Current Affairs - Technology

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed indigenous technology for producing paracetamol, marking a step toward reducing dependency on imports and enhancing self-reliance in pharmaceutical production. This announcement was made by Dr Jitendra Singh during the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. CSIR's achievements also include India's first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, aimed at combating drug-resistant bacteria, showcasing its pivotal role in advancing the nation's scientific capabilities.

Researchers from IIT-Guwahati, in collaboration with the Bose Institute, Kolkata, developed an innovative injectable hydrogel designed for localized cancer treatment, particularly breast cancer therapy. This hydrogel is composed of ultra-short peptides and is sensitive to glutathione, abundant in tumour cells, allowing precise drug activation. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which causes systemic side effects, this hydrogel targets tumours directly, reducing harm to healthy cells. The research, led by Debapratim Das (IIT-G) and published in Materials Horizons, offers a breakthrough approach to cancer treatment, emphasizing precision and minimal invasiveness.

Researchers from IIT Bombay have developed innovative bacteria, including Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, to tackle soil pollution. These bacteria consume toxic aromatic pollutants and transform them into nutrients beneficial for plants. This breakthrough not only enhances soil health and promotes plant growth but also reduces dependency on chemical pesticides. Such advancements highlight IIT Bombay’s contribution to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

ISRO is set to launch a United States communications satellite in early 2025 using the GSLV. This mission, likely in collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, aims to enable direct smartphone voice calls from space. The satellite, named Bluebird, features a 64-square-meter antenna and is designed to provide affordable 5G broadband, addressing global connectivity challenges and bridging the digital divide.

IIT Madras, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, launched Project VISTAAR to modernize India's agricultural extension system. This initiative leverages advanced technologies and an extensive database of over 12,000 agriculture-focused start-ups to provide farmers with digital access to advisory services. By integrating innovative solutions, the project aims to enhance productivity, market access, and supply chain management, ensuring that farmers benefit from improved practices and government schemes.