theIASHub | 21 Jul, 2025 | 8
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AdFalciVax : Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) invited domestic vaccine manufacturers to collaborate on the commercial rollout of its newly developed malaria vaccine, AdFalciVax.
o Dual Protein Targets: It expresses two key proteins of the malaria parasite, aiming for enhanced protection compared to current vaccines that target only parasite fragments.
o Full-Length CSP Gene: The vaccine includes the complete gene for the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), a major surface protein of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. This is expected to generate a more robust and long-lasting immune response.
o Transmission Blocking Component: AdFalciVax also includes a second component aimed at disrupting the parasite's lifecycle within the mosquito, thereby reducing community-level transmission.
o The vaccine has been developed by the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar.
o Upcoming versions of AdFalciVax may aim to broaden protection to include other malaria-causing parasites such as P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and the zoonotic P. knowlesi.
INS Sandhayak : Recently, in a major step towards strengthening maritime cooperation in Southeast Asia, the Indian Navy’s 1st indigenously built Survey Vessel Large (SVL), INS Sandhayak, made its maiden port call at Port Klang, Malaysia.
o Multi-Role Capabilities: Equipped for full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, oceanographic data collection, search and rescue (SAR) missions, and humanitarian assistance with onboard helicopter and hospital facilities.
o Primary Mission: To conduct hydrographic surveys for ports, harbour approaches, navigational channels, and routes extending up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and extended continental shelf.
o Secondary Role: Functions as a hospital ship or offers limited defence support during emergencies or wartime scenarios.
o Advanced Technologies Onboard: Features cutting-edge hydrographic tools such as a Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, DGPS long-range positioning systems, and digital side-scan sonar.
o Performance: Powered by two diesel engines, the ship can achieve speeds exceeding 18 knots.
IT 2.0 APT (Advanced Postal Technology) Application : Recently, the Department of Posts launched its next-generation IT 2.0 APT application, aimed at modernising and transforming India’s postal ecosystem.
o Comprehensive Digital Integration: Will support real-time, transparent, and standardised services such as parcel booking, tracking, savings accounts, mail delivery, and grievance redressal.
o Deployment Plan: Includes a scheduled downtime across 36 post offices in Delhi to enable data migration, system validation, and final rollout.
o Focus on Efficiency and Accessibility: Seeks to transform India Post into a technology-driven logistics and financial services provider while ensuring universal access, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
o Commitment to Digital Governance: Reinforces India Post’s role in creating a digitally empowered postal network that supports seamless citizen-centric services.
Grandala : Recently, a rare electric-blue bird, the Grandala, was spotted in the Sainj Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This striking species is known for its vibrant plumage and limited sightings in the region.
o Diet & Lifestyle: It is an arboreal insectivore, primarily feeding on insects in trees.
o Geographic Range: Found across the northeastern Indian subcontinent and nearby regions, including Bhutan, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and parts of China like Tibet.
o Preferred Habitat: Inhabits alpine and subalpine zones, typically at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 meters.
o Features: Size: Body length ranges from 20.5 to 23 cm; weight between 38 to 52 grams.
ü Male Plumage: Striking blue-gray body with black wings and tail.
ü Female Plumage: Brownish body with white stripes, gray-blue rump, and white-tipped wing feathers.
ü Flocking Behavior: Known for forming large flocks, sometimes up to 200 birds especially during the non-breeding season.
o IUCN Red List: Classified as Least Concern
GenTIGS : Recently, the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bengaluru, developed GenTIGS, a gene database aimed at facilitating the early identification and diagnosis of rare genetic disorders.
o It is designed to simplify access and analysis of data related to RGDs and their associated genetic mutations, such as: Nonsynonymous mutations, Microsatellites and Gene duplications
o Key Information Provided: Globally and Indian-prevalent rare genetic disorders
ü Causative genes and specific mutations
ü Descriptions of the disorders
ü Gene Ontology (GO) terms
ü Clinical interpretations and Cross-references to external genomic databases
o Features : Offers flexible search options and a user-friendly browser.
ü Includes hyperlinks to various external datasets for in-depth exploration.
ü Supports both experimental and computational research on rare disorders.
o Existing genomic databases
o The latest Human Genome sequence data
o Variants in GenTIGS are mapped to IndiGenomes metadata for accurate annotation and understanding of disease associations
Bitra Island : Recently, in a move with significant implications for the Lakshadweep archipelago, the administration has been considering the acquisition of Bitra Island for defence and strategic purposes.
o A shrine dedicated to Malik Mulla, an Arab saint believed to be buried on the island, serves as a pilgrimage site.
o Historically, the island was known as a breeding ground for numerous seabirds.
o Climate: Closely resembles that of Kerala. The hottest months are from March to May, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C.
ü Humidity remains high, typically ranging from 70% to 76% throughout the year.
o Strategic Significance: If acquired for defence, Bitra would become the third island in Lakshadweep to host a military base. Currently, the archipelago has two naval bases:
ü INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti (UT capital)
ü INS Jatayu in Minicoy
BioEmu (Biomolecular Emulator) : Recently, BioEmu, a new AI-powered deep learning tool, was developed by Microsoft, Rice University (USA), and Freie Universität (Germany).
o Working : BioEmu models the equilibrium distribution of protein structures, given an amino acid sequence.
ü It is capable of predicting the entire range of conformations that a protein may naturally explore.
ü Compared to traditional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, BioEmu is significantly faster, cheaper, and scalable.
o Large conformational shifts in enzymes
o Local unfolding events that regulate protein activity
o Fleeting cryptic pockets, which are potential drug binding sites (e.g., in the cancer-linked Ras protein)
o Predicts 70–81% of small changes, including the open and closed forms of adenylate kinase
o It can also analyze proteins with no fixed 3D structure and assess how mutations impact stability.
SIMBEX : Recently, the Indian Navy announced its participation in the 32nd edition of SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise), previously known as Exercise Lion King.
o Background: Initiated in 1994, it has grown into one of the most comprehensive bilateral maritime engagements of the Indian Navy.
o Significance: Supports India’s Act East Policy and Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
ü Enhances maritime cooperation, interoperability, and regional stability.
o Other Bilateral Defence Engagements with Singapore:
ü Exercise AGNI WARRIOR – Army-level joint training.
ü Joint Military Training (JMT) – Air Force exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
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