<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1700740596467" alt="Indian Govt to introduce regulations to combat deepfake threats" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology and Communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw, led a high-level meeting addressing the escalating concerns surrounding deepfake content.
Vaishnaw announced that the government is set to formulate new regulations promptly to counter the deepfake menace. The meeting included discussions with major social media platforms, leading AI tool companies, NASSCOM, and experts in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
Vaishnaw emphasised the urgency of addressing deepfake threats, labeling them a "new threat to society." He pledged to draft regulations swiftly, either amending existing frameworks or enacting new rules or laws.
The Minister also outlined four crucial pillars for addressing deepfakes – detection, prevention, establishing a reporting mechanism, and increasing awareness. The stakeholders plan to reconvene in the first week of December to follow up on the decisions made.
This development follows Vaishnaw's announcement on November 18, wherein he revealed that notices had been issued to companies regarding the deepfake issue. While acknowledging positive responses from platforms, Vaishnaw urged them to adopt more aggressive measures against deepfake content.
He clarified that the 'safe harbour immunity' enjoyed by platforms under the Information Technology (IT) Act would not apply unless they take swift and decisive action.
Concerns over deepfake content gained prominence after several AI-generated 'deepfake' videos targeting actors went viral on social media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed caution, warning that deepfakes could lead to a significant crisis and contribute to societal discontent. Deepfakes involve digitally manipulated media, synthetically altered to convincingly misrepresent or impersonate individuals, utilising artificial intelligence.

Indian Govt to introduce regulations to combat deepfake threats

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1697714288809" alt="ICMR completes successful clinical trials for world’s first injectable male contraceptive - RISUG" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a groundbreaking development, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has concluded clinical trials for the world's first injectable male contraceptive. The results of the phase-III clinical trial, involving 303 candidates aged 25-40 years, were published in the international open-access Andrology journal last month.
The trials, which took place at five different centres (New Delhi, Udhampur, Ludhiana, Jaipur, and Kharagpur), were coordinated by the ICMR, New Delhi. The study's findings have shown that the injectable male contraceptive, known as Reversible Inhibition of Sperm under Guidance (RISUG), is safe, highly efficacious, and free from serious side effects.
The trial, conducted under an open-label, non-randomised, multi-centre hospital-based design, received approval from the Drugs Controller General India (DCGI) and the institutional ethical committees of the respective centres.
In the study, 303 healthy, sexually active, and married men, along with their spouses, were identified. These men were injected with 60 mg of RISUG, a novel male contraceptive approach.
The study's results have been remarkable, with RISUG demonstrating an overall efficacy of 97.3% in achieving azoospermia (absence of sperm in semen) and a 99.02% effectiveness in preventing pregnancies, all without any serious side effects.
The study stated, "In the history of contraceptive development, RISUG presents the highest effectiveness compared to all other contraceptives, both male and female, as they were at the threshold of induction into a mass contraception program."
In the context of the global population surge, there has been an urgent need for modern methods of male contraception for effective population control. While vasectomy has been a reliable method, it has certain limitations that necessitate the development of improved techniques. An ideal male contraceptive should be minimally invasive, offer a one-time injection, ensure long-term effectiveness with minimal side effects, and provide the option of reversal.
RISUG addresses these criteria with its innovative approach. The method's significant features include localised injection and no detectable interaction with other body parts, distinguishing it from hormonal injectable contraceptives.
The success of these clinical trials marks a pivotal moment in the realm of contraception, offering a promising solution for family planning and population control.
This milestone achievement not only signifies a significant leap in contraceptive technology but also paves the way for a revolutionary approach to male contraception that could potentially transform global family planning strategies.

ICMR completes successful clinical trials for world’s first injectable male contraceptive

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1697555232639.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>


In a resounding call for pioneering ventures in space, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set forth an ambitious vision for India’s space exploration endeavours. Following the success of several Indian space programs, including the recent Chandrayaan-3 mission, PM Modi urged scientists to strive for new and audacious goals.
During a high-level meeting on Tuesday attended by esteemed figures like Space Minister Jitendra Singh, ISRO Chairman S Somanath, and ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre Director M Mohan, PM Modi outlined a compelling roadmap for India’s journey into the cosmos.
At the heart of this vision lies the establishment of the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035, and the monumental task of sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Beyond our lunar ambitions, PM Modi also called upon ISRO scientists to venture into interplanetary missions, encompassing a Venus Orbiter Mission and a Mars Lander Mission, signalling India’s growing presence in the global space exploration arena.
To turn these aspirations into reality, the Department of Space will craft a meticulous roadmap for lunar exploration. This roadmap will involve a series of Chandrayaan missions, the development of a next-generation launch vehicle (NGLV), the construction of a new launchpad, and the creation of human-centric laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technologies.
<ins>Gaganyaan is the key</ins>
Key to this mission is the Gaganyaan project, India’s maiden human spaceflight mission. During the meeting, an overview of the Gaganyaan mission was presented, showcasing advancements such as human-rated launch vehicles and system qualifications.
Notably, around 20 major tests, including three uncrewed missions of the human-rated launch vehicle (HLVM3), are on the horizon. A pivotal moment approaches as the first demonstration flight of the crew escape system test vehicle (TV-D1) is scheduled on 21st October.
This test will involve launching the crew module into space, recovering it after landing in the Bay of Bengal, and will be a significant step toward the manned mission.
After TV-D1, three more test missions (D2, D3, D4) will follow, including one with a humanoid named Vyommitra. If these tests prove successful, the final manned mission, comprising 2-3 Indian astronauts, will launch to space at an altitude of 400km in 2025.
The crew module for these tests is equipped with state-of-the-art single-stage liquid rockets and fast-acting solid motors for crew escape systems, simulating abort conditions during ascent trajectory.
PM Modi expressed his unwavering confidence in India’s capabilities and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to exploring new frontiers in space. As India stands on the cusp of pioneering space achievements, the PM’s vision ignites the nation’s aspirations, propelling India into a new era of space exploration.

India's ambitious Space Odyssey: PM Modi sets vision for future explorations

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1696515244651" alt="Chandrayaan-3's lunar mission faces challenges: Hope fades as moon's extremes take toll. Pragyan and Vikram." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India's ambitious lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, designed to explore the moon's south pole, faced a setback as the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover failed to awaken after the lunar day, equivalent to 14 Earth days.
The mission, hailed as a pioneering venture, aimed to survive the harsh lunar environment for this period, but encountered challenges beyond expectations.
The optimism of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists dimmed as sunlight started to recede from the lunar surface on September 30. Despite meticulous preparations, the Pragyan rover and Vikram lander, which had been in sleep mode since September 2 and September 4 respectively, remained unresponsive when dawn broke on the moon again on September 20.
ISRO had carefully orchestrated the mission, putting Pragyan into sleep mode while ensuring its batteries were fully charged and its receiver active, anticipating a revival during the lunar sunrise.
The mission faced two critical challenges. Firstly, the extreme temperatures on the moon, ranging from minus 180 degrees Celsius to minus 253 degrees Celsius at the poles, likely affected Pragyan Rover's batteries. Secondly, the moon's absolute darkness rendered Chandrayaan-3's solar panels useless, as the rover and lander were not equipped with heaters commonly utilised in moon missions.
ISRO Chairman S Somnath, in an interview with The Times of India, expressed the agency's commitment to wait until the last Earth day for the lander and rover to respond, even hoping for a chance to conduct additional experiments on the lunar surface. However, despite their best efforts, no signals were received from Chandrayaan-3.
While ISRO hasn't entirely abandoned hope, statistical analysis indicates the likelihood of Chandrayaan-3's revival is slim. As per ISRO's earlier statement, if the Pragyan and Vikram duo does not reawaken, they "will forever stay there as India’s lunar ambassador."
Unlike other missions, Vikram and Pragyan were not designed to return to Earth, marking the end of their journey on the lunar surface. The challenges faced by Chandrayaan-3 serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in exploring the lunar landscape and highlight the continuous efforts required to master the intricacies of space exploration.

Chandrayaan-3's lunar mission faces challenges: Hope fades as moon's extremes take toll

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1695740021669" alt="Covaxin & Covishield show promising immune enhancement in COVID-19 cases, study finds" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

A recent study focusing on COVID-19 vaccine immunity underscores the vital role of vaccination for individuals who have previously encountered the virus.
This study has revealed that both COVISHIELD and COVAXIN substantially bolster immune responses in individuals with varying levels of existing immunity to SARS-CoV-2, which they had acquired through prior natural exposure to the virus.
The multi-centric research, led by scientists from St. John's Research Institute, was published in npj Vaccines, a Nature journal, on September 14.
COVISHIELD, produced by the Serum Institute of India, and COVAXIN, the homegrown vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech Ltd, were the initial two vaccines authorised for COVID-19 immunisation in India. Although India launched a highly successful vaccination campaign, a significant portion of the population remained unvaccinated until the end of 2021.
During that period, a critical question arose: could the COVID vaccines available in India in 2021 elicit immune responses beyond the immunity gained through natural exposure to the virus during the earlier ancestral and Delta waves?
<ins>Participants and findings</ins>
We tackled this matter by studying 700 adults (aged 18-44 years) who had completed their initial vaccination series between November 2021 and January 2022. Sample collection continued until May 2023, at which point the analysis was conducted, explained Annapurna Vyakarnam, whose Human Immunology Laboratory is situated at St. John's Research Institute (SJRI).
The study participants were recruited from four clinical sites and five research institutes in Bengaluru, Pune, and Vellore. They received either two doses of COVAXIN spaced 28 days apart or two doses of COVISHIELD spaced three months apart, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The peak responses to both vaccines were assessed at two weeks (14 days) following the second dose (day 42 for COVAXIN and day 98 for COVISHIELD).
Professor Vyakarnam, the study's lead immunologist, emphasised that circulating neutralising antibodies and cellular T-cell responses are key immune parameters that determine protection against severe disease.
"This study delved into the magnitude, breadth, and quality of these immune parameters using advanced immunological techniques, and it demonstrated that all three parameters were enhanced two weeks after individuals received their first two doses of either of the COVID-19 vaccines," stated the researcher, who is also associated with King's College London.
<ins>Study results</ins>
Furthermore, initial data from this cohort indicated the presence of enduring anti-COVID-19 immunity even up to a year following COVISHIELD vaccination, albeit to a lesser extent with COVAXIN, she remarked.
Srabanti Rakshit, Project Scientist in the Division of Infectious Diseases at SJRI and the study's lead author, explained, “this is not surprising as COVISHIELD vaccine was specifically engineered to enhance immunogenicity, whereas COVAXIN is an inactivated rapidly generated and highly deployable first response efficacious virus vaccine.”
We anticipate that the unequivocal scientific evidence demonstrating the broadening and enhancement of anti-COVID immunity in individuals with pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 immunity due to COVID-19 vaccines will stimulate further in-depth investigations into what constitutes persistent immunity against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, the researchers stated.
“Importantly, we hope this will mitigate vaccine hesitancy arguments to current and future national COVID-19 booster vaccination recommendations; unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy remains a global health challenge in significant pockets of the world,” they said.
<ins>Study sites</ins>
Funded by CSR with support from Hindustan Unilever, this study was conducted involving four clinical sites, namely Bangalore Baptist Hospital (BBH), King Edward Memorial Hospital Research Center (KEM), Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Center (SUHRC), and St. John’s Medical College Hospital (SJMC)), and five research institutes National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), St. John’s Research Institute (SJRI), National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune (IISER-Pune).

Covaxin & Covishield show promising immune enhancement in COVID-19 cases, study finds

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1695050647542" alt="India plans crucial test for Gaganyaan crewed space mission" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India is gearing up for a critical test as part of its ambitious crewed space mission, Gaganyaan, set to take place as early as next month. Project director R. Hutton revealed that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is currently in the process of training four astronauts and is considering expanding the team.
The primary objective of the Gaganyaan mission is to develop a human-habitable space capsule capable of carrying a three-member crew into a 400 km (250 miles) orbit for a three-day mission before safely splashing down in the Indian Ocean.
Once the Gaganyaan mission is successfully completed, ISRO intends to explore ways to maintain a sustained human presence in space.
Hutton emphasised the importance of safety in the mission, stating, "The team is aiming to test its crew escape system, which can be used to eject astronauts in emergencies, before undertaking a battery of other tests before the final launch phase."
A budget of approximately 90.23 billion Indian rupees ($1.1 billion) has been allocated for the mission, following ISRO's historic landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the lunar south pole.
While an exact launch date has not been disclosed, the mission is expected to lift off from India's primary spaceport in Sriharikota before 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi first announced the Gaganyaan Mission in 2018 during his Independence Day speech, with the initial goal of achieving the mission by 2022. However, due to the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, the project's progress was slowed down. ISRO is now aiming to launch the mission no later than the end of 2024.
The Gaganyaan mission involves sending a crew of three individuals into a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission, followed by their safe return to Earth, with a landing in the Indian Ocean. The mission encompasses the development of crucial technologies, including human-rated launch vehicles, life support systems simulating Earth's environment, emergency escape provisions, and other key components.
With the imminent test and further preparations, India is steadily advancing toward its goal of participating in crewed space exploration.

India plans crucial test for Gaganyaan crewed space mission

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1695022543103" alt="ISRO's Aditya-L1 space mission commences data collection" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India's inaugural space expedition, Aditya-L1, dedicated to the study of the Sun, has initiated the acquisition of scientific data, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed on Monday. Launched on September 2, 2023, at 11:50 am, the mission has taken a significant step forward in its research objectives.
The space agency highlighted that the Supra Thermal &amp; Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) instrument, an integral part of the Aditya Solar Wind Particle EXperiment (ASPEX) payload, has commenced the collection of scientific data. Activation of this instrument took place on September 10, 2023, when Aditya-L1 was situated at a distance exceeding 50,000 km from Earth.
STEPS comprises an array of sensors, each oriented in different directions, designed to measure supra-thermal and energetic ions, spanning from 20 keV/nucleon to 5 MeV/nucleon, as well as electrons surpassing 1 MeV.

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1695022580443" alt="ISRO's Aditya-L1 space mission commences data collection" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

ISRO emphasised that the sensors within the STEPS instrument have already initiated the measurement of supra-thermal and energetic ions and electrons at a distance greater than 50,000 km from Earth. This vital data facilitates scientific analysis of particle behaviour in the vicinity of Earth.
"The figure displays variations in the energetic particle environment, collected by one of the units," stated ISRO, headquartered in Bengaluru.
The information gathered during Earth's orbits is invaluable for scientists as it aids in comprehending the dynamics of particles encircling our planet, particularly in the presence of Earth's magnetic field. After completing essential instrument health assessments, data collection proceeded until the spacecraft moved beyond 50,000 km from Earth.
STEPS was developed through collaboration between the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) and the Space Application Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad.
The Aditya L1 mission embarked on its journey from the Sriharikota spaceport on September 2, embarking on a 125-day expedition to reach Lagrange Point 1 of the Sun-Earth system, situated 1.5 million km away from Earth.

ISRO's Aditya-L1 space mission commences data collection

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1694613713011" alt="India looks to study deep sea resources with MATSYA 6000" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India is building its first manned submersible, MATSYA 6000, to study the deep sea and conduct a biodiversity assessment, an announcement that comes days after the country successfully landed a spacecraft near the moon's south pole.
The project is another sign that India wants to increase its clout globally as an innovator in science and technology, particularly in space and other unexplored regions.
Kiren Rijiju, the Earth Sciences Minister, posted photos of the submersible on X, saying the mission will send three people to a depth of six kilometres (about four miles), and "will not disturb the ocean ecosystem."
It was reported that the country expects to complete building the submersible by 2026, and it will have a similar design to Oceangate's Titan, which went missing near the Titanic's resting place in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The US Coast Guard later announced the submersible underwent a catastrophic implosion that killed all five people on board, who were on an expedition to see the Titanic's wreckage. The news forced OceanGate to suspend all explorations and business operations.

India looks to study deep sea resources with MATSYA 6000

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1694463095048" alt="SpaceX's Starship Grounded by FAA for Corrective Actions After Mishap" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

SpaceX, the pioneering aerospace manufacturer founded by Elon Musk, faces a significant setback as the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered the grounding of Starship, one of the most powerful rockets ever constructed. This decision comes in the aftermath of Starship's debut launch in April, which tragically ended in an explosion.
The FAA announced its closure of the investigation into the explosion and identified multiple factors that could have contributed to the mishap. To prevent a recurrence, SpaceX has been mandated to undertake 63 corrective actions. These measures encompass redesigning the vehicle to prevent leaks and fires, strengthening the SpaceX launch pad, conducting additional reviews in the design process, and subjecting critical systems, including the Autonomous Flight Safety Systems, to further analysis and testing.
Only after completing all these corrective actions will SpaceX be eligible to apply for a license modification from federal regulators, granting permission for another launch attempt. Elon Musk had previously asserted on X (formerly Twitter) that Starship was ready for launch, pending FAA approval.
In response to the FAA's decision, SpaceX issued a statement characterizing the first flight test as a critical step in advancing Starship's capabilities. The company acknowledged that the test provided invaluable lessons, which are now driving multiple upgrades to both the vehicle and ground infrastructure. These enhancements aim to enhance the probability of success in future Starship flights.
The explosion during the debut flight was attributed to leaking propellants on Starship, resulting in a fire that severed the connection with the vehicle's primary flight computer. This loss of communication with the booster engines ultimately led to a loss of control over the rocket. SpaceX is diligently working on hardware and software upgrades for the vehicle, along with improvements to its Starbase launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
In the midst of these challenges, NASA officials have acknowledged the "unaffordable" nature of its Space Launch System (SLS) program. SpaceX's Starship was expected to play a pivotal role in NASA's Artemis 3 mission, which aims to land humans near the South Pole of the Moon for the first time. However, the fate of this collaboration now appears uncertain as corrective actions and regulatory approvals loom on the horizon.

SpaceX's Starship Grounded by FAA for Corrective Actions After Mishap

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1694460702010" alt="NASA's SLS rocket program faces transparency & cost challenges, Congressional report reveals" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a report submitted to the United States Congress, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has raised concerns over NASA's transparency regarding the costs of its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket program, a pivotal component of the Artemis Moon initiative.
The GAO's report, published on Thursday, underscores NASA's admission that, given the current cost levels, the SLS program is deemed "unaffordable." The agency, however, is actively working on enhancing affordability, although it is too early to assess the potential impact of these efforts on future costs.
NASA's SLS program holds critical importance in the space agency's ambitious plans to return humanity to the Moon through the Artemis program. The launch vehicle has already undergone testing with the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission and is slated for use through at least the Artemis 5 mission.
"The SLS program, in collaboration with NASA management, has formulated a roadmap outlining both short-term and long-term strategies aimed at achieving future cost savings," stated the report. These strategies encompass initiatives to stabilize the rocket's flight schedule, attain learning curve efficiencies, and adapt acquisition strategies.
However, the report identifies significant challenges in comprehending the true cost dynamics of the SLS program. The cost and schedule commitments for the original SLS rocket were closely tied to the launch of Artemis 1, thereby leaving ongoing production and sustainability costs unmonitored. Instead, NASA adopted a rolling five-year estimate of production and operation costs to ensure budgetary alignment.
The GAO found this approach lacking, as it failed to account for costs tied to specific Artemis missions or recurring production items, rendering it ineffective as a measure of cost performance over time. Moreover, the estimate structure does not allow for flexibility in accommodating potential delays in the Artemis program, as highlighted by ARS Technica. The timeline for the first crewed mission, Artemis 2, is unlikely to launch before 2025, with Artemis 3 potentially following in 2026, deviating from initial plans for 2025 and 2026 launches.
To address these challenges and mitigate costs, NASA intends to stabilize the flight schedule for the SLS rocket during Artemis missions. The report emphasizes that frequent alterations to flight plans, including dates, modifications, and mission objectives, have contributed to increased costs and schedule changes, creating uncertainty and hindering NASA's planning efforts.
Another significant cost-reduction strategy entails altering the agency's contract acquisition methods. NASA traditionally employs a cost-plus-award-fee strategy, where manufacturers are reimbursed for actual costs incurred along with an additional fee for their performance. NASA is now exploring a shift towards fixed-price contract types, transferring costs and risks from the agency to the contractors.
Furthermore, NASA plans to leverage economies of scale for mass-produced components and explore innovative manufacturing techniques as avenues for cost reduction.
However, CNN reports that NASA faces challenges in managing the costs of the SLS program, with a track record of concerns dating back to 2014. Both the GAO and NASA's Inspector General have consistently raised apprehensions regarding the program's cost management, underscoring the complexities associated with realizing cost-effective space exploration goals.

NASA's SLS rocket program faces transparency & cost challenges, Congressional report reveals

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1694073457539" alt="Marine scientists unearth genome secrets of Indian oil sardine" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a major breakthrough in marine fisheries research, a team of scientists at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has decoded the whole genome of the Indian oil sardine, a popular food fish.
This is the first time that the genome of a marine fish species from the Indian subcontinent has been decoded, a CMFRI statement said here.
CMFRI Director Dr A Gopalakrishnan described this development as a ‘milestone’ in Indian marine fisheries, saying that the decoded genome will be a valuable resource for understanding the biology, ecology, and evolution of the oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps).
“This critical genome data could be used to improve the management strategies for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of this fish,” he said.
The decoded genome is 1.077 Gb in size and contains a total of 46316 protein coding genes.
This landmark research accomplishment was achieved through the cutting-edge Next Generation Sequencing technology by a group of researchers led by Dr Sandhya Sukumaran, Principal Scientist at Marine Biotechnology division of the CMFRI. This research has been published in the high-impact journal Scientific Data of the Nature Group.
Indian oil sardine is a vital fisheries resource in the Indian subcontinent, contributing substantially, approximately 10 per cent, to the total marine fisheries industry in India.
“This fish is a trans-boundary resource and the whole genome information can also be utilised for certification of the fishery and identification of the origin of catch for monitoring clandestine trade and tracking the movement of this enigmatic fish,” Dr Gopalakrishnan said.
Small pelagic fishes like the Indian oil sardines can be considered as model organisms to study the climatic as well as fishing impacts on the Indian Ocean resources, as they respond to variations in environmental and oceanographic parameters, he said.
Sardines are an ecologically important part of the marine ecosystem, as they form an intermediate link in the food web and serve as prey for larger predators. The genome assembly of the sardines is a valuable tool for studying how fish adapt to climate change, the CMFRI director added.
Genetic and genomic investigations found that Indian oil sardines exist in two highly distinct stocks, one in Indian waters and another in the Gulf of Oman.
“Understanding these genetic differences could help researchers comprehend how environmental and oceanographic conditions impact this species in different regions of the Northern Indian Ocean,” he said.
The CMFRI statement said the researchers have also identified the genes involved in the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the oil sardine, offering insights into the genomic mechanisms behind the high nutritional quality of these sardines.
Oil sardines are a good source of these fatty acids, which play a crucial role in maintaining human health.
The researchers behind the achievement are of the view that their findings could support scientists in finding critical leads in nutritional research and developing new dietary supplements or fortified foods that are high in PUFAs.
“Further, it supports studies on synthesising PUFAs through transgenesis or gene editing techniques in organisms of choice to improve nutritional quality,” Dr Sandhya Sukumaran said.

Marine scientists unearth genome secrets of Indian oil sardine

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1694026546558" alt="IMD enhances weather forecast services for G20 Summit" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In preparation for the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled for September 9-10 at Pragati Maidan, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has taken proactive measures to provide specialized and real-time weather forecasts for the high-profile event. The IMD has installed an additional automatic weather station (AWS) near the G20 Summit venue to ensure accurate and up-to-date weather information.
The IMD's round-the-clock weather monitoring for the summit officially commences on Thursday morning. To keep all stakeholders informed, the weather office will issue tailored weather updates and forecasts, which can be accessed through a dedicated webpage on the IMD website at mausam.imd.gov.in/g20.
This webpage will serve as a valuable resource, offering real-time data from the newly deployed AWS near the G20 venue. It will provide detailed information on critical weather parameters such as air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and rainfall. The data will be continuously updated at 15-minute intervals, ensuring that users have access to the most precise and current weather information.
In addition to the G20 venue, similar real-time weather information will be available for nine other key locations across Delhi. These locations include the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi railway station, Chandni Chowk, Akshardham Temple, Bahai/Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Red Fort/Rajghat, Delhi University, and Lodhi Road (Lodhi Garden).
With over 30 heads of state, top officials from the European Union, invited guest countries, and 14 heads of international organizations expected to attend, the accurate weather forecasts provided by the IMD will play a crucial role in ensuring the success and safety of the G20 Leaders' Summit.

Also Read - <a href="https://policharcha.com/article/nation/33b431ba-2407-46c3-baf9-ae6537ea8733/g-explainer-all-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">All you need to know about G20</a>&nbsp;

IMD enhances weather forecast services for G20 Summit

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1693924813552" alt="No link found between Indian COVID-19 Vaccines & increased heart attack risk, study reveals" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

A recent observational study has confirmed that there is no association between the two COVID-19 vaccines widely used in India, Covishield and Covaxin, and an elevated risk of heart attacks. Instead, the research underscores the protective effects of these vaccines.
Published in the journal PLOS One, the study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on mortality following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or heart attack. This retrospective analysis relied on data from 1,578 individuals admitted to GB Pant Hospital in Delhi between August 2021 and August 2022. Among these patients, 68.8 percent had received COVID-19 vaccination, while the remaining 31.2 percent remained unvaccinated.
Within the vaccinated group, 96 percent had completed both doses of the vaccine, while 4 percent had received only a single dose. Dr Mohit Gupta, the study's lead researcher from GB Pant Hospital, affirmed, "Our study found that vaccines used in India are safe. There was no association between vaccination in India and heart attacks. In fact, the study found that there were fewer chances of death after a heart attack in vaccinated individuals."
While previous concerns had been raised regarding cardiovascular adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines, the study results highlight the overall safety of these vaccines. The observed adverse effects (AEs) of COVID-19 vaccines, when present, were generally mild, transient, and self-limiting. Given India's dense population, the authors acknowledged the potential catastrophic consequences of any side effects.
The study analysed the vaccination status of all patients, including details about the vaccine type, vaccination date, and any adverse effects. The analysis did not reveal any specific clustering of AMI cases at a particular time post-vaccination, indicating no significant association between COVID-19 vaccines and heart attacks.
Furthermore, the research showed that the vaccinated group exhibited significantly lower odds of mortality at both the 30-day and six-month follow-up points. This finding suggests that COVID-19 vaccines have a protective effect, reducing all-cause mortality following AMIs.
However, the study did identify certain risk factors associated with higher 30-day mortality, including increasing age, diabetes, and smoking.
"The findings of our study demonstrated that the 30-day and six-month all-cause mortality risk was significantly lower in the vaccinated subjects compared to the unvaccinated population," the authors concluded.
This study is notable for being the first of its kind to involve a larger population of AMI patients and to demonstrate that COVID-19 vaccines are not only safe but also offer protection by reducing all-cause mortality both in the short term and at six months of follow-up. Nonetheless, the authors acknowledge some limitations, including the study's retrospective nature and its single-centre design. They recommend further validation through larger studies involving diverse ethnic groups to reinforce these findings.

No link found between Indian COVID-19 Vaccines & increased heart attack risk, study reveals

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1693914632582" alt="Scientists fabricates optically active flexible biodegradable polymer-nanocomposite films" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Researchers have fabricated an optically active biodegradable nanocomposite film with excellent mechanical properties that can be used as a stretchable optical devices like flexible display, flexible organic LED, etc.
Polymers have become an indispensable part of our daily life. However, different engineering applications demand highly flexible and optically active polymers. In this regard, numerous methodologies have been adopted to improve the properties of polymeric materials by using suitable nanomaterials. The nanomaterials are known to enhance the properties of the polymers keeping the inherent properties of the polymers intact. Scientists have reported that polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is one of the most widely studied synthetic biodegradable polymers having good film-forming and excellent mechanical properties. Moreover, its optical and mechanical properties can be tuned by incorporating suitable nanomaterials.&nbsp;&nbsp;
A research group from physical sciences division of the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of North-East India under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), fabricated a biodegradable PVA-CuO nanocomposite film using a facile solution casting technique, where Cu salt used as a precursor for the in-situ CuO nanoparticles formation under different heat treatment.
This research group is led by Dr. Sarathi Kundu, Associate Professor, along with Mr. Saiyad Akhirul Ali, working as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF). Their tests have proved superior optical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite films under different heat treatments. The formation of the CuO nanoparticles inside the polymer matrix under heat treatment is confirmed by different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The evaluation of mechanical properties validated the formation of a highly flexible and robust nanocomposite film with tensile strength as high as 39 MPa and flexibility of 169% with copper chloride loading.
The PVA-CuO nanocomposite film fabricated by the simple solution casting technique followed by the heat treatment method recently published in the journal of Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, can be used as a stretchable optical device.

Read more - <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092777572300924X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">Publication Link</a>&nbsp;

Scientists fabricates optically active flexible biodegradable polymer-nanocomposite films

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​The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highway Nitin Gadkari, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, gave out important updates on the growing number of electric vehicles (EV) in the country.
He informed the Parliament of the whopping growth in the number of EVs in the country which has now crossed 10 lakh. He further added that to facilitate efficient charging for these EVS, around 1,700 charging stations have also been set up in several public places in India.
​The Ministry of Power has also issued “Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles – the revised consolidated Guidelines and Standards” to facilitate the transition towards E-mobility in India.
Gadkari said, “Action Plans have been prepared by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for 8 cities with a 4 million-plus population (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, and Pune).”
MHI (Ministry of Heavy Industries) had also invited applications from Government Organisations and PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) to build, operate, and manage EV charging infrastructures on National Highways and Expressways under the FAME India Scheme Phase- 2 for Highways and Expressways.
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), in consortium with Convergence Energy Services Limited (a subsidiary of EESL), has already been awarded the work for setting up EV charging stations along 16 NH or expressways. Moreover, in order to facilitate EESL in the above prospect, NHAI has signed an MOU with the former, the Ministry said. As per this MoU, NHAI shall provide space or land near toll plazas and its buildings for the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations based on the revenue sharing model, subject to an agreeable amount to NHAI and EESL.

No. of EVs on road in India crosses 10L, with around 1700 charging stations

After the grand success of Chandrayaan missions and Aditya L1 project, India is ready to take Indian astronauts into the space for the first time on an Indian platform.

I just hope everything goes well....
what are your views?

Big hopes from Gaganyaan Mission

<div>ISRO Chandrayaan 3 Moon Landing Updates: Isro’s third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 made a historic soft landing on the Moon on Wednesday. This made India only the fourth nation to land a rover on the lunar surface and also the first ever country to land a rover near the Moon's South Pole. Meanwhile, the Pragyan rover ramped down from the Vikram lander and is moving on the Moon's surface, where it will conduct scientific experiments for 14 days. Stay with Indiatoday.in for the latest updates on Chandrayaan-3’s landing</div><div> </div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DLA_64yz8Ss" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Big hopes from Gaganyaan Mission

Pragyan rover moves on Moon’s surface, to conduct experiments for 14 days