1. Revolutionary Breakthrough: New Technique to Estimate Helium Abundance in the Sun

Context: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have pioneered a novel method to accurately estimate the abundance of Helium in the Sun’s photosphere, overcoming a challenge that has puzzled astrophysicists for decades.

Why is Helium Hard to Detect?

Helium is the second most abundant element in the Sun. However, its detection in the photosphere is extremely difficult due to the absence of visible spectral lines.

Until now, scientists relied on indirect methods such as:

• Solar wind and coronal data
• Extrapolations from hotter stars
• Helioseismology (studying solar interior vibrations)

These approaches lacked precision since they did not involve direct photospheric measurements.

What’s the New Method?

The IIA team developed an innovative approach using indirect spectral analysis of:

• Neutral Magnesium (Mg I) and Neutral Carbon (C I) lines
• Molecular lines of MgH, CH, and C₂

This method is grounded in the idea that Helium abundance influences Hydrogen availability, which in turn affects the strength and formation of molecular lines such as CH and MgH.

By analyzing atomic and molecular abundances of Magnesium and Carbon at various Helium-to-Hydrogen (He/H) ratios, the researchers found:

Only at a He/H ratio of ~0.1 do the data align — validating the commonly accepted solar helium abundance.

Quick Facts About Helium:

• Element Type: Noble gas, chemically inert due to its closed-shell electronic configuration
• Discovery: Identified in 1868 by Jules Janssen and Norman Lockyer during a solar eclipse
• Name Origin: Derived from the Greek word ‘Helios’ meaning ‘Sun’
• Major Global Reserves: United States, Algeria, Russia
• India’s Treasure Trove: The Rajmahal Volcanic Basin in Jharkhand houses a significant helium reserve, estimated to have been trapped for billions of years

Conclusion: This breakthrough by Indian scientists marks a major step forward in solar physics, offering a more reliable and direct estimation of helium abundance in the Sun’s photosphere. It not only sharpens our understanding of solar composition but also enhances models of stellar evolution.

2. India’s First Human Gene Therapy Trial for Haemophilia: A Medical Milestone

Context: In a groundbreaking achievement, BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru, in collaboration with CMC Vellore, has successfully completed India’s first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia. This marks a significant advancement in the field of genetic medicine and offers renewed hope for patients suffering from this rare disorder.

What is Gene Therapy?

Gene therapy is a cutting-edge biomedical technique that modifies or replaces faulty genes within a person’s cells to treat or prevent diseases. It aims to address the root genetic causes rather than just managing symptoms.

Key Approaches:

• Replacing a mutated gene with a healthy version
• Inactivating a malfunctioning gene
• Introducing an entirely new gene into the body

Unlike traditional treatments, gene therapy targets the genetic blueprint itself, using approaches like:

• Ex vivo modification of stem cells or T-lymphocytes outside the body
• In vivo delivery of gene-editing tools directly into the patient

Understanding Haemophilia

Haemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder where the blood fails to clot properly due to mutations in genes that encode clotting proteins.

Quick Facts:

• The disorder is X-linked, making males more prone to it
• Affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people globally
• India bears a high patient burden, highlighting the need for advanced therapies

About BRIC-inStem

BRIC-inStem is a premier institute under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC). It integrates 14 autonomous research institutions across India and is a frontrunner in translational and regenerative medicine.

Key Innovations:

• Gene therapy trials for rare diseases
• Anti-viral germicidal masks developed during COVID-19
• ‘Kisan Kavach’, a protective pesticide shield for farmers
• Biosafety Level III Lab for handling high-risk pathogens under the One Health Mission

Why This Matters

This successful gene therapy trial is not just a national achievement — it represents a new frontier in precision medicine in India. It shows that homegrown scientific excellence can lead transformative healthcare initiatives that save lives and set global benchmarks.

3. 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Istanbul – Epicenter in Sea of Marmara

Context: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale recently struck Istanbul, with its epicenter located in the Sea of Marmara. The tremors were felt widely across the city, sparking concerns over future seismic threats in this geologically active zone.

About the Sea of Marmara:

The Sea of Marmara is a small inland sea situated entirely within Turkey, acting as a natural divider between the European and Asian parts of the country.

Key Facts:

• Area: Approximately 11,350 sq.km
• Length: About 280 km
• Widest Point: Up to 80 km

It forms a vital link between seas:

• Northeast: Connected to the Black Sea via the Bosphorus Strait
• Southwest: Linked to the Aegean Sea through the Dardanelles Strait

As a result, the Sea of Marmara acts as a transitional zone between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

Unique Salinity and Water Layers:

Due to the inflow of cold, fresh water from the Black Sea and warm, salty water from the Mediterranean, the sea displays a layered water structure:

• Surface: Fresher water
• Bottom: Much saltier water

Climate and Conditions:

The region enjoys a humid subtropical climate, characterized by:

• Hot summers
• Cold, wet winters

This climate supports rich biodiversity and dense human settlements along its coasts.

Tectonic Activity and Earthquake Risk:

Beneath the Sea of Marmara runs the North Anatolian Fault, a major seismic fault line responsible for multiple devastating earthquakes in Turkish history — making this region highly seismically active.

Major Islands in the Sea:

Some of the notable islands include:

• Marmara Island – Turkey’s second-largest island, rich in marble
• Prince Islands

• Avşa, Imrali, Ekinlik, and Paşalimani Islands

Key Coastal Cities:

Several major cities lie along the Sea of Marmara, including:

• Istanbul
• Izmit
• Balikesir
• Yalova
• Tekirdag
• Bursa
• Çanakkale

These urban areas are both culturally significant and economically vital, making earthquake preparedness even more crucial.

Conclusion: This recent earthquake in the Sea of Marmara serves as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability. As urban development continues along its shores, there is a growing need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness to safeguard both lives and livelihoods.

4. Pakistan Suspends Simla Agreement After India’s Response to Terror Attack

5. Monsoon 2025 & Food Inflation in India: What’s the Link?

Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected an above-normal monsoon for 2025, forecasting rainfall at 105% of the Long Period Average (LPA). This is expected to boost agricultural production and support the government’s efforts to control food inflation, which is closely tied to rainfall variability in India.

IMD’s Monsoon Forecast 2025: Key Highlights

• Rainfall Prediction: Rainfall expected to be 105% of the LPA (87 cm) with a ±5% margin
• Classification of rainfall:
  • Deficient: <90%
  • Below Normal: 90–95%
  • Normal: 96–104%
  • Above Normal: 105–110%
  • Excess: >110%

Climatic Support:

• Neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
• Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
• Below-normal Eurasian snow cover, indicating stronger monsoon winds

Improved Forecast Accuracy:

 Average deviation has dropped from 7.5% (2017–20) to 2.27% (2021–25)

Geographical Distribution: 

• Below Normal: Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Northeast
• Normal to Above Normal: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal (key rain-fed agriculture zones)

Monsoon’s Impact on Food Inflation:

Agricultural Yield & Crop Prices:

• Good rainfall usually improves crop yields and reduces prices.
• However, individual crop prices may still spike due to localized production issues.

Stats Snapshot (2015–24):

• 6 out of 10 years had normal or above-average rainfall.
• Years like FY16 & FY19 saw low rainfall, leading to weak agricultural growth: 0.65% in FY18, 2.7% in FY24 (Decade average: 4.45%)

Supply Chain & Transportation Costs:

• Heavy rainfall/floods disrupt transport and storage, causing logistics delays.
• Example: 2023 floods in Assam and Bihar delayed staple movement, leading to temporary price hikes.

Monsoon Deficit & Import Costs:

• Poor monsoons increase import dependency, especially for pulses and edible oils.
• 2023 Example: Low rainfall = spike in edible oil imports from Indonesia & Malaysia.
• In 2022–23, India imported 16.5 million tonnes of edible oils, with domestic production meeting just 40–45% of demand.

Beyond Rainfall: What Else Drives Food Inflation?

Despite high rainfall in FY20, FY21, FY23, and FY25, food inflation remained high (6–7%).
In contrast, below-normal rainfall years like FY18 and FY19 saw low food inflation (2.2% and 0.7%).

Recent Trend:

• Food inflation fell from 8% (Dec 2024) to below 6% (Jan 2025)
• For the first time since July 2023, it dropped below headline inflation by March 2025

Other Contributing Factors:

• Supply Shocks: Hoarding, market disruptions, and black marketing affect prices
• Global Commodity Prices: Rise in edible oil & pulse prices directly impacts India due to high import reliance
• Monetary Policy: RBI’s interest rate hikes raise input costs, especially for processed and packaged food
• Government Policies: MSP hikes support farmers but can raise inflation

 Export bans (e.g., on onions or rice) protect local supply but may destabilize markets

• Infrastructure Gaps: Poor storage and transportation result in wastage and higher consumer prices

Conclusion: Rainfall Helps, But It’s Not Everything

While a strong monsoon is a positive sign for agriculture, it is not a silver bullet for food inflation. Structural reforms, efficient logistics, supply chain resilience, and global price monitoring are just as crucial.

6. Tamil Nadu Bans Raw Egg Mayonnaise: A Bold Move for Public Health

Context: In a significant public health decision, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a one-year ban—effective from April 8, 2025—on the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of mayonnaise made with raw eggs. The move is aimed at preventing foodborne illnesses in India’s hot and humid climate, which heightens the risk of bacterial contamination.

What is Mayonnaise?

Origin and Composition:

Mayonnaise is a popular cold emulsion sauce believed to have originated in France or Spain. Today, it’s a global staple in fast food and homemade cooking, especially as a spread or dressing.

Basic Ingredients

• Egg yolk
• Vegetable oil
• Vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and seasonings

The egg yolk proteins act as emulsifiers, binding the oil and acid into a smooth, stable mixture.

Why Raw Eggs are Risky

Health Hazards of Raw Egg Mayonnaise:

• Raw eggs can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which are not eliminated unless properly cooked or pasteurized.

Fact Check: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Salmonella causes over 93.8 million foodborne illnesses and 155,000 deaths globally each year.

Why Indian Conditions Are More Dangerous:

• High temperatures and poor refrigeration increase spoilage risks.
• Street vendors and unregulated kitchens often lack cold storage, leading to unsafe mayonnaise preparation.

Know the Pathogens:

• Salmonella: Causes fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
• E. coli: Some strains can cause kidney failure (e.g., E. coli O157:H7)

High-Risk Groups:

• Children
• Elderly
• People with weakened immune systems

Expert Opinion: Why the Ban is Justified:

Health experts and nutritionists have welcomed the move, citing:

• Raw egg-based mayo as high-risk food
• The need for regulations on temperature-sensitive food items
• Availability of safer alternatives like eggless or pasteurized egg mayonnaise

Did You Know? Pasteurized eggs are heat-treated to eliminate bacteria without cooking the egg, making them safe for raw applications like mayonnaise.

Impact on the Food and Fast-Food Industry:

Urban Food Chains and Local Vendors:

• Many eateries use homemade or locally-sourced mayonnaise, which may not follow food safety standards.
• The ban will encourage a shift toward:
  • Eggless mayonnaise (already dominant in India)
  • Pasteurized egg-based alternatives

Market Trends:

• India’s eggless mayo market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 9%, driven by vegan trends, cost-efficiency, and religious dietary preferences.

Not an Isolated Incident:

Tamil Nadu follows Telangana, which imposed a similar one-year ban in November 2024.

This step aligns with Tamil Nadu’s history of proactive health regulations, such as:

• The gutka and paan masala bans
• Enforcement of food labeling norms
• Crackdown on adulterated milk and oil

Broader Health Policy Trend in India:

Tamil Nadu’s decision reflects a larger national shift toward:

• Food safety awareness
• Preventive health measures
• Child and adolescent protection

Other Recent Bans in India:

• Punjab banned caffeinated energy drinks for children and near schools.
• Scientific assessments are underway to analyze long-term effects of these foods.

Public health experts argue that prevention-based bans are crucial in reducing foodborne disease burdens, especially in developing nations.