19-February-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

NEW LAPWING OBSERVED AT WARANGAL LAKE, A FIRST IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

A birdwatching team from Telangana on Sunday spotted near Warangal a spur-winged lapwing, believed to be the first one sighted in India.

About spur-winged lapwing:

• Scientific Name: Vanellus spinosus
• IUCN Status: Species of Least Concern
• Description: Medium-sized bird with distinct black crown, white face, and a noticeable black spur on its shoulder. Brownish-grey back and wings with a white belly.
• Habitat: Found in various wetland habitats like marshes, lakeshores, and riverbanks across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.
• Behavior: Known for its loud and repetitive “kleep-kleep-kleep” calls, especially during breeding season. Territorial and often found in small colonies.
• Feeding Habits: Primarily eats insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally small fish. Forages in shallow water or wet mud using its long legs and slender bill.
• Breeding: Constructs ground nests in open areas, usually close to water. Both male and female participate in incubating eggs and caring for chicks.
• Conservation Status: Generally, not at risk, categorized as Least Concern. However, localized threats to wetland habitats could impact local populations. Conservation efforts aim to preserve suitable breeding and feeding areas.

WHAT OUR ANCESTORS’ GENOMES CAN TELL US ABOUT MODERN HEALTH

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Ancient DNA (aDNA) studies provide insights into the genetic composition of ancient ancestors. These studies answer questions regarding their lifestyles, diseases, and tools.

Applications of Genomic Techniques:

• Genomic techniques reconstruct genetic profiles from ancient skeletal remains.
• They reveal genetic diversity, migration patterns, and prevalence of diseases.

Infectious Diseases:

• Researchers use aDNA to understand the emergence, spread, and adaptation of infectious diseases throughout human history.
• Recent papers highlight its use in exploring genetic diseases in ancient humans, offering insights into early medicines and tools.

Study of Genetic Diseases:

• Chromosomal abnormalities like Down’s syndrome, Klinefelter’s syndrome, and Turner syndrome are studied through aDNA.
• Advances in whole-genome sequencing enable analysis of such abnormalities in fragmented and degraded DNA.

Examples from Iron Age Britain:

• Early instances of genetic diseases are identified in Iron Age Britain through aDNA, including Turner syndrome, Klinefelter’s syndrome, and Down’s syndrome.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease Risk:

• Genetic variants associated with cardiovascular disease are analyzed in ancient individuals, revealing its prevalence for over 5,000 years.

Insights into Ancient Lifestyles:

• aDNA analysis of birch pitch provides microbial information related to oral health and hints at dietary habits.

Contributions to Understanding Tools:

• aDNA studies contribute to understanding the creation and development of stone tools, as seen in the excavation of a cave in Ranis, Germany.
• High-throughput sequencing of bone remains identifies Homo sapiens as toolmakers around 45,000 years ago.

ULTRADIAN RHYTHMS: THE CYCLES OF LIFE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Life on Earth is intricately linked to cyclical processes that support survival and enhance well-being. Among these, ultradian rhythms play a crucial role in governing essential physiological functions.

Ultradian vs. Circadian Rhythms:

• Definition: Ultradian rhythms repeat at intervals of less than 24 hours, while circadian rhythms repeat approximately every 24 hours.
• Duration: Ultradian rhythms have shorter cycles, typically lasting minutes to a few hours, whereas circadian rhythms have longer cycles, around 24 hours.
• Examples: Ultradian rhythms include sleep cycles, heart rate variability, and hormone release, while circadian rhythms regulate the sleep-wake cycle and body temperature.

• Influence: Ultradian rhythms impact physiological processes within a single day, while circadian rhythms regulate sleep-wake patterns and hormone release.
• Importance: Ultradian rhythms are essential for various bodily functions and processes, crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
• Disruption Effects: Interruption of ultradian rhythms can lead to fatigue or mood swings, while disruption of circadian rhythms may cause sleep or mood disorders.

Key Characteristics of Ultradian Rhythms:

• Frequency: Ultradian rhythms recur more frequently than circadian rhythms, impacting various biological processes.
• Physiological Patterns: These rhythms regulate heartbeat, breathing, hormonal release, and brain-wave activity, ensuring proper functioning of living organisms.

Significance:

• Sleep Cycle: A well-known example of ultradian rhythm is the sleep cycle, comprising alternating periods of REM and non-REM sleep, each lasting around 90 minutes.
• REM and Non-REM Sleep: REM sleep involves dreaming, while non-REM sleep is crucial for physical restoration and memory consolidation.

Role in Hormonal Regulation:

• Pulsatile Hormone Secretion: Ultradian rhythms influence pulsatile hormone secretion, including growth hormone, cortisol, and insulin throughout the day.
• Metabolism and Stress Response: These hormonal fluctuations are crucial for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and responses to stress, ensuring overall well-being.

‘NAUGHTY BOY’ TAMED: ISRO’S GSLV INJECTS WEATHER SATELLITE INTO ORBIT

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been at the forefront of space exploration, utilizing various rockets to deploy satellites into orbit. The recent launch of INSAT-3DS via GSLV-F14 marks a crucial mission for ISRO, highlighting both the achievements and obstacles faced by GSLV.

Track Record and Challenges of GSLV:

• GSLV has encountered difficulties throughout its flight history, notably with a relatively high failure rate compared to other rockets like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
• Out of 15 GSLV flights, four have ended unsuccessfully, raising concerns about reliability and performance.

Cryogenic Engine Issues:

• The main hurdle for GSLV lies with its cryogenic engine, which powers the rocket’s third stage.
• Cryogenic engines, using liquid hydrogen, pose challenges due to the extreme temperatures required for operation.
• GSLV’s cryogenic engine, adapted from a Russian design, has presented technical hurdles for ISRO.

Origins of Cryogenic Technology:

• The cryogenic engine used in GSLV originates from a deal with Russia in the late 1980s, hindered by opposition from the United States.
• Despite obtaining some engines, ISRO faced barriers in accessing the technology, leading to attempts at reverse engineering.

Indigenous Cryogenic Engine in LVM3:

• In contrast to GSLV, ISRO has successfully developed an indigenous cryogenic engine for the LVM3 rocket.
• This engine, developed internally, has powered successful launches like Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, showcasing India’s technological advancements.

Significance of GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Mission:

• The success of this mission is critical for GSLV, given its history of challenges.
• GSLV is slated to carry the Earth observation satellite, NISAR, later this year, highlighting the importance of overcoming previous setbacks.
• INSAT-3DS, with a mission life of 10 years, will take over from previous satellites, aiding in weather forecasts, aviation visibility, and various studies related to climate and environmental changes.

Conclusion:

• While GSLV grapples with issues surrounding its cryogenic engine, ISRO’s success in developing an indigenous engine for LVM3 underscores India’s progress in space technology.
• As ISRO continues to refine its rocket technology, addressing past setbacks, and striving for greater reliability, missions like INSAT-3DS via GSLV-F14 serve as milestones in India’s space exploration journey.

MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: NEWE18

The sixtieth Munich Security Conference (MSC) has brought together world leaders amid rising concerns over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and challenges to the cohesion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The MSC serves as a pivotal platform for discussing global security issues, fostering dialogue, and seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts.

About Munich Security Conference (MSC):

• Objective: The MSC is the foremost global forum for deliberating international security policies, aiming to build trust and contribute to conflict resolution through continuous and informal dialogue in the international security community.
• History and Venue: Since 1963, the conference has been held annually in February in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, with the Hotel Bayerischer Hof serving as the venue.
• Participants: The MSC attracts security experts, politicians, military leaders, and representatives from the defense industry worldwide, providing a space for diplomatic initiatives to address pressing security concerns.
• Publications: The conference regularly organizes high-profile events on specific topics and regions and releases the Munich Security Report—an annual compilation of essential figures, maps, and research on critical security challenges.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):

• Formation: NATO is a transatlantic security alliance comprising 31 North American and European countries, established by the North Atlantic Treaty (Washington Treaty) on April 4, 1949.
• Aim: NATO is dedicated to maintaining peace, guaranteeing territorial integrity, political independence, and the security of its member states.
• Article Five: A cornerstone of the Alliance, Article Five of the treaty stipulates that an armed attack against one member state is considered an attack against all. Member states commit to assisting the attacked member, potentially with armed forces.
• Headquarters: NATO’s headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium.

BHARATIYA BHASHA SAMITI

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES

Recently, the Chairman of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti emphasized the promotion of Indian languages in education, announcing upcoming availability of textbooks in Indian languages on digital platforms.

About Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti:

• Formation: Constituted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in 2021.
• Mandate: The committee aims to facilitate the holistic and multi-disciplinary growth of Indian languages as outlined in the National Education Policy-2020.
• Responsibilities: It advises the Ministry on revitalizing language teaching and research, extending it in various institutions. Sub-committees may be appointed for specific tasks.
• Activities: The committee organizes seminars, workshops, conferences, and webinars to stress the importance of promoting Indian languages.
• Coordination: It interacts and coordinates with Central/State Government institutions involved in language teaching, research, and promotion.
• Secretarial Assistance: Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University (SLBSNSU) in New Delhi provides secretarial assistance and space for the committee, meeting related expenditures as per government rules.
• Financial Support: The Ministry of Education provides necessary finances to SLBSNSU under relevant budget heads for appointing consultants, experts, scholars, officials, and conducting recommended activities.

SINGLE SPECIES ACTION PLAN FOCUSED ON CONSERVING THE HAWKSBILL TURTLE.

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

The 14th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) recently approved the Single Species Action Plan focused on conserving the Hawksbill Turtle.

International Single Species Action Plan:

• Development: Key instrument under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
• Purpose: Aims to implement coordinated measures for restoring migratory waterbird species to a favorable conservation status.
• Implementation: Requires international cooperation among the range states of the species.

About AEWA:

• Definition: Intergovernmental treaty dedicated to conserving migratory waterbirds and their habitats across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Greenland, and the Canadian Archipelago.
• Development: Formulated under the framework of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Species Covered: Includes 255 migratory waterbird species dependent on wetlands for part of their annual cycle.
• Geographical Coverage: Spans from northern Canada and Russia to the southernmost tip of Africa, involving 119 Range States across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Canada.
• Organizational Structure: Comprises Meeting of the Parties (MOP), Standing Committee (StC), Technical Committee (TC), and the UNEP/AEWA Secretariat based in Bonn, Germany.
• Functions: MOP governs AEWA, StC steers operations between sessions, TC provides scientific advice, and the Secretariat supports parties and services the Agreement’s bodies.

AMPHIPODS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Researchers have identified a new species of marine amphipod, named ‘Parhyale’ odian, in Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon in Odisha.

          

• The discovered amphipod is brown, possesses 13 pairs of legs, using the first pair for prey capture.
• Amphipods belong to the crustacea category, a large group of Arthropods encompassing crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, and krill.
• Crustaceans are invertebrates with a hard exoskeleton and a segmented, bilaterally symmetrical body.
• While mostly free-living in freshwater or marine environments, some crustaceans like woodlice are terrestrial.