theIASHub | 02 Aug, 2025 | 4
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Block 2 BlueBird Communications Satellite : Recently, building on the momentum of the successful NISAR mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced its next major launch. In the coming three to four months, it will launch the Block 2 BlueBird communications satellite, developed by U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile
o Enhanced Capability: Offers up to 10 times more bandwidth than existing BlueBird satellites currently in orbit.
o Coverage: Targets approximately 100% U.S. nationwide coverage using over 5,600 coverage cells.
o Performance Specs: Beam capacity: Up to 40 MHz
ü Peak data speed: Up to 120 Mbps
ü Supports voice, full data, and video applications
o Satellite Design: Features up to 2,400 sq. ft. communications arrays, set to become the largest ever commercially deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO).
o Total Mass: 6,500 kg
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C (VEGF-C) : Recently, a team of Indian scientists proposed an innovative nanotechnology-based approach to treat advanced liver cirrhosis, which involves the use of VEGF-C-loaded nanocarriers.
o How It Works: Activates the VEGFR-3 receptor on cell membranes, promoting lymphatic vessel formation and function.
o Therapeutic Potential: Repairs lymphatic vessels in the liver and intestines
ü Enhances lymphatic drainage
ü Reduces ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation), a major complication in liver cirrhosis
o Clinical Limitations: Hydrophilic nature limits its ability to cross cell membranes
ü Short half-life reduces its effectiveness in the body
ü Risk of systemic side effects in uncontrolled delivery
o Nanocarrier Solution: Encapsulating VEGF-C in nanocarriers helps overcome these challenges by enabling targeted, sustained, and safer delivery to damaged liver tissues.
o Disease Progression: Repeated liver injury and attempts at repair lead to fibrosis, vessel distortion, and fluid buildup, especially in advanced stages.
o Lymphatic Involvement: Damage is not limited to blood vessels—lymphatic vessels also become dysfunctional, particularly in the intestinal area.
ü Lymph production can increase up to 30 times due to liver congestion and portal hypertension, overwhelming the drainage system.
ü This contributes significantly to ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), yet no current treatment specifically targets lymphatic dysfunction.
o Common symptoms : Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, swelling in the limbs and abdomen, itchy skin, unexplained weight loss, easy bruising or bleeding, mental confusion, dark urine, pale stools, and spider-like blood vessels on the skin.
Mithun : Recently, scientists and tribal farmers from the Northeast have jointly urged the central government to include mithun (Bos frontalis), under key central sector schemes like the National Livestock Mission (NLM).
o They emphasized that such inclusion is crucial for promoting sustainable mithun farming and reversing the species’ declining population.
o Believed to have originated over 8,000 years ago, it is considered a descendant of the wild Indian gaur (bison). Referred to as the “cattle of the mountain”, symbolizing strength and cultural significance in the Northeast.
o Geographical Distribution: Found mainly in the Northeastern region of India, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, which has the highest population.
ü Also found in Nagaland, and parts of Southeast Asia including Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Inhabits tropical evergreen rainforests.
o Cultural Significance: State animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. The Adi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh celebrate the ‘Soulung’ festival annually to commemorate the arrival of Mithun on Earth.
o Physical Characteristics: Resembles the Indian gaur, but is smaller in size.
ü Strongly built with an average weight of 400–650 kg.
ü Notable for its broad frontal bone, flat-shaped face, and horns that form an inverted triangle shape from the front.
ü The body color is typically blackish-brown, with a creamy white or yellowish forehead.
Study About Toxic Heavy Metals in Low-level Clouds: Recently, a study by Bose Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), revealed the presence of toxic heavy metals in low-level clouds over the Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats.
o These pollutants pose serious health risks to populations residing in and around these high-altitude regions.
o Eastern Himalayan clouds showed 1.5 times higher pollution levels, with 40–60% more toxic metal loading than those over the Western Ghats.
o Clouds are acting as a transport medium, ferrying metals from polluted lowlands to high-altitude ecosystems.
o Health Risks Identified: Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks arise from inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption of these toxic metals.
ü Children are at 30% higher health risk compared to adults due to their higher exposure sensitivity.
ü Inhalation of metal-laden clouds is identified as the most potent route for non-carcinogenic diseases.
ü Chromium (Cr) specifically linked to a higher risk of cancer via inhalation.
o Comparative Pollution Levels : Despite findings, Indian clouds are still relatively less polluted compared to those in China, Pakistan, Italy, and the USA.
HOPE Station : Recently, Bengaluru-based space company Protoplanet under the guidance of ISRO launched the Human Outer Planetary Exploration (HOPE) station.
o It serves as a testbed for off-Earth human exploration in extreme environments.
o Objectives : To study psychological, physiological, and epigenetic responses of humans in extreme isolation.
ü To support India’s long-term space goals, including: A crewed lunar mission by 2040 and establishment of a space station by 2035
o Significance: A critical step in developing India’s human spaceflight capability.
ü Strengthens India’s participation in the global space research community, joining countries like the USA, Canada, and Russia.
ü Will generate valuable data to aid upcoming missions like Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Gaganyaan.
71st National Film Awards : Recently, the 71st National Film Awards, celebrating the cinematic excellence of 2023, were announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
o This edition received 332 entries in the feature film category, 115 in non-feature films, 27 books, and 16 critics’ submissions.
o Best Actor (Joint Winners): Shah Rukh Khan – Jawan (Hindi) (Maiden National Award) & Vikrant Massey – 12th Fail (Hindi)
o Best Actress (Joint Winners): Rani Mukerji – Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway (Hindi), Nithya Menen – Thiruchitrambalam (Tamil) & Manasi Parekh – Kutch Express (Gujarati)
o Best Director: Sudipto Sen – The Kerala Story (Hindi)
o Administered by: The Directorate of Film Festivals (since 1973), which also manages the International Film Festival of India and Indian Panorama.
o Award Components: Each winner receives a medallion, cash prize, and a certificate of merit.
o Top Awards: Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus Award): Given in 6 Feature Film categories and 2 each from Non-Feature Films and Best Writing on Cinema.
ü Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus Award): Given in all other categories.
o Objective: To promote films of aesthetic and technical excellence and foster national integration and cultural appreciation.
o Nationality: The director and key creative personnel must be Indian nationals.
o Certification: Must be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31 of the award year.
BHASKAR Platform : Recently, the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) has emerged as a key national platform to strengthen India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering collaboration among startups and stakeholders.
o As of June 2025, around 1.98 lakh startups are registered on the platform across all States and Union Territories.
o Aims to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by creating a centralized, digital registry of stakeholders.
o Provides a collaborative space for startups, investors, mentors, service providers, academic institutions, and government bodies.
o Objectives: Build the world’s largest digital startup registry.
ü Facilitate collaboration and networking among ecosystem players.
ü Enhance discoverability, access to resources, and policy support.
o Key Features: Networking & Collaboration: Seamless interaction among startups, investors, and other stakeholders.
ü Centralized Resources: Quick access to tools, knowledge, and support services.
ü Unique BHASKAR ID: Personalized stakeholder identification for tailored engagement.
ü Smart Discoverability: Powerful search for finding relevant collaborators & opportunities.
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