Chandipura Virus Outbreak: 9 Deaths Reported in Gujarat and Rajasthan, No Vaccine Available

Candida auris Shows 90% Azole Resistance; Study Reveals Gene Duplication & Eagle Effect Challenging Antifungals

Fungal infections are rising due to global warming, with Candida auris emerging as a multidrug-resistant threat (30-40% mortality). New research from JNCASB and collaborators reveals that C. auris uses gene duplication (Erg11) and mutations (Fks1) to resist antifungals, and also exhibits the 'Eagle effect' where high drug doses paradoxically trigger compensatory chitin production, making the pathogen survive. This signals the end of the chemical arms race approach and calls for combination therapies and revised susceptibility testing limits.

Cabinet Approves Rs 23,731 Cr GOBARdhan Scheme; Rajya Sabha Clears Rs 54,067 Cr Appropriation Bill

The UPSC Key article covers multiple critical topics: the Rajya Sabha cleared the Appropriation Bill for Rs 54,067 Cr excess expenditure, the Cabinet approved the Rs 23,731 Cr GOBARdhan scheme to boost CBG production, and new high-resolution images of the Sun's surface were captured. Also includes data on road safety Good Samaritans, school consolidation, and ethanol policy.

Merck-Moderna's Personalised mRNA Cancer Vaccine Intismeran Reduces Melanoma Death Risk by 49%

A first-of-its-kind personalised mRNA cancer vaccine (intismeran), developed by Merck and Moderna, combined with Keytruda, has shown a 49% reduction in risk of death from melanoma recurrence and 59% from spread in Phase 3 trials. This marks a breakthrough for cancer vaccines but has limited impact in India due to low melanoma incidence and high cost of immunotherapy.

CDSCO Approves Qdenga Dengue Vaccine for Ages 4-60; Dr. Reddy's to Distribute in Private Market by 2027

India's first approved dengue vaccine, Qdenga (TAK-003), developed by Takeda, received CDSCO marketing authorisation in July 2026 for ages 4-60. Dr. Reddy's will promote and distribute it in the private market from the first half of 2027, while Takeda retains public market rights. This marks a critical step in addressing India's 11-fold rise in dengue cases over two decades.

CDSCO Approves Qdenga: India's First Dengue Vaccine to be Distributed by Dr Reddy's from 2027

India’s first approved dengue vaccine Qdenga will enter the private market in 2027 via Dr Reddy’s, after CDSCO approval in July 2026. The vaccine is effective against all four serotypes, requires no pre-vaccination screening, and shows 61.2% efficacy against dengue and 84.1% against hospitalization. This is a landmark step in India's fight against dengue.

NPCIL Commences Fuel Loading at RAPP-8: 4th Indigenous 700 MWe PHWR in Fleet Mode

NPCIL has started initial fuel loading (IFL) at Unit 8 of Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-8), a 700 MWe indigenous pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR). This marks a major step in India's fleet-mode nuclear expansion, with commercial operation expected in 2026-27. For exams: understand PHWR technology, AERB's role, and the commissioning sequence (IFL → FAC → power generation).

IN-SPACe Releases Planned Re-entry Guidelines: Safety Threshold 1 in 10,000, Mandates Third-Party Liability Insurance

IN-SPACe has released new guidelines for planned re-entry of space objects, establishing a safety threshold of 1 in 10,000 risk to humans and mandating third-party liability insurance for private operators. This is crucial for India's human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan and the growing private space sector.

15,800 Excess Heat Deaths Projected in India Amid Super El Niño: CIL Report

A new report from the Climate Impact Lab warns of 15,800 excess heat-related deaths in India between September 2026 and February 2027, driven by a Super El Niño. Southern India is especially vulnerable. This is a 'postcard from the future' – a preview of climate impacts 20 years ahead.