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...
The Hidden DNA That Fuels Cancer: How Extrachromosomal DNA Drives Tumor Progression and Drug Resistance
In the relentless battle against cancer, scientists are continuously uncovering new mechanisms that allow tumors to grow and evade treatment. One of the most groundbreaking discoveries in recent years is the role of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in promoting cancer progression and drug resistance. Recently, three landmark studies published in Nature have shed light on how ecDNA contributes to the aggressive nature of tumors and their ability to resist chemotherapy. In this, we will explore the significance of ecDNA in cancer biology, how it drives drug resistance, and what these findings mean for future treatments. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to help demystify this complex topic. What Is Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA)? Extrachromosomal DNA refers to DNA fragments that exist outside the traditional chromosomal structure within the cell nucleus. Unlike chromosomal DNA, ecDNA is not bound to the typical linear chromosomes but instead forms circular or other irregular s...