Topics
- Shiv Shakti Point
- ISRO’s Upcoming Missions
- Somatic Genetic Variants
- Consumption of Ultra processed Food and Concerns over it.
- B-20 Summit
- State of India’s Birds Report 2023
SHIV SHAKTI POINT
Context
- The recent announcement by the Prime Minister regarding the Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander’s chosen landing site, referred to as “Shiv Shakti,” draws attention to the longstanding practice of naming significant locations on celestial bodies.
- These named sites on the Moon reflect historical exploration and achievements.
Celestial Body Governance and the Outer Space Treaty
- The Moon, as a celestial body, falls beyond the jurisdiction of any individual nation, according to the Outer Space Treaty of 1966.
- This international agreement asserts that outer space, including celestial bodies like the Moon, cannot be subjected to national ownership.
Promotion of Collaboration over Competition
- Formulated during the Cold War era, the treaty encourages international cooperation in space exploration while discouraging exclusive claims.
- It aims to foster shared accomplishments and minimize potential conflicts arising from superpower rivalries.
Function of the International Astronomical Union (IAU)
- Playing a pivotal role in naming planetary features, including those on the Moon’s surface, the IAU boasts 92 member countries.
- Since its establishment in 1919, the IAU has been responsible for overseeing planetary and satellite nomenclature to standardize naming conventions for enhanced astronomical comprehension.
Procedure for Naming Lunar Landmarks
- Initiation: Initial name suggestions for planetary features come from members of IAU task groups or researchers involved in mapping or describing specific areas.
- Review and Approval: Proposed names undergo assessment by task groups and the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN). Approved names become official IAU designations and are documented in the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature.
- Considerations and Restrictions: IAU’s guidelines prioritize straightforward and unequivocal names, avoiding political, military, or religious implications. The recognition of individuals is permissible following a posthumous waiting period of three years.
Legacy of Lunar Naming
- Influential Factors: Naming decisions are often influenced by the quality of spacecraft images. Craters on the far side of the Moon are frequently named after scientists and engineers. Names informally assigned during missions can eventually gain official recognition.
- Variability and Symbolism: Not all significant figures are commemorated with major crater names. The selection process might seem random, as scientific eminence does not necessarily guarantee the honor of having a lunar feature named after them.
- Cultural Influences: The IAU allows designations from Greco-Roman mythology for the satellites of Jupiter and Saturn. Names of giants, monsters, and descendants of mythological figures have been accepted as valid sources of names.
Previous Lunar Naming by India
Jawahar Sthal: The impact site of India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission’s probe was named “Jawahar Sthal” in tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s inaugural Prime Minister.
This dedication was inspired by Nehru’s advocacy for scientific advancement and research in India.
ISRO’S UPCOMING MISSIONS
Context
- The successful landing of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 lander on the moon’s South Polar Region signifies a noteworthy milestone in space exploration.
- As India emerges as a significant participant in this field, attention turns towards its diverse range of activities, upcoming missions, and technological progress.
ISRO’s Varied Endeavors
- ISRO engages in a wide array of tasks, encompassing research, satellite creation, rocket manufacturing, maintenance of satellite tracking infrastructure, and more, to cater to a multitude of space-related necessities.
Primary Areas of Emphasis
- Prominent areas of concentration involve the ‘Gaganyaan’ human spaceflight initiative, the Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), the development of the SCE-200 engine, and the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
Preview of Forthcoming Missions
- Aditya L1: Anticipated for September 2023, the Aditya L1 mission aims to meticulously study the sun, providing invaluable insights into solar activities.
- NISAR Satellite: In January 2024, the collaborative ISRO-NASA NISAR satellite will employ advanced radar technology to examine Earth’s surface processes.
- Gaganyaan G1 and G2 Flights: The year 2024 will witness trial flights of rockets designed for human travel, setting the stage for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight endeavor.
Innovations Beyond Launches
Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-TD): Resembling NASA’s Space Shuttle, the RLV-TD boasts a design that enables air propulsion or gliding, capable of carrying 20,000 kg to low-earth orbit.
Advanced Propulsion: ISRO explores innovative rocket fuels like methalox propellant and electric propulsion systems, enhancing efficiency and safety.
Exploring the Moon and Lunar Terrain
- Chandrayaan-3 and Beyond: Chandrayaan-3 lays the foundation for extended lunar exploration, outlining plans for future missions such as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration) in collaboration with JAXA.
- LUPEX’s Objectives: LUPEX’s objective is to deploy a sophisticated lander and rover to investigate the moon’s South Polar Region, encompassing subsurface sample collection and nocturnal operations.
Broadening Collaborations and Global Partnerships
- Alternative Space Service Providers: ISRO bridges gaps created by restrictions on Russia, facilitating the launch of OneWeb satellites and potentially launching the European Space Agency’s PROBA-3 satellites.
- Joint Lunar Exploration with JAXA: The partnership with JAXA for LUPEX underscores ISRO’s dedication to international collaboration in space exploration.
Missions to Mars and Venus
Mars Return Mission: ISRO outlines plans for a return to Mars, building upon the success of its prior Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
Venus Exploration: ‘Shukrayaan’: Ambitious designs to study Venus through the ‘Shukrayaan’ mission illustrate ISRO’s expanding reach in planetary investigation.
Conclusion
ISRO’s impressive achievements and forthcoming initiatives affirm its role as a significant global force in space exploration. From lunar touchdowns to solar examinations, human space travel to interplanetary quests, ISRO continues to shape the realm of space exploration.
Through pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and promoting international cooperation, ISRO solidifies its position in humanity’s pursuit of unraveling cosmic enigmas.
SOMATIC GENETIC VARIANTS
Context
- The human genetic code, found within 23 pairs of chromosomes, is an inheritance from our parents that shapes our biological identity.
- This genetic information is duplicated in nearly a trillion cells during growth, resulting in a complex array of cellular variations.
- Despite the precision of DNA replication, genetic mutations still arise.
Explaining Somatic Genetic Variants
- Somatic genetic variations, referred to as somatic mutations or alterations, denote genetic modifications within an organism’s bodily cells throughout its lifespan.
- These changes differ from inherited germline mutations, present in all cells and passed down from parents.
- Somatic mutations emerge post-conception and aren’t conveyed to succeeding generations.
- They stem from factors like exposure to mutagenic elements (e.g., radiation, chemicals), DNA replication errors, and other cellular processes.
- These mutations can modify the genetic sequence of specific genes, impacting protein creation and function.
Unveiling DNA Replication
Genetic Inheritance: Genetic information is combined from parents through ovum and sperm during fertilization.
Cell Division: The initial fertilized cell, featuring 23 chromosomes, undergoes multiple divisions to construct the body’s myriad cells.
DNA Replication Accuracy: DNA is accurately copied during replication, thanks to proteins’ correction mechanisms, resulting in a low error rate of 0.64-0.78 mutations per billion base pairs per division.
Significance of Somatic Genetic Mutations
- Time-Dependent Impact: Mutations after birth but during development are classified as somatic genetic variations.
- Driver Mutations: Mutations granting advantages to cells can induce tumor growth and are dubbed driver mutations.
- Cellular Diversity: The human body consists of cells with subtle genomic discrepancies due to somatic genetic variants.
- Genetic Variants: Variations in functional genome regions can influence protein regulation and encoding.
Roles of Somatic Variants in Physiology
- Immune Cell Diversity: Immune cells undergo somatic changes to generate diverse antibodies, crucial for pathogen recognition.
- Recent Technological Leap: Advancements in individual cell sequencing provide an abundance of information about somatic variants.
- Cancer’s Influence: Somatic genetic variants significantly contribute to cancer development, aiding in early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis.
Cancer Mutation Patterns
- Distinctive Signatures: Specific genetic patterns typify particular cancers, facilitating early identification.
- Blood-Based Detection: Technologies identify tumor DNA in blood to detect cancer at an early stage.
Monitoring Disease Progression: Cancer-related variations help track disease advancement and therapy response.
Context
- The human genetic code, found within 23 pairs of chromosomes, is an inheritance from our parents that shapes our biological identity.
- This genetic information is duplicated in nearly a trillion cells during growth, resulting in a complex array of cellular variations.
- Despite the precision of DNA replication, genetic mutations still arise.
Explaining Somatic Genetic Variants
- Somatic genetic variations, referred to as somatic mutations or alterations, denote genetic modifications within an organism’s bodily cells throughout its lifespan.
- These changes differ from inherited germline mutations, present in all cells and passed down from parents.
- Somatic mutations emerge post-conception and aren’t conveyed to succeeding generations.
- They stem from factors like exposure to mutagenic elements (e.g., radiation, chemicals), DNA replication errors, and other cellular processes.
- These mutations can modify the genetic sequence of specific genes, impacting protein creation and function.
Unveiling DNA Replication
Genetic Inheritance: Genetic information is combined from parents through ovum and sperm during fertilization.
Cell Division: The initial fertilized cell, featuring 23 chromosomes, undergoes multiple divisions to construct the body’s myriad cells.
DNA Replication Accuracy: DNA is accurately copied during replication, thanks to proteins’ correction mechanisms, resulting in a low error rate of 0.64-0.78 mutations per billion base pairs per division.
Significance of Somatic Genetic Mutations
- Time-Dependent Impact: Mutations after birth but during development are classified as somatic genetic variations.
- Driver Mutations: Mutations granting advantages to cells can induce tumor growth and are dubbed driver mutations.
- Cellular Diversity: The human body consists of cells with subtle genomic discrepancies due to somatic genetic variants.
- Genetic Variants: Variations in functional genome regions can influence protein regulation and encoding.
Roles of Somatic Variants in Physiology
- Immune Cell Diversity: Immune cells undergo somatic changes to generate diverse antibodies, crucial for pathogen recognition.
- Recent Technological Leap: Advancements in individual cell sequencing provide an abundance of information about somatic variants.
- Cancer’s Influence: Somatic genetic variants significantly contribute to cancer development, aiding in early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis.
Cancer Mutation Patterns
- Distinctive Signatures: Specific genetic patterns typify particular cancers, facilitating early identification.
- Blood-Based Detection: Technologies identify tumor DNA in blood to detect cancer at an early stage.
Monitoring Disease Progression: Cancer-related variations help track disease advancement and therapy response.
CONSUMPTION OF ULTRA PROCESSED FOOD AND CONCERNS OVER IT.
What’s New in the Headlines?
- A recent publication by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations has revealed a significant development regarding India’s Ultra-Processed Food Sector.
- This sector’s retail sales value exhibited a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.37% between 2011 and 2021.
Understanding Ultra-Processed Food
Definition:
- Processed foods typically incorporate additives such as salt, sugar, and fat. When a product contains five or more supplementary ingredients beyond its original components, it qualifies as ultra-processed.
- These additional elements typically consist of flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, colors, and additives aimed at enhancing taste, prolonging shelf life, and improving convenience.
- For example, raw atta is unprocessed, while atta turned into dalia with the addition of salt and sugar becomes processed. If atta is transformed into cookies with multiple additives, it becomes ultra-processed.
Concerns:
- Processed foods commonly contain salt, sugar, and fat, which are not advisable for regular or excessive consumption.
- These foods can contribute to issues such as obesity, hypertension, heart problems, and lifestyle-related diseases.
- The synthetic chemicals present in ultra-processed foods can negatively impact digestive health.
- Imbalances in gut health can lead to various problems, including neurological disorders, stress, mood swings, and obesity.
- Taste enhancers often found in ultra-processed foods can foster addiction, and their highly broken-down nature allows for rapid absorption in the body.
- Excessive consumption of simple sugars prompts the body to release insulin, inducing hunger and a desire for more food, contributing to sugar addiction.
Key Findings from the Report
- Temporary Setback and Swift Recovery:
The Covid-19 pandemic briefly disrupted the growth of India’s ultra-processed food sector, causing the annual growth rate to drop from 12.65% in 2019 to 5.50% in 2020.
However, the sector demonstrated resilience, rebounding with an impressive 11.29% growth in 2020-2021.
- Prominent Categories and Sales Volume:
The leading categories within the ultra-processed food sector encompass chocolate and sugar confectionery, savory snacks, beverages, pre-packaged convenience foods, and breakfast cereals.
When examining retail sales volume between 2011 and 2021, beverages held the largest market share, followed by chocolate and sugar confectionery, and pre-packaged convenience foods.
- Shift in Health Awareness and Consumption Patterns:
Amid the pandemic, health-conscious consumers shifted their preferences from carbonated sugary beverages to fruit and vegetable juices, possibly due to perceived immune-boosting properties.
Nonetheless, these alternative beverages might also contain elevated levels of free sugars.
Proposed Recommendations
- Enhanced Regulations for Advertising and Marketing:
The report emphasizes the urgency of stricter regulations for advertising and marketing, particularly concerning products like sweet biscuits that are popular among children.
Given the health risks associated with high salt content in savory snacks, addressing this issue through regulatory measures is vital.
- Clear Definition of High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) Foods:
Collaboration between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and relevant stakeholders is recommended to establish a precise definition of High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) foods.
Linking the tax structure with the HFSS foods definition through the GST Council can encourage healthier alternatives by imposing higher taxes on products exceeding recommended levels of fat, sugar, and salt.
- Holistic National Nutrition Policy:
A comprehensive national nutrition policy is imperative, addressing both under-nutrition and over-nutrition. This policy should have well-defined objectives and targets, developed through thorough consultations with stakeholders.
Existing policies such as Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 require broader coverage of overnutrition and diet-related ailments.
- Transition to Nutritional Excellence and Long-Term Goals:
The report advocates for a transition toward a healthier lifestyle by reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods and increasing the intake of whole grains.
Insufficient consumption of whole grains is identified as a primary dietary risk factor for noncommunicable diseases in India.
B-20 SUMMIT
Context
- The B20 Summit, which concluded on August 27th, serves as the official dialogue platform between the G20 and the global business community.
- The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been selected by the Government of India to lead and host the B20 during India’s G20 presidency.
- The B20, established in 2010, is a prominent Engagement Group within the G20 that involves businesses and organizations.
- Its role is to bring together international business leaders to express their perspectives on global economic and trade governance, collectively representing the G20 business community.
- The current event is centered around the theme “R.A.I.S.E.,” symbolizing Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, and Equitable Businesses.
- The summit has drawn more than 1,500 participants from approximately 55 countries and emphasizes inclusivity, including engagement with the African Union within the G20 framework.
- The discussions underscored mutual trust, lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, and India’s significant role as a global pharmaceutical provider.
Objectives and Approach:
- The B20 aims to provide tangible policy recommendations to the G20 on the priorities outlined by each rotating presidency, with the goal of fostering economic growth and development.
- This effort is carried out through Task Forces (TFs) and Action Councils (ACs), which collaboratively generate policy suggestions based on consensus.
Key Themes from the B20 Inception Meeting:
- Climate Change and Sustainable Practices: Climate change takes center stage during India’s G20 presidency. The LiFE Mission (Lifestyle For Environment) places emphasis on sustainable lifestyles to combat climate change.
- Inclusive Growth via MSMEs: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are seen as drivers of accelerated and inclusive growth, globally. The Indian government aims to raise the contribution of MSMEs to GDP from 18% to 25-30%.
- Reforming Multilateral Institutions: Strengthening multilateral institutions such as the IMF and World Bank is essential to address emerging challenges, including those posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Empowering Women-Led Development: Promoting women’s involvement is crucial for boosting socio-economic progress.
B20’s Task Forces and Action Councils:
- The B20 operates through 7 Task Forces that cover areas like digital transformation, technology and innovation, resilient trade and investment, and global economic recovery financing, among others.
- Additionally, the Action Councils focus on environmental, social, and governance aspects for businesses, and they support business integration in the African continent.
Startup 20 under India’s G20 Presidency:
- Recognizing the significance of startups as catalysts for innovative economic recovery and growth worldwide, the Startup20 Initiative has been launched during India’s G20 presidency.
- Startup20 brings together stakeholders to collectively advocate for the needs and potential of the global startup ecosystem.
India’s thriving startup landscape boasts more than 80,000 startups and 106 unicorns, solidifying its position as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
STATE OF INDIA’S BIRDS REPORT 2023
Context:
In the report “The Status of India’s Avian Population in 2023,” which was unveiled on August 25, 2023, findings were derived from the collaborative efforts of 30,000 bird enthusiasts spanning the nation, who contributed a total of 30 million observations.
Highlights from the report
- 942 Indian birds assessed for conservation priority
- 30,000 birdwatchers contributed 30 million observations analysed for trends and distribution
- 217 species stable or increasing in the last eight years
- 204 species declining in the past three decades
- 178 species classified as High Conservation Priority
- 14 species, including Indian Roller, recommended for IUCN Red List reassessment
- Asian Koel has increased in the past three decades
- Indian Peafowl continues to thrive
- Birds that live in key habitats like open ecosystems, rivers, and coasts have declined
- Raptors, migratory shorebirds, and ducks have declined the most
Notable Discoveries:
A pervasive reduction in the population of numerous bird species across India is evident:
- Predatory birds, migratory shorebirds, and ducks have experienced significant declines.
- Vultures like the White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, and Red-headed Vulture have encountered substantial long-term drops in numbers (98%, 95%, and 91% respectively).
- Species endemic to the biodiversity hotspot encompassing the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, such as the White-bellied Treepie and Wayanad Laughingthrush, are affected.
- Ducks, comprising eight resident and 35 migratory species in India, exhibit vulnerability; the Baer’s Pochard, Common Pochard, and Andaman Teal are particularly at risk.
- Birds like the Eurasian Spoonbill, Great Grey Shrike, and Sarus Crane have experienced extended declines and this trend continues.
- Woodpeckers: Among the 11 woodpecker species with discernible long-term trends, seven remain relatively stable, two are in gradual decline, and two are rapidly diminishing. The Yellow-crowned Woodpecker has registered a decline exceeding 70% over the past 30 years.
- Bustards: While half of the global bustard species confront endangerment, the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, and Bengal Florican, the three Indian breeding species, are critically imperiled.
Upward Trends:
- Certain bird species like the Indian Peafowl, Rock Pigeon, Asian Koel, and House Crow not only maintain robust abundance and distribution but are also exhibiting growth.
- Among larger waterbirds, the Glossy Ibis and Black-headed Ibis have displayed substantial abundance increases over the preceding three decades, with surges of over 130% and 80% respectively.
- The Painted Stork and Spot-billed Pelican follow a pattern of increase followed by a more recent decline of 2-4% annually, ultimately settling at historical levels.
Many of the 942 species lack ascertainable long-term and current annual trend data.
