Current Affairs - Science

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the Ministry of Coal, launched the ‘CHARAK’ initiative—Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal—to provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases. This initiative targets economically weaker residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts with annual family incomes below Rs. 8 lakh. CHARAK covers treatment for conditions like malignancy, TB, cardiovascular diseases, HIV, neurological disorders, and more. Free treatment is provided at NCL’s hospital or specialized empanelled hospitals nationwide. This project highlights NCL’s continued focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly in healthcare, aiming to improve the well-being of vulnerable communities.

Nafithromycin is India’s first homegrown macrolide antibiotic, marking a significant milestone in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR poses a severe global health threat, contributing to 6 lakh deaths annually in India alone. Developed after 30 years of research, Nafithromycin received ₹8 crore funding from BIRAC under the Biotech Industry Program for Phase 3 trials. This innovation highlights India's progress in antibiotic development and its commitment to addressing the AMR crisis.

Pinfenon is a groundbreaking supplement specifically designed to treat and prevent cardiac disorders in dogs, particularly those suffering from mitral regurgitation. Scarecrow Incorporated's acquisition of the world's first patent for Pinfenon marks a significant milestone in veterinary medicine. This innovation underscores the company's commitment to improving animal health. The patent's approval by the Japan Patent Office also extends to various products, including food, shampoos, and essences, highlighting Pinfenon's versatility and potential impact on canine care.

The Haber-Bosch process is a groundbreaking industrial method that synthesizes ammonia by combining atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen, producing fertilizer on a massive scale. This process occurs in a high-pressure steel chamber, utilizing a specially designed valve and catalysts, such as iron oxides, to optimize energy efficiency and facilitate the reaction. Annually, the Haber-Bosch process extracts 100 million tonnes of nitrogen, generating 165 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen, significantly exceeding natural biological processes. This innovation has revolutionized fertilizer production, transforming agriculture globally.

Cholera is primarily classified as a water-borne disease, caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It is an acute diarrheal illness that spreads through contaminated water and food, particularly in areas with inadequate sewage treatment and drinking water facilities. Cholera can lead to severe dehydration and death if left untreated. Vulnerable populations, such as malnourished children and individuals living with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk of mortality. Effective prevention measures include access to clean water, proper sanitation, and vaccination with Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV).