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...
Nobel Prize in Medicine 2024: Discovery of MicroRNA and Gene Regulation Introduction The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2024 has been awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA (miRNA) and its crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation . This discovery has revolutionized our understanding of gene expression, cellular development, and disease mechanisms. We will delve into gene regulation , the function of microRNA , its implications in disease diagnostics, oncogenesis, and immune response , and the broader significance of this remarkable discovery. What is Gene Regulation? Gene regulation is the process by which cells control the timing, location, and amount of gene expression . This mechanism ensures that different cells (muscle cells, nerve cells, etc.) express unique sets of proteins , allowing them to perform specialized functions. Key Aspects of Gene Regulation: The human genome contains about 20,000 genes , bu...