VERVE-102 Gene Therapy Lowers LDL by 62% After Single Infusion: New Hope for Cholesterol

India Gets First Disease-Modifying Alzheimer's Drug Leqembi After CDSCO Nod

Eisai's Leqembi (lecanemab), India's first disease-modifying therapy for early Alzheimer's, has been launched after CDSCO approval. This marks a shift from symptomatic to disease-modifying treatment, but challenges of early diagnosis, biomarker infrastructure, and affordability remain significant.

ISRO's GISAT-1A Launch in September 2026 After Two PSLV Failures; Expert Report Not Published

ISRO is set to launch GISAT-1A in September 2026 after two consecutive PSLV failures in 2025 and early 2026. The mission is crucial for restoring confidence in ISRO's launch capabilities. Additionally, the government's refusal to publish the National Level Expert Committee report raises transparency concerns relevant for governance and accountability.

Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Restricted to Clinical Trials; Health Ministry Advisory Follows SC Order

The Union Health Ministry has reiterated that stem cell therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can only be offered as part of approved clinical trials, not as routine or commercial treatment. This follows a landmark Supreme Court judgment in January 2026 that examined the issue. The advisory reinforces existing regulations under the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, and the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017.

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).

China Launches 4 Orbital Rockets in 45 Hours; Targets 28,000 Satellites via Qianfan & SatNet

China launched four rockets in 45 hours from three launch sites, deploying satellites for its Qianfan (15,000 satellites) and SatNet (13,000 satellites) broadband megaconstellations. This highlights the rapid expansion of China's space sector, combining state and private players, and the strategic push for low Earth orbit satellite networks.

ISRO & ESA Extend Cooperation Until 2032; Add Human & Robotic Exploration, Space Weather

ISRO and ESA have extended their cooperation agreement by five years until January 8, 2032, and broadened it to include human and robotic exploration and space weather. This signals deepening international space collaboration and has implications for India's Gaganyaan mission and future lunar/Venus exploration.

Gaganyaan Parachute System: 2 Drogue & 3 Main Chutes with Multi-Stage Reefing for Safe Re-entry

India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission relies on a complex parachute system with multiple stages and redundancy. Understanding the science behind drogue and main chute deployment, reefing mechanisms, and materials like Kevlar/Nomex is critical for UPSC Science & Technology and Defence questions. The article details how ADRDE (Agra) developed these parachutes and testing via RTRS at TBRL Chandigarh.

ISRO-ESA Renew Space Cooperation Till 2032; Focus on Space Weather & Robotic Exploration

India (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have renewed their space cooperation agreement until 2032, focusing on space weather monitoring and human/robotic exploration. This strengthens India's Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan missions and ensures long-term collaboration in critical areas like satellite safety and deep-space exploration.