Daily Prelims Notes 1 September 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

1 September 2024

Table Of Contents

1. New Target for Cancer Therapy Discovered by IACS Scientists
2. Arunachal Pradesh Protests NHPC’s Proposed 12500-MW Siang River Dam
3. Centre’s Push for ‘2G Ethanol’: Boosting Production and Reducing Imports with Local Enzyme Manufacturing
4. INS Arighaat: India’s second nuclear sub
5. Slowing of GDP growth due to lower govt spending, MCC: RBI Governor
6. La Nina to take root in September; North India may witness heavy rain
7. Will an extended space stay affect astronauts?
8. Thanjavur tunes its wood stock
9. Health Ministry begins work to bring in manpower for its Technical Resource Centres

1. New Target for Cancer Therapy Discovered by IACS Scientists

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

Scientists from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, have identified a novel target for cancer treatment that could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches. Their findings, published in The EMBO Journal, reveal critical insights into how cancer cells repair DNA during cell division, offering potential for precision medicine in cancer therapy.

Key Discoveries

Identification of a New Target

• IACS scientists discovered a crucial target in cancer cells that plays a role in DNA repair during cell division. This target could be exploited to develop new cancer therapies.

Role of Topoisomerase 1 in Cancer

• The enzyme topoisomerase 1 (Top1) is essential for DNA replication and transcription during cell division. Cancer drugs like camptothecin, topotecan, and irinotecan target Top1, leading to cancer cell death. However, cancer cells can develop resistance by utilizing DNA repair mechanisms involving the TDP1 protein.

What is Topoisomerase 1 (Top1): It is an enzyme that helps unwind and rewind DNA, which is vital for higher eukaryotes: 

Function: TOP1 relaxes DNA supercoiling that’s created by transcription, replication, and chromatin remodeling. It does this by cutting one strand of DNA, relaxing it, and then reannealing it.

Structure: TOP1 is a type I topoisomerase, which means it’s further divided into two structurally and mechanistically distinct types: type IA and type IB.

Location: TOP1 is found in the nucleus and nucleolus. 

Side effects: TOP1 poison-based chemotherapies can cause dysarthria, a neurotoxic side effect.

Targeting DNA Repair Mechanisms

• The study highlights that cancer cells use TDP1 to counteract the effects of Top1 inhibitors.
• Researchers found that targeting both CDK1 and TDP1 proteins simultaneously could enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

What is CDK1 (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1): CDK1 is a crucial protein kinase that regulates the cell cycle, particularly the transition from the G2 phase (second phase) to the M phase (mitosis). It ensures proper cell division by interacting with cyclins and phosphorylating target proteins.

Role in Cancer: CDK1 is often overexpressed in cancer cells, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Inhibiting CDK1 can disrupt the cell cycle, induce apoptosis (cell death), and enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies.

Regulation: CDK1 activity is tightly regulated by binding to cyclins (especially cyclin B) and by phosphorylation events. Proper regulation is critical for the accurate division of cells.

Clinical Trials: Several CDK1 inhibitors, such as avotaciclib, alvocidib, roniciclib, riviciclib, and dinaciclib, are currently in various stages of clinical trials. These inhibitors show potential in treating cancers by targeting the cell cycle.

Combination Therapy: Combining CDK1 inhibitors with other drugs, like Top1 inhibitors, has shown promise in preclinical studies by preventing cancer cells from repairing DNA damage, leading to increased cell death.

What is TDP1 (Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1): TDP1 is an enzyme that plays a key role in the DNA repair process by resolving DNA lesions, particularly those caused by Top1 inhibitors. It removes covalent DNA-protein complexes, thus repairing DNA breaks.

Role in Cancer: Cancer cells often exploit TDP1 to repair the DNA damage caused by chemotherapy drugs, leading to drug resistance. Targeting TDP1 can potentially prevent cancer cells from repairing their DNA, making them more susceptible to treatment.

DNA Repair Mechanism: TDP1 specifically repairs DNA damage resulting from Top1 inhibitors, which are commonly used in chemotherapy. Its activity is crucial for the survival of cancer cells under treatment.

Phosphorylation: Phosphorylation of TDP1 during the cell cycle, particularly in the presence of Top1 inhibitors like camptothecin, is critical for its function. This modification helps remove TDP1 from chromosomes, a process necessary for accurate cell division.

Potential Target: The inhibition of TDP1, particularly when combined with other therapies like CDK1 inhibitors, could lead to enhanced treatment outcomes by preventing cancer cells from repairing chemotherapy-induced DNA damage.

Advanced Treatment Strategies

• Cancer cells often develop resistance to single-agent therapies by enhancing their DNA repair pathways or altering cell cycle regulation. The combination of Top1 and CDK1 inhibitors may overcome this resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
• The study suggests that personalized combinatorial chemotherapy, which targets different aspects of the cell cycle and DNA replication, could effectively kill cancer cells and reduce the chances of treatment resistance.

Chemotherapy: It is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells by targeting specific phases of the cell cycle.

Top1 inhibitors like camptothecin disrupt DNA replication in cancer cells, leading to cell death.

Resistance to chemotherapy occurs when cancer cells activate DNA repair mechanisms to survive drug-induced damage.

Combination therapy using multiple drugs can prevent cancer cells from repairing DNA, increasing the treatment’s effectiveness.

What is Personalized Chemotherapy?

It refers to a tailored cancer treatment approach that targets the specific genetic and molecular characteristics of a patient’s tumour, using a combination of drugs to maximize efficacy and minimize resistance.

This approach considers individual variations in DNA repair mechanisms, drug metabolism, and tumour biology to optimize treatment outcomes.

2. Arunachal Pradesh Protests NHPC’s Proposed 12500-MW Siang River Dam

Sub: Geo

Sec: Indian geography

Why in News

Recent protests have erupted in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district against the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation’s (NHPC) proposed mega dam project on the Siang River. Local communities, particularly the Adi tribe, are strongly opposing the survey and pre-feasibility report (PFR) for the 12,500-MW hydropower project.

The Main Issue: Hydropower Projects on the Siang River

Community Concerns: The Adi community fears that large dams on the Siang will submerge agricultural land, displace villages, and threaten the ecosystem.

The Cultural Significance of the Siang River: The Adi community reveres the Siang River, referring to it as “Aane” (mother), and believes it has healing and spiritual properties. The community has historically resisted attempts to alter the river, seeing it as an infringement on their cultural and spiritual heritage.

Adi Community:

Location & Distribution: Predominantly found in the central regions of Arunachal Pradesh.

Concentrated in districts such as East Siang, West Siang, and Upper Siang.

Cultural Significance: Known for their rich oral traditions, festivals, and agriculture-based lifestyle.

Key festival: Solung, a harvest festival celebrating the agricultural cycle.

Minyong Subgroup: One of the major subgroups of the Adi community. Primarily reside in the Siang and East Siang districts.

Renowned for their distinctive dialect, customs, and traditional dances like the Ponung.

Siang River: Begins as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, near Mount Kailash.

Transitions into the Siang River upon entering Arunachal Pradesh.

Course and Tributaries: Flows for approximately 230 km through Arunachal Pradesh.

Tributaries include:

Simang River: Flows through West Siang district; known for its rugged terrain.

Siyom River: Joins the Siang in Upper Siang district, contributing to its volume.

Sibo Korong: A smaller but significant tributary known for causing seasonal disruptions during the monsoon.

Cultural Importance: Revered by the Adi community as Aane (Mother). Believed to possess healing properties and spiritual significance.

Environmental Concerns: The river is central to the ecosystem, supporting diverse flora and fauna.

Concerns about large-scale hydropower projects potentially disrupting the river’s flow and local biodiversity.

Dite Dime: Dite Dime is located in the Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, part of the Eastern Himalayas.

Significance: This site has been a focal point for protests against the NHPC’s 12,500-MW hydropower project. The local Adi community fears significant environmental and social impacts, including displacement and loss of traditional livelihoods.

Parong: Parong is another proposed site for the mega dam project within the Siang district.

Community Involvement: Villagers from Parong, led by elders like Dubit Siram, have actively opposed the project. On June 22 and June 24, 2024, community meetings were held to unanimously reject the survey and pre-feasibility report (PFR) for the project.

Ugeng: Ugeng is the third proposed site in the Siang district for the hydropower project.

Strategic Importance: Like Dite Dime and Parong, Ugeng has been identified for its strategic location along the Siang River, which has significant hydropower potential.

National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC):

Founded: 1975

Objective: NHPC was established with the primary goal of developing hydropower projects in India to meet the nation’s growing energy needs.

Ownership: NHPC is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

Status: It holds the status of a “Mini Ratna Category-I” enterprise, which recognizes its financial autonomy and operational efficiency.

Upper Siang Hydropower Project:

River: Siang River, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Districts Involved: The project spans areas in the Upper Siang and Siang districts.

Proposed Capacity: 12,500 MW, making it one of the largest hydropower projects in India.

Project Type: Run-of-the-river scheme with a large storage component.

Project Sites: Three main sites proposed for dam construction: Dite Dime, Parong, and Uggeng.

Implementing Agency: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

Status: As of 2024, the project is in the survey and pre-feasibility report (PFR) stage, with ongoing opposition from local communities.

3. Centre’s Push for ‘2G Ethanol’: Boosting Production and Reducing Imports with Local Enzyme Manufacturing

Sub: Env

Sec: Suitable Development

Why in News

The Indian government’s recent BioE3 policy aims to enhance biotechnology-driven manufacturing within the country.

A key aspect of this initiative includes setting up local enzyme-manufacturing facilities to support the production of ‘2G ethanol’—a more sustainable form of bioethanol derived from rice straw rather than molasses.

Key Points:

Introduction to BioE3 Policy

Objective: The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, focuses on advancing biotechnological applications in India.

Goal: Establish ‘bio-foundries’ to produce biotechnology-developed feedstock and catalysts.

Expansion of 2G Ethanol Production

Current Status: The Indian Oil Corporation has set up the first 2G ethanol plant in Panipat, using rice stubble as feedstock.

Production Capacity: The plant aims for a production capacity of 100,000 litres per day but currently operates at 30% capacity.

Plans for Enzyme Manufacturing Facilities

Proposed Location: A new enzyme-manufacturing plant is planned for Manesar, Haryana.

Purpose: To supply enzymes for 2G ethanol plants in Mathura, Bhatinda, and Panipat.

Technological Advancements and Collaborations

Enzyme Development: The enzymes are derived from genetically modified fungi (Penicillium funoculosum) designed to efficiently hydrolyze rice stubble.

Future Outlook

Ethanol Demand: The NITI Aayog projects a need for 13.5 billion litres of ethanol annually by 2025-26, with 10.16 billion litres allocated for fuel blending.

Environmental Impact: Using biomass and municipal waste as feedstock for ethanol production provides an alternative to traditional food crops and reduces environmental impact.

What is Ethanol: Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a biofuel made from sources like sugarcane, corn, rice, wheat, and biomass.

Production Methods: Produced through fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes such as ethylene hydration.

Purity: Ethanol is typically 99.9% pure alcohol and can be blended with petrol to create cleaner fuel alternatives.

Byproducts of Ethanol Production

Distillers’ Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS): Residue left after the fermentation of grains and extraction of ethanol.

Uses: High-protein animal feed that supplements livestock diets.

Potash from Incineration Boiler Ash: Ash from the ethanol production boiler, containing up to 28% potash.

Uses: Rich source of potash for use as a fertilizer.

Generations of Ethanol/Biofuels:

1. First-Generation Ethanol

• Feedstocks: Produced from food crops such as sugarcane, corn, and wheat.
• Process: Involves the fermentation of sugars from these crops to produce ethanol.
• Characteristics: Uses edible parts of crops; raises concerns over food vs. fuel debates and land use.

2. Second-Generation Ethanol (2G Ethanol)

• Feedstocks: Produced from non-food biomass, including agricultural residues (e.g., rice straw, corn stover), wood chips, and dedicated energy crops.
• Process: Involves breaking down cellulose and hemicellulose from lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars, which are then fermented to produce ethanol.
• Characteristics: Utilizes waste and non-edible parts of plants; addresses food vs. fuel concerns and aims for higher sustainability.

3. Third-Generation Ethanol (3G Ethanol)

• Feedstocks: Produced from algae and other microorganisms.
• Process: Involves cultivating algae, which can be converted into ethanol through various biochemical processes.
• Characteristics: Potential for high yield and efficiency; reduces competition with food crops and can utilize non-arable land.

4. Fourth-Generation Ethanol (4G Ethanol)

• Feedstocks: Focuses on integrating carbon capture technologies with algae or other advanced feedstocks.
• Process: Incorporates carbon capture and utilization (CCU) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during ethanol production.
• Characteristics: Aims to further reduce environmental impact and enhance sustainability through innovative technologies. 

India’s Ethanol Blending Targets

Ethanol Blending Program

E10: A blend of 10% ethanol with 90% petrol.

E20: A blend of 20% ethanol with 80% petrol.

Blending Targets

2020: The target was to achieve 10% ethanol blending (E10) in petrol.

2025: The government aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending (E20) in petrol, as part of the Ethanol Blending Programme.

Ethanol Production and Consumption Targets

Annual Requirement by 2025-26: According to NITI Aayog, India will require approximately 13.5 billion litres of ethanol annually.

Fuel Blending Mandate: Out of the total ethanol required, around 10.16 billion litres will be used to meet the E20 blending mandate.

Indian Initiatives in Biofuels

Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana (2019): This scheme aims to foster a supportive environment for commercial projects and enhance research and development in the 2G ethanol sector.

Ethanol Blending Policy

2018 Biofuel Policy: Initially set a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending and 5% biodiesel blending by 2030.

Revised Target: The Centre has advanced its goal, aiming to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26.

GOBAR-DHAN Scheme (2018)

Focus: This initiative, launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), is designed to manage and convert cattle dung and solid waste on farms into valuable compost, biogas, and bio-CNG. It aims to enhance cleanliness in villages and increase rural income.

Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO): Initiated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Objective: To establish a system for collecting and converting used cooking oil into biodiesel.

National Policy on Biofuels (2018)

Categorization: The policy classifies biofuels into different categories:

Basic Biofuels: First Generation (1G) bioethanol and biodiesel.

Advanced Biofuels: Second Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third Generation (3G) biofuels, and bio-CNG.

Incentives: Provides appropriate financial and fiscal incentives for each category to promote biofuel development.

Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)

The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) is a collaborative platform consisting of governments, international organizations, and industry stakeholders. This initiative, spearheaded by India, aims to unite major biofuel consumers and producers to advance the development and use of biofuels.

Inception: The GBA was officially launched during the 2023 G20 Summit held in New Delhi.

Goals: The alliance seeks to position biofuels as a critical component of the energy transition, contributing to job creation and economic growth.

Member Nations: The Global Biofuel Alliance is a collaborative initiative led by India, the United States, and Brazil.

It currently includes nine member countries: India, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Bangladesh, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Organizational Members: Several key international organizations have committed to joining the alliance, including:

The World Bank

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

World Economic Forum (WEF)

International Energy Agency (IEA)

International Energy Forum (IEF)

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

4. INS Arighaat: India’s second nuclear sub

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Defence

Context:

• India’s second nuclear powered submarine, the Arighaat, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam after extensive trials.

Background:

• It is part of India’s Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) program.
• The project was initiated more than three decades ago, involving both private firms and the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), with help from Russia.
• The first nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant was launched in 2009.

About INS Arighaat:

• INS Arighaat is a 6,000-tonne Arihant-class ballistic missile submarine.
• Arighaat will be armed with indigenously built K-15 missiles, with a range of more than700km.
• It can reach a speed of 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) on the surface and up to 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged.
• It is powered by 83 MW pressurised light-water nuclear reactors, which allow it to remain submerged and undetected for much longer than conventional diesel-electric submarines.
• Compared to Arihant, the indigenisation content has doubled in Arighaat (from 30% to 60%)

Significance:

• INS Arighaat will enhance the Navy’s nuclear strike capability, and will serve as a vital component of India’s nuclear triad.
• Arighaat adds to India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, which is the most credible and survivable leg of the nuclear triad.

Nuclear triad:

• Nuclear triad refers to a country’s ability to launch nuclear missiles from platforms in the air, land, and at sea.
• India is part of a select group of countries with nuclear triad capabilities that include US, Russia, China, and France.
• The induction of INS Arihant into the Navy in 2016 provided India with maritime strike capability for the first time.

Types of nuclear submarines:

• Ship Submersible Nuclear (SSN): one that carries conventional weapons.
• Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN): capable of carrying guided missiles with conventional warheads.
• Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN): can carry ballistic missiles that may be nuclear armed.

India’s Nuclear Doctrine:

• No first-use policy: India is committed to using nuclear weapons only for deterrence and retaliation.
• Credible minimum deterrent: India must have a minimum credible deterrent that must be capable of massive retaliation in case of a nuclear attack by any adversary.
• Non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states.

5. Slowing of GDP growth due to lower govt spending, MCC: RBI Governor

Sub: Eco

Sec: Monetary Policy

Context:

• RBI Governor said that the slowing of India’s economic growth to a 15-month low of 6.7% in the April-June quarter was due to lower government spending in the wake of the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the recent Lok Sabha polls.

Projection vs real growth:

• The RBI had projected a growth rate of 1% for the April-June quarter of this fiscal.
• However, the first advance estimation data released by the National Statistical Office showed the growth rate at 7%.
• According to data, Government expenditure and agriculture are the only components that had a growth rate of less than 7%.
• Agriculture sector recorded a minimal growth rate of around 2% in the April to June quarter.

Reasons for slowing of Growth rate:

• Government expenditure was low during the first quarter due to elections (April to June).
• Operation of model code of conduct (MCC) by the Election Commission led to limited spending by central and state governments.

MCC Provisions on government spending:

• No fresh sanctions for governmental schemes should be made.
• Review and processing of beneficiary-oriented schemes, even if ongoing, should be stopped till completion of elections.
• No fresh release of funds on welfare schemes and works should be made in any part of the state where election is in progress without prior permission of the Election Commission.
• This includes works under the Member of Parliament (including Rajya Sabha members) Local Area Development fund or MLAs / MLCs Local Area Development Fund.

6. La Nina to take root in September; North India may witness heavy rain

Sub: Geo

Sec: Climatology

Context:

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in several parts of North India owing to La Nina in September.

IMD Forecast:

• While the monsoon is expected to start retreating in September, the impact of the La Nina is likely to lead to vigorous “cyclonic activity” in the Bay of Bengal and consequently several episodes of rain for most of the month.
• Monsoon rainfall in September is expected to be 9% above the usual (16.8 cm).

El Nino

• El Nino refers to the large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate interaction linked to periodic warming in sea surface temperatures across thecentral and east-central Equatorial Pacific.
• It is associated with high pressure in the western Pacific. El Nino adversely impacts the Indian monsoons and hence, agriculture in India.

El Nino impacts on India:

• In a normal monsoon year (without El Nino), the pressure distribution is as follows:
• The coast of Peru in South America has a higher pressure than the region near northern Australia and South East Asia.
• The Indian Ocean is warmer than the adjoining oceans and so, has relatively lower pressure. Hence, moisture-laden winds move from near the western Pacific to the Indian Ocean.
• The pressure on the landmass of India is lower than on the Indian Ocean, and so, the moisture-laden winds move further from the ocean to the lands.
• If this normal pressure distribution is affected for some reason, the monsoons are affected.
• El Nino means lesser than average rains for India. Indian agriculture is heavily dependent on the monsoons and because of this, lesser rainfall during the monsoons generally translates to below-average crop yields.

What happens because of El Nino?

• The cool surface water off the Peruvian coast goes warm because of El Nino. When the water is warm, the normal trade winds get lost or reverse their direction.
• Hence, the flow of moisture-laden winds is directed towards the coast of Peru from the western Pacific (the region near northern Australia and South East Asia).
• This causes heavy rains in Peru during the El Nino years robbing the Indian subcontinent of its normal monsoon rains. The larger the temperature and pressure difference, the larger the rainfall shortage in India.

About La Nina:

• It means the large-scale cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, together with changes in the tropical atmospheric circulation, namely winds, pressure and rainfall.
• It has the opposite impacts on weather and climate as El Niño, which is the warm phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

Weather Changes due to La Nina:

• The Horn of Africa and central Asia will see below average rainfall due to La Niña.
• East Africa is forecast to see drier-than-usual conditions, which together with the existing impacts of the desert locust invasion, may add to regional food insecurity.
• It could also lead to increased rainfall in southern Africa.
• It could also affect the South West Indian Ocean Tropical Cyclone season, reducing the intensity.
• Southeast Asia, some Pacific Islands and the northern region of South America are expected to receive above-average rainfall.
• In India, La Niña means the country will receive more rainfall than normal, leading to floods.

ENSO Cycle

• El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an irregularly periodic variation in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean.
• Every three to seven years, the surface waters across tropical Pacific Ocean warm or cool by 1°C to 3°C, compared to normal.
• The warming phase of the sea temperature is known as El Nino and the cooling phase as La Nina.
• Thus, El Nino and La Nina are opposite phases of what is known as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
• These deviations from normal surface temperatures can have large-scale impacts not only on ocean processes, but also on global weather and climate.

7. Will an extended space stay affect astronauts?

Subject: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Context:

On August 24, NASA announced that Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule that took astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS), as part of its first crewed test flight, wasn’t safe enough to transport them back. Instead, NASA extended Williams’s and Wilmore’s stay onboard the ISS until February 2025, when they will return in a SpaceX crew capsule to be launched in September 2024.

How does Space affect the body?

• 100 km above mean sea level and experiencing microgravity conditions.
• In microgravity, bones become weaker.
• Food may move more slowly through the gut and lead to weight gain.
• Around 70% of astronauts involved in long-duration spaceflight develop a condition called spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS): more fluids enter the head and build up at the back of the eye, affecting eyesight.
• Because of the body’s weightless experience, the heart is required to do less work and could shrink.
• Similarly, other parts of the musculature could shed muscle mass and strength.
• The blood loses more red blood cells per day than it does on the ground, which means astronauts’ diets need to be adjusted to deliver more energy for their bodies to make more of these cells.
• The signals from the body the brain uses to help maintain balance and a sense of place could also be disrupted in space.

Causes of these symptoms:

• Including radiation exposure, confined environments, and gravitation.
• Time is also an important factor.
• In microgravity, muscles and bones can weaken due to lack of resistance. Astronauts may lose up to 1% of bone mass per month and experience significant muscle atrophy without proper exercise.
• The longer astronauts spend in space, the more pronounced the symptoms.
• The average range of time an astronaut spends in space has increased from one minute to one month in the 1960s to 10 minutes to six months in the 2020s.

Space omics:

• “Space omics” is a set of studies involved in understanding all the ways in which the body can be affected by the space environment.
• Scientists from around the world, including India, are part of the International Standards for Space Omics Processing to develop research and ethics guidelines for space omics.

8. Thanjavur tunes its wood stock

Subject: History

Sec: Art and culture

Context:

The land is famed for its handcrafted veena, with artisans and their families involved in perfecting the instrument from wood generation after generation.

Thanjavur Veena:

• Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu is famed for being the hub of making veena, an ancient musical instrument.
• Considered to be an abode of the arts, the temple town is famed as the land where the veena is handcrafted.
• The Thanjavur veena is the first musical instrument in the country to get the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• There are four types of veena. While Rudra veena and Vichitra veena are popular in Hindustani classical music, Saraswati veena and Chitra veena are used in Carnatic classical music.
• Thanjavur is the only place where Saraswati veena is made.
• Saraswathi, the goddess of learning and arts, is portrayed with a veena.
• The production of veena, handcrafted with skill and perfection, requires dedication, time and devotion.
• The work involves making the resonator ( kudam), the neck ( dandi) and a tuning box — the three integral parts of a veena. The process starts with ensuring that the sizing of the wood is accurate.
• Jackfruit wood is used to make veena and the process involves a laborious task, taking up to 15-20 days, to get the finished product. The wood gets cut, intricately carved, shaped, and assembled.
• In the case of ottuveena, the parts are made separately and assembled.
• In the case of ekanthaveena, it gets carved out of one whole piece of wood.

Natya Shastra by Bharat Muni (composed between 200 BC and 200 AD) clubbed musical instruments into four groups: Avanaddha Vadya (membranophones or percussion instruments), Ghan Vadya (idiophones or solid instruments), Sushir Vadya (aerophones or wind instruments), and Tat Vadya (chordophones or stringed instruments). This ancient classification given by Bharat Muni for the musical instruments of India was later adapted in 12th century Europe and used for the classification of the Musical Instruments of Europe. Later, Greek labels were assigned to the four classifications – Chordophones for Tat Vadya, Membranophones for Avanaddha Vadya, Aerophones for Sushir Vadya, and Autophones for Ghan Vadya. Thus, the western system of classification is based on the ancient Indian Natya Shastra.

9. Health Ministry begins work to bring in manpower for its Technical Resource Centres

Subject: Sci

Sec: health

Context:

The Union Health Ministry along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is working towards establishing Technical Resource Centres (TRC), which are mandated to systematically synthesise and evaluate evidence with the objective of developing and promoting evidence-based guidelines along with enhancing the adoption of these practices in healthcare.

More on News:

• Calling for Expression of Interest (EoI) from researchers/ faculty/ scientists for the centre, the ICMR noted that each TRC will have a financial support of up to ₹20 lakh per year and the duration of the funding will initially be three years, subject to performance reviews, and renewable every year.
• The TRC is supposed to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses to generate high-quality evidence for the development of clinical guidelines, utilising the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach, organise training programmes and workshops to disseminate best practices in evidence synthesis and the application of the GRADE methodology, supporting effective and rigorous guideline development.
• Also, regular monitoring visits will be conducted with corrective actions implemented as needed, training programmes are to be conducted at least twice a year, and professional development plans are to be updated annually and manuscripts to be submitted within three months of completion of evidence tables.
• The criteria for evaluation includes expertise in evidence synthesis, infrastructure and resources, publications and collaboration and networking.