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Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine: ICMR Begins Human Clinical Trials for Improved KFD Vaccine

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Why in News?

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated human clinical trials for an improved vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD). The move aims to strengthen India’s response to tick-borne viral diseases in the Western Ghats.

kyasanur forest disease

Kyasanur Forest Disease:

Also known as: “Monkey Fever”Causative Agent:

  • KFD virus (a Flavivirus)

Transmission (Vector):

  • Bite of infected hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera)

Animal Hosts:

  • Monkeys (macaques and langurs)
  • Rodents and shrews

Human Symptoms:

  • Fever, headache, muscle pain
  • Hemorrhagic manifestations in severe cases
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/icmr-initiates-human-clinical-trials-for-improved-kyasanur-forest-disease-vaccine/article70606917.ece: Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine: ICMR Begins Human Clinical Trials for Improved KFD Vaccine

Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine: ICMR Begins Human Clinical Trials for Improved KFD Vaccine Read More »

Haven-1: World’s First Private Space Station to Launch in 2027

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Why in News?

  • The world’s first private space station “Haven-1” is scheduled to launch in 2027 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
  • It marks a major shift from government-led missions to commercial space infrastructure.
haven 1

Key Highlights

Developed by:

  • US-based aerospace company Vast

Launch Timeline:

  • Expected in early 2027

Launch Vehicle:

  • SpaceX Falcon 9, a reusable rocket reducing mission costs

Significance:

  • First privately owned space station
  • Beginning of commercial space station era

Context:

  • Comes as the International Space Station is expected to be retired by the end of this decade

What is International Space Station?

A habitable artificial satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Serves as a microgravity research laboratory One of the most complex international collaborations involving:

  • NASA (USA)
  • Roscosmos (Russia)
  • European Space Agency (Europe)
  • JAXA (Japan)
  • Canadian Space Agency (Canada)
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/worlds-first-private-space-station-haven-1-aboard-a-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-set-to-launch-in-2027/articleshow/127884540.cms: Haven-1: World’s First Private Space Station to Launch in 2027

Haven-1: World’s First Private Space Station to Launch in 2027 Read More »

Azista Space Captures ISS Images: Boost to India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

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Why in News?

Hyderabad-based Azista Space has successfully captured images of the International Space Station using its own satellite. This marks a significant step in strengthening India’s indigenous Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities.

azista space

First-of-its-kind achievement:

  • Azista Space demonstrated “in-orbit snooping” capability.

What was done?

  • Its satellite successfully captured images of the ISS from orbit, proving advanced tracking and imaging abilities.

Importance of SSA:

  • Helps in detecting, tracking, and identifying objects in space.
  • Prevents collisions between satellites and space debris.
  • Protects critical infrastructure like:
    • Communication satellites
    • Navigation systems (e.g., GPS/NavIC)
https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/azista-space-spying-satellites-space-situational-awareness-collission-crash-iss-2864913-2026-02-08: Azista Space Captures ISS Images: Boost to India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

Azista Space Captures ISS Images: Boost to India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Read More »

Union Budget 2026: India to Establish New Telescopes (NLST & NLOT) – Key Facts for Exams:

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Why in News?

Union Budget 2026 approved the establishment of two major telescopes to boost India’s capabilities in space and astrophysical research. The initiative focuses on studying the Sun and the origin of the universe.

national large telescope

Key Highlights

  • New Telescopes Approved:
    • National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) at Merak region near Pangong Tso (Ladakh)
    • National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT) at Hanle, Ladakh

Important Fact

  • NLST will become India’s 3rd ground-based solar observatory after:
    • Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (1899, Tamil Nadu)
    • Udaipur Solar Observatory (1975, Rajasthan)
https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=285551&reg=3&lang=2: Union Budget 2026: India to Establish New Telescopes (NLST & NLOT) – Key Facts for Exams:

Union Budget 2026: India to Establish New Telescopes (NLST & NLOT) – Key Facts for Exams: Read More »

Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine Launched in India – Key Facts for Exams

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Why in News?

The Union Health Minister launched a Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) vaccine programme. The initiative aims to strengthen protection against life-threatening infectious diseases in India.

tetanus and diphtheria vaccine launched

Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine is a dual-protection shot that immunizes older children and adults against tetanus and diphtheria.

About Tetanus:

Tetanus is a serious, sometimes fatal, disease caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria, which produce a toxin causing severe, painful muscle spasms and “lockjaw”

  • Source: Soil, dust, animal manure.
  • Transmission: Enters body through cuts, wounds, or injuries

About Diphtheria:

Diphtheria is a serious, highly contagious bacterial infection caused by toxin-producing strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. While it typically affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, it can also impact the skin.

Cause: Bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Transmission: Spread through respiratory droplets.

Symptoms:

  • Sore throat, fever
  • Thick grey membrane (pseudomembrane) in throat
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230793&reg=3&lang=1: Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine Launched in India – Key Facts for Exams

Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine Launched in India – Key Facts for Exams Read More »

PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission failed due to anomaly during upper-stage flight:

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Why in News?

The PSLV-C62 mission carrying the EOS-N1 satellite was declared unsuccessful due to an anomaly during the upper-stage flight. This raises concerns as it is the second consecutive failure of PSLV, India’s trusted launch vehicle

pslv c62

Key Highlights:

  • Mission Name: PSLV-C62
  • Launch Vehicle: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
  • Payload: 16 satellites
  • Main Satellite: EOS-N1 (Anvesha)
  • Failure Reason: Anomaly during upper-stage flight (PS4 stage)
  • Previous Failure: PSLV-C61 (May 2025, third-stage issue)
EOS-N1 (Anvesha)

EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha, was a highly advanced hyperspectral Earth-observation satellite developed by DRDO.  
It was intended to serve as a critical strategic asset for national security, capable of “seeing” through camouflage by identifying materials based on their unique spectral fingerprints.

Exam Tip:

Remember: PSLV = 4 stages → Solid + Liquid + Solid + Liquid

https://theprint.in/science/isro-pslv-c62-eos-n1-satellite/2825191/: PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission failed due to anomaly during upper-stage flight:

PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission failed due to anomaly during upper-stage flight: Read More »

IIT Madras Launches ‘Param Shakti’ Supercomputer

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Why in News?

IIT Madras has launched ‘Param Shakti’, an indigenously developed supercomputer. It marks a significant advancement in India’s high-performance computing (HPC) under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)

param shakti

Key Highlights:

  • Developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
  • Installed at IIT Madras.
  • Built under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) jointly led by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Background:

A supercomputer is a highly powerful computer capable of performing extremely complex calculations at very high speeds. India has been developing supercomputers under the PARAM series, starting with PARAM 8000 (1991).

The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) aims to create a network of 70+ supercomputers across India to boost research and innovation.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2026/Jan/09/supercomputer-param-shakti-launched-at-iit-madras: IIT Madras Launches ‘Param Shakti’ Supercomputer

IIT Madras Launches ‘Param Shakti’ Supercomputer Read More »

World’s First Mountain Ice Core Vault Opens in Antarctica

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Why in News?

Scientists have inaugurated the world’s first global mountain ice core repository, called the Ice Memory Sanctuary, in Antarctica. The initiative aims to preserve climate records stored in glaciers, which are rapidly melting due to global warming

world

Key Highlights:

  • The facility is located at the Concordia Research Station on the Antarctic Plateau.
  • It is designed to store ice cores from mountain glaciers across the world.
  • The vault maintains a constant temperature of around –52°C, ideal for long-term preservation.
https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/global-ice-archive-antarctica-climate-history-glacier-melt-2852853-2026-01-16: World’s First Mountain Ice Core Vault Opens in Antarctica

World’s First Mountain Ice Core Vault Opens in Antarctica Read More »

India to Establish First State-Funded BSL-4 Lab in Gujarat

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Why in News?

Union Home Minister laid the foundation stone for a Bio-Safety Level 4 (BSL-4) Containment Facility in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s high-risk pathogen research infrastructure.

bsl

Biosafety levels: Explained

  • BSL-1 (Lowest Level): Handles organisms that do not cause disease in healthy humans, such as non-pathogenic E. coli. Standard precautions like hand hygiene and basic protective gear are sufficient.
  • BSL-2: Deals with pathogens causing moderate illness (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Hepatitis viruses). Requires restricted access, proper waste management, PPE, and biosafety cabinets.
  • BSL-3: Involves pathogens that can cause severe or potentially fatal diseases and spread through aerosols, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV. Enhanced containment and ventilation systems are essential.
  • BSL-4 (Highest Level): Reserved for highly dangerous pathogens with high fatality rates and no available treatment, such as Ebola and Marburg viruses. These labs feature complete isolation, full-body positive-pressure suits, and stringent decontamination protocols.

Biosafety level laboratories are specifically designed to study the world’s most dangerous and highly infectious pathogens, many of which have no known vaccines or effective treatments.

Exam Tip

Remember the sequence: BSL-1 → BSL-2 → BSL-3 → BSL-4 (increasing risk and containment)

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/gujarat-bsl-4-lab-10474986/: India to Establish First State-Funded BSL-4 Lab in Gujarat

India to Establish First State-Funded BSL-4 Lab in Gujarat Read More »

🇮🇳 First ‘Made in India’ C-295 Aircraft to Roll Out Soon

Leave a Comment / Indian Polity and Constitution MCQs, Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs /

Why in News?

The first ‘Made in India’ C-295 military transport aircraft is expected to roll out before September. This marks a major milestone in India’s defence indigenisation and Make in India initiative.

c 295 aircraft

Key Highlights:

The ‘Made in India’ C-295 programme represents a major milestone in defence manufacturing, as it marks the first instance of a complete military aircraft being produced in India by a private company, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).

  • India signed a ₹21,935 crore deal in 2021 with Airbus Defence and Space to procure 56 C-295 aircraft. The project is a joint collaboration between Airbus and TASL.
  • 16 aircraft will be delivered in fly-away condition from Spain. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
  • This is the first time a private Indian company is manufacturing a complete military aircraft in India.
  • The manufacturing facility is located in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Background:

The C-295 aircraft is a medium tactical transport aircraft used for logistics, troop transport, and medical evacuation. It will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF)

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/made-in-india-c295-aircraft-defence-capabilities-10491194/: 🇮🇳 First ‘Made in India’ C-295 Aircraft to Roll Out Soon

🇮🇳 First ‘Made in India’ C-295 Aircraft to Roll Out Soon Read More »

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