PIB Summary- 9th April, 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Newly Identified Property of Metallo-nanozymes could transform Bioenergy and Therapeutic Applications

Context

Scientists at CSIR-CLRI developed Cu-Phen, a next-generation nanozyme that mimics natural enzymes by safely controlling electron transfer.

This can have various applications in energy and medical sector.

New Research on Metallo-Nanozymes

• Scientists have studied metallo-nanozymes, which are artificial enzymes that work like natural enzymes using metal ions.
• These nanozymes can control electron transfer, a key process for energy production in cells.
• Current nanozymes have problems like uncontrolled electron flow, which may cause harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage cells.
• A new nanozyme called Cu-Phen was created by scientists at CSIR-CLRI, Chennai.
• Cu-Phen is made using copper ions and phenylalanine and has a well-designed active site.
• It mimics natural enzymes and safely transfers electrons with the help of a protein called cytochrome c.
• This prevents the formation of harmful byproducts and may help in energy, health, and environment-related technologies.

MeitY Notifies Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme

Context

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has launched the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to boost India’s electronics ecosystem.

New Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme

• It aims to deepen domestic manufacturing of passive components like resistors, capacitors, relays, sensors, etc.
• The scheme complements the India Semiconductor Mission, which focuses on active components.
• It supports horizontal sectors such as consumer electronics, medical devices, automobiles, and power grids.
• India’s electronics production has grown five-fold, and exports have grown six-fold in the last decade.
• iPhone exports alone contributed ₹1.5 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
• The scheme will support capital equipment and precision tooling industries.
• Three incentive models: turnover-linked, capex-linked, and hybrid.
• Employment generation is mandatory for all beneficiaries.
• The scheme is open for stakeholder feedback before finalization.