Science and Technology Current Affairs UPSC

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Science and Technology Current Affairs UPSC: One-Liner Questions

1. What pharmaceutical company reported deaths and hospitalisations linked to compounded semaglutide?
2. How many deaths and hospitalisations were linked to compounded versions of semaglutide, according to Novo Nordisk?
3. Where were the reports of adverse events for compounded semaglutide documented?
4. What role does the US FDA play concerning compounded medications?
5. Why might a drug be compounded for a patient according to the FDA guidelines?
6. Are compounded drugs FDA-approved?
7. What safety concerns has Novo Nordisk identified apart from semaglutide issues?
8. What regulatory action did Novo Nordisk request concerning compounded versions of its drugs?
9. By what percentage did Wegovy sales increase for Novo Nordisk in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year?
10. What recent development did SpaceX announce related to its Starship project?
11. What was a key achievement during SpaceX’s fifth test flight of Starship in October?
12. What objectives are planned for the next SpaceX Starship test flight?
13. Which US authority approved the fifth and sixth Starship flights simultaneously?
14. What new system upgrades and enhancements is SpaceX planning to introduce in upcoming Starship flights?
15. Where will Starship’s upper stage target for splashdown during its next flight?
16. What were the enhancements planned for the Starship rocket and Heavy booster as they approach flight 7?

Science and Technology Current Affairs UPSC: One Liner Answers

1. Novo Nordisk reported deaths and hospitalisations linked to compounded semaglutide.
2. At least 10 deaths and 100 hospitalisations were reported, linked to compounded versions of semaglutide.
3. The reports were documented in the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) adverse event reporting database.
4. The US FDA oversees compounded medications by providing regulations and ensuring their safe production when traditional medicines cannot be used.
5. A drug may be compounded for cases like allergies to certain dyes or when patients cannot swallow a tablet or capsule.
6. No, compounded drugs are not FDA-approved.
7. Apart from semaglutide, Novo Nordisk identified multiple safety concerns with compounded products, including hospitalisations and deaths.
8. Novo Nordisk requested that the FDA ban compounding pharmacies from producing copycat versions of Wegovy and Ozempic.
9. Wegovy sales increased by 79% for Novo Nordisk in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
10. SpaceX announced its sixth test flight of the Starship.
11. During the fifth test flight, the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to the launch site and was caught by “chopstick arms” and the catch tower.
12. For the next test flight, objectives include reigniting a ship Raptor engine in space and testing heatshield experiments for reentry and descent.
13. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved both the fifth and sixth Starship flights simultaneously.
14. Upgrades include increased redundancy in the propulsion system, updated software controls, new thermal protection materials, and removal of heat shield tiles.
15. The Indian Ocean will be targeted for splashdown of Starship’s upper stage.
16. Enhancements for flight 7 include redesigned flaps, larger propellant tanks, and an updated thermal protection system for the Starship rocket and Heavy booster.

Key Takeaways of Science and Technology Current Affairs UPSC

1. Novo Nordisk has raised safety concerns about compounded versions of its drugs, specifically semaglutide.
2. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and can pose significant health risks.
3. The US FDA plays a role in monitoring and regulating compounded drug reports.
4. SpaceX continues its ambitious testing and upgrade cycle for its Starship rocket system.
5. The progress made by SpaceX’s test flights demonstrates significant advancements in reusable rocket technology.
6. Regulatory challenges and safety concerns are paramount in both pharmaceutical compounding and space exploration.
7. Wegovy’s market performance has proven to be a strong financial boost for Novo Nordisk.
8. SpaceX is testing new technologies to improve thermal protection and landing mechanisms for Starship.
9. The FAA’s simultaneous approval indicates comprehensive oversight for high-profile spaceflight tests.
10. Innovations in propulsion, heat management, and vehicle reusability are critical for SpaceX’s future missions.

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