Somatic cell Nuclear transfer
• A somatic cell is any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The nucleus of a somatic cell is removed and kept, and the host’s egg cell is kept and nucleus removed and discarded.
• The kept nucleus is then fused with the ‘deprogrammed’ egg cell. After being inserted into the egg, the lone somatic cell nucleus is reprogrammed by the host egg cell.
• The egg, now containing the somatic cell’s nucleus is stimulated with a shock and will now begin to divide.
• After multiple divisions, the single cell forms a blastocyst(an early stage embryo) with almost identical DNA to the original organism.
• Dolly the sheep was the first animal ever to be cloned using SCNT.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• There are two possible uses of SCNT:
– Therapeutic Cloning: Creating cloned human embryos that are not implanted into a female uterus rather used in research and therapy to obtain stem cells.
– Reproductive Cloning: Creating cloned human embryos with the intention of placing them into the uterus where it can implant and develop.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Depending on their ability (potency) to develop into different specialized cells, stem cells can be:
• Totipotent – can form all cells of the body including the ones in the extra embryonic membranes (placenta). In humans, the 2 cell staged zygote is totipotent.
• Pluripotent – can become virtually any cell in the body except those needed to support and develop a fetus in the womb.
• Multipotent(limited ability to differentiate) -can give rise only to a small number of different cell types. Eg. bone marrow contains multipotent stem cells that can give rise to all blood cell types but not other cells.
• Unipotent – Found in adult tissues, unipotent stem cell has the lowest differential potential of all the stem cells.

• Tuberculosis, AIDS, Typhoid, Cholera, Malaria are examples of communicable diseases.
• Cancer, Rickets, Allergies, Kwashiorkor, Diabetes, Heart disease, etc. are non-communicable diseases.

Diseases transmitted by Mosquitos
• Aedes – Chikungunya, Dengue fever, Lymphatic filariasis, Rift Valley fever, Yellow fever, Zika.
• Anopheles – Malaria, Lymphatic filariasis.
• Culex – Japanese encephalitis, Lymphatic filariasis, West Nile fever.

• Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified the Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro Organisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989, or in short, the Rules, 1989.
• These rules and regulations cover the areas of research as well as large scale applications of the GM crops.
• These rules also define the competent authorities and composition of such authorities for handling of various aspects of the rules.

Ballistic missiles:
• It follows a ballistic trajectory with the objective of delivering one or more warheads to a predetermined target.
• Target is predetermined and are fit for large targets.
• Guided only during relatively brief periods of flight and the rest of its trajectory is unpowered and governed by gravity.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect. (Cruise missiles are self-navigating).
• Able to fly at high altitude and are easy to track.
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct.
(Cruise missiles are able to fly in extremely low-altitude trajectory which makes it difficult to track).

Components of nuclear reactor
• Fuel : Pellets of Uranium Oxide(UO2) arranged in tubes to form fuel rods.
• Moderator : Slows down the neutrons released from fission reaction so that they cause more fission. Usually liquid water, heavy water or graphite.
• Control Rods : Made up of neutron-absorbing materials such as Boron or Cadmium.
They are inserted or withdrawn from the core to control or halt the rate of reaction.
• Coolant : A liquid or a gas that cools the reactor core or transfers heat from the core to the heat exchanger.
• Heat Exchanger : Uses the heat from the reactor to convert water into steam.
• Containment System : To protect the pressure vessel from outside intrusion and also to protect those outside from any radiations. Usually thick concrete or steel is used.

Alpha Rays
• Alpha rays are the positively charged particles.
• Alpha-particle is highly active and energetic helium atom that contains two neutrons and protons.
• These particles have the minimum penetration power and highest ionization power. They can cause serious damage if get into the body due to their high ionization power.
• They are capable of ionizing numerous atoms by a short distance. It is due to this fact that the radioactive substances that release alpha particles are required to be handled after wearing rubber gloves.

Beta Rays
• Beta particles are extremely energetic electrons that are liberated from the inner nucleus. They bear negligible mass and carry the negative charge.
• A neutron in the nucleus splits into a proton and an electron on the emission of a beta particle. Hence, it is the electron that is emitted by the nucleus at a rapid pace.
• Beta particles have a higher penetration power when compared to alpha particles and can travel through the skin with ease.
• Beta particles can be dangerous and any contact with the body must be avoided, though their ionization power is low.

Gamma Rays
• The waves arising from the high-frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum that has no mass are known as gamma rays.
• They hold the highest power of penetration. They are the most penetrating but least ionizing and very difficult to resist them from entering the body.
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• The Gamma rays carry a large amount of energy and can also travel via thick concrete and thin lead.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Why in News
Recently, scientists from the Institute of Nano Science & Technology (INST) have developed nanorods from the Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Aspirin to prevent cataracts in an economical and less complicated way.
• Aspirin is a popular medication used to reduce pain, fever or inflammation and now it has been found to be an effective non-invasive small molecule-based nanotherapeutics against cataract.
• INST is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Cataract:
• It is a major form of blindness that occurs when the structure of crystallin proteins that make up the lens in human eyes deteriorates. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Such deterioration causes damaged or disorganised proteins to aggregate and forms a milky blue or brown layer, which ultimately affects lens transparency.
• As with ageing and under various conditions, the lens protein crystallin aggregates to form opaque structures in the eye lens, which impairs vision and causes cataract. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Why in News
The Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) is being used by the State/UT governments in India to
monitor the supply chain of Covid response material.

Universal Immunization Programme
• It was launched by the government in 1985, to prevent mortality and morbidity in children and pregnant women against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Under UIP free of cost vaccination is provided against twelve vaccine-preventable diseases i.e. Tuberculosis,
Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia , Meningitis due to Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Measles, Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Rotavirus diarrhoea.
• The programme is one of the largest health programmes in the world. Despite being operational for many years, UIP has been able to fully immunize only 65% of children under 1 year of age.

Why in News
Recently, deaths and infections have been reported due to the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia
Syndrome (SFTS) in East China’s Jiangsu and Anhui provinces. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Key Points
• SFTS is caused by the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV) which belongs to the Bunyavirus family and is transmitted to humans through tick bites. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
– A tick called Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is believed to be the primary vector (carrier) of the virus. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The virus is often transmitted to humans from animals like goats, cattle, deer and sheep and regular contact with these animals makes farmers, hunters and pet owners vulnerable to the disease.
• Despite being infected by the virus, animals generally do not show any symptoms associated with SFTSV.
• Its incubation period is anywhere between 7 and 13 days.

Why in News
Recently, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have identified a specific
microRNA (miRNA) called ‘miR-155’ that is over-expressed in tongue cancer.

Ribonucleic Acid
• RNA is a polymer of ribonucleotides and an important biological macromolecule that is present
in all biological cells. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• It is principally involved in the synthesis of proteins, carrying the messenger instructions from Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which itself contains the genetic instructions required for the development and maintenance of life. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• RNA differs from DNA in three basic respects:
– RNA employs uracil as a nitrogenous base, in place of the thymine used in DNA.
– RNA nucleotides possess a hydroxyl group at the 2nd position, while DNA is deoxygenated at that position to a proton.
– RNA is more often found single-stranded than DNA, which is typically completely base-paired into a double helix. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Why in News
A UK-based team of archaeologists has continued its research over the Tamar Valley through LiDAR (Light
Detection and Ranging) despite lockdown due to Covid-19 in the country.
• LiDAR is commonly used by geologists and surveyors to make high-resolution maps.

LiDAR
• Description:
– LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed
laser to measure ranges and variable distances.
– These light pulses, combined with other data recorded by the airborne system, generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
– A LiDAR instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner and a specialized GPS receiver.
– Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring LiDAR data over broad areas.
• Applications:
– LiDAR is used for agriculture, hydrology and water management systems.
– Geology-related applications.
– It is also used in archaeology.

Why in News
Recently, scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have provided evidence for the first
time that Lithium (Li) production is common among low mass Sun-like stars during their Helium (He) core burning
phase.
• IIA is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

Usage of Lithium:
• Lithium is a light inflammable metal which is mainly used in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and has brought a transformation in modern communication devices and transportation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• It is used in the manufacturing of aircrafts. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• It is also used in mental health. Lithium carbonate is a common treatment of bipolar disorder, helping to stabilize wild mood swings caused by the illness. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Why in News
Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has found evidence of greater
quantities of metals such as iron and titanium on the Moon’s subsurface.
• The metallic distribution was observed by the Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) instrument aboard the
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft.

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
• It is a NASA moon mission that has been in operation since 2009. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The mission particularly focuses on the moon’s poles to search for water or ice that could exist in
permanently shadowed craters. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Miniature Radio Frequency Instrument
• It is one of the two radar instruments launched to the moon to map the lunar poles, search for water and
ice and to demonstrate future NASA communication technologies, under the Mini-RF project.
– The first instrument, launched on the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chandrayaan-1
spacecraft, mapped both polar regions of the Moon.
– The second instrument, currently flying on NASA’s LRO, has been mapping the different geologic units of the lunar surface.

Why in News
According to a report published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International
Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), about 60% of known infectious diseases in humans and 75% of all emerging
infectious diseases are zoonotic.

Zoonoses or Zoonotic Disease:
• It is a disease that passes into the human population from an animal source directly or through an intermediary species.
• Zoonotic infections can be bacterial, viral or parasitic in nature, with animals playing a vital role in maintaining such infections.
• Examples of zoonoses include:
– HIV-AIDS
– Ebola
– Malaria
– Current Covid-19 disease
– Zoonotic influenza
– Salmonellosis
– West Nile virus
– Plague
– Rabies
– Brucellosis
– Lyme disease, etc.

Why in News
Recently, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has cleared Itolizumab for restricted emergency use in
Covid-19 cases. It is the first novel biologic therapy to be approved anywhere in the world for treating patients
with moderate to severe Covid-19 complications.

Biologics
• A biologic is a protein-based drug derived from living cells cultured in a laboratory. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Biologics are different from traditional systemic drugs that impact the entire immune system.
• Biologics only target specific parts of the immune system and biologics used to treat psoriatic disease block the action of a specific type of immune cell called a T-cell. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Why in News
Recent studies have shown that people unexposed to and not infected with Covid-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2
or Novel Coronavirus) may still exhibit T cell responses specific to other coronaviruses.

T Cells
• T cells are so called because they are predominantly produced in the thymus. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• They recognise foreign particles (antigen) by a surface expressed, highly variable, T cell receptor (TCR).
• There are two major types of T cells: the helper T cell and the cytotoxic T cell.
• As the names suggest, helper T cells ‘help’ other cells of the immune system, whilst cytotoxic T cells kill virally infected cells and tumours. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The severity of disease can depend on the strength of these T cell responses.

Why in News
Recently, the Maldives and Sri Lanka have become the first two countries in the World Health Organisation’s
South-East Asian Region (WHO SEAR) to have eliminated both measles and rubella ahead of the 2023 deadline.

Measles
• It is a highly contagious viral disease and is a cause of death among young children globally. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• It is particularly dangerous for children from the economically weaker background, as it attacks malnourished children and those with reduced immunity. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• It can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infection and pneumonia. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Rubella
• It is also called German Measles.
• Rubella is a contagious, generally mild viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults.
• Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause death or congenital defects known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) which causes irreversible birth defects.

Measures and Vaccinations
• The Measles and Rubella Initiative is a global program which aims at eliminating both these diseases.
• The vaccine for the diseases are provided in the form of measles-rubella (MR), measles-mumpsrubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) combination.

Why in News
Recently, the Maldives and Sri Lanka have become the first two countries in the World Health Organisation’s
South-East Asian Region (WHO SEAR) to have eliminated both measles and rubella ahead of the 2023 deadline.

Measles
• It is a highly contagious viral disease and is a cause of death among young children globally.
• It is particularly dangerous for children from the economically weaker background, as it attacks malnourished children and those with reduced immunity.
• It can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infection and pneumonia.

Rubella
• It is also called German Measles. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Rubella is a contagious, generally mild viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause death or congenital defects known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) which causes irreversible birth defects. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Measures and Vaccinations
• The Measles and Rubella Initiative is a global program which aims at eliminating both these diseases.
• The vaccine for the diseases are provided in the form of measles-rubella (MR), measles-mumps rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) combination.