Target Dreams

     The UK drug regulator recently approved a groundbreaking gene therapy for the cure of sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, marking a significant milestone in medical advancement.       This therapy, named Casgevy, is the world's first licensed treatment based on the revolutionary gene editing technology Crispr-Cas9, which earned its innovators a Nobel Prize in 2020. The Crispr-Cas9 Innovation The Crispr-Cas9 technology, often referred to as "genetic scissors," became available in 2012 and has since revolutionised the field of biotechnology.  Casgevy utilises this technology to edit the faulty gene responsible for blood disorders, offering a potential lifelong cure. Understanding the Therapy Casgevy targets the gene BCL11A, crucial for the transition from foetal to adult haemoglobin.  By editing the patient's own blood stem cells, the therapy stimulates the production of foetal haemoglobin, mitigating the symptoms of sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.  This ap

Why in News : A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar, has unearthed tantalum, a rare metal with exceptional properties, in the sands of the Sutlej River in Punjab. Tantalum is a rare and valuable metal with various unique properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. Here are some key points about tantalum: Discovery:  Tantalum was discovered by Anders Gustaf Ekenberg, a Swedish chemist, in 1802.  Initially, it was thought to be a different form of niobium, but the distinction between the two elements was later established by Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac in 1866. Name Origin:  The metal is named after Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology who was punished by the gods.  Tantalus was condemned to stand in a pool of water with fruit hanging above him, but whenever he tried to drink or eat, the water and fruit would recede.  The name tantalum was chosen because of the metal's insolubility in acids. Physical Propert

This Post is based on the article " How can ‘One Health’ help India, and India help ‘One Health’ ? " Which is Published in the The Hindu on 24th August 2023.  Introduction : The global concept of 'One Health' is gaining popularity, and India is adopting its principles to enhance its response to health crises.  One Health is a holistic approach to problems that recognises the interconnections between the health of humans , animals, plants and their shared environment. This idea dates back to Hippocrates, who linked public health with a clean environment.  Rudolf Virchow in the 19th century emphasised the connection between animal and human medicine.  Modern veterinarians like James Steele and Calvin Schwabe further emphasised the ecological link between animal and human health. Why is One Health Special ? The One Health approach is significant due to its ability to address the complex challenges arising from factors like population growth, urbanisation, and environment

Source : Indian Express      The article provides an overview of the Chandrayaan 3 mission, its scientific objectives, and its connection to previous Chandrayaan missions.  Chandrayaan 3 aims to enhance our understanding of the Moon's surface, composition, and geological features by utilising insights from Chandrayaan 1 and Chandrayaan 2.  The mission involves a 26-kg rover equipped with six wheels, with a capacity to cover 500 meters at a slow pace, will explore the lunar terrain after descending from the lander.  The rover's activities will begin during lunar dawn and continue for a lunar day, approximately 14 Earth days.  The lander and rover together carry six scientific payloads for data collection.  Chandrayaan 3's payloads will delve deeper into lunar understanding by investigating lunar seismic activity, mineral compositions, and the behaviour of electrons and ions near the lunar surface.  The mission also aims to build upon the discovery of water-ice, a significan

Maya OS, a groundbreaking operating system rooted in Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution, has emerged as a pivotal development in India's quest to fortify its cyber security measures.  Developed in collaboration with esteemed government entities like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), and the National Informatics Centre (NIC),  Maya OS seeks to offer robust protection for critical infrastructure and defense systems against evolving cyber threats. Key Features and Advantages: Maya OS distinguishes itself through its unique features, positioning it as a compelling alternative to existing operating systems.  The user-friendly interface, reminiscent of Windows, ensures a seamless transition for users.  A standout feature, "Chakravyuh," serves as an end-point anti-malware and antivirus solution. This feature establishes a protective virtual barrier between users and the internet, effectively thw

Source: 1. PIB 2. Indian Semiconductor Mission           The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is a specialised and autonomous Business Division operating under the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information technology.  "Its primary objective is to establish a thriving semiconductor and display ecosystem to position India as a prominent global center for electronics manufacturing and design".     ISM possesses full administrative and financial authority and is dedicated to accelerating the growth of the semiconductor ecosystem in India, encompassing manufacturing, packaging, and design. An advisory board composed of renowned global experts in the semiconductor industry provides guidance to ISM. As the nodal agency, ISM is responsible for the efficient and coherent implementation of programs aimed at fostering the development of India's semiconductor and manufacturing ecosystem. Objectives of ISM : The objectives of ISM are as follows: Dev