science and tech

Drug Trademark in India: Legal Framework and Supreme Court Jurisprudence

Context: A trademark dispute arose when Novo Nordisk sued Dr. Reddy's Laboratories in the Delhi High Court, alleging that the drug name “Olymviq” was deceptively similar to its diabetes drug Ozempic, highlighting India’s strict rules on pharmaceutical trademarks. Drug Trademark...

NMC Advisory on Stem Cell Therapy for Autism: Key Guidelines and Implications

Context: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed medical practitioners and clinics not to use stem cell therapy for treating autism Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Definition: Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterised by deficits in social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviours. Onset:...

Transport of Antimatter (Antiprotons): Science, Challenges and Applications

Context: Scientists at CERN successfully transported antiprotons by road using a transportable antimatter trap, marking the first successful road transport of antimatter particles. About Antimatter Definition: Particles having the same mass as normal matter but opposite electric charge, e.g., antiproton...

CALM-Brain: Advancing Brain Research and Neurotechnology

Context: National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences and the National Centre for Biological Sciences launched CALM-Brain to advance research on neuropsychiatric disorders. About CALM-Brain First national psychiatric database: It is a digital repository of brain structure and function data...

Biologics and Non-Animal Methodologies (NAMs): Reducing Animal Testing in Modern Science

Context: The shift toward human-relevant Non-Animal Methodologies (NAMs) is accelerating in India via Biopharma SHAKTI, addressing the critical failure of animal models to predict human responses to complex biologics. What are Biologics? Biologics are large, complex medicines produced from living...

Superconductivity at Higher Temperatures: Latest Experiment and Future Potential

Context: Scientists at the University of Houston have improved the superconductivity temperature record at normal pressure using a new method called pressure quenching. About Superconductivity Zero Electrical Resistance: Superconductivity is a phenomenon where certain materials conduct electricity with zero resistance,...

Helium Supply Disruptions And MRI Services

Context The war in West Asia and disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns about helium supply, which is essential for operating MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines. Qatar, a major exporter, supplies around one-third of the...

NASA’s CERES (Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System)

Context: As part of the Earth Observing System (EOS), NASA’s CERES (Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System) instruments are the primary tools for measuring Earth’s Energy Budget. About NASA’s CERES (Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System) NASA’s CERES...

Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis, New Tools, Role of Nutrition in TB

Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently recommended near point-of-care molecular tests, tongue swab samples, and sputum pooling strategies to improve tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and testing efficiency. New Tools Available for Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis Near Point-of-Care Molecular Tests (NPOC-NAAT): These...

NTPC Eyes Imported PWR Tech for Nuclear Fleet

Context: India is accelerating its nuclear energy programme to achieve 100 GWe by 2047, with NTPC planning a major expansion using a mix of indigenous PHWRs and imported PWR technologies. India’s Nuclear Energy Push 100 GWe Target by 2047: India...