NewsBytes

India develops new drug to tackle burden of kala-azar, antibiotic to fight AMR

India has developed a novel antibiotic to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as well as a new drug to tackle burden of kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the country. The experts were speaking on the second day of the 9th International Symposium on Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute in Lucknow. The event saw experts from different areas share their recent findings on drug resistance, Car T-cell therapy for cancer care and parasitic and viral diseases. According to data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), India has achieved its target of eliminating kala-azar. The country had initially aimed to eliminate kala-azar by 2010, but the target was extended until 2023 due to persistent challenges.

mRNA vaccine against tuberculosis shows efficacy in mice, results pave way for larger trials

A new mRNA vaccine against tuberculosis has been shown to effectively boost immunity in pre-clinical trials conducted in mice, the results of which pave the way for clinical trials of the vaccine. Developed by researchers from Australia, the vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, in which instructions to create parts of the disease-causing bacteria are transferred to the host. The host's body then produces an immune response, thereby “learning” how to respond to the bacteria. mRNA vaccines were first developed for COVID-19. Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, fever and fatigue. Currently, the most widely used vaccine against TB is the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Developed in 1921, the vaccine works by introducing a weakened version of the TB-causing bacteria into the body. The body then develops immunity against TB. However, the effectiveness of BCG in adults is inconsistent.

India expands ties with UK in telecom, AI, emerging tech

India and the UK have expanded their collaboration in key areas of telecom, artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom) visited the UK to engage with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), UK, and explore opportunities for collaboration in next-generation telecommunications, AI and space technology, further strengthening the Indo-UK ties in these critical areas. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between SONIC Labs and the Centre for Development of Telematics (CDOT). The agreement focuses on Open RAN-related policy and technical matters, including 5G Open RAN and AI in 4G/5G.

India intensifies critical minerals push

India plans to maximise the auction of critical mineral blocks by 2031, advancing its strategic push to secure domestic supply chains for minerals essential to the country's green energy and technology sectors. The announcement follows the recent launch of the National Critical Minerals Mission, which has allocated Rs 34,300 crore over seven years to strengthen India's position in the critical minerals sector. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to enhance India's mineral security and reduce vulnerability to international supply chain disruptions. Critical minerals are those minerals that are essential for economic development and national security.

Centre inks over Rs 1,220 crore contract with BEL for 149 software-defined radios

The government said it signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) for the procurement of 149 software-defined radios for the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of Rs 1,220.12 crore. The pact was signed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category between the Ministry of Defence and BEL, Bengaluru. According to the ministry, these state-of-the-art radios will enable secure and reliable information sharing, collaboration, and situational awareness through high-speed data and secure voice communication. This will strengthen the Indian Coast Guard's capability to fulfil its core responsibilities, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, fisheries protection and marine environment protection. Additionally, these radios will enhance interoperability for joint operations with the Indian Navy.

Four new expressways, AI city in UP budget

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented a budget of Rs 8,08,736.6 crore for the financial year 2025-26, focusing on infrastructure, technology, education and social welfare. The Finance Minister emphasised rapid infrastructure development and employment generation. He announced that 22 per cent of the budget has been earmarked for developmental initiatives, 13 per cent for education, 11 per cent for agriculture and allied services and 6 per cent for healthcare. As per the budget announcements, four new expressways will be developed, and 58 municipalities will be transformed into smart cities. The UP government plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence City to position the state as a centre for technological innovation. A Technology Research Translation Park focused on cybersecurity and a Center of Excellence for AI will also be set up.

India sees over 30 pc decline in suicide death rates from 1990 to 2021: Lancet

India has seen a more than 30 per cent reduction in the suicide death rate in India from 1990 to 2021, according to a study published in The Lancet Public Health, marking a significant progress in health strategies. The analysis, based on the results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, showed that the suicide death rate in India was 18.9 per lakh population in 1990, in 2019 it stood at 13·1 lakh per lakh population and 13 per lakh population in 2021. From 1990 to 2021, the suicide death rate in India declined to 31·5 per cent. The reduction in death rates by suicide was seen more in females than males. In 1990 suicide death rate among females stood at 16·8 per lakh population, which reduced to 10·3 per lakh population in 2021. On the other hand, the suicide death rate among men in 1990 stood at 20·9 per lakh population, and it reduced to 15·7 per lakh population by 2021.

Number of EVs on Indian roads likely to cross 28 million in 2030: Report

The cumulative number of EVs on Indian roads will likely cross 28 million units in 2030, generating significant demand for energy from the grid, according to the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), a leading industry body focused on e-mobility, energy storage and hydrogen. India's cumulative EV sales have crossed 4.1 million units in 2023-2024 and the future outlook for electric vehicle sales continues to be positive, driven by increasing environmental awareness, customer interest, advancements in battery technology and readily available and easily accessible EV charging infrastructure, according to an IESA statement.