PIB Summary- 5th April, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

President of India Launches India's First Home-Grown Gene Therapy for Cancer

Context

The news is about the President of India launching India’s first affordable CAR-T cell therapy for cancer, developed through collaboration between IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital.

Additional information on this news:

• On April 4, 2024, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, launched India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer, called CAR-T cell therapy, at IIT Bombay.
• The President hailed this as a significant breakthrough in the fight against cancer, offering accessibility and affordability, thus providing hope globally.
• CAR-T cell therapy, a remarkable advancement in medical science, has been predominantly available in developed nations but at exorbitant costs.
• India’s therapy, the world’s most affordable, is a result of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, epitomizing ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
• Developed through collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and ImmunoACT, this venture showcases academia-industry synergy.
• President praised IIT Bombay’s role as a global technology education model and emphasized the importance of research and development.

CAR-T cell therapy

• CAR-T cell therapy, or Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, is a revolutionary form of immunotherapy used in cancer treatment.
• It involves modifying a patient’s own T cells genetically to recognize and attack cancer cells.
• The process begins by extracting T cells from the patient’s blood through a process called leukapheresis.
• These T cells are then genetically engineered in a laboratory to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically target proteins found on cancer cells.
• The modified CAR-T cells are expanded in number and infused back into the patient’s bloodstream.
• Once in the body, the CAR-T cells recognize and bind to cancer cells, leading to their destruction.
• CAR-T cell therapy has shown remarkable success in treating certain types of blood cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and certain types of lymphomas.
• It has demonstrated high response rates, including complete remissions, in patients who have not responded to conventional treatments.
• However, CAR-T cell therapy can also cause severe side effects, including cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, which require careful management.
• Ongoing research aims to improve the efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell therapy and expand its application to treat other types of cancer.

New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime successfully flight-tested by Strategic Forces Command & DRDO off the Odisha coast

Context

The news is about the successful flight-test of the New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and DRDO, praised by defense officials.

Additional information on this news:

• Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime.
• The test took place at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha at around 1900 hrs on April 03, 2024.
• All trial objectives were met, confirming the reliable performance of Agni-Prime.
• Data from range sensors, including two downrange ships, validated the missile’s performance.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, SFC, and the Armed Forces for the successful test.
• He emphasized that Agni-Prime’s development and induction will significantly enhance the Armed Forces’ capabilities.
• Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat appreciated SFC and DRDO’s efforts for the successful flight test.

 More about Agni-Prime:

• Agni-Prime is a new generation, two-stage, solid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Designed to be canister-launched and road-mobile, offering greater deployment flexibility.
• It  incorporates advanced technologies like composite motor casings, maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) for improved accuracy, and modern navigation and guidance systems.
• With a range exceeding 1,000 km, Agni-Prime is expected to replace older Agni missiles and bolster India’s missile arsenal.
• Its successful test flight on April 3, 2024 marked a significant milestone in India’s missile development program.