: The dangers and the hope

 CONTEXT: In 2023, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on social and economic relations was significant, attributed to the success of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, in solving complex tasks. Concerns about the dangers of LLMs and publicly deployed AI systems started to be voiced by both industry and state actors, highlighting potential perils that were previously ignored by t
10 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Cosmic Distances

 Context: While no human probe has ventured far beyond the boundaries of the Solar System, we possess the capability to measure distances spanning billions of light-years. About: The expanse of space beyond Earth is immensely large, leading to the impracticality of using everyday units of measure. Distances between planets and, more notably, between stars become staggering when expressed
10 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research among Teaching professionals (‘SMART 2.0’)

 The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) along with National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has launched 'SMART 2.0' recently. The program aims to promote robust clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda with Ayurveda academic institutions/hospitals across the country through mutual collaboration.
10 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Status of persons with disabilities

 Context: There needs to be a focus on solutions that enhance the activities of daily life and the quality of life for the disabled News: The United Nations has emphasized the need for "transformative solutions" that promote inclusive development and leave no one behind, refocusing attention on disability-reducing innovations. The field of "neuropsychiatry," situated
09 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Mushroom derived bioactive compounds

 Context: Natural anti-infective, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic products derived from a wide range of easily SOURCEd mushrooms and their bioactive molecules have the potential to combat covid, according to a new paper. News: Bioactive Ingredients and Immune System Boost: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted increased research on bioactive compounds to enhance the immune system
07 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Noma

 Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) on December 15, 2023 added one of the world’s most underrecognised health challenges, noma, to its official list of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) on December 15, 2023 added one of the world’s most underrecognised health challenges, noma, to its official list of neglected tropical diseases
07 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Japan’s SLIM ‘moon sniper’ reaches lunar orbit ahead of landmark landing

 CONTEXT: Japan will attempt to become just the fifth country in the world to soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the successful insertion of its "Smart Lander for Investigating Moon" (SLIM) into lunar orbit at 1:21 PM IST. SLIM's elliptical lunar orbit connects the Moon's south and north poles with a period of about
05 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

New Android malware can steal your password by disabling fingerprint and face unlock

 CONTEXT: Dubbed 'Chameleon Trojan', the malware uses the 'Accessibility service' on Android devices to disable fingerprint and face unlock and even tracks the user's app usage habits so it can run when the device is not in use. A new version of the 'Chameleon Trojan' malware has been identified by security researchers. The malware is capable of disabling biometr
04 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Ketamine

 Context: Ketamine drug was reported to be involved in actor Matthew Perry’s death recently.In recent years, ketamine has been a subject of widespread debate due to its growing use for treating depression and other serious mental health issues. About ketamine: Ketamine, classified as an anaesthetic and hallucinogen by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, is derived from Phenc
03 Jan,2024 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

NUCLEAR BRIEF CASE

 1. The Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to China was witnessed by his officers carrying the “nuclear briefcase”. The ‘nuclear briefcase’, also known as the ‘Cheget’ is named after a mountain in Russia. It forms a part of a larger system in place for authorising the launch of nuclear strikes. It’s part of a secured communicatio
20 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

MARSQUAKE-MARS MISSIONS

 Why in the News? Just like on Earth, the surface of Mars sometimes vigorously shakes and unsurprisingly, that is called a marsquake and the largest ever such marsquake was recorded in history happened in 2022. Reason behind the Marsquake: The quake had a magnitude of 4.7 and had seismic signal similar to previous quakes that were caused by meteoroid impacts. However, the po
19 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

HEPATITIS C

 HEPATITIS C     Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver, a type of viral hepatitis. HCV is spread primarily by Blood-to-blood contact associated with injection drug use Poorly sterilized medical equipment Needlestick injuries in healthcare Tran
16 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

ImmunoACT

 Why in News? IIT Bombay-incubated Immunoadoptive Cell Therapy (ImmunoACT) has received Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation’s (CDSCO) marketing authorisation approval. ImmunoACT shall be the ‘first’ humanised CD19-targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy product for relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas and leukaemia (blood cancer) in India.
14 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Role of structural inequalities in the incidence of hypertension

     Why in the News? September 29 was observed as the World Heart Day to raise awareness about prevention, detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and promote heart-healthy lifestyles.   Prevalence of Hypertension in India: National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021) revealed that 18.3% of the country’s population ha
12 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

INDIA NEEDS TO GO NUCLEAR

 INDIA NEEDS TO GO NUCLEAR India’s growing energy needs: India has been registering rapid economic growth and is expected to surpass Germany and Japan to become the third largest economy by the end of this decade. The economic growth triggers demand for energy, which is reflected in India’s primary energy consumption being the third-highest globally, and most of which is base
12 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

THE COST OF CHEAP DRUGS

 THE COST OF CHEAP DRUGS     Why in the News? Lack of information about effects of unbranded generic medicines hampers patients’ freedom of choice. Generic Medicines: As per FDA, “A generic drug is a medication created to be the same as an already marketed brand-name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performan
12 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Need for an evidence-based traditional medicine

 Need for an evidence-based traditional medicine     Why in the News? A plea has been filed by a manufacturer of indigenous drugs against a medical practitioner alleging that his social media thread affected their business. Modern medicine It became science-based in the 19th century, where advances in technology was utilised to study the functioning of the hum
11 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Tele Manas Seva

 Tele Manas Seva     Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) was introduced in the Union Budget 2022. The Tele MANAS entrusted the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to guide its overall implementation.  Ranking from first to third, in the larger States category, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh were aw
11 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

New tools to fathom the world of electrons

 New tools to fathom the world of electrons Why in the News? Recently Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier have been awarded Nobel Prize in physics, 2023 for their contribution to making it possible to watch electrons move using experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light. What is an attosecond? An attosecond is
08 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

LIDAR

 LIDAR     LIDAR stands for “light detection and ranging” or “laser imaging, detection, and ranging”. It is a method for determining ranges by targeting a surface with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver (time of flight). LIDAR scanning or 3D laser scanning involves s
08 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

R21 Malaria vaccine

 R21 Malaria vaccine     The R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India has been recommended for use by the World Health Organization (WHO). The vaccine was developed by leveraging Novavax’s adjuvant technology. The vaccine has met the requirements of safety, quality and effectiveness standards.
08 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

India- the Diabetic capital of the world

 India- the Diabetic capital of the world     Why in the News? A recent study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Union Health Ministry has revealed that 11.4% of India’s population or 10.13 crore people are living with diabetes. 15.3% of the population or an additional 13
06 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Elder Mental healthcare

 Elder Mental healthcare     Why in the News? The World Elders Day (1st) and Mental Health Day (10th) has been observed in the month of October, which is significant given the increasingly greying population of India. Increasing old-age population: In the history of humanity, there ar
06 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

BlueWalker 3 satellite

 BlueWalker 3 satellite     It is a prototype satellite, part of a satellite constellation planned by its owner AST SpaceMobile. The satellite is intended to deliver mobile or broadband services anywhere in the world. BlueWalker 3 was observed as one of the brightest objects in the night sky, outshining all but the brightest stars. However, concerns are raised ar
05 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

The trouble with a Nobel for mRNA COVID vaccines

 The trouble with a Nobel for mRNA COVID vaccines   Why in the News? The Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, 2023 was given to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for developing the mRNA vaccine technology. The mRNA technology developed by the awardees: messenger RNA (mRNA) is a template used for protein production when genetic information encoded in DNA is tr
04 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Cholera cases

 Cholera cases   Cholera is a water-borne disease affecting the small intestine of a person, which can be diagnosed by a stool test or a rapid dipstick test. It is caused by two strains of the bacteria Vibrio cholerae called O1 and O139. While O1 is responsible for almost all outbreaks, outbreaks of O139 have been rare and none recorded outside Asia so far.&
03 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Lagrange Points

 Lagrange Points   They are points in space between celestial bodies where a spacecraft stays more or less stationary. Lagrange points are found along the plane of two objects in orbit around their common centre of gravity, where their gravitational forces cancel each other, so that a third body of negligible mass w
03 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

R21 Malaria vaccine

 R21 Malaria vaccine   The R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India has been recommended for use by the World Health Organization (WHO). The vaccine was developed by leveraging Novavax’s adjuvant technology. The vaccine has met the requirements of safety, quality and effectiveness standards. Malaria:
03 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Bacteria Wolbachia

 Bacteria Wolbachia   It is a genus of intracellular bacteria that infects mainly arthropod species, including a high proportion of insects, and also some nematodes. It is the most common parasitic microbes, and is possibly the most common reproductive parasite, with as many as 25 to 70% of all insect species are
02 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

NASA’s asteroid-hunting spacecraft OSIRIS-Rex

 NASA’s asteroid-hunting spacecraft OSIRIS-Rex   Why in the News? Recently, NASA’s asteroid-hunting spacecraft OSIRIS-REx (Origins-Spectral Interpretation-Resource Identification-Security-Regolith Explorer) collected samples from asteroid 101955 Bennu and landed in the Utah desert.  What was OSIRIS-REx’s mission? The OSIRIS-REx spacecr
01 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Tuberculosis (TB)

 Tuberculosis (TB)   Why in the News? Recent studies have indicated that nutritional deficiency has led to an increase in TB cases in India, which has been compounded by drug shortages recently. Shortage of Rifampicin, a medicine used for treating drug sensitive TB was not available in many parts of India
01 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

TrueNat Test

 TrueNat Test   TrueNat is a is a chip-based, battery-operated RT-PCR kit for point-of-care and rapid molecular test for diagnosis of infectious diseases. RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase- Polymerase Chain Reaction) employs reverse transcription process that converts RNA into DNA molecule before the gene can be captured in the test. It was used as a screening test during COVI
01 Oct,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

India’s kidney transplant deficit

 India’s kidney transplant deficit Why in the News? India’s organ shortage has increased alarmingly, for which government’s recent reforms (February 2023) allow more flexibility in age and domicile requirements while registering to obtain an organ. Kidney transplantation in India: There is a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India, affecting about 1
29 Sep,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Monoclonal Antibodies

 Monoclonal Antibodies     Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the behaviour of antibodies produced by the immune system to protect against diseases and foreign substances It attaches itself to an antigen such as Glycoproteins (a foreign substance, usually a disease-causing molecule) and helps the immune system eliminate it from the body.
29 Sep,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Echolocation

 Echolocation     A technique in which animals or devices emits sound waves, and listens for their reflections by objects in their surroundings. The sound waves emitted will be in the nature of high-frequency sound pulses, often beyond the range of human hearing.  Bats due to their poor eyesight uses this ability to hunt and navigate in the dark, while do
28 Aug,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Omega Fatty acids

 Omega Fatty acids Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or called as “essential” fatty acids are Omega-3 and Omega-6. They play in controlling two key body processes: Blood clotting Inflammation. It prepares the body to fight back infection and injury but for prolonged periods can also cause severe damage and chronic illnesses. Both have to be in right ratio to
27 Aug,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

ICMR study on long COVID

 ICMR study on long COVID     Why in the News? A recent study was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on the post Covid-19 conditions and its report has been recently published. The WHO estimates that 10 to 20 per cent of Covid patients develop prolonged symptoms. Key findings of the Study: Nearly 6.5% people hospitalised
25 Aug,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

One Health can help India respond better to health crises

 How One Health can help India respond better to health crises   Why in the News? India has been taking significant strides for the adoption of a ‘National One Health Mission’ to be led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor. The concept of ‘One Health Strategy’: It is a holistic approach recognises the problems among the inte
24 Aug,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 Why in the news? The number of organisations adopting AI technology in India has gone up by 2.5 times with widespread applications in education, health, finance, mobility and e-commerce among others.   What is AI? AI is the intelligence of a machine to work based on human cognitive skills that has the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize or learn from past experience, d
12 Aug,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Lymphatic Filariasis

 Lymphatic Filariasis India is committed to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by the year 2027, three years ahead of the global target of 2030. Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease.     It is caused by mosquitoes when they transmit filarial parasites (classified as nematodes) to humans causing infection. Three
11 Aug,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Climate Events and an umbrella for Urban Health

 Climate Events and an umbrella for Urban Health The Monsoon season in India has led to large scale devastation with events of Cyclonic storm Biparjoy, floods in the state of Assam and heavy rain led damages in parts of North India. But the climate events also pose a challenge of common water and Vector-borne diseases especially in the Urban centres. Disease Vulnerability in the urban areas:
09 Aug,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Learning from the CHIPS Act of the US

 Learning from the CHIPS Act of the US Why in the news? The United States’s Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science (CHIPS) Act, 2022 which aims to strengthen its semiconductor industry, has completed one year as a law. What are the Provisions of the law and what lessons can India learn from it?     Provisions o
09 Aug,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis Why in the News? A large trial involving ~2800 people conducted in India has revealed that nutritional support plays a key role in cutting down tuberculosis (TB) disease rate and mortality reduction in TB infected patients. TB and Nutritional deficit: Severe undernutrition is one of the contributing causes of deaths in TB patients. Undernutrition as a risk factor acc
09 Aug,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Medicines Patent Pool Agreement for Leukaemia

 Three firms with headquarters in India have inked sub-licence agreements with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a United Nations-backed organisation, to make some cancer medications more affordable and available to patients. These agreements permit the manufacturing of generic versions of the cancer medication Nilotinib, which is primarily used to treat Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)
01 Jul,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

National Guidelines for Organ Transplantation

 The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization's guidelines contained a stipulation that only allowed patients under the age of 65 to register for transplants. This rule has been abolished by the Union Health Ministry. The Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 in India sets up a number of rules regarding the removal and preservation of human organs. Additionally, it controls th
21 Feb,2023 GS-3 S&T Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

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