DNA Profiling

Context: In the Red Fort blast case (November 2025), investigators collected DNA samples to match with unidentified bodies.

About DNA Profiling

• DNA profiling is a forensic technique used to identify individuals based on their unique genetic patterns.
• It is especially useful when bodies are unrecognisable due to explosions, fires, or decomposition.

Importance of Maternal DNA

• A mother’s DNA provides a reliable genetic reference for identification through kinship analysis, since a child inherits half of their DNA from each parent.
• A simple cheek swab or blood sample from the biological mother helps forensic experts confirm genetic matches with high accuracy.

Process of DNA Profiling

• Sample Collection and Extraction: DNA is extracted from blood, teeth, bones, or tissue—the most preserved body parts in severe conditions.
  • The DNA is separated and purified to assess its quality before analysis.
• STR Profiling (Short Tandem Repeat Analysis): STRs are small repeating DNA sequences unique to each person.
  • Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), these regions are amplified and analyzed through capillary electrophoresis to generate a DNA profile.
  • This profile is compared with reference samples from relatives to confirm identity.
• Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analysis: When nuclear DNA is damaged, mtDNA, inherited solely from the mother, is analyzed to confirm maternal lineage.

Challenges in DNA Identification: Key challenges include DNA degradation from heat or chemicals, contamination during collection, and mixed DNA samples from multiple victims, complicating accurate identification.

Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM)

Context: Recently, India unveiled its first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM).

About Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM)

• The Quantum Diamond Microscope is an advanced quantum sensing instrument designed for dynamic, nanoscale magnetic field imaging.
• Developed by the P-Quest Group at IIT Bombay under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Description and Working Principle

• The QDM is based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, which are atomic-scale defects capable of maintaining quantum coherence at room temperature.
• These NV centers detect magnetic, electric, and thermal variations, converting them into optical signals through a process known as Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR).
• The technology enables three-dimensional, nanoscale magnetic field imaging similar to an optical microscope, offering widefield visualization of dynamic magnetic activity.

Applications

• Neuroscience: Mapping neural magnetic activity with high precision.
• Materials Science: Studying magnetic properties and defects in new materials.
• Semiconductor Diagnostics: Performing non-destructive testing of 3D chip architectures and buried current paths.
• Energy and Earth Sciences: Investigating magnetization in energy storage systems and geological formations.
• Data Processing: Future integration with AI and machine learning will enhance computational imaging and data interpretation.

Ammonium Nitrate

Context: Investigators are examining whether ammonium nitrate was the key explosive used in the Red Fort blast.

About Ammonium Nitrate

• Composition and Nature: Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound (NH₄NO₃) widely used as a fertilizer and an industrial explosive when mixed with fuel oil.
• Regulation and Licensing: Its access is strictly regulated — possession of up to 30 metric tonnes requires District Magistrate permission, while higher quantities need PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) approval under the Explosives Act.
• Tracking and Control: All legal transactions are monitored through the System for Explosive Tracking and Tracing (SETT), though illegal trade and diversion remain a persistent challenge.

Use in Terror Strikes

• Historical Pattern: Before 2012, ammonium nitrate featured in nearly every major terror attack in India, including the 1996–97 Delhi serial blasts.
• Role in IEDs: Terror outfits use it to prepare ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate–Fuel Oil) mixtures, where a detonator initiates a massive explosion.
  • A typical ANFO charge is roughly 94% ammonium nitrate and 6% fuel oil; industrial-grade ammonium nitrate can be used to make such a mixture.
• Forensic Detection: Residues of ammonium nitrate leave nitrate ions and nitrogen oxides (NO₂), detectable via chromatographic tests even after cleaning the blast site.

Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025

Context: The Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 will be presented on 14 November 2025 in New Delhi, honouring outstanding works in children’s literature across 24 Indian languages.

About the Bal Sahitya Puraskar

• Instituted by the Sahitya Akademi, the Bal Sahitya Puraskar recognises excellence in children’s literature written in India’s 24 major languages listed under the Akademi’s scheme.
  • These 24 languages include the 22 languages enumerated in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, as well as English and Rajasthani.
• Components of the Award: Each awardee receives a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a bronze plaque for literary merit.
• Languages and Genres Awarded: Awards span poetry, stories, plays, novels, and memoirs, showcasing India’s multilingual creative richness.
• Notable Winners (2025): Total 24 children were awarded this year.
  • English: Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold – Nitin Kushalappa MP
  • Hindi: Ek Batey Barah – Susheel Shukla
  • Tamil: Ottrai Siragu Oviya – Vishnupuram Sarvanan
  • Malayalam: Penguinukalude Vankaravil – Sreejith Moothedath
  • Punjabi: Jaddu Patta – Pali Khadim
• Significance: The Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 reinforces India’s literary inclusivity, celebrating regional voices and encouraging a new generation of writers in children’s literature.

India To Get 8 Cheetahs from Botswana

Context: President Droupadi Murmu and Botswana’s President Duma Boko announced that Botswana will donate 8 cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah.

About Project Cheetah

• Aim: Reintroduce cheetahs in India, which went extinct in 1952, through intercontinental translocation from African countries.
• Launch & Partners: Started in 2022, with cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa.
• Nodal Agency: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), under the Ministry of Environment.
• Objectives: Restore a viable cheetah population, revive grassland ecosystems, and enhance eco-tourism and community benefits.

About Botswana

• Location: Landlocked country in Southern Africa.
• Bordering Countries:
  • North and West: Namibia
  • Northeast: Zambia
  • South and Southeast: South Africa
  • Northeast: Zimbabwe (via a small quadripoint with Zambia and Zimbabwe)
• Climate:
  • Type: Semi-arid climate with seasonal rainfall.
  • Temperature: Hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, and cool winters with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.
• Terrain: Predominantly flat or gently undulating plains.
• Rivers: Zambezi river, Okavango River, Limpopo River.

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