Bats as Zoonotic Reservoirs: Nipah Virus with 74% Fatality, RNA Mutation Rate 10⁻³/site/year

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.

Health Ministry Amends Drugs Rules, 1945: New Debarment Power for Fake Data Cases

The Health Ministry has strengthened the Drugs Rules, 1945 to penalize applicants who submit fake data for drug approvals. Previously, only rejection/cancellation was possible; now licensing authorities can debar entities from filing new applications for a period, with show-cause notice and appeal provisions. This is crucial for exam questions on regulatory frameworks, pharmaceutical governance, and the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.

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.

MeitY Summons Meta Global Team Over Algorithmic Bias; Parliamentary Panel to Question

Government summons Meta's global team to clarify algorithmic bias and role in public order after MeitY rejects technical glitch explanation. Parliamentary panel will also question the company. This highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on social media algorithms and their societal impact.

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.

NOTTO Reports 20,000+ Transplants in 2025, Launches Portal and Swap Guidelines

NOTTO released 2025 data showing over 20,000 transplants, persistent gender disparity in organ donation (68% female donors vs 78% male recipients), and launched a new digital portal to enhance transparency. New swap transplantation guidelines aim to expand matching beyond single hospitals, but legal recognition under THOTA is still pending.