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India’s AMCA Programme Takes Flight: A Stealth Leap into the Future of Air Combat

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In a major leap toward self-reliance in defense technology, India is set to develop its very own fifth-generation fighter jet—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) . In a historic move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved an innovative execution model for the indigenous stealth fighter programme. This model brings together Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private industry players in a competitive framework, marking a significant shift in how India approaches military aviation manufacturing. This bold initiative comes at a critical time, as China has already fielded two fifth-generation fighters , and reports indicate it will supply 40 J-35 stealth jets to Pakistan . Against this backdrop, fast-tracking the AMCA has become an urgent national security imperative. AMCA: India’s Indigenous Stealth Fighter Dream The AMCA project , spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) , received its l...

Bombay Blood Group (HH Blood Group) – A Rare Blood Type

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Bombay Blood Group (HH Blood Group) – A Rare Blood Type

Discovery and Origin

  • First discovered in Mumbai (Bombay), India, in 1952 by Dr. Y.M. Bhende.
  • Extremely rare, found in 1 in a million people worldwide, but more common in India (1 in 10,000 people) due to consanguineous marriages.

Unique Characteristics

  • Individuals with this blood group lack the H antigen, which is the precursor for the A and B antigens in the ABO blood system.
  • Contains anti-A, anti-B, and anti-H antibodies, making it incompatible with all ABO blood types.
  • Can only receive blood from another Bombay blood group donor.

Clinical Significance

  • Blood Transfusion Challenge: People with this blood group cannot receive O, A, B, or AB blood, as even O blood contains the H antigen.
  • Rare Donor Availability: Since the blood group is rare, finding a matching donor for transfusions is difficult.
  • High Risk in Emergencies: Requires special blood banking and donor registration to facilitate emergency transfusions.

Inheritance and Genetics

  • Inherited as an autosomal recessive trait (both parents must carry the defective gene).
  • Found mainly in South Asia, Middle East, and some parts of South America.

Diagnosis and Detection

  • Standard Blood Typing Mistake: Regular ABO blood typing may classify it as O group unless specifically tested for the H antigen.
  • Confirmed by:
    • Anti-H Lectin Test (Ulex Europaeus test) – Differentiates Bombay group from O blood.
    • Genetic Testing for mutations in the FUT1 gene.

Importance of Awareness

  • Blood banks maintain separate Bombay blood group donor registries.
  • Raising awareness helps in quick donor matching and life-saving transfusions.


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