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🇮🇳 Indian Astronaut Returns to Space After 41 Years: Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

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In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...

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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