CRISPR-Cas 9
Scientists developed enhanced, precise and more efficient genome-editing system than existing CRISPR-Cas9 technologies.
- A genome-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely cut and modify DNA sequences.
- Involves 2 key molecules –
- A guide RNA designed to find and bind to specific part of target genome.
- Cas9 acts as molecular scissors that can cut two strands of DNA.
- Applications – Treatment of diseases like cancer and hepatitis B, producing genetically modified organisms, enhance crop resilience etc.
- Scientists explored FnCas9 enzyme which is highly precise.
Pumped Storage Hydropower
Uttar Pradesh government approved a 1,200 MW pumped storage power project in Sonabhadra.
- A configuration of 2 water reservoirs at different elevations that can generate power as water moves down from one to the other (discharge), passing through a turbine.
- Use the principle of gravity to generate electricity.
- Also requires power as it pumps water back into the upper reservoir (recharge).
Advanced Land Navigation System
Defense Acquisition Council accorded Acceptance of Necessity for procurement of Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS), ALNS Mk-II for Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) of Indian Army.
- A Ring Laser Gyro (RLG) based navigation system.
- An equipment mounted in Armoured vehicles for Land Navigation in featureless terrain.
- 3 different modes – Inertial Mode (independent of GPS), Hybrid Mode (taking inputs from both Inertial sensor and GPS receiver) and GPS Mode (independent of Inertial sensor input).
- ALNS Mk-II is compatible with NaVIC and GLONASS
MQ-9B UAV
As per report, Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister, reviewed and approved amendments to the deal for 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
- Has 2 variants – SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian (Maritime variant).
- Designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for up to 40 hours (SkyGuardian) and 30 hours (SeaGuardian).
- Weapons – Laser guided missiles, Anti-tank missiles, Anti-ship missiles etc.
- Missions Capability – Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief, Electronic Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare etc.
Ideas4LiFE
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched Ideas4LiFE portal.
- Aim – To encourage and motivate students, faculty and research scholars to contribute their innovative ideas to global initiative of Mission LiFE.
- Focuses on bringing behavioural changes related to environment-friendly lifestyles.
- Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) – Launched in 2022
- Focuses on bringing about behaviour changes in individuals for combatting climate change.