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Serial Interval and Covid-19

Why in News According to a recent research paper “Serial Interval of SARS-CoV-2 was Shortened Over Time by Non-pharmaceutical...

17 Sep 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity in Kalinga Frog

Why in News Recently, Indian scientists from the Zoological Survey of India, Pune have reported a first-of-its-kind discovery of morphological...

17 Sep 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Phytoplankton Biomass in Bay of Bengal

A team of scientists from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) have discovered a way to measure the quantity of...

16 Sep 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Flying V Aircraft

Why in News A team of researchers and engineers along with a drone pilot from the Dutch-based Technical University of Delft (TU Delft) have...

09 Sep 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle

Why in News Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator...

08 Sep 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Intermediate-Mass Black Hole

Why in News Analysis of signals from gravitational waves detected in 2019 at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), the USA...

04 Sep 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Controlling Dengue Using Bacteria

Why in News Researchers from the World Mosquito Program have used mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria to successfully control dengue in...

28 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Development of Synthetic Flavonoids

Why in News Recently, scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune have found the first synthetic route for producing flavonoids...

22 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Invisible Shield against Electromagnetic Interference

Why in News Recently, scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have designed a metal mesh structure to...

19 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Meeting of Vaccine Panel

Why in News Recently, the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 held its first meeting to consider the logistics and ethical...

14 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Mega Covid Testing Lab

Why in News The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is working on developing mega labs to speed up testing as well as improve the...

13 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Russian Covid Vaccine: Sputnik V

Why in News Recently, Russia became the first country to officially register a Covid-19 vaccine and declare it ready for use. Key Points The...

12 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Schizophrenia and its Possible Cause

Why in News Recently, the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) and Jeevan Stem Cell Foundation, Chennai have carried out a pilot study on...

07 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
SFTS Infection in China

Why in News Recently, deaths and infections have been reported due to the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) in East China’s...

07 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
RaTG13 Sarbecovirus

Why in News According to a recent study published in Nature Microbiology, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been circulating unnoticed in bats...

05 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Vitamin D Deficiency in India

Why in News Researchers have claimed that vitamin D deficiency can negatively affect Covid-19 high-risk patients, particularly those who are...

05 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network

Why in News The Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) is being used by the State/UT governments in India to monitor the supply chain of...

04 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Time Capsules

Why in News The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has denied reports about placing of a time capsule under the ground at Ram Temple construction...

04 Aug 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
PLpro: Covid-19

Why in News According to a new study on Covid-19, pharmacological inhibition of PLpro blocks virus replication and also strengthens immune response...

31 Jul 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
Comet C/2020 F3 Neowise

Why in News The recently discovered comet C/2020 F3 will make its closest approach to the Earth at a distance of 64 million miles or 103 million...

13 Jul 2020 Scientific Innovations & Discoveries

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		'article_id' => (int) 6507,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Serial Interval and Covid-19',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a recent research paper <strong>&ldquo;Serial Interval of SARS-CoV-2 was Shortened Over Time by Non-pharmaceutical Interventions&rdquo;,</strong> China was able to <strong>contain <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> due to its ability to manage the serial interval.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>China has now gone <strong>over a month without any locally transmitted Covid-19 cases.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Serial Interval:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>duration between symptom onset of a primary case and symptom onset of secondary cases</strong> (contacts) generated by the primary case.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In simple terms, the serial interval is the gap between the onset of Covid-19 symptoms in Person A and Person B, who is infected by Person A.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> The term was first used by <strong>British physician William Pickles</strong>, who had initially referred to it as <strong>transmission interval</strong> with reference to a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-hepatitis-day#:~:text=Indian%20Scenario%3A,and%20treatment%20in%20the%20world." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>hepatitis epidemic</strong></a> in the UK during 1942-45.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Later, another <strong>British physician RE Hope Simpson used the term serial interval,</strong> defining it as the interval between successive illness onsets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The serial interval <strong>depends on other epidemiological parameters</strong> such as the incubation period and the reproduction rate or <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/science-of-covid-19-spread" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>R nought.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>incubation period</strong> is the time between a person&rsquo;s exposure to the virus and symptom onset.</li>
<li>The <strong>reproduction rate</strong> is the number of people who will be infected by one infected person.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contribution in Controlling Covid-19:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The serial interval helps to <strong>gauge the effectiveness of infection control interventions</strong> besides <strong>indicating rising population immunity</strong> and <strong>forecast future incidence.</strong></li>
<li>Thus, the <strong>more quickly people</strong> who contracted Covid-19 are <strong>identified and isolated, </strong>the<strong> shorter the serial interval becomes</strong> and cuts down opportunities for transmission of the virus.</li>
<li>To manage serial interval, a <strong>robust system of contact tracing, quarantine, and isolation protocols</strong> should be in place.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Examples of China and South Korea:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The serial interval in <strong>Wuhan (China) came down from 7.8 days to 2.6 days</strong> between early January and early February. Quarantining contacts within 1 day from symptom onset helped reduce the transmission by 60%.</li>
<li>The serial interval in <strong>South Korea was estimated to be 3.63 days.</strong></li>
<li>Both countries put a lot of emphasis on aggressive <strong>contact tracing, quarantine,</strong> and<strong> isolation,</strong> thereby ensuring that infected patients could not infect any more people later in the infection cycle.</li>
<li>Interventions such as<strong> suspension of intra- and inter-city travel,</strong> and different <strong>forms of social distancing</strong> widely implemented also kept the serial interval low.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/serial-interval-how-can-it-be-managed-to-control-coronavirus-covid-19-6598366/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6503,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity in Kalinga Frog',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Indian scientists from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/two-new-species-of-eels#:~:text=The%20Zoological%20Survey%20of%20India%20(ZSI)%2C%20a%20subordinate%20organization,faunal%20diversity%20of%20the%20country." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Zoological Survey of India</strong></a>, <strong>Pune</strong> have reported a first-of-its-kind discovery of <strong>morphological phenotypic plasticity</strong> (MPP) in the <strong>Kalinga cricket frog.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600329474_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600329474_image4.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Kalinga Cricket Frog:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> Fejervarya kalinga.</li>
<li>It is a recently identified species which was documented in 2018.</li>
<li>It was <strong>thought to be endemic only to the higher-elevation hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats</strong> in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.</li>
<li>Cricket frogs are <strong>indicators of a healthy ecosystem</strong> and live in <strong>wide habitat ranges</strong> in agricultural fields, streams, swamps and wetlands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Latest Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been <strong>reported from the central Western Ghats,</strong> with the evidence of considerable MPP.</li>
<li>Its physical characteristics are<strong> entirely different from the other known <em>Fejervaraya/Minervarya</em> species from the Western Ghats.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Fejervarya is a genera of frogs in the family Dicroglossidae found in Asia.</li>
<li>Minervarya is a genus of frogs in the family Dicroglossidae.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was the <strong>only genetic analysis that helped prove that physically different-looking frogs from eastern and western ghats were the same.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Morphological character utility (identification of structural features) is not enough to identify a species and its taxonomic (related to classification of organisms) uncertainties. Utility of genetic data and DNA barcoding tools help in resolving these.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Morphological Phenotypic Plasticity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Phenotypic plasticity</strong> is the ability of an organism to change in response to stimuli or inputs from the environment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The term <strong>"phenotype"</strong> refers to the <strong>observable physical properties</strong> of an organism, which include the organism's appearance, development, and behavior.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The response may or may not be adaptive, and it may involve a change in morphology (MPP), physiological state, or behavior, or some combination of these, at any level of organisation, the phenotype being all of the characteristics of an organism other than its genes.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>MPP</strong> is the ability of an organism to show <strong>drastic morphological</strong> (physical features) <strong>variations in response to natural environmental variations or stimuli.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is also known as <strong>phenotypic responsiveness, flexibility, </strong>and <strong>condition sensitivity.</strong></li>
<li>Frogs are known to exhibit varied reproductive behaviours by adopting different modes and strategies for successful survival.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Differences in Morphological Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are contrasting morphometric <strong>differences in terms of head shape and size, fingers and toe sizes</strong> between the Kalinga frogs from eastern and western ghats.</li>
<li>The Kalinga frog is a <strong>semi-aquatic frog that actively breeds in the monsoon.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Western Ghats are more influenced by the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>southwest monsoon</strong></a>, while the Eastern Ghats are influenced by the northeast monsoon, impacting the breeding seasons of the frogs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Discovery:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The behavioural studies of many anuran (frog or toad) species will <strong>help in generating information on the selection of breeding sites, courtship patterns and ecological adaptations.</strong></li>
<li>The information will not only help to <strong>trace the distribution of these species along the peninsular region</strong> of India but could also be used to <strong>evaluate the possible links with other species</strong> that were found in the Northeast region.</li>
<li>In this era of &lsquo;mass extinction of smaller vertebrates&rsquo; and &lsquo;rapid climate change&rsquo; scenarios, the report is a <strong>first-of-its-kind in Indian amphibian research history.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More Research Needed:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The study also emphasises that there is an <strong>urgent need to address or solve problems related to taxonomic uncertainties.</strong></li>
<li>Researchers are <strong>trying to understand the possibilities of this split between two populations due to the Deccan Trap formation</strong> (volcanic/igneous region).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Usually, such kind of habitat expansion</strong> requires more nuclear gene divergence.</li>
<li>The currently found differences are not due to just a habitat expansion because there is very less genetic divergence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Another important question is <strong>how this little genetic divergence is leading to such contrasting morphological adaptations</strong> in these two <strong>biogeographic zones,</strong> the Western and Eastern Ghats.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Biogeographic zones are the large distinctive units of similar ecology, biome representation, community and species.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also, there is a need for more research on the <strong>isolation of these two populations due to climate change.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Western and Eastern Ghats</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats are the two different biogeographic zones, with unique histories.</li>
<li>While the <strong>Western Ghats are considered as a biodiversity hotspot,</strong> that is<strong> not the case with the Eastern Ghats</strong>.</li>
<li>The <strong>Eastern Ghats are older than the Western Ghats</strong> and have a <strong>complex geologic history</strong> related to the assembly and breakup of the ancient supercontinent of Rodinia and the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent.</li>
<li>Both landscapes have unique ecosystems, with special microclimates and microhabitats that support a great number of diversities including amphibians.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Phytoplankton Biomass in Bay of Bengal',
		'description' => '<p>A team of scientists from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/incois-launches-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services</strong> </a><strong>(INCOIS)</strong> have discovered <strong>a way to measure the quantity of chlorophyll-a</strong> that indicates abundance of <strong>phytoplanktons</strong> in the Bay of Bengal in real-time.</p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248634_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248634_image5.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Phytoplanktons:</strong> They are tiny microscopic floating plants found in water bodies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Study of phytoplankton biomass is done by analyzing <strong>chlorophyll-a,</strong> a dominant pigment found in phytoplankton cells.</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Phytoplanktons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They contribute more than half of the <strong>oxygen</strong> in the environment.</li>
<li>They <strong>reduce global warming</strong> by absorbing human-induced carbon dioxide.</li>
<li>They also serve as the base of the <strong>ocean food chain.</strong></li>
<li>They are important <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dragonfly-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bioindicators</strong></a> regulating life in oceans. Their abundance determines the overall health of the ocean ecosystem.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Study:</strong> The scientists closely tracked <strong>the long-term trends of chlorophyll-a in the northwestern Bay of Bengal.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was based on <strong>in-situ and satellite data</strong> spanning over the last 16 years, from January 2003 to December 2018.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Aeronautics and Space Administration</a> (NASA)&rsquo;s MODIS <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aerosol-levels-hit-20-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)</a>, NASA&rsquo;s VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) sensor</strong> and <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</a>&rsquo;s OCM-2 (Ocean Colour Monitor-2)</strong> were used for satellite data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong> There were<strong> two peaks of chlorophyll-a &mdash;</strong> the primary peak occurred during the<strong> pre-southwest <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monsoon</a></strong> due to the recurrent phytoplankton bloom in the coastal water and the secondary peak occurred during the <strong>end of the southwest monsoon,</strong> spreading to far offshore areas.</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> Along with<strong> increase in phytoplanktons,</strong> other reasons for peak in chlorophyll-a may be <strong>physical forces</strong> such as upwelling, wind-induced vertical mixing, convective overturn and <strong>chemicals</strong> from various sources including river runoff.</li>
<li><strong>Conclusions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased Nutrients and More Phytoplanktons:</strong> It reveals that the study area experienced <strong>maximum spatial variability during pre-southwest monsoon with salinity, and nutrients,</strong> the major controlling factors for the abundance and distribution of phytoplankton.</li>
<li><strong>Chances of Eutrophication:</strong> Increase in nutrients could tell an overall improved health status of the ecosystems as a whole; at the same time excessive phytoplanktons could be detrimental to ocean health because of eutrophication. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eutrophication:</strong> When a water body becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients which induce excessive growth of algae or<strong> algal bloom.</strong></li>
<li>This process also results in oxygen depletion of the water body affecting other aquatic animals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chlorophyll<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248669_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600248669_image2.jpg" width="300" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Chlorophyll is the major pigment used by plants for <strong>photosynthesis,</strong> the process by which<strong> light energy is converted to chemical energy</strong> through the synthesis of organic compounds.</li>
<li>The word chlorophyll comes from two Greek words; Chloros which means green and phyllon which means leaf.</li>
<li>There are<strong> four types</strong> of chlorophyll: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Chlorophyll a,</strong> found in all <strong>higher plants, algae and cyanobacteria.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Chlorophyll b,</strong> found in <strong>higher plants</strong> and <strong>green algae.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Chlorophyll c,</strong> found in <strong>diatoms, dinoflagellates and brown algae;</strong> and</li>
<li><strong>Chlorophyll d,</strong> found only in<strong> red algae.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This kind of information on marine environmental parameters is now becoming increasingly important as they serve as a basis for monitoring climate change, river discharge, and the impact of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/marine-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pollution in the ocean.</strong> </a></li>
<li>The phytoplankton is largely dependent on<strong> light, temperature and nutrients.</strong> It is therefore, continuous monitoring of the ocean ecosystem is the need of the hour to devise <strong>mitigation systems to encounter disruption caused by algal bloom</strong> because of excessive phytoplankton enrichment in the coastal water.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/new-study-helps-monitor-trends-in-phytoplankton-biomass-in-bay-of-bengal-73377" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6428,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Flying V Aircraft',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A team of researchers and engineers along with a drone pilot from the <strong>Dutch-based Technical University of Delft (TU Delft)</strong> have successfully conducted the<strong> first real test flight of the scaled model of the &lsquo;Flying V&rsquo; aircraft.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Flying V is a <strong>futuristic</strong> and <strong>fuel-efficient long-distance aircraft</strong> that could one day <strong>carry passengers in its wings.</strong></li>
<li>The Flying-V design, which<strong> derives its name from its noticeable &lsquo;V&rsquo; shape,</strong> integrates the <strong>passenger cabin,</strong> the <strong>cargo hold</strong> and the<strong> fuel tanks in the wings.</strong></li>
<li>Computer calculations have predicted that the aircraft&rsquo;s improved aerodynamic shape and reduced weight will <strong>reduce fuel consumption by 20%</strong> compared to today&rsquo;s advanced aircrafts.</li>
<li>The Flying-V <strong>carries about the same number of passengers</strong> - 314 in the standard configuration &ndash; and the <strong>same amount of cargo,</strong> 160 m<sup>3</sup>.</li>
<li>The <strong>original plan</strong> for the Flying-V aircraft design came from TU Berlin student <strong>Justus Benad.</strong></li>
<li>The &lsquo;Flying V&rsquo; project was <strong>first presented at the 100<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Dutch airlines KLM,</strong> which has also been a partner in the project since its <strong>beginning in 2019.</strong> Various business partners including <strong>Airbus</strong> (an aerospace company), are now involved in the project.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599643014_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599643014_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/flying-v-dutch-experts-successfully-test-energy-efficient-aircrafts-maiden-flight-in-germany-6585638/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6417,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Defence Research and Development Organisation</a> (DRDO)</strong> successfully flight tested the <strong>Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> HSTDV is an unmanned scramjet demonstration aircraft that can travel at <strong>hypersonic speed.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It uses<strong> hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology.</strong></li>
<li>The vehicle travelled its desired flight path at a velocity of six times the speed of sound i.e. <strong>Mach 6.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Mach number:</strong> It describes an aircraft&rsquo;s speed compared with the speed of sound in air, with <strong>Mach 1 equating to the speed of sound i.e. 343 metre per second.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Air Breathing Engine</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Air-breathing engines use oxygen from the atmosphere in the combustion of fuel. They include the <strong>turbojet, turboprop, ramjet, and pulse-jet.</strong></li>
<li>This system is<strong> lighter, efficient and cost-effective</strong> than other systems in use.</li>
<li>Worldwide efforts are on to develop the technology for<strong> air breathing engines for satellite launch vehicles.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Presently, satellites are launched into orbit by multi-staged <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/50th-pslv-launch" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>satellite launch vehicles</strong> </a>that can be used only once (expendable). These launch vehicles carry oxidiser along with the fuel for combustion to produce thrust.</li>
<li>A <strong>propulsion system which can utilise the atmospheric oxygen</strong> during their flight will considerably reduce the total propellant required to place a satellite in orbit.</li>
<li>If those vehicles are made <strong>reusable,</strong> the cost of launching satellites will further come down significantly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of Air Breathing engines</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ramjet:</strong> A ramjet is a form of air-breathing jet engine that uses the vehicle&rsquo;s forward motion to compress incoming air for combustion without a rotating compressor.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ramjets work most efficiently at <strong>supersonic speeds</strong> but they are <strong>not efficient at hypersonic speeds.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Scramjet:</strong> A scramjet engine is an improvement over the ramjet engine as it efficiently operates at <strong>hypersonic speeds</strong> and allows <strong>supersonic combustion.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Dual Mode Ramjet (DMRJ) :</strong> A dual mode ramjet (DMRJ) is a type of jet engine where a<strong> ramjet transforms into a scramjet over Mach 4-8 range,</strong> which means it can efficiently operate both in <strong>subsonic and supersonic combustion modes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><strong>Speed Range</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><strong>Mach Number</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><strong>Velocity in m/s</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;"><strong>Subsonic</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;">&lt; 0.8</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;">&lt; 274</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;"><strong>Transonic</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;">0.8&ndash;1.2</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;">274&ndash;412</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;"><strong>Supersonic</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;">1.2&ndash;5</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;">412&ndash;1715</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;"><strong>Hypersonic</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;">5&ndash;10</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;">1715&ndash;3430</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;"><strong>High-hypersonic</strong></td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;">10&ndash;25</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%; height: 19px;">3430&ndash;8507</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;"></ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Conducted at:</strong> The test was conducted from <strong>Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex</strong> at APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha.</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong> India became the fourth country to have demonstrated this technology after the <strong>USA, Russia and China.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China successfully tested its first <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-successfully-tests-its-first-hypersonic-aircraft" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>waverider hypersonic flight vehicle</strong> </a>in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The indigenous development of the technology will boost<strong> the development of the systems built with hypersonic vehicles</strong> at its core.</li>
<li>It can be developed as a carrier vehicle for <strong>long range cruise missiles</strong> in the defence sector. This includes both <strong>offensive and defensive hypersonic cruise missile systems,</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Due to its high speed, most RADARs will be <strong>unable to detect</strong> it. It will also be able to <strong>penetrate most missile defence systems.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This technology will be helpful in the space sector in <strong>development of low-cost, high efficiency reusable satellites.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disadvantages:</strong> Very high cost.</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong> The DRDO started on the development of the HSTDV engine in early 2010s.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation</strong> </a>(ISRO) has also worked on the development of the technology and successfully tested a system in 2016.</li>
<li>DRDO <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hypersonic-technology-demonstrator-vehicle" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conducted a test of this system in June 2019</strong></a> also.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The successful demonstration is certainly a significant milestone towards <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat.</strong></a> DRDO with this mission, has demonstrated capabilities for highly complex technology that will serve as the<strong> building block for NextGen Hypersonic vehicles in partnership</strong> with industries.</li>
<li>While the successful test is a major milestone, <strong>many more rounds of tests</strong> will have to be done to achieve the level of technology with countries like the US, Russia and China.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-successfully-tests-hypersonic-technology-demonstrator-vehicle/article32541422.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6385,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Intermediate-Mass Black Hole',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Analysis of signals from gravitational waves detected in 2019 at the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/merger-of-two-black-holes-with-unequal-masses-detected#:~:text=A%20black%20hole%20is%20a,orbit%20each%20other%20and%20merge." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory</a> (LIGO), the USA</strong> and the detector <strong>Virgo, Italy</strong> have indicated a black hole with unusual mass</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These waves were a result of a collision between two <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-images-of-a-black-hole" target="_blank" rel="noopener">black holes</a></strong> billions of years ago.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The signal has been named <strong>GW190521</strong> and likely represented the instant that the two black holes merged.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>lasted less than one-tenth of a second.</strong></li>
<li>It was calculated to have<strong> come from roughly 17 billion light-years away, </strong>a<strong> time when the universe was about half its age.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Out of the two, the <strong>larger black hole was of 85 solar masses </strong>and the<strong> smaller black hole was of 66 solar masses.</strong> Post-merger they created a<strong> new black hole of about 142 solar masses</strong> and <strong>energy equivalent to 8 solar masses</strong> was released in the form of gravitational waves, leading to the <strong>strongest ever wave detected</strong> by scientists so far.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong>solar mass</strong> is the mass of the sun or more precisely, it is <strong>1.989 x 10<sup>30</sup> kilograms,</strong> which is equivalent to about 333,000 Earths.</li>
<li>Astronomers use a solar mass as a<strong> basic unit of mass.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unusual Mass Category:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The black hole with 85 solar masses falls in an<strong> &ldquo;intermediate-mass&rdquo; range (first-ever to be observed) and it defies the traditional knowledge</strong> of how black holes are formed.</li>
<li>According to traditional knowledge, stars that could give birth to black holes <strong>between 65 and 120 solar masses</strong> do not do so because they<strong> blow themselves apart when they die, without collapsing into a black hole.</strong></li>
<li>In the merger leading to the GW190521 signal, the <strong>larger black hole was well within the unexpected range,</strong> known as the<strong> pair-instability mass gap.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggested Reasons for Unusual Mass:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The researchers suggest that the larger 85-solar-mass black hole<strong> was not the product of a collapsing star but was itself the result of a previous merger.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Black Hole</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It refers to a point in space where the<strong> matter is so compressed as to create a gravity field from which even light cannot escape.</strong></li>
<li>The concept was <strong>theorized by Albert Einstein in 1915</strong> and the <strong>term &lsquo;black hole&rsquo;</strong> was coined in the <strong>mid-1960s by American physicist John Archibald Wheeler.</strong></li>
<li>All the black holes observed so far belong to <strong>two categories:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One category <strong>ranges between a few solar masses and tens of solar masses.</strong> These are thought to form when massive stars die.</li>
<li>The other category is of <strong>supermassive black holes.</strong> These range from<strong> hundreds of thousands to billions of times that of the sun</strong> from the Solar system to which Earth belongs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In April 2019, the scientists at the <strong>Event Horizon Telescope Project</strong> released the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-images-of-a-black-hole" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>first-ever image of a Black Hole</strong></a> (more precisely, of its shadow).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The image was made possible by the<strong> Event Horizon Telescope</strong> which is a <strong>group of 8 radio telescopes</strong> (used to detect radio waves from space) located in different parts of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Gravitational waves are created when two black holes orbit each other and merge.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599212276_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1599212276_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="612" height="334" /></strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Gravitational Waves</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These are<strong> invisible ripples that form when:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A star explodes in a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-upsc-prelims-supernova-blast" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>supernova</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Two big stars orbit each other.</li>
<li>Two black holes merge.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They<strong> travel at the speed of light and squeeze and stretch anything in their path.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As a gravitational wave travels through space-time, it causes it to stretch in one direction and compress in the other, Any object that occupies that region of space-time also stretches and compresses as the wave passes over them, though very slightly, which can only be detected by specialized devices like LIGO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Gravitational Waves are a<strong> relatively new field of discovery.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These were proposed by Albert Einstein in his <strong>General Theory of Relativity,</strong> over a century ago.</li>
<li>However, the<strong> first gravitational wave was actually detected by LIGO only in 2015.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/black-hole-merger-ligo-virgo-6581811/#:~:text=LIGO%20and%20Virgo%20detect%20signals%20from%20gravitational%20waves%20released%20in%20the%20merger.&amp;text=Billions%20of%20years%20ago%2C%20a,waves%20rippling%20through%20the%20universe." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6317,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Controlling Dengue Using Bacteria',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Researchers from the<strong> World Mosquito Program</strong> have used <strong>mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria</strong> to successfully control dengue in Yogyakarta city of <strong>Indonesia.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The World Mosquito Program is an Australia-based not-for-profit initiative that exists to protect the global community from mosquito-borne diseases.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Wolbachia</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Wolbachia are natural bacteria present in up to 60% of insect species, including some mosquitoes.</li>
<li>However, Wolbachia is <strong>not</strong> usually found in the <em>Aedes aegypti</em> mosquito, the primary species responsible for transmitting human viruses such as Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.</li>
<li>Wolbachia is<strong> safe</strong> for humans, animals and the environment.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> The Aedes aegypti mosquito, that spreads <strong>Dengue</strong> and other diseases such as <strong>chikungunya, Zika</strong> and <strong>yellow fever</strong> cannot do so when they are artificially infected with a bacterium, Wolbachia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bacteria Wolbachia<strong> &ldquo;inhibits&rdquo; viral infection,</strong> that is, even if people encounter mosquito bite, they will not be infected. This happens because bacteria does not allow the virus to <strong>replicate</strong> in the mosquito thereby minimising its number within the mosquito.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Method:</strong> The scientists<strong> infected some mosquitoes with Wolbachia</strong> and then <strong>released</strong> these in the city where they <strong>bred with local mosquitoes,</strong> until nearly all mosquitoes in the area were carrying Wolbachia bacteria. This is called the<strong> Population Replacement Strategy.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Results:</strong> At the end of 27 months, the researchers found that the <strong>incidence of dengue was 77% lower</strong> in areas where Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes had been released, as compared to areas without such deployments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This method does not only block Dengue Virus but also <strong>many other viruses</strong> present in mosquitoes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mass Production:</strong> A French company InnovaFeed, which produces insects to feed livestock, is partnering with WMP to develop the first industrial-level production of Dengue- controlling mosquitoes.</li>
<li><strong>Other Developments:</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-recommends-use-of-hydroxy-chloroquine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)</strong></a> also has been working on a similar project developing a strain of Aedes aegypti containing Wolbachia, known as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/controlling-chikungunya-and-dengue-through-bacteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Puducherry Strain.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The strain was developed at the <strong>Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC),</strong> Puducherry in collaboration with Monash University in Australia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Dengue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Dengue is a<strong> mosquito-borne tropical disease</strong> caused by the <strong>dengue virus</strong> (Genus <em>Flavivirus</em>), transmitted by several species of mosquito within the genus <em><strong>Aedes,</strong></em> principally <em>Aedes aegypti.</em></li>
<li>Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.</li>
<li>There are four strains from Type I-IV, of which <strong>Type-II and IV</strong> are considered more severe.</li>
<li>Incidence of dengue has <strong>grown dramatically</strong> around the world in recent decades, with a vast majority of cases <strong>under-reported,</strong> according to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization (WHO).</strong> </a></li>
<li>WHO estimates 39 crore dengue virus infections per year, of which 9.6 crore show symptoms.</li>
<li>India registered over 1 lakh dengue cases in 2018 and over 1.5 lakh cases in 2019, according to the <strong>National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>NVBDCP</strong> is the central nodal agency for prevention and control of six vector borne diseases i.e. Malaria, Dengue, Lymphatic Filariasis, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis and Chikungunya in India. It works under the <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The dengue vaccine <strong>CYD-TDV</strong> or <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/approval-of-dengue-vaccine-by-usfda" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dengvaxia</strong></a> was approved by the<strong> US Food &amp; Drug Administration</strong> in <strong>2019,</strong> the first dengue vaccine to get the regulatory nod in the US.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dengvaxia is basically a <strong>live, attenuated dengue virus</strong> which has to be administered in people of ages 9 to 16 who have laboratory-confirmed previous dengue infection and who live in <strong>endemic areas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mosquitoes-dengue-indonesia-experiment-6572699/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6258,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Development of Synthetic Flavonoids',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, scientists from <strong>Agharkar Research Institute</strong> (ARI), Pune have found the first <strong>synthetic route for producing flavonoids molecules</strong> related to the treatment of tuberculosis and chikungunya.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ARI is an <strong>autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology</strong> (DST), Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is for the <strong>first time that scientists have been able to synthesize the flavonoid molecules</strong> such as<strong> rugosa flavonoids, podocare flavone and isoflavone</strong> in a lab.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These three molecules have so far been isolated from plants only and are found to <strong>inhibit <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-tuberculosis-day#:~:text=Transmission%3A%20TB%20is%20spread%20from,a%20treatable%20and%20curable%20disease." target="_blank" rel="noopener">tuberculosis</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/genetically-modified-aedes-aegypti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chikungunya</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flavonoids:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Flavonoids are part of the<strong> polyphenol class of phytonutrients (plant chemicals)</strong> found in almost all fruits and vegetables. Along with<strong> carotenoids</strong> (organic pigments), they are<strong> responsible for the vivid colours</strong> in fruits and vegetables.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Polyphenols have historically been used in <strong>Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine</strong> and are associated with skin protection, brain function, blood sugar and blood pressure regulation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These are <strong>powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits</strong> as well. A diet rich in flavonoids can protect from diseases related to heart, liver, kidney, brain and other infectious diseases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Research:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Availability:</strong> It will ensure their <strong>availability at all seasons</strong> without the dependence on natural timings of the plantations.</li>
<li><strong>Uniformity:</strong> Inconsistency in natural products can occur in different seasons, places and species. Man-made molecules will have a<strong> uniform structure and medicinal properties</strong> similar to the natural product.</li>
<li><strong>Less-exploitative:</strong> Acquiring them from labs will <strong>solve the problem of over-exploitation of medicinal plants</strong> which puts an extra burden on the environment.</li>
<li><strong>Cost-effective:</strong> The development method in labs is<strong> simple and cost-effective</strong> as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Possible Use of Flavonoids:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Flavonoids can <strong>ease the lives of women who face problems in the premenopausal stage</strong> because its chemical structure is similar to the female <strong>hormone 17-beta-estradiol.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Estradiol</strong> is an estrogen steroid hormone and the major female sex hormone which is involved in the regulation of the estrous (oestrous) and menstrual female reproductive cycles.</li>
<li><strong>Premenopausal stage</strong> refers to the time when female bodies make the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the menstrual cycles and reproductive years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Preliminary indications and computational analysis show the <strong>capacity of these molecules to inhibit <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a></strong> by targeting spike protein and proteases (an enzyme that catalyzes proteolysis, the breakdown of proteins).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since flavonoids boost-up immunity, a <strong>flavonoid-rich diet is recommended to stay safe from Covid-19.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1647247" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6223,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Invisible Shield against Electromagnetic Interference',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, scientists from the <strong>Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS),</strong> Bengaluru, have <strong>designed a metal mesh structure</strong> to construct an <strong>invisible shield</strong> against<strong> Electromagnetic Interference (EMI).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CeNS is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science &amp; Technology, Government of India.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Electromagnetic Interference</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>EMI is an <strong>electromagnetic emission</strong> that <strong>causes a disturbance</strong> in another piece of electrical equipment. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any device that has an electronic circuit can be susceptible to EMI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>compromises the performance</strong> of electrical equipment by obstructing and degrading data, sometimes even losing data completely.</li>
<li>EMI can be<strong> attributed to a wide span of the electromagnetic spectrum</strong> including radio and microwave frequencies.</li>
<li>In 1933, the <strong>International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR)</strong> was created to address emerging concerns over EMI.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Metal Mesh Structure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The scientists have developed a <strong>copper metal mesh on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet,</strong> instead of continuous film, which exhibits a <strong>visible transmittance</strong> of about 85%.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Transmittance</strong> describes how much light passes through a sample. In other words, it is light that is not absorbed, scattered, or reflected. It is usually measured in percentage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>metal mesh networks on the substrate are more transparent than continuous film </strong>because it covers only 7% area of the substrate, unlike 100% coverage of continuous film.</li>
<li>Metal mesh provides <strong>better electromagnetic shielding</strong> compared to the same thickness of continuous metal film where transparency can be compromised.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The main purpose of the EMI shield is to <strong>isolate a device's energy</strong> so it doesn't affect anything else and <strong>blocks external energy</strong> from getting in. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Without shielding, electronics wouldn't function as designed or may even stop working altogether.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This &lsquo;invisible&rsquo; shield can be<strong> used in various military stealth applications</strong> and can cover electromagnetic wave emitter or absorber devices without compromising aesthetics.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Besides the physical shape, reducing the electromagnetic signature, which includes radar waves and radio signals, is an important element for enhancing the stealth capability of a weapon platform.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1646583" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6189,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Meeting of Vaccine Panel',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19</strong> held its first meeting to consider the <strong>logistics and ethical aspects</strong> of procurement and administration of Covid-19 vaccine.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong></a> (WHO) chief scientist has<strong> cautioned against 'vaccine nationalism'</strong> and held that it is in everybody's self-interest to<strong> take an equitable approach to vaccine distribution and deployment.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India would<strong> leverage domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity</strong> as well as <strong>engage with all international players</strong> for the early delivery of vaccines in India and also in low and middle-income countries.</li>
<li><strong>Discussions were held on:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>&lsquo;Conceptualisation and Implementation Mechanism&rsquo;</strong> to create a digital infrastructure for inventory management and delivery mechanism of the vaccine, including tracking of the vaccination process, with particular focus on the last-mile delivery.</li>
<li><strong>Financial resources required for procurement</strong> of vaccines and various options for financing the same.</li>
<li><strong>Available options in terms of delivery platforms, cold chain and associated infrastructure</strong> for the rollout of Covid-19 vaccination.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s support to its key neighbours and development partner countries</strong> for vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This group is also <strong>expected to deliberate on the availability of a vaccine to Indians</strong> after it is fully developed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pneumococcal-conjugate-vaccine-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Serum Institute of India (SII), Pune</strong></a> is in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/phase-ii-iii-clinical-trials-of-covishield" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>process of developing</strong> </a>around 100 million doses by the end of 2020 but it is not clear how many of them will be available to Indians.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/no-clinical-trials-in-india-for-new-drugs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Drugs Controller General of India</a> (DCGI)</strong> has given approval to the SII to conduct Phase II/III clinical trials of <strong>Covishield</strong> in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/russian-covid-vaccine-sputnik-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russia has also given regulatory approval to its home-grown vaccine</a> (Sputnik V).</strong> However, <strong>details on its early trial performance are not available</strong> and Indian officials have not commented on whether there is any <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-russia-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Russia</strong> </a>partnership to either test or procure the vaccine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vaccine Nationalism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Vaccine nationalism</strong> occurs when a country manages to <strong>secure doses of vaccine for its own citizens or residents</strong> before they are made available in other countries. This is done through <strong>pre-purchase agreements between a government and a vaccine manufacturer.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, there are over 200 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in development and 27 of them on clinical trials across the world.</li>
<li>Countries like<strong> India, the USA and Russia have not joined the Access to Covid-19 Tools Accelerator,</strong> which was launched by the WHO to promote collaboration among countries in the development and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines and treatments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It would be <strong>impossible for the world to go back to normal</strong> and for the economies to recover if <strong>only pockets of people are protected</strong> as it will create imbalance by allocating vaccines to moderately at-risk populations in wealthy countries over populations at higher risk in developing economies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-in-states-with-high-swine-flu-rates" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swine Flu</strong></a> (H1N1) <strong>pandemic, high-income countries cornered vaccines</strong> leaving very little for low-income countries.</li>
<li>They <strong>gave up some of their stockpiled vaccines</strong> for distribution in low-income countries <strong>only after knowing that the pandemic was not so serious.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> is far severe as apart from the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/science-of-covid-19-spread" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> other spreading methods</strong></a>, there is a fear of<strong> aerosol transmission</strong> too which could happen in certain situations in what is called as <strong>&ldquo;opportunistic aerosolisation&rdquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In <strong>opportunistic aerosolisation,</strong> airborne infections transmit under <strong>favourable conditions like a closed environment and poor ventilation</strong> where the virus could circulate in the environment for hours.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>disadvantages countries with fewer resources and low bargaining power</strong> and deprives populations from timely access to vital public health goods.</li>
<li>Vaccine nationalism also runs <strong>against the fundamental principles of vaccine development and global public health</strong> which involve several parties from multiple countries.</li>
<li><strong>Political leaders have a responsibility</strong> towards their own people so they will think about protecting their own people first.</li>
<li><strong>Getting a consensus</strong> on which set of people would get the vaccine first, is a big concern in itself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> first batch</strong> of the vaccines <strong>should be made available to all frontline, health and social care workers, police and others who are at high risk</strong> of getting the infection, instead of the otherwise healthy adult population.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>10% of all infections have occurred in healthcare workers and it would be unfair not to protect them before everyone.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccines distribution can learn from the example of the WHO&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-to-join-solidarity-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Solidarity Trials</a></strong> in which 25 countries participated and over 6,500 patients were recruited.</li>
<li><strong>Pre-purchase agreements and contracts should not trump equitable access</strong> to global public health goods and<strong> developed countries should pledge to refrain from reserving vaccines</strong> for their populations during public health crises.</li>
<li><strong>International institutions,</strong> including the WHO, should <strong>coordinate negotiations</strong> to produce a framework for equitable access to vaccines during public health crises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Vaccine candidates are being developed in India which will allow it to play a major role in manufacturing and scaling of vaccines apart from the research and development.</li>
<li>Nations should stop engaging in overly nationalistic behaviours as it harms patient populations across the globe. It can eventually harm a nation&rsquo;s own citizens and residents and perpetuate structural inequalities in the health care system.</li>
<li>A nationalistic stance toward the pandemic will prolong this global health and economic crisis so there is a need to have a multilateral or global approach to vaccine deployment and distribution.</li>
<li>A vaccine can end the pandemic but only if all countries ensure timely, equitable, global access to it and if it is allocated on the basis of the best evidence of what will stop transmission and protect the most vulnerable groups.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/first-vaccine-committee-meet-decides-on-wide-engagement/article32338941.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6178,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Mega Covid Testing Lab',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)</strong></a> is working on developing mega labs to speed up testing as well as improve the accuracy of testing for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> positive cases.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Large machines, called <strong>Next Generation Sequencing machines (NGS)</strong> will be modified to sequence 1,500-3,000 viral genomes at a go for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus in these labs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These machines are also used for<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Mission%20to%20Sequence%20Genes%20of%20Indians" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> sequencing human genomes.</strong></a></li>
<li>The NGS also found<strong> two lineages of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coronaviruses</a></strong> which were unknown in Indian populations so far.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The CSIR has partnered with the US-based Illumina, a company that specialises in the manufacture of NGS machines.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Five NGS machines are currently available in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>So far, 3,086 sequences of the virus isolated from humans have been shared by 57 countries, with India sharing <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sequencing-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nine whole genome sequences of the</a> novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) </strong>with the <strong>Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Accuracy:</strong> The NGS tests has a sensitivity of 97.53% as compared to 70%-80% accuracy of <strong>RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction)</strong> and 50% accuracy of antigen tests. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These tests detect the possible presence of the virus even in several instances where the RT-PCR tests miss out on them.</li>
<li>This is primarily because the RT-PCR test identifies the SARS-CoV-2 virus by exploring only specific sections of the virus whereas the genome method can read a<strong> bigger chunk of virus genome</strong> and thereby provide<strong> more certainty.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Confirmation:</strong> NGS identified cases as either positive and negative when RT-PCR found them to be <strong>&lsquo;inconclusive&rsquo;.</strong> So this can also be used as a <strong>confirmatory test</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reliability:</strong> It can also trace the evolutionary history of the virus and track mutations more reliably. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This can help identify more places where <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-s-preparedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SARS-COv-2</strong></a> viruses differ from other related viruses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mass Testing:</strong> According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-recommends-use-of-hydroxy-chloroquine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)</strong></a>, the NGS tests can space up from the present approx. 7.5 lakh tests per day to at least <strong>a million per day.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Unlike the RT-PCR that needs<strong> primers and probes,</strong> which is a key hurdle in operationalising such tests on a mass scale early on in the pandemic, the NGS does not need primers and probes, and only needs <strong>custom reagents.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Primers</strong> are short sequences of DNA used to amplify a particular DNA sequence. A <strong>probe</strong> is a small radioactively or fluorescently labelled DNA sequence used to identify a particular DNA sequence.</li>
<li><strong>Reagent</strong> for DNA is designed to easily prepare DNA extracts from animal tissues that can be used directly in PCR.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Uses:</strong> Establishing &ldquo;hubs&rdquo; capable of <strong>whole genome sequencing</strong> would help track significant mutations in the virus and can be repurposed for any kind of outbreak, be they of viral or bacterial origin.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>NGS can also be used to develop <strong>new diagnostic tests for Covid-19.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Surveillance and Tracing :</strong> Due to limited accuracy and capacity of existing tests, a sizeable population is<strong> falsely negative.</strong> NGS can help in serving a larger purpose of continuous surveillance of large pools like industrial hubs, commercial establishments or places where an outbreak is likely.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Testing for Covid 19</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Different methods of testing are being experimented in the country to trace <strong>Covid-19</strong> infection. Some of these include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/radt-vs-rt-pcr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RT PCR Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/radt-vs-rt-pcr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rapid Antigen Detection Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rt-npcr-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RTnPCR Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/feluda-test-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Feluda Tests</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elisa-antibody-kits" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ELISA Antibody Tests</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/csir-moots-mega-labs-to-boost-covid-19-testing/article32337492.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6169,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Russian Covid Vaccine: Sputnik V',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Russia became the first country to officially register a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inactivated-virus-vaccine-in-focus-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccine</a> and declare it ready for use.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The vaccine has been called <strong>Sputnik V,</strong> named after the<strong> first artificial Earth satellite, Sputnik-I</strong> launched by the Soviet Union.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>first Covid-19 vaccine to be approved.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, a Chinese vaccine had been cleared for &lsquo;limited use&rsquo; before this. It is an <strong>adenovirus vector vaccine</strong> approved to be administered only on soldiers of the <strong>People&rsquo;s Liberation Army.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The russian vaccine has outrun other Covid-19 vaccines like <strong>Oxford-AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer</strong> which are still in trials. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covaxin-approved-for-human-clinical-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covaxin</strong></a> has been approved for human clinical trials. Another Indian vaccine <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clinical-trial-of-covid-19-vaccine-zycov-d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ZyCoV-D</strong></a> has entered phase I/II of clinical trials.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This vaccine has been developed by Moscow&rsquo;s <strong>Gamaleya Institute</strong> in collaboration with the Russia&rsquo;s defence ministry.</li>
<li>The vaccine is based on the <strong>DNA</strong> of a <strong>SARS-CoV-2</strong> type <strong>adenovirus,</strong> a common cold virus. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The vaccine uses the weakened virus to deliver small parts of a pathogen and stimulate an immune response.</li>
<li>The vaccine is administered in two doses and consists of two types of a human adenovirus, each carrying an <strong>S-antigen of the new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coronavirus</a>,</strong> which enter human cells and produce an<strong> immune response.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Russian officials have said that large-scale production of the vaccine will start in September, and mass vaccination may begin as early as October.</li>
<li><strong>Adenovirus Vector Vaccine :</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this vaccine, adenovirus is used as a tool to deliver genes or vaccine antigens to the target host tissue.</li>
<li><strong>Adenovirus:</strong> Adenoviruses (ADVs) are <strong>DNA viruses</strong> ranging from 70-90 nanometre in size, which induce many illnesses in humans like cold, respiratory infection etc.</li>
<li>Adenoviruses are preferred for vaccines because their DNA is <strong>double stranded</strong> which makes them<strong> genetically more stable</strong> and the chances of them changing after injection are lower.</li>
<li><strong>Rabies vaccine</strong> is an adenovirus vaccine.</li>
<li>However, there are drawbacks of adenovirus vector vaccines like <strong>pre-existing immunity in humans, inflammatory responses etc.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Just as human bodies develop immune responses to most real viral infections, they also develop immunity to adenoviral vectors. Since adenoviral vectors are based on natural viruses that some humans might already have been exposed to, these vaccines <strong>might not work for everyone.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns Regarding the Vaccine:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Experts expressed concerns over the safety and efficacy of the vaccine due to its <strong>extremely fast production and lack of published data</strong> on the vaccine.</li>
<li>Russia has only made <strong>public</strong> the<strong> results of phase-I</strong> of the clinical trials, which it claimed were successful and produced the desired immune response.</li>
<li>The human trials, which take several years in normal circumstances, have been completed in less than two months for Sputnik V. The late-phase human trials are important because the vaccine&rsquo;s efficacy can differ on different population groups.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Russia, however, has claimed that this was made possible due to the fact that its Covid-19 vaccine candidate closely resembled a vaccine for <strong>Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)</strong> disease, caused by another coronavirus, that had already been tested extensively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia has claimed that around 20 countries have shown interest in the Sputnik V vaccine, including India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has also <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-u-s-to-collaborate-on-covid-19-vaccine-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>partnered with the USA</strong></a> for development of Covid-19 vaccine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The approval for a vaccine is given by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO),</strong> under Directorate General of Health Services ,Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare, is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India.</li>
<li>Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, CDSCO is responsible for<strong> approval of Drugs, Conduct of Clinical Trials, laying down the standards for Drugs, control over the quality of imported Drugs in the country and coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organizations by providing expert advice.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>CDSCO can ask Russia <strong>to conduct late-phase human trials,</strong> usually both phase-2 and phase-3, on an <strong>Indian population.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is the usual requirement for all vaccines developed outside of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>CDSCO can also give <strong>emergency authorisation</strong> without late-phase trials, considering the extraordinary situation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The drug <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/demand-for-compulsory-licencing-of-remdesivir" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>remdesivir</strong> </a>was recently granted similar emergency approval to be used as a therapeutic on novel coronavirus patients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, this is unlikely as vaccines are given to a large number of people, and the risks involved are much higher.</li>
<li>There are also issues in manufacturing the vaccine as there is<strong> no agreement for its production in India right now.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Pune-based Serum Institute of India,<strong> the world&rsquo;s largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume,</strong> has already entered into tie-ups with developers to mass-produce their vaccines. Other Indian companies have also done similar agreements but there is none with Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Development of a vaccine</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The general stages of the development cycle of a vaccine are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Exploratory stage</li>
<li>Pre-clinical stage</li>
<li>Clinical development</li>
<li>Regulatory review and approval</li>
<li>Manufacturing and</li>
<li>Quality control.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Clinical development is a three-phase process:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Clinical trials in humans are classified into<strong> three phases: phase I, phase II and phase III</strong> and in certain countries formal regulatory approval is required to undertake any of these studies.</li>
<li>The <strong>phase I</strong> clinical studies carry out initial testing of a vaccine in small numbers (e.g. 20) of healthy adults, to test the properties of a vaccine, its tolerability, and, if appropriate, clinical laboratory and pharmacological parameters. Phase I studies are primarily<strong> concerned with safety.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Phase II</strong> studies involve larger numbers of subjects and are intended to provide preliminary information about a vaccine&rsquo;s ability to produce its desired effect (usually immunogenicity) in the target population and its general safety.</li>
<li>Extensive<strong> phase III</strong> trials are required to fully assess the protective efficacy and safety of a vaccine. The phase III clinical trial is the pivotal study on which the <strong>decision on whether to grant the licence is based</strong> and sufficient data have to be obtained to demonstrate that a new product is safe and effective for the purpose intended.</li>
<li>Many vaccines undergo <strong>Phase IV</strong> formal ongoing studies after the vaccine is approved and licensed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>The Russian Vaccine, although, is a welcome step, concerns regarding its efficacy and safety must be addressed by the developers on a priority basis. Also, the manufacturing and distribution procedures need to be clearly laid down so that they can be administered to everyone in a quick and efficient manner.</p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-russian-coronavirus-vaccine-is-a-long-way-from-being-available-in-india-if-at-all-6550788/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6126,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Schizophrenia and its Possible Cause',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> Schizophrenia Research Foundation</strong> (SCARF) and<strong> Jeevan Stem Cell Foundation, Chennai</strong> have carried out a pilot study on people of specific ethnicity with<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/schizophrenia#:~:text=A%20mental%20disorder%3A%20It%20is,than%2021%20million%20people%20worldwide." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> schizophrenia</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The study finds an <strong>association of specific alleles</strong> (variants of specific genes) <strong>with the disease.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Schizophrenia</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the descriptive term for a <strong>group of psychotic disorders in which personal, social and occupational functioning deteriorate </strong>as a <strong>result of disturbed thought processes, strange perceptions, unusual emotional states, and motor abnormalities.</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>debilitating</strong> (making someone very weak and infirm) disorder. The <strong>social and psychological costs</strong> of schizophrenia are <strong>tremendous,</strong> both to patients as well as to their families and society.</li>
<li><strong>Onset:</strong> It typically begins in <strong>late adolescence</strong> or<strong> early adulthood.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Positive Symptoms:</strong> These are <strong>pathological excesses</strong> or<strong> bizarre additions</strong> to a person&rsquo;s behaviour like delusions, disorganised thinking and speech, heightened perception and hallucinations and inappropriate affects.</li>
<li><strong>Negative Symptoms:</strong> These are <strong>pathological deficits</strong> and include poverty of speech, blunted and flat affect (Showing less or no emotions), loss of volition (inability to start or complete a course of action) and social withdrawal.</li>
<li><strong>Psychomotor Symptoms:</strong> Less spontaneous moves or making odd grimaces (extremely distorted and particular facial expression) and gestures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Schizophrenia&rsquo;s cause is not exactly known</strong> yet. There are various studies among groups of varied ethnicities across the world, on the possible causes and other relations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These <strong>studies have shown associations of the disease with different alleles</strong> related to the <strong>Human Leukocyte Antigen</strong> (HLA).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>HLA is an important part of the immune system and related to a <strong>group of genes on chromosome six.</strong></li>
<li>HLA genes are <strong>extremely variable</strong> and are very <strong>different across human populations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the <strong>specific allele</strong> that was found to be associated with schizophrenia <strong>varied from group to group.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Therapy and support</strong> can help people learn social skills, cope with stress, identify early warning signs of relapse and prolong periods of remission.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings of the Current Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It holds that HLA is important for the proper functioning of the immune system and its <strong>variations can lead to immunological abnormalities.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/celiac-disease#:~:text=of%20heart%20disease.-,Autoimmune%20Disease,body's%20own%20tissues%20and%20organs." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>autoimmune diseases</strong></a>, when the body creates <strong>antibodies against the NMDA receptors</strong> in the brain, these antibodies disrupt normal brain signalling and cause brain swelling or encephalitis affecting both men and women and can lead to schizophrenia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) receptor</strong> is a glutamate receptor and ion channel protein <strong>found in nerve cells</strong> and is <strong>important for memory functions.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Researchers found a <strong>higher frequency of HLA class I alleles</strong> in individuals with schizophrenia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Individuals carrying these alleles<strong> could be susceptible</strong> to schizophrenia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They also found a <strong>negative correlation with some alleles</strong> which were found in <strong>lower frequency</strong> in individuals with schizophrenia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These could be<strong> protective alleles</strong> in schizophrenia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For the first time, the<strong> amino acids level in HLA molecules</strong> among the patients were also studied.</li>
<li>Researchers held that the <strong>reasons or causes for schizophrenia are not entirely clear,</strong> but <strong>perhaps selection and &lsquo;memory&rsquo; of past selection pressures</strong> (infections) play a role in its onset.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, there is a need for further studies of the exact factors causing the disorder. The occurrence of different alleles itself is not a problem but finding the exact allele causing it, is a challenge.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Earlier studies had indicated that <strong>different alleles may be involved in different ethnic groups.</strong> For example, studies in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Japan point to involvement of different alleles responsible for risk factor to schizophrenia.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/gene-variants-and-susceptibility-to-schizophrenia/article32249036.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6124,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'SFTS Infection in China',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, deaths and infections have been reported due to the <strong>Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome</strong> (SFTS) in <strong>East China&rsquo;s Jiangsu and Anhui provinces.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The new health threat emerges amidst the ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> which also emerged in China first.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SFTS is caused by the <strong>Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus</strong> (SFTSV) which belongs to the <em><strong>Bunyavirus</strong></em> family and is transmitted to humans through <strong>tick bites.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596788334_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596788334_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong>tick</strong> called <strong>Asian Longhorned Tick <em>(Haemaphysalis longicornis)</em></strong> is believed to be the<strong> primary vector</strong> (carrier) of the virus.</li>
<li>The virus is often <strong>transmitted to humans from animals</strong> like goats, cattle, deer and sheep and <strong>regular contact with these animals makes farmers, hunters and pet owners vulnerable</strong> to the disease.</li>
<li>Despite being infected by the virus,<strong> animals generally do not show any symptoms</strong> associated with SFTSV.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origin and Spread:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The virus was <strong>first identified in China over a decade ago</strong> and the <strong>first few cases</strong> were reported in rural areas of Hubei and Henan provinces<strong> in 2009.</strong></li>
<li>Researchers identified the virus by <strong>examining blood samples obtained from a cluster of people exhibiting similar symptoms.</strong></li>
<li>The virus eventually<strong> travelled to other East Asian nations,</strong> including <strong>Japan and South Korea,</strong> significantly raising the total number of cases.</li>
<li><strong>Due to more awareness about the health risks posed by tick bites,</strong> the fatality rate of the infection has started to drop significantly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Incubation Period:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>interval between being infected and showing symptoms.</strong> For SFTS, the incubation period is <strong>anywhere between 7 and 13 days.</strong></li>
<li>The disease usually <strong>spreads between March and November</strong> and the total number of infections generally <strong>peaks between April and July.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fever, fatigue, chill, headache, nausea, myalgia (muscle pain), diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gingival haemorrhage, conjunctival congestion, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Early warning signs</strong> include severe fever, <strong>thrombocytopenia</strong> (low platelet count) and <strong>leukocytopenia</strong> (low white blood cell count).</li>
<li>More <strong>serious cases</strong> include multi-organ failure, hemorrhagic manifestation and the appearance of symptoms related to<strong> Central Nervous System</strong> (CNS) diseases.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The CNS consists of the <strong>brain and the spinal cord</strong> and it controls most functions of the body and mind.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Avoid wearing shorts</strong> while walking through tall grass, the woods, and any other environment where ticks are likely to thrive.</li>
<li><strong>Using tick-repellent lotions and sprays</strong> on the exposed body parts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is <strong>no vaccine to treat the disease yet.</strong> However, the <strong>antiviral drug Ribavirin is known to be effective</strong> in treating the illness.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ribavirin is also used to treat <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iit-b-designs-uv-sanitiser" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever</strong></a> (CCHF) which is also <strong>transmitted by ticks.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Current Case Fatality Rate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It rests between <strong>approximately 16%-30%.</strong></li>
<li>SFTS has been <strong>listed among the top 10 priority diseases blueprint</strong> by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who#:~:text=This%20watchlist%20for%20priority%20research,that%20could%20cause%20a%20serious" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong></a> (WHO) due to its fast spreading rate and high fatality rate.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>WHO&rsquo;s Research and Development Blueprint</strong> identifies diseases and pathogens that have the <strong>potential to cause a public health emergency but lack effective treatments and vaccines.</strong></li>
<li>This watchlist for priority research and development includes <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ebola-global-health-emergency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ebola</strong></a>, several other hemorrhagic fevers, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/genetically-modified-aedes-aegypti#:~:text=Zika%20virus%20is%20a%20mosquito,%2C%20Asia%2C%20and%20the%20Pacific." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zika</a></strong>, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nipah-outbreak-in-kerala" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nipah</a></strong>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)</strong></a> and <strong>disease X</strong>, which represents the need to prepare for an <strong>unknown pathogen</strong> that could cause a serious epidemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/tick-borne-virus-spreading-in-china-6543182/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6103,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'RaTG13 Sarbecovirus',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a recent study published in <strong>Nature Microbiology,</strong> the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/novel-strain-of-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>novel coronavirus</strong></a> <strong>(SARS-CoV-2)</strong> has been <strong>circulating unnoticed in bats for decades.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bats have been the <strong>&lsquo;primary reservoirs&rsquo;</strong> for SARS-CoV-2, which is likely to have <strong>diverged from closely related bat viruses called the RaTG13 sarbecovirus,</strong> 40-70 years ago.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The current study <strong>confirms an earlier Chinese study</strong> and also <strong>suggests the probable time of divergence</strong> of the two viruses.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to that Chinese study, SARS-CoV-2 is most closely related to RaTG13, which was isolated from a <strong>horseshoe bat</strong> in Yunnan province in 2013.</li>
<li>Based on the <strong>nearly 96%<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/genome-sequencing-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> genome sequence</a> identity</strong> between SARS-CoV-2 and RaTG13, it was held that <strong>an origin in bats is probable for the Covid-19 outbreak.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>SARS-CoV-2 has not arisen from recombination</strong> of any sarbecovirus.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Recombination:</strong> It is a process by which pieces of <strong>deoxyribonucleic acid</strong> (DNA) are broken and recombined to produce new combinations of alleles (forms of a gene). This recombination process creates genetic diversity at the level of genes that reflects differences in the DNA sequences of different organisms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ability of the <strong>spike protein in the virus to bind to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) human receptors</strong> had emerged within bats and is an ancestral trait shared with bat viruses and not one acquired recently via recombination.</li>
<li>The results of the study<strong> suggest the presence of a &lsquo;single lineage&rsquo; circulating in bats</strong> with properties that allowed it to infect human cells.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This was also the case with the bat sarbecoviruses related to the <strong>2002 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)</strong> lineage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Methodology:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The researchers<strong> analysed the evolutionary history</strong> of SARS-CoV-2 using <strong>genomic data on sarbecoviruses.</strong></li>
<li>They employed <strong>three approaches to identify regions in the virus that had not undergone recombination</strong> and that could be used to reconstruct its evolution.</li>
<li>All approaches suggest that<strong> RaTG13 and SARS-CoV-2 share a single ancestral lineage</strong> and estimate that SARS-CoV-2 <strong>genetically diverged from related bat sarbecoviruses </strong>in <strong>1948, 1969 and 1982.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenging Assumptions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The study <strong>challenged the idea of pangolins serving as an intermediate host</strong> where the virus would have acquired its ability to infect human cells thus facilitating the jump into humans.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is possible that pangolins <strong>could have been a medium</strong> for the transmission to humans, but there is <strong>no evidence that pangolins facilitated adaptation</strong> to humans by being an intermediate host.</li>
<li>Current evidence is consistent with the idea that the <strong>virus evolved in bats and enabled itself to replicate</strong> in the upper respiratory tract of both humans and pangolins.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Snakes were thought to have served as intermediate hosts</strong> of SARS-CoV-2 as well but the present study has found<strong> no evidence</strong> to support this hypothesis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The long divergence period raises the <strong>possibility of other undocumented virus lineages circulating</strong> in horseshoe bats that have the potential to jump from bats to humans.</li>
<li><strong>Different and yet unstudied bat sarbecoviruses</strong> that have descended from the SARS-CoV-2/RaTG13 common ancestor form a clade with properties to infect many different mammals, including humans.</li>
<li><strong>Due to the lack of better sampling,</strong> it is impossible to estimate whether or how many of these additional lineages exist.</li>
<li>The <strong>diversity and dynamic process of recombination</strong> amongst lineages in the bat reservoir makes <strong>identifying viruses difficult.</strong></li>
<li>Many species of bat harbour several viruses which can <strong>cross over to new hosts.</strong> With the disruptions of their habitats, humans will face more such threats.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>To identify the viruses and their lineages, there is a need for a global network of real-time human disease surveillance systems for pathogen identification and characterisation so that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a>-like situations can be avoided.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/novel-coronavirus-circulated-unnoticed-in-bats-for-decades-study-says/article32249017.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6100,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Vitamin D Deficiency in India',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Researchers have claimed that <strong>vitamin D deficiency can negatively affect <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> high-risk patients,</strong> particularly those who are diabetic, have heart conditions, pneumonia, obesity and those who smoke.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is also associated with<strong> infections</strong> in the<strong> respiratory tract</strong> and<strong> lung injury.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has a large population suffering from vitamin D deficiency among the public <strong>irrespective of their location (urban or rural), age or gender, or whether they are poor or even rich.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is <strong>despite India being a tropical nation</strong> getting abundant sunshine, which is a precursor to Vitamin D formation in the body.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to an analysis published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2017, the level of vitamin D in people from different states of India ranged between 3.15 nanogram/millilitre to 52.9 ng/ml, which was <strong>considerably lower than the needed level of 30-100 ng/ml.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Vitamin D level among south Indians is 15.74&ndash;19.16 ng/ml.</li>
<li><strong>Females showed consistently lower levels</strong> than males.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Vitamin D deficiency also occurs <strong>among people of the Indian sub-continental origin settled in Great Britain.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This suggests a <strong>correlation between genetics of people of this region</strong> and Vitamin D metabolism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to data by the <strong>National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB)</strong> over the last 50 years, the<strong> calcium levels</strong> in average Indian populations has plummeted from <strong>700 units per day to 300-400.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The normal, needed level of Calcium is <strong>800-1,000 units per day. Vitamin D helps in absorption of Calcium by the body.</strong></li>
<li>The body needs calcium to <strong>maintain strong bones.</strong> It is also needed for <strong>muscles to move</strong> and <strong>for nerves to carry messages</strong> between the brain and every body part.</li>
<li>It also helps <strong>release hormones and enzymes</strong> that affect almost every function in the human body.</li>
<li>This deficiency of Calcium stands in contrast to the fact that India <strong>produces the maximum amount of milk per day</strong> in the world which is a <strong>rich source of calcium.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Vitamin D</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Vitamin D is a <strong>fat-soluble vitamin</strong> which is <strong>naturally present in very few foods</strong> like fatty fish, and fish liver oils, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks.</li>
<li>It is also <strong>produced endogenously</strong> when <strong>ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin</strong> and trigger vitamin D synthesis. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The sunlight triggers a chemical reaction to a cholesterol-based molecule, and converts it into <strong>calcidiol in the liver</strong> and <strong>into calcitriol in the kidney.</strong></li>
<li>These molecules technically called <strong>25-OHD are physiologically active.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Vitamin D <strong>maintains</strong> adequate <strong>calcium and phosphate concentrations in blood.</strong> It<strong> prevents weakening of bones.</strong></li>
<li>Vitamin D has other roles in the body, including <strong>cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, </strong>and<strong> reduction of inflammation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Required Amount</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The level of <strong>25-OHD</strong> in the range <strong>30-100 ng/ml</strong> is thought to be<strong> sufficient</strong> for a healthy body; levels between 21-29 ng/ml are considered insufficient, and levels below 20 ng/ml mean the individual is deficient in the vitamin.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effects of Deficiency:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rickets</strong> in children and <strong>osteomalacia</strong> (softening of bones) in adults.</li>
<li><strong>Bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen (Effects of deficiency).</strong></li>
<li>Vitamin D deficiency can cause <strong>rickets</strong> in children and <strong>osteomalacia</strong> in adults.</li>
<li>Bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen (osteoporosis) Vitamin D.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Nutrition in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A major chunk of the population in India suffers from <strong>hidden hunger</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-nutrition-survey" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>malnutrition</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/dimensions-of-food-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>nutrition deficiencies.</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hidden hunger occurs when the quality of food people eat does not meet their nutrient requirements, so the food is deficient in micronutrients such as the vitamins and minerals that they need for their growth and development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Over 80% adolescents in India suffer from <strong>hidden hunger</strong> according to UNICEF's report, 'Adolescents, Diets and Nutrition: Growing Well in a Changing World, 2019&rsquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In India, <strong>63% of children below 5 years in urban areas (72% in rural areas) are found to be anaemic and 55% of women and 24% of men are found to be anaemic.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The production, procurement and distribution system for food in India has still not been able to address the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/dimensions-of-food-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>food security issues in India.</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, the <strong>food being provided to the poor (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</a>)</strong> during<strong> Covid</strong> contains pulses and cereals but <strong>lacks vegetables &mdash; raw or cooked.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The balanced diet is still unaffordable for many Indians.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per<strong> FAO&rsquo;s State of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/food-security-and-nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020</a>, </strong>a<strong> nutrient-adequate meal </strong>costs Rs. <strong>25 per meal, </strong>and a &lsquo;healthy diet&rsquo;<strong> about Rs. 100 per day.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Government Initiatives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/midday-meal-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mid-day meal scheme</strong></a> has helped in combating nutrition deficiencies in poor school-going children.</li>
<li>The feeding programmes for preschool children and pregnant women under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-in-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Integrated Child Development Services</strong></a> through anganwadis have been vital.</li>
<li>The government is trying to ensure the food requirement of the poor section of society through the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-security-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Food Security Act (NFSA)</strong></a> and the Public Distribution System (PDS).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/poshan-abhiyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong></a>, launched in 2017-18, aims to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia and low birth weight babies through synergy and convergence among different programmes, better monitoring and improved community mobilisation.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/an-innovative-method-for-boosting-nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biofortification</strong></a> i.e improvement of the nutritional quality of food crops through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology is being promoted by the government for various crops like carrots (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/madhuban-gajar-biofortified-variety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Madhuban Gajar</strong></a>), wheat <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/macs-4028-wheat-variety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(MACS 4028)</strong></a> etc. in order to ensure nutritional security.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central and State governments need to<strong> consult nutrition experts and institutions</strong> to advise and suggest the type of nutritive items that can be added to the current &lsquo;ration&rsquo; food given to the poor, and the meals given to school children.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>meals given to the poor or children should include vegetables</strong> like spinach and other green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, carrots, tomato, potato, milk/curd and fruits like bananas, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (and an egg).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Besides vitamin D and calcium, <strong>food rich in other micronutrients</strong> (such as B complex vitamins, plus Fe, Zn, I, Se, Zn) should be offered to the poor, so that <strong>immunity against any infection is ensured.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such an addition takes care of what is called<strong> &lsquo;hidden hunger&rsquo;</strong> in poorly nourished people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government can <strong>mass supply free-of-charge vitamin D, other vitamins and calcium,</strong> in consultation with medical and public health experts to the public.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many indian pharmaceutical companies manufacture these. Procuring these supplements from indian companies will fall in line with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/five-years-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;</strong></a> initiative of the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The consumption of<strong> Seaweed</strong> can be very beneficial. Seaweeds are <strong>vegetarian, and rich in vitamins, minerals, iodine and omega 3 fatty acids.</strong> As India has a <strong>long coastline,</strong> these can be affordable <strong>nutritional supplements</strong> for Indians.</li>
<li>Schools can have their <strong>students stand in sunlight</strong> for 20-30 minutes daily, and encourage physical exercise and games for an hour per day.</li>
<li>Further, it is important to<strong> raise awareness</strong> about the importance of healthy eating and nutritional requirements of the human body.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Only when we ensure a healthy populace, we can imagine <strong>developing immunity to battle a pandemic like Covid-19.</strong> Dealing with Vitamin D and Calcium deficiency is the foremost step in meeting the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong></a> of ending Hunger (SDG-2) and ensuring good health and well-being for all (SDG-3).</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/arming-indias-poor-against-the-pandemic-2/article32248981.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6096,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN)</strong> is being used by the State/UT governments in India <strong>to monitor the supply chain of Covid response material.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This has been used <strong>with the requisite customization</strong> during the Covid pandemic for <strong>ensuring continuation of the essential immunization services.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> It is an<strong> indigenously developed technology system</strong> that <strong>digitizes vaccine stocks</strong> and monitors the temperature of the cold chain through a smartphone application.</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> It is <strong>aimed at strengthening immunization supply chain systems</strong> across the country.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>eVIN aims to support the Government of India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-indradhanush-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Universal Immunization Programme</strong></a> by providing <strong>real-time information on vaccine stocks and flows, and storage temperatures</strong> across all cold chain points in these states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implemented by:</strong> It is being implemented under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-health-mission-and-janani-suraksha-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Health Mission (NHM)</strong></a> by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in partnership with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).</strong></a></li>
<li>The integrated solution combines:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Technology :</strong> Online real-time information on vaccine stocks and storage temperature to facilitate <strong>evidence-based decision-making.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Governance:</strong> Systemizing record keeping, upgrading logistics and encouraging good practices to <strong>ensure efficient vaccine logistics management.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Human Resources:</strong> To <strong>empower the state cold chain network</strong> by building the capacities of handlers and managers at each stage of vaccine supply.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Universal Immunization Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was launched by <strong>the government in 1985,</strong> to prevent mortality and morbidity in children and pregnant women against<strong> 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.</strong></li>
<li>Under UIP free of cost vaccination is provided against twelve vaccine-preventable diseases i.e. Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia , Meningitis due to Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Measles, Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Rotavirus diarrhoea.</li>
<li>The programme is one of the largest health programmes in the world. Despite being operational for many years, UIP has been able to fully immunize only 65% of children under 1 year of age.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This strong platform has the potential to be leveraged for <strong>any new vaccine including COVID-19 vaccine,</strong> as and when available.</li>
<li>eVIN can be a powerful contribution to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/public-health-system-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strengthening health systems</strong> </a>and <strong>ensuring equity</strong> through easy and<strong> timely availability of vaccines to all children, pregnant mothers and other vulnerable groups.</strong></li>
<li>eVIN can be upscaled to build <strong>VALUE (Vaccine and Logistics Utilisation Evaluator),</strong> which is a <strong>held device for capturing the data of vaccines administered,</strong> to monitor<a href="/mains-practice-question/question-328" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> reach till the last-mile beneficiaries.</strong></a></li>
<li>It can help to <strong>fully automate the process of indenting and supplying vaccines</strong> based on <strong>historic actual consumption of vaccines </strong>and<strong> forecasting.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1643172" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6091,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Time Capsules',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has denied reports about placing of a time capsule under the ground at Ram Temple construction site in Ayodhya.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Time Capsule, also known as <strong>Kaal Patra,</strong> was supposed to contain the history of Ayodhya and Rama Janma Bhoomi Movement.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596526568_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1596526568_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Time Capsule is a <strong>container</strong> of any size or shape, which <strong>accommodates documents,</strong> photos and artefacts typical <strong>of the current era</strong> and is<strong> buried underground,</strong> for <strong>future generations to unearth.</strong></li>
<li>To ensure that the capsules do not decay they are <strong>built using special engineering techniques</strong> like <strong>steel or aluminium encasing, vacuuming, use of acid-free paper,</strong> etc.</li>
<li>The time capsules mostly <strong>have a scheduled time for reopening,</strong> and are supposed to be buried again after opening, with people of the future adding their own contributions to the time capsule.</li>
<li>The <strong>International Time Capsule Society (ITCS),</strong> based in the USA and formed in 1990, is <strong>now defunct</strong> but continues estimating the number of time capsules in the world. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per its database, there are <strong>10,000-15,000 times capsules worldwide.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Famous Time Capsules in the World</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Samuel Adams and Paul Revere Time Capsule:</strong> It is the<strong> oldest known time capsule</strong> from 1795 (USA).</li>
<li><strong>The &ldquo;Century Safe":</strong> The <strong>world&rsquo;s first planned time capsule</strong> was established at Philadelphia Centennial Exposition (USA) in 1876. It was opened and resealed in 1976.</li>
<li><strong>The Crypt of Civilization in Georgia:</strong> It was built around 1940 at Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven, Georgia and is scheduled for opening in the year 8113 AD. It is a project to preserve all human knowledge and was the brainchild of <strong>Thornwell Jacobs, </strong>also known as<strong> father of time capsules.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Voyager and Voyager II Spacecraft:</strong> They are currently circling on the <strong>edge of our solar system.</strong> These capsules were created by NASA to be seen by future generations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Time Capsules In India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Outside the Red Fort:</strong> This was placed underground in 1972 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was dug out by the subsequent government in 1977. It raised a <strong>controversy</strong> as it was said to glorify Gandhi Nehru family in indian History.</li>
<li><strong>At IIT Kanpur Campus:</strong> This time capsule was buried on 6<sup>th</sup> March, 2010 containing details on IIT Kanpur in the form of documents, photographs, and films.</li>
<li><strong>At The Alexandra Girls&rsquo; English Institution, Mumbai:</strong> It was set up in the 19<sup>th</sup> century and is scheduled to be opened in 2062. It contains information on the school.</li>
<li><strong>At Jalandhar&rsquo;s Lovely Public University:</strong> It was buried in January 2019 and contains 100 items that represent modern-day technology in India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Time Capsules are intended as a <strong>method of communication with future</strong> people.</li>
<li>They are also supposed to help future <strong>archaeologists, anthropologists, or historians</strong> in knowing about the past human civilisation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Criticism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Most intentional time capsules are filled with a<strong> lopsided view of history.</strong> They are often<strong> politically motivated</strong> and<strong> glorify</strong> the people who planted them.</li>
<li>They can not be regarded as facts and are<strong> not very reliable.</strong> The information in time capsules has to be verified with other sources of information.</li>
<li>Many time capsules which have been unearthed were filled with<strong> junk telling little</strong> about the people of the time.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/time-capsules-what-they-contain-ayodhya-ram-temple-how-they-are-installed-and-why-6537865/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6066,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'PLpro: Covid-19',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a new study on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, pharmacological <strong>inhibition of PLpro blocks virus replication</strong> and also <strong>strengthens immune response</strong> in humans.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Usually, when a virus attacks human cells, the<strong> infected body cells release messenger substances known as &lsquo;type 1 interferons&rsquo;</strong> which <strong>attract the killer cells</strong> in human bodies. These killer cells <strong>kill the infected cells and save humans</strong> from getting sick.</li>
<li>When the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/novel-strain-of-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>novel coronavirus</strong></a> <strong>(SARS-CoV-2)</strong> enters a human cell, it hijacks the cell mechanism and <strong>fights back by letting the human cell produce PLpro.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>PLpro is a protein</strong> which <strong>suppresses the development of type 1 interferons.</strong> Due to which, <strong>killer cells are not informed</strong> about the infection.</li>
<li>Hence,<strong> PL pro plays a crucial role in the replication</strong> of the virus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Research:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Researchers can now monitor these processes in a cell culture (artificial environment).</li>
<li>By<strong> blocking PLpro, virus production can be controlled.</strong></li>
<li>In the <strong>absence</strong> of the PLpro, <strong>type 1 interferons will be released</strong> informing the killer cells and thus, <strong>strengthening the innate immune response</strong> of the human cells.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/protein-identified-as-potential-achilles-heel-of-coronavirus-6531604/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 5885,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Comet C/2020 F3 Neowise',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The recently discovered <strong>comet C/2020 F3</strong> will make its closest approach to the Earth at a distance of 64 million miles or 103 million kilometres while crossing <strong>Earth&rsquo;s outside orbit on 22<sup>nd</sup> July 2020.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is also known as <strong>NEOWISE</strong> after the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Aeronautics and Space Administration</strong></a> (NASA) <strong>telescope</strong> that discovered it.</li>
<li>On 3<sup>rd</sup> July, it was closest to the sun at 43 million km due to which its outer layer was released, creating an atmosphere (referred to as coma) of gas and dust from its icy surface.</li>
<li><strong>It will be visible</strong> through binoculars or a small telescope.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594636492_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1594636492_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The word comet comes from the Latin word <strong><em>&lsquo;Cometa&rsquo;</em></strong> which means <strong>&lsquo;long-haired&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The earliest known record of a comet sighting was made by an astrologer in<strong> 1059 BC.</strong></li>
<li>Comets or <strong>&lsquo;dirty snowballs&rsquo;</strong> are <strong>mostly made of dust, rocks and ice</strong> and can range in their width from a <strong>few miles to tens of miles wide.</strong></li>
<li>When they orbit <strong>closer to the sun,</strong> like C/2020 F3, they <strong>heat up and release debris of dust and gases.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>solid portions</strong> of comets consisting mostly of water, ice and embedded dust particles are <strong>inactive when far away from the sun.</strong></li>
<li>When near the sun, the<strong> icy cometary surfaces vaporize</strong> and throw off large quantities of gas and dust thus<strong> forming the enormous atmosphere and tails.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>released gases form a glowing head</strong> that can often be larger than a planet and the <strong>debris forms a tail</strong> that can stretch out to millions of miles.</li>
<li>Each time a comet passes the sun, it <strong>loses some of its material</strong> and it will <strong>eventually disappear completely</strong> as a result.</li>
<li>Comets may be occasionally pushed into orbits closer to the Sun and the Earth&rsquo;s neighbourhood <strong>due to forces of gravity.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to NASA, while there are millions of comets orbiting the sun, there are<strong> more than 3,650 known comets</strong> as of now.</li>
<li><strong>The predictable comets</strong> are the <strong>short-period comets</strong> which take <strong>less than 200 years to orbit around the sun.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These can be <strong>found in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nasa-spaceship-reaches-ultima-thule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kuiper belt</a>,</strong> where many comets orbit the sun in the realm of Pluto.</li>
<li>One of the most famous short-period comets is called <strong>Halley&rsquo;s Comet</strong> that <strong>reappears every 76 years.</strong> Halley&rsquo;s will be <strong>sighted next in 2062.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>less-predictable comets</strong> can be found in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/voyager-2-enters-interstellar-space" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Oort cloud</strong></a> that is about <strong>100,000 AU (Astronomical Unit</strong> which is the distance between the Earth and the Sun and is roughly 150 million km)<strong> from the sun</strong> or 100,000 times the distance between the Earth and the sun.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Comets in this cloud <strong>can take as long as 30 million years to complete one rotation</strong> around the sun.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Visibility:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Comets <strong>do not have the light of their own</strong> and the visibility <strong>depends on its gas and dust outbursts.</strong></li>
<li>Humans see the <strong>reflection of the sun&rsquo;s light off the comet</strong> as well as the<strong> energy released</strong> by the gas molecules after it is absorbed from the sun.</li>
<li>To be visible, a comet must make a<strong> particularly close approach to the sun</strong> to produce enormous quantities of gas and dust or it should make a <strong>relatively close approach to the Earth</strong> so that it is easily viewed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of the Study</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Astronomers believe that comets hold important <strong>clues about the formation of the solar system</strong> and it is <strong>possible that comets brought water and other organic compounds</strong> to Earth.</li>
<li>NASA tracks all <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/163348-2002-nn4-a-near-earth-asteroid" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Near Earth Objects</strong> </a><strong>(NEOs)</strong> that includes comets and asteroids using telescopes placed all around the Earth, as part of its <strong>NEO Observation Program.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Objective of the Program:</strong> To find, track and characterise NEOs that are 140 meters or larger in size since they can pose a risk to the Earth because of the devastation a potential impact can cause.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/comet-c-2020-f3-neowise-nasa-earth-6500688/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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