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Redeeming India’s Nuclear Power Promise: A Clean Energy Imperative for 2047

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Introduction: A Nuclear Vision for Viksit Bharat@2047 As India marches toward its ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, energy security stands as a pivotal pillar in the vision of Viksit Bharat . Amid the global climate crisis and rising energy demands, nuclear power has re-emerged as a compelling solution. India’s commitment to achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 is both visionary and necessary—but achieving this requires a strategic shift in policy, participation, and international cooperation. While India’s nuclear energy sector has traditionally been a tightly controlled domain under government monopoly—primarily led by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) —it is now imperative to welcome private sector investments and foreign partnerships. A reformed nuclear ecosystem can unlock the full potential of atomic energy as a clean, reliable, and scalable contributor to India’s net-zero aspiration...

Opioids and the Future of Pain Management

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Opioids and the Future of Pain Management



The U.S. FDA has approved Suzetrigine, a groundbreaking non-opioid treatment for moderate-to-severe acute pain. This marks a significant shift in pain management, reducing reliance on opioids, which are known for their high addiction potential.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that originate from or mimic compounds found in the opium poppy plant. They act on the nervous system’s opioid receptors to produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria.

Types of Opioids

Opioids can be classified into three main categories:

  1. Natural Opioids (Opiates)

    • Derived directly from the opium poppy plant.
    • Examples: Morphine, Codeine.

  2. Semi-Synthetic Opioids

    • Chemically modified versions of natural opioids.
    • Examples: Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Heroin.

  3. Synthetic Opioids

    • Fully lab-made but function similarly to natural opioids.
    • Examples: Fentanyl, Tramadol, Methadone.

Medical Uses of Opioids

  • Pain Relief: Used for acute pain (post-surgery, injuries) and chronic pain (cancer, severe arthritis).
  • Anesthesia: Used in hospitals during and after surgeries.
  • Cough Suppression: Some opioids (like codeine) are used in cough syrups.
  • Diarrhea Treatment: Certain opioids (like loperamide) slow digestion to treat diarrhea.

The Opioid Crisis: Risks and Challenges

Despite their effectiveness, opioids have led to a global addiction crisis due to:

  1. High Addiction Potential

    • Opioids trigger dopamine release, causing euphoria.
    • Repeated use can lead to dependence and addiction.

  2. Overdose Risk

    • High doses suppress breathing, leading to fatal overdoses.
    • Fentanyl, an ultra-potent opioid, is a leading cause of opioid-related deaths.

  3. Withdrawal Symptoms

    • Abrupt discontinuation leads to severe withdrawal, including nausea, muscle pain, and extreme cravings.

Non-Opioid Alternatives and FDA's New Approval

With growing concerns over opioid addiction, researchers have been developing safer pain management options.

Suzetrigine – A New Non-Opioid Pain Treatment

  • Recently approved by the U.S. FDA as a first-in-class non-opioid drug.
  • Provides moderate-to-severe pain relief without the risk of addiction.
  • Represents a significant step toward reducing opioid dependency.
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