The Study IAS

Category: Science and Technology

  • Hybrid RF-VLC (Radio Frequency-Visible Light Communication) System

    Context:

    • Researchers at Central University (CU), IIDM, and CU J&K in India have developed a new hybrid communication method combining Visible Light Communication (VLC) and Radio Frequency (RF) technology. 
    • This approach aims to provide reliable, high-speed data transmission indoors while using less energy.

     

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    Background

    • The growing reliance on wireless internet for professional communication, browsing, and media streaming worldwide is driving an increase in power consumption and carbon emissions. 
    • To address this challenge, future wireless networks must balance high computational demands with energy efficiency. 
    • Researchers are exploring innovative techniques to enhance wireless communication while minimising power consumption, one of which is Visible Light Communication (VLC).

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    Key Highlights:

    • VLC employs visible light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other artificial light sources to transmit data, offering a promising solution for efficient wireless communication.
    • Research emphasises the need to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance network safety and reliability. 
    • The system achieves high energy efficiency with a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of about 37, lower power density, and reduced temperature elevation in human tissues.

     

    Significance: 

    • Energy Efficiency: By combining RF and VLC, the system can adapt to user demand and maintain the required Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) for various applications.
    • Reduced Carbon Footprint: The system’s energy-efficient design helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with wireless communication.
    • Enhanced Reliability: The hybrid approach ensures reliable communication even in indoor environments with high data transmission needs.

     

    Impact and Future Work: 

    • The system contributes to reducing power consumption and electromagnetic radiation in wireless communications.
    • The initial simulations indicate a promising future for the hybrid RF-VLC system, paving the way for further development and testing to enhance its performance and efficiency.

     

     

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    Simulation and Analysis 

    • Evaluations were conducted using Python, Scilab, and MathWorks tools.
    • The study compared RF communication, hybrid RF-VLC, and pure VLC, demonstrating the hybrid system’s effectiveness in providing stable communication and significant energy savings.

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  • Lymphatic Filariasis

    Context:

    The Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare virtually inaugurated the second phase of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign on August 10, 2024.

     

     

    More on News:

    This campaign aims to target 63 endemic districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, marking a crucial advancement in India’s efforts to eliminate the disease before the global deadline.

     

    About Lymphatic Filariasis:

    • Common Name: Elephantiasis 
    • It is a neglected tropical disease caused by filarial parasites transmitted through mosquitoes. 
    • The disease primarily affects the lymphatic system, leading to severe symptoms later in life.
    • Parasites: Wuchereria bancrofti (90% of cases), Brugia malayi (most of the remaining cases), and Brugia timori.
    • Symptoms: It includes lymphoedema (swelling of tissues), elephantiasis (thickening of skin and tissues), and hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum).
    • Transmission: Adult worms live in lymphatic vessels, producing microfilariae that are spread by mosquitoes. Different mosquito species (Culex, Anopheles, Aedes) transmit the infection.
    • Impact: It causes physical deformities, mental and social distress, and financial hardship due to loss of income and increased medical expenses.
    • Prevention and Treatment: While there’s no cure for lymphatic filariasis, early treatment can prevent the disease from progressing to severe stages.
    • WHO recommends Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to reduce microfilariae in the bloodstream and prevent transmission. Mosquito control: Supplementary strategies include insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, and personal protection to reduce transmission.
    • Global Threat: Over 882 million people across 44 countries are at risk and require preventive chemotherapy to combat this parasitic infection.
    • Elimination Goal: Targeted for elimination as a public health problem by 2030.

  • Oceans of Water Discovered on Mars

    Context:

    Planetary scientists have sent numerous probes and landers to Mars to investigate the fate of its water, as the water in the polar ice caps doesn’t fully explain its disappearance. 

     

    More on News:

    • Previous research had indicated that the upper crust, above about 5 kilometres, did not contain water ice, suggesting limited accessible frozen groundwater outside the polar regions.
    • Scientists aim to determine when this occurred and whether life ever existed. The new findings suggest that much of Mars’ water didn’t escape into space but instead seeped into the planet’s crust.

     

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    Life on Mars 

    • In 1996, NASA scientists examined a Martian meteorite (ALH84001) that contained chemical traces similar to Earth microbes, suggesting the potential for past life on Mars.

    Global Mars Missions

    • Hope Mars Mission- United Arab Emirates: The Hope probe was launched in July 2020, and went into orbit around Mars on 9 February 2021.
    • Tianwen-1: Tianwen 1 (formerly Huoxing 1) is a Chinese Mars mission comprising a lander/rover and orbiter that launched on 23 July 2020 and reaches Mars in February 2021.
    • Mars 2020: The Perseverance rover was launched on July 30, 2020, and successfully landed on Mars on February 18, 2021. It touched down in the Jezero Crater, where it continues to explore the planet’s surface.

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    Key Highlights:

    • The study has found evidence of vast underground reservoirs of liquid water on Mars. It is estimated to contain enough water to cover the entire planet to a depth of 1 to 2 kilometres. Derived from seismic data from NASA’s Insight lander, suggests that these reservoirs are located between 11.5 and 20 kilometres beneath the Martian surface.
    • Scientists applied a mathematical model of rock physics, similar to those used on Earth to map aquifers and oil fields, to interpret the data from InSight. The Martian crust contains a deep layer of fractured igneous rock, such as granite, saturated with liquid water.
    • This discovery also reinforces the hypothesis that Mars once had liquid water on its surface, supported by evidence such as river channels, deltas, lake deposits, and water-altered rock. 
    • However, this wet period ended more than 3 billion years ago, when Mars lost its atmosphere and surface water.

     

    Challenges: 

    • The reservoirs are located deep within the Martian crust, so extracting this water would be a monumental challenge, even with advanced drilling technology.
    • Drilling to such depths is extremely difficult and resource-intensive. On Earth, reaching just one kilometre deep presents significant technical obstacles.

     

    Mars Missions Timeline: 

    • 1965: NASA’s Mariner 4 became the first successful mission to Mars.
    • 1970s: NASA’s Viking 1 and 2 were the first to land on Mars and return detailed.
    • 1990s: Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Pathfinder missions.
    • 2000s: NASA’s Mars Odyssey and the European Space Agency’s Mars Express expanded knowledge of the planet.
    • 2010s: NASA’s Curiosity rover and InSight lander contributed valuable scientific data. India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) made India the first country to successfully orbit Mars on its maiden attempt.

     

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    Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) 

    • Launch Date: November 5, 2013. 
    • Orbital Insertion: Entered Mars’ orbit on September 24, 2014. 
    • Objective: To investigate and explore Mars’ surface features, mineralogy, and atmosphere.
    • Significance: ISRO became the fourth space agency worldwide to successfully deliver a spacecraft into Mars orbit. Uniquely observed the far side of the Martian moon, Deimos, for the first time in space exploration history.

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    Implications: 

    • While this water is not easily accessible for future Mars colonists, the discovery provides crucial insights into the planet’s geological and climatic history.
    • It provides a significant step forward in planetary science and the search for life beyond Earth.

     

     

     

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    The InSight lander

    • The Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) was a NASA Discovery Program mission.
    • Launch Date: May 5, 2018.
    • The mission was concluded in 2022 and provided critical data about Mars’ crust, mantle, core, and atmosphere. 
    • It provided invaluable data about Mars’ seismic activity, including Marsquakes, meteor impacts, and volcanic rumblings, which helped scientists probe the planet’s internal structure.

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  • Collision Avoidance System (CAS)

    Context:

    There is a need for a Collision Avoidance System (CAS) due to increasing Vehicular traffic in modern life.

     

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    What is a Collision Avoidance System (CAS)?

    • It refers to a set of technologies designed to help a vehicle avoid collisions with other vehicles or obstacles. For instance, a CAS device installed on a train is intended to prevent it from colliding with another train.
    • Most CAS devices rely on two key pieces of real-time information: the locations of all other vehicles and the position of the vehicle in relation to them. 
    • These systems can be used in vehicles driven by humans, where the CAS serves as an aid to the driver, or in autonomous vehicles, where it plays a direct role in navigation.

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    Importance for land-based vehicles:

    • Considering two cars, the Back Car’s system will monitor the speed of the Front Car, the distance between the two vehicles, and its own speed. 
    • If the gap between the cars is predicted to fall below a certain threshold within a specified time, the CAS may automatically engage the emergency brakes—such as those required in vehicles in the European Union—without the driver’s input.
    • To accomplish this, the CAS must be integrated with the Back Car’s braking system, allowing it to override the driver’s commands. 
    • It will also need to connect to the vehicle’s speedometer and be equipped with sensing technologies, such as radar, lidar, or cameras with object recognition, to track the Front Car’s movements.

     

     

    What is Kavach?

    • It is the indigenous CAS developed for Indian Railways. 
    • Kavach consists of three primary components: computers, communications, and control.
    • Computers: Kavach includes a computer onboard the train, as well as two additional computers for station masters. 
    • One of these, the master computer, gathers and processes information from signals and interlocking points, then sends its output to the locomotive computer. 
    • The locomotive is equipped with two radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers mounted underneath. These readers scan RFID cards installed at fixed intervals along the tracks. As the train passes over these cards, the readers retrieve the train’s location and track ID, sending this information to the onboard computer.
    • The other, called the remote interface unit, also collects and processes data from various points across the railway network, eventually transmitting this data to the master computer. However, it does not communicate directly with the locomotive computer.
    • Communication: The remote interface unit transmits data to the master computer via fiber-optic cables. The master computer then communicates with the locomotive computer using ultra-high frequency radio. 
    • Additionally, the onboard computer uses GSM-Railway to connect with the broader network management system (the software that powers the Kavach CAS), ensuring authenticated communication with nearby master and locomotive computers.
    • Control: Similar to cars, the onboard computer is connected to various components of the locomotive, including its braking system and an alarm to alert the pilots. Pilots operate the locomotive using a custom interface—such as a digital screen—that displays information from the computer and accepts pilot inputs. The station master has a similar interface, with the capability to send SOS messages as needed.

     

     

    Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) in Ships and Aircraft:

    • In aircraft, the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) also operates with a computer-communication-control setup, similar to trains. 
    • A key component of TCAS is the transponder, a device that responds to a radio-frequency ping by sending back a signal. By interacting with the transponders of nearby aircraft, the host aircraft can build a 3D map of the surrounding air traffic. A critical feature of aircraft CAS is its alert system. Additionally, aircraft may be equipped with radar altimeters to measure the distance to the ground and systems that warn pilots of tall obstacles such as towers and antennas.
    • In ships, CAS relies on a combination of visual sightings and radar to avoid collisions, supported by additional systems. 
    • Two key technologies are the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT). 
    • The AIS involves base stations on land tracking and coordinating data received from transceivers onboard ships, which include information about the ship’s location, speed, and bearing. This data is then transmitted to other vessels.
    • LRIT, or Long Range Identification and Tracking, requires ships on international voyages to report their location, local time, and onboard equipment every six hours to the authorities of the country whose flag the ship is flying.
    • This information is shared with contracting governments and search-and-rescue operators through the International LRIT Data Exchange.

     

     

    Satellites and Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS):

    • One notable alternative to the transponder-based system for aircraft is the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system. 
    • ADS-B actively shares information from each aircraft via satellites, allowing for a precise understanding of the relative location, bearing, and speed of nearby aircraft. Similarly, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) for ships can also be supported by satellites, leading to Satellite-AIS (S-AIS) systems. These systems are particularly useful for tracking ships that are too far from land-based AIS stations.
    • The introduction of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) revolutionised navigation and collision avoidance worldwide. Some countries have supplemented GPS with their own systems to meet specific national requirements. 
    • For instance, India plans to use its NavIC constellation of navigation satellites to assist road and railway traffic across the country.

  • China’s Biggest Cargo Drone

    Context:

    China successfully flew its largest unmanned cargo aircraft for civilian use, advancing its testing of UAVs that could eventually transport goods and even people.

    More on the news:

    • The twin-engine aircraft has a payload capacity of 2 metric tons.
    • China’s civilian drone makers are experimenting with larger payloads as the government works to build a low-altitude economy. 
    • The aviation regulator projects the industry to grow fourfold to 2 trillion yuan ($279 billion) by 2030.

     

    Drone industry in India:

    • The Drones market in India is projected to generate a revenue of US$27 m in 2024.
    • This market segment is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.78% (CAGR) from 2024 to 2029.
    • When compared globally, China leads the way in terms of revenue generation, with a staggering US$1,526.0m in 2024.
    • In 2024, the per capita revenue from the drones market in India is estimated to be US$0.02. 
    • By 2029, the volume of the drones market in India is expected to reach 79,600 units.
    • Furthermore, there is an expected volume growth of 6.6% in 2025.
    • India is experiencing a surge in the adoption of drones for agricultural purposes, revolutionising farming practices in the country.

     

    Applications of drones:

     

    Commercial Applications:

     

    Agriculture:

    • Crop monitoring, spraying pesticides, livestock management, land surveying.
    • Development of the drone ecosystem aligns with the PM’s ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ initiative that will help empower the women in the agriculture sector.

     

    Delivery: Package and food delivery, especially in urban and remote areas.   

     

     

    Infrastructure Inspection: Power line, bridge, and building inspections for maintenance and safety.   

     

     

    Real Estate: Property photography and videography, property assessments.   

     

     

    Film and Photography: Aerial cinematography, capturing stunning visuals.   

     

     

    Mapping and Surveying: Creating detailed maps and 3D models of land and structures.   

     

     

    Public Safety and Emergency Services:

    • Search and Rescue: Locating people in disaster areas or remote locations.   
    • Disaster Response: Assessing damage, delivering supplies, and monitoring affected areas.   
    • Law Enforcement: Surveillance, crowd control, and evidence collection.   
    • Firefighting: Fire detection, monitoring, and aerial firefighting.   

     

    Environmental Monitoring:

    • Wildlife Conservation: Tracking animals, monitoring habitats, and preventing poaching.   
    • Pollution Monitoring: Air and water quality assessment, detecting environmental hazards.   
    • Forestry: Fire detection, forest health monitoring, and illegal logging prevention.   

     

    Other Applications:

    • Military and Defense: Surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and delivery of supplies.   
    • Inspection and Maintenance: Industrial facilities, oil and gas pipelines, wind turbines.
    • Delivery of Medical Supplies: In remote or disaster-stricken areas.   
    • Telecommunications: Network infrastructure inspections and maintenance.

     

    Drone regulations in India:

    • India has taken significant steps to regulate the drone industry while fostering its growth. The primary regulatory body is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). To regulate the drone industry, the government has come up with the Drone (Amendment) Rules, 2023 as well.
    • Drone Categorisation: Drones are categorised into various weight classes with different regulations for each category.
    • Registration: Most drones require registration with a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
    • Remote Pilot License (RPL): Commercial drone operations typically require an RPL for the pilot.
    • No Permission, No Takeoff (NPNT): Drone operators must use the Digital Sky platform for flight permissions and real-time flight monitoring.
    • Geographical Information System (GIS)-based Flight Path: Drone flight paths are restricted in certain areas for security reasons.
    • Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Pilots must maintain visual contact with the drone.
    • Height Restrictions: Drones are generally restricted to flying below 400 feet.
    • Night Flying Restrictions: Night flights are generally prohibited except with specific permissions.

  • Integrating Radiocarbon Data into Climate Models

    Context:

    A study published in Science magazine using radiocarbon from Cold War nuclear tests reveals that plants absorb more CO2 and store it for shorter periods than previously thought.

    About the News:

    • The study suggests that plants are cycling carbon faster than earlier estimates, potentially storing around 80 billion tonnes of carbon per year, mostly in non-woody parts. 
    • Previous studies had shown this value to be at least 43-76 billion tonnes of carbon per year worldwide.
    • The findings highlight the need for more accurate climate models that include radiocarbon data and better  predict carbon dynamics.
    • Relics of the Cold War : During the Cold War, nuclear bomb tests released significant amounts of radioactive materials, including carbon-14 (radiocarbon), into the atmosphere. 
    • So far, radiocarbon inclusion has been low due to limited resources, both funding and effort, available for model development and observational research.

     

    Implications of the Finding:

    • This could imply that plants release carbon sooner than expected, impacting our understanding of the carbon cycle.

     

     

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    Carbon-14 released from Nuclear Bombs.

     

    Production of Carbon-14:

    • Carbon-14 is naturally produced through cosmic ray interactions with nitrogen-14. 
    • However, atmospheric nuclear tests from 1955 to 1963 significantly increased carbon-14 levels due to radioactive emissions.

     

    The Bomb Pulse:

    • The “bomb pulse” describes the surge in carbon-14 levels from nuclear testing, which nearly doubled atmospheric concentrations. 
    • This elevated carbon-14 was absorbed by plants, animals, and humans.

     

    Environmental Impact:

    • Excess carbon-14 from nuclear tests has been used to study environmental impacts through analyses of tree rings, marine organisms, and human tissues.

     

    Decline of Carbon-14 Levels:

    • Post-test, carbon-14 levels have declined, accelerated by fossil fuel combustion, complicating future carbon-14 dating.

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    Radioactive Representation:

    • In 1995, the World Climate Research Program established the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) for climate projections. 
    • While CMIP models are used globally, most haven’t incorporated radiocarbon data. 
    • Only one model, the Community Earth System Model 2, has included radiocarbon, but it underestimated absorption levels compared to recent findings.

     

    About  Community Earth System Model 2 (CESM2):

    • It is a comprehensive global climate model developed by the U.S.
    • Key Features
    • Fully Coupled Model: CESM2 integrates the atmosphere, ocean, land surface, and cryosphere for a comprehensive view of climate dynamics.
    • Improvements Over Previous Versions: CESM2 offers significant advancements in science and infrastructure, enhancing accuracy in simulating climate scenarios compared to CESM1.
    • Applications: CESM2 is used to study climate change impacts, forecast future scenarios, and guide policy decisions on climate mitigation and adaptation.
    • Significance: Community Collaboration, i.e. CESM2, is a community model created and maintained with contributions from various researchers and institutions.

     

    Steps taken to decrease radioactive levels:

    • Storage for Decay: Short-lived radioactive isotopes like C-14 can be managed by storing them until their radioactivity decreases to safe levels. 
    • This method involves keeping the materials in a controlled environment until they reach acceptable limits of radioactivity.
    • Waste Segregation: Radioactive waste should be segregated by radioactivity levels to focus management and treatment on high-radioactivity materials, reducing exposure and handling of radioactive substances.
    • Solidification:Liquid waste containing C-14 can be solidified with materials such as cement or polymers. This process immobilises the waste, reducing leaching risks and simplifying handling and storage.
    • Regulatory Compliance:Adhering to national and international regulations for radioactive waste management is essential. This involves following guidelines from organisations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials.
    • The Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) 1963 halted atmospheric nuclear testing, stopping the increase of radiocarbon levels.

     

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    Partial Test Ban Treaty

    • The Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) is a key arms control agreement signed on August 5, 1963, by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union.
    • Purpose: The treaty sought to ban nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater to address concerns over radioactive fallout and its environmental impact.
    • Underground Testing: The treaty allows underground nuclear tests but prohibits those that release radioactive debris beyond the territorial limits of the testing state.
    • Impact:
    • Nuclear Arms Control Precedent: The treaty set a crucial precedent for future arms control agreements, leading to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968 and subsequent reduction treaties.
    • Decline in Radioactive Fallout: The treaty led to a significant reduction in atmospheric radioactive particles, enhancing public health and environmental safety.

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  • India to Roll Out New Treatment Regimen for Drug-Resistant TB

    Context:

    India is set to introduce the BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid) regimen for all multi/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis patients, with training for this initiative starting this month.

     

    More on News:

    • This is a significant step in India’s fight against multi/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB). 
    • The BPaL regimen has shown promising results in countries like Pakistan, South Africa, and Ukraine.

     

    Key Highlights:

    • Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT): NAAT is a molecular test that detects the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in respiratory samples.
    • The BPaL regimen is priced at US$426 (US$130 for bedaquiline, US$238 for pretomanid, US$31 for linezolid, and US$27 for moxifloxacin). 
    • This regimen is expected to replace longer and less effective treatments with a more effective, safer, and shorter treatment course.
    •  India’s treatment success rates are currently 56% for MDR/RR-TB cases and 48% for XDR-TB cases. 
    • A study published last month found that the BPaL and BPaLM (BPaL + moxifloxacin) regimens lead to significant cost savings. Studies estimate that adopting this regimen could save $740 million globally annually. India treats a third of the world’s MDR/RR-TB cases, which could mean nearly $250 million in savings annually for our country. 

     

    WHO Recommendations and Progress in India:

    • The World Health Organization recommended the six-month BPaL and BPaLM regimens in 2022 as effective treatment options for most drug-resistant TB cases.
    • According to WHO’s Global TB Report 2023, India has improved its TB case detection and treatment coverage to 80% of estimated cases, a 19% increase over the previous year.
    • The estimated number of drug-resistant TB cases in India has decreased by 21% from 1.4 lakh in 2015 to 1.1 lakh in 2022.

     

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    The BPaL Regimen

    • It is a shorter, more effective treatment option for MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients. 
    • Unlike the traditional treatment duration of 18-24 months with up to 14 different drugs, the BPaL regimen reduces the treatment duration to approximately six months with just three daily tablets. 
    • This regimen has shown an 89% success rate, significantly higher than the 52% success rate of standard care.
    • Recommended by the US FDA in 2019 and the WHO in 2022, has been implemented in over 70 countries, including South Africa, Ukraine, Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

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  • CDSCO Waives Local Clinical Trials for New Drugs Approved in Developed Countries

    Context:

    The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) announced that it will waive local clinical trials for new drugs already approved in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the European Union.

     

     

    Key Highlights:

    • The waiver has been granted under Rule 101 of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019. This rule allows the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to specify certain countries for considering the waiver of local clinical trials for the approval of new drugs. 

     

    The waiver covers five specific categories of drugs: 

    • Orphan Drugs for Rare Diseases: These are drugs intended to treat conditions affecting fewer than 500,000 people in India.
    • Gene and Cellular Therapy Products: Innovative treatments that involve altering genes or cells to treat diseases.
    • New Drugs Used in Pandemic Situations: Drugs that are crucial during pandemics to ensure rapid availability.
    • New Drugs for Special Defense Purposes: Medications required for defence personnel.
    • New Drugs with Significant Therapeutic Advances: Drugs that substantially improve existing treatments.

     

    Implications: 

    • Faster Access to Latest Medicines: Patients in India will have quicker access to cutting-edge treatments for diseases such as cancer, rare diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
    • It will reduce the costs associated with public procurement of drugs under various government schemes like Ayushman Bharat. It will also lower the expenses for pharmaceutical companies by eliminating the need for local trials.
    • Both domestic and foreign drug manufacturers will benefit from an expedited approval process, facilitating faster access to essential medications for Indian patients.

     

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    About CDSCO 

    • It is the primary regulatory authority for overseeing drug-related activities in India, operating under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. 
    • Structure: It has a network that includes Six Zonal Offices, Four Sub-Zonal Offices, Thirteen Port Offices, and Seven Laboratories.
    • Functions: Regulatory control over the import of drugs, approval of new drugs and clinical trials, meetings of the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) and Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), approval of certain licences as Central License Approving Authority is exercised by the CDSCO headquarters.

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  • DRDO Develops Lightest Bullet-Proof Jacket for Enhanced Protection

    Context:

    The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed a new Bullet Proof Jacket (BPJ) featuring the lightest Front Hard Armor Panel (FHAP).

     

    More on News:

    • The BPJ comes in two configurations: In-Conjunction-With (ICW) and Standalone, each with different areal densities of the FHAP.
    • The process of transferring this technology to Indian industries has been initiated under DRDO’s Transfer of Technology (ToT) Policy and procedure.

     

    About Bullet Proof Jacket:

    • Designed by the Defense Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur.
    • The areal density of the Hard Armor Panel (HAP) is less than 40 kg/m² for the In-Conjunction-With (ICW) design and 43 kg/m² for the standalone design.
    • It meets BIS standard 17051 and is the lightest Level 6 BPJ, weighing approximately 10.1 kg for medium size. It was successfully tested at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.
    • It features a monolithic ceramic plate with a polymer backing, enhancing both protection and comfort. 
    • Enhances wearability and comfort during operations and includes a Quick Release Mechanism (QRM) among other features.
    • It offers protection against the maximum threat of 7.62×54 R Armour-Piercing (AP) and Armour-Piercing Incendiary (API) rounds.

  • Hidden Genes: A New Frontier in Genetics

    Context:

    A new study by Columbia researchers reveals that bacteria can create free-floating and temporary genes, suggesting that similar genes might exist outside our genome.

     

    More on News:

    The research reveals that bacteria can create genes that do not reside in their chromosomal DNA. Instead, these genes exist as free-floating entities, adding a new dimension to our understanding of genetic regulation and functionality.

     

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    New Insights into Bacterial Genetics 

    • Genetic code was first deciphered in the 1960s, scientists have operated under the assumption that the chromosome contains the complete set of instructions for cellular functions.
    • This linear model, which equates genes to fixed sequences within our genomes, was thought to apply universally across life forms, from bacteria to humans. However, a recent study challenges this notion.

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    Key Highlights:

    • The study focused on a bacterial defence system that involves an unusual mechanism: a piece of RNA and a reverse transcriptase enzyme. 
    • Unlike typical bacterial defence systems that degrade viral DNA, this system synthesises DNA from an RNA template—a process previously considered unconventional.
    • They developed a novel technique to identify DNA produced by the reverse transcriptase. 
    • Results showed that the DNA was long and repetitive, containing multiple copies of a short sequence from the RNA molecule.
    • The RNA folds into a loop, and the reverse transcriptase creates repetitive DNA by travelling repeatedly around this loop. 
    • This gene codes for a protein named Neo, which plays a critical role in the bacterial antiviral defence system. 
    • When a virus infects a bacterium, the Neo protein prevents viral replication and protects neighbouring cells.

     

    Implications for Human Genetics: 

    • Similar free-floating genes might exist in humans and other higher organisms. If confirmed, this would represent a major shift in our understanding of gene location and function.
    • These extrachromosomal genes could be present only in specific environments or developmental contexts, providing essential information for normal physiological processes.

     

    Future Directions and Applications:

    • Reverse transcriptases are already used in gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR, which have seen clinical trials for conditions like sickle cell disease.
    • The new reverse transcriptase produces the Neo protein, and may offer improved options for genome editing and gene therapy.
    • The researchers believe that bacteria may harbour a wealth of reverse transcriptases with unique properties that could lead to innovative biotechnological applications once their functions are fully understood.

     

     

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    Genetic code

    • It refers to the instructions contained in a gene that tells a cell how to make a specific protein. 
    • Each gene’s code uses the four nucleotide bases of DNA: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T) — in various ways to spell out three-letter “codons” that specify which amino acid is needed at each position within a protein.
    • There are 64 possible permutations, or combinations, of three-letter nucleotide sequences that can be made from the four nucleotides.
    • Of these 64 codons, 61 represent amino acids, and three are stop signals. 
    • Each codon is specific for only one amino acid (or one-stop signal).
    • It is described as degenerate, or redundant, because a single amino acid may be coded for by more than one codon.

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  • DNA Profiling and Justice System

    Context:

    In mid-June, the Madras High Court examined, in detail, the wisdom of relying on DNA evidence alone to establish guilt.

     

    What is DNA Profiling?

    • It’s a forensic technique that identifies individuals based on their unique DNA sequences. 
    • This process involves:   
      • Extracting DNA: Obtaining DNA from a biological sample (blood, saliva, hair, etc.).   
      • Analysing DNA: Examining specific regions of DNA that vary greatly between individuals.   
      • Creating a profile: Generating a unique pattern or code representing the DNA sequence.
      • Comparing profiles: Matching the profile with other DNA samples for identification purposes.   

     

    How reliable is DNA?

    • DNA profiling is complicated, and each sequential step involved in generating a profile can vary depending on the laboratory’s facilities. 
    • According to Manikanda Raj, head of forensic medicine and toxicology at Chengalpattu Medical College and Hospital, DNA analysis as a process is based on probability and, in that sense, cannot be considered conclusive evidence. 
    • There are definite pitfalls, particularly with sample contamination, delay in lifting or testing the sample, unviable samples, or when the samples themselves are switched. 

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    In Pattu Rajan v. State of Tamil Nadu (2019), the judges noted that while DNA evidence is increasingly accurate, its probative value varies with each case and is not infallible; thus, the lack of DNA evidence alone cannot be used to draw adverse conclusions if other reliable evidence supports a party.

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    Usage in India:

    • The DNA profiling method used today in India is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and uses short tandem repeats (STR).
    • DNA testing as evidence is not covered under Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). 
    • DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2019 in India aimed to establish a framework for the collection and storage of DNA profiles to aid criminal investigations.
    • The bill proposed establishing a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks to store DNA profiles. These databases would maintain separate indices for crime scenes, suspects/undertrials, offenders, missing persons, and unidentified human remains.
    • The bill allowed for the collection of DNA samples from convicts, offenders, suspects, undertrials, and missing persons, with some exceptions. Consent was required except for serious offences punishable by more than seven years imprisonment or death.
    • The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, enacted in India, provides a legal framework for the collection, storage, and management of identifiable information from individuals involved in criminal cases. 
      • The Act empowers police and prison officers to collect these measurements from convicts, arrested individuals, and those detained under preventive detention laws. 
      • The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is designated to manage the storage, processing, sharing, and destruction of these records, which can be preserved for up to 75 years.

     

    Practices in Other Parts of the World:

    • Countries like Austria, France, and Germany have made provisions in their legal system to store DNA records of criminals committing certain crimes.
    • The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) developed by the FBI (USA) is a widely used platform that employs short tandem repeat (STR) DNA markers. CODIS allows for comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes to those of convicted offenders and suspects.

     

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    Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

    Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique used to amplify a specific DNA sequence. It’s like making millions of copies of a tiny piece of DNA. This is essential for analysis, as often there is not enough DNA available for testing.   

    Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

    Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are sections of DNA that contain repeated short sequences of nucleotides. The number of repeats varies between individuals, making them highly variable and useful for identification.    

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  • Cellular Remodelling and Antifungal Drug Resistance

    Context:

    • A new study led by Michigan State University researchers reveals how fungi adapt to evade antifungal treatments. 
    • Aspergillus fumigatus, a major cause of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals, causes around 100,000 deaths annually.

     

    Key Findings of the Study & Implications:

    • Antifungal Drug Mechanism: Antifungal drugs, such as echinocandins, target molecules in the fungal cell wall, a protective yet rigid layer. These drugs aim to rupture the cell wall to kill the fungal cell and control infection.
    • Fungal Adaptation: Fungi have evolved mechanisms to rebuild and reinforce their cell walls in response to drug attacks. This adaptation involves modifying cell wall architecture to enhance survival.
    • Structural Changes: Upon echinocandin exposure, fungi decrease b-glucans and increase other related molecules, reshuffling polysaccharide structures (e.g., galactomannan, galactosaminogalactan) to strengthen the cell wall and enhance its hydrophobic properties. The new cell wall architecture often eliminates drug targets, reducing the effectiveness of treatments and allowing the fungi to persist.
    • Clinical Implications: Fungal spores, while ubiquitous, can overwhelm individuals with compromised immune systems (e.g., cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, those with AIDS or COVID).
    • Infection Challenges: Once established in the lungs, fungal infections are difficult to eliminate even with drugs or surgery.
    • Current Drug Limitations: Only four families of antifungal drugs are available, each facing limitations due to fungal resistance mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing more effective treatments.

     

    Aspergillus Fumigatus Overview:

    • It is a fungus in the class Eurotiomycetes. It is commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, air-conditioning systems, and household items. 
    • The fungus produces hardy spores (conidia) that can remain viable for extended periods and are inhaled into the body.
    • It is considered an opportunistic pathogen, causing illness primarily in those with weakened immune systems or compromised health.

     

    Risk Factors for Infection:

    • Severe illness or poor nutrition
    • Immunosuppression due to diseases or medications
    • Use of prosthetic devices
    • Aspergillosis: Infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus.
    • Disorders Associated with Aspergillus Fumigatus:
    • Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA), Invasive Aspergillosis, Aspergillomas, Fungal Sinusitis, Onychomycosis.

     

    Difference Between Viruses, Bacteria, and Fungi:

     

    1) Viruses:

    Structure: 

    • Smaller than bacteria and fungi. 
    • Genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat and sometimes a lipid envelope. 
    • They lack cellular structures.

     

    Reproduction: 

    • Cannot reproduce on their own. 
    • They must invade a host cell and hijack the cell’s machinery to replicate and produce new virus particles.

     

    Living Status: 

    • Considered as non living organisms, cannot carry out life processes independently.

     

    Diseases:

    • Examples include influenza (flu), HIV, and COVID-19.

     

    2) Bacteria:

    Structure: 

    • Single-celled organisms with a simple cell structure. 
    • They have a cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material (DNA) not enclosed in a nucleus.

     

    Reproduction: 

    • Reproduce asexually through binary fission, where a single bacterial cell divides into two identical cells.
    • Living Status: 
    • They are living organisms capable of carrying out all necessary life processes on their own.

     

    Diseases:

    • Ex- tuberculosis, whooping cough, and bacterial infections such as strep throat.

     

    3) Fungi:

    Structure: 

    • Can be single-celled (like yeasts) or multicellular (like moulds and mushrooms). 
    • Have a complex cell structure with a defined nucleus and cell wall made of chitin.

     

    Reproduction: 

    • Both sexually and asexually through spores. 
    • Can grow and spread by producing spores that can disperse through the air, water, or other means.

     

    Living Status:

    • Living organisms, distinct from bacteria and viruses in their cellular complexity.
    • Diseases: Ex- ringworm, athlete’s foot, and aspergillosis.

     

    Infection Control:

     

    Viruses: 

    • Typically require antiviral medications or vaccines for prevention and treatment. 
    • Hygiene practices and vaccines are crucial for control.

     

    Bacteria: 

    • Often treated with antibiotics, though resistance is a growing problem. 
    • Good hygiene and appropriate use of antibiotics are essential.

     

    Fungi: 

    • Treated with antifungal medications. 
    • Preventive measures include proper hygiene and environmental control.

  • Study on Radiotherapy After Breast Cancer Surgery

    Context:

    Providing radiotherapy after surgery can prevent breast cancer from returning in the same place for up to 10 years, but this protective effect diminishes after a decade, with recurrence risk becoming similar to that in those who did not receive radiotherapy.

     

    Findings of the Study:

    • After 10 years, 16% of those who had radiotherapy experienced cancer recurrence in the same location.
    • In comparison, 36% of those who did not receive radiotherapy experienced recurrence in the same location.
    • Fewer deaths from breast cancer were observed in the radiotherapy group (37% vs. 46%).
    • However, there were more deaths from other cancers in the radiotherapy group (20% vs. 11%).
    • Survival rates do not show a significant improvement with radiotherapy, highlighting that while it reduces local recurrence, it does not necessarily enhance overall survival.

     

    About Radiation therapy:

    • Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is a type of cancer treatment in which specialists kill cancerous cells in the body by exposing them to ionising radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, high-energy electrons or heavy particles. 
    • Radiation therapy can be administered externally or internally.
    • Radiation therapy works by damaging cells by destroying their genetic material, which controls growth and division.
    • The aim is to treat the cancer while minimising harm to healthy cells.
    • Surgery followed by radiotherapy remains the standard care for women with early-stage breast cancer. 

     

    Breast Cancer: 

    • Breast cancer occurs when breast cells mutate and become cancerous, multiplying to form tumours. 
    • It primarily affects women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) aged 50 and older, also impact younger women. 
    • It can also impact men, people assigned male at birth (AMAB).

     

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    What is Molecular breast imaging (MBI):

    • It is an advanced, FDA-approved technology designed to detect breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue, where standard mammography may be less effective. 
    • Dense tissue and abnormal masses both appear white on mammograms, making it challenging to distinguish between them. 
    • MBI uses a special camera and a small amount of radioactive tracer to highlight differences in tissue activity, allowing for better differentiation between healthy dense tissue and breast irregularities. 
    • It is a highly accurate imaging method with a low likelihood of missing cancerous cells.

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  • The Hidden Risks of Gene-Editing Pesticides

    Context:

    A recent study raises significant concerns about genetic pesticide safety, particularly regarding their potential impact on non-target organisms (NTOs) in outdoor farming environments.

     

    More on News:

    • Scientists from Brazil, New Zealand, and Norway, investigate the unintended effects of genetic pesticides on various species in farming environments.
    • The study involved analysing 18 species, including humans, farm animals (cattle, chickens), insects (pollinators), earthworms, fungi, and crops such as maize, cotton, and soybean.

     

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    Genetic Pesticides

    • As agricultural technologies advance, new tools promise to be more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides.
    • Unlike conventional pesticides, which can have broad, detrimental effects on the environment, genetic pesticides aim to specifically alter the genes of pests.
    • They are gene-editing techniques used to target crop pests and are touted for their potential to reduce environmental and chemical impacts. 

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    Key Highlights:

    • Some regions, including the European Union and New Zealand, are considering deregulating ‘gene modifying’ procedures due to their proposed economic, social, and environmental benefits.
    • The research highlighted that genetic pesticides could unintentionally affect humans, animals, and plants through contact, inhalation, or ingestion which raises concerns about their overall biological impact.
    • The team identified three major pests for potential targeting with outdoor gene-editing pesticides: Western corn rootworm, red flour beetle, and the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotium. 
    • Using the CRISPR/Cas9 tool in three application scenarios: irrigation water, fumigation or spraying, and direct pellet applications into the soil.
    • Computer predictive modelling revealed that 12 out of 18 species could experience unintended hybridisation.
    • Metabolic enrichment analysis identified 155 enriched metabolic pathways across 12 species, with the majority of impacts observed in the human genome.

     

    Impacts:

    • The research found potential impacts on human genomic regions related to cancer and hormone metabolism.
    • In plants and animals, genetic pesticides could disrupt immune responses, essential molecule biosynthesis, and central nervous system functions.

     

    Regulatory and Safety Implications:

    • The researchers stress the necessity for new risk assessment frameworks for genetic engineering applications outside laboratory settings.
    • Including genetic pesticides in legal instruments to manage risks associated with emerging contaminants and potential hazards to human and environmental health.

     

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    Non-Target Organisms (NTOs)

    • NTOs are species that are not intended to be affected by pesticides or genetically modified crops but may be impacted through various environmental interactions. 
    • It is crucial in assessing the ecological consequences of agricultural practices, particularly those involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that produce their pesticides, such as Bt crops.

     

    Examples:

    • In agriculture: Beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, and butterflies can be harmed by pesticides meant to control pests.
    • In medicine: Antibiotics can disrupt the beneficial bacteria in the human gut.
    • In environmental conservation: Efforts to control invasive species can sometimes harm native wildlife.

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  • Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Strategy

    Context: 

    The government implements the Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy to reduce the prevalence of anaemia among six beneficiary age groups.

     

    More on the news:

    The six beneficiary age groups targeted are: 

    • Children aged 6-59 months, children aged 5-9 years, adolescents aged 10-19 years, women of reproductive age (15-49 years), pregnant women, and lactating women.
    • The 6X6X6 strategy includes six key interventions: 
    • Prophylactic Iron Folic Acid supplementation, periodic deworming, an intensified year-round Behaviour Change Communication Campaign, testing for anaemia using digital invasive hemoglobinometer and point-of-care treatment, mandatory provision of Iron Folic Acid fortified foods in public health programmes, and addressing non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic areas.
    • Six institutional mechanisms support this strategy.
    • The progress of the AMB strategy is measured by the coverage of Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) among beneficiaries.

     

    Mission Poshan 2.0

    • Mission Poshan 2.0 is a flagship programme of the Government of India designed to address malnutrition and improve health, wellness, and immunity.
    • The programme focuses on improving maternal nutrition, adhering to infant and young child feeding norms, treating Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), and promoting wellness through AYUSH practices to reduce wasting, underweight, stunting, and anaemia.
    • Supplementary nutrition is provided to children aged 6 months to 6 years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls aged 14-18 years in aspirational districts and North-East States to bridge nutritional gaps.
    • During Poshan Maahs in September and Poshan Pakhwadas in March-April, dedicated activities for raising awareness about anaemia are conducted.

     

    Rice Fortification Initiative:

    • The government is supplying fortified rice enriched with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 under the Rice Fortification Initiative.
    • Implemented across various schemes, including the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN) Scheme, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS) in all States and Union Territories.
    • Custom-milled rice is being replaced with fortified rice in every government scheme.

     

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    Nutritional Security of Women and Children through Anganwadi Centres:

    Importance:

    • Women’s nutritional status is crucial for their health and productivity and for preventing malnutrition in their children. Improving women’s health is foundational to societal health.

     

    Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 Programme:

    • Objective: Address malnutrition in pregnant women, lactating mothers, children, and adolescent girls through a lifecycle approach.
    • Focus: Moves beyond calorific sufficiency to include micronutrient sufficiency, health, wellness, and immunity.

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    About Anaemia:

    • Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal. 
    • Haemoglobin is crucial for oxygen transport, and insufficient red blood cells or haemoglobin impairs the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen to the body’s tissues. 
    • This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

     

    Anaemia can be caused by several factors, including:

    • Nutrient deficiencies: Inadequate diets or poor absorption of essential nutrients.
    • Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional cause of anaemia, though deficiencies in folate, vitamins B12, and A also play significant roles.
    • Other Causes: Infections, Inflammation, Chronic diseases, Gynaecological and obstetric conditions, and Inherited red blood cell disorders.

     

    According to WHO, anaemia is a serious global public health issue, especially affecting:

    • Young children: Approximately 40% of children aged 6–59 months are anaemic.
    • Pregnant women: About 37% are affected.
    • Women of reproductive age: Approximately 30% of women aged 15–49 years are anaemic, according to WHO estimates.

     

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    Case Study: Baramulla and Gumla progress from ‘Aspiration’ to ‘Transformation’:

    • Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir and Gumla, Jharkhand, 
    • Winners of the PM Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2022 Showcased impactful progress. 
    • Baramulla improved health and education with birth waiting wards, reduced malnutrition, and innovative schools. 
    • Gumla addressed anemia by promoting Ragi, expanding its cultivation, implementing solar irrigation, and enhancing agricultural practices and livelihoods.

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