Day: 11 December 2025

A newly engineered CRISPR protein could help scientists observe the molecular scissors called Cas9 enzyme as it enables them to edit genomes using the CRISPR-Cas9 system for treating genetic diseases including cancer.   Gene therapy could be a permanent cure for many life-threatening hereditary diseases. Developing effective, affordable, and safe gene therapy methods remained a challenge for decades. A major breakthrough to address this challenge came in the form of CRISPR, a gene-editing tool that uses a guide RNA to direct a Cas9 enzyme to a specific DNA sequence, where…

The Indian Railways has marked a landmark achievement with the successful completion of manufacturing India’s first hydrogen-powered train-set, a major stride toward the nation’s vision of adopting next-generation, eco-friendly mobility solutions.   This indigenously developed train-set represents a breakthrough in clean transportation technology and is designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving operational efficiency across the railway network. Complementing this milestone, a cutting-edge green hydrogen production plant based on the electrolysis process is being established at Jind, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of high-purity hydrogen for the…

Deodhar trees in Batseri, a scenic village in Sangla valley on the Baspa River in Himachal Pradesh have revealed a story of shift from wetter spring conditions during Little Ice Age (LIA) to progressive drier conditions since after 1757 CE, with increased spring drought years in recent decades, buried in their rings. The study analyses the factors responsible for the geohazard activities enabling better prediction of future hazard events to support early warning systems.   The increasing frequency of extreme climatic events, such as droughts and floods, and their strong association with…

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today expressed joy and pride at the inclusion of Deepavali in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.   Responding to a post by UNESCO handle on X, Shri Modi said:   “People in India and around the world are thrilled.   For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further.   May…