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GS Paper: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

  • Does the Sun rotate?

    sun

    Why in the News?

    Indian astronomers at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) have achieved a groundbreaking feat by mapping, for the first time, the variation in the Sun’s rotation speed from its equator to its poles.

    Sun’s Rotation: Key Facts

    • Unlike a solid body, the Sun exhibits differential rotation, meaning different parts of the Sun rotate at different speeds.
    • The rotation speed varies depending on latitude, with faster rotation near the equator and slower rotation toward the poles.
    • This variation is primarily due to the Sun’s composition of gaseous plasma rather than solid material.

    Rotation Period Variation by Latitude:

    • Equatorial Regions: The rotation period at the equator is the fastest, around 24.47 days (sidereal rotation).
    • Sunspot Zones (about 16 degrees latitude): Rotation slows slightly, with a period of about 27.3 days.
    • Higher Latitudes (up to 75 degrees): Rotation slows significantly; for example, at 75 degrees latitude, the rotation period is about 33.4 days.
    • Poles: The slowest rotation occurs at the poles, with a period around 31.1 days.

    Sidereal vs. Synodic Rotation Periods:

    • Sidereal Rotation Period: The time taken for the Sun to complete one full rotation relative to distant stars. It varies by latitude, from 24.47 days at the equator to around 33.4 days at higher latitudes.
    • Synodic Rotation Period: This is the time for a fixed feature on the Sun to appear in the same position when observed from Earth. It is longer than the sidereal period due to Earth’s own movement around the Sun, averaging around 26.24 days.

    Why Differential Rotation Occur?

    • Gaseous Plasma Composition: The Sun is composed of plasma—a hot, ionized state of matter—which allows its different regions to rotate at different speeds.
    • Convective Zone Dynamics: The outer convective layer of the Sun contributes to differential rotation. Plasma circulates, rising and sinking, which influences the rotational speed at different latitudes.

    Scientific Implications

    • Solar Dynamo Theory: The differential rotation of the Sun is central to theories about the solar dynamo—the process that generates the Sun’s magnetic field.
    • Mystery of Differential Rotation: Despite extensive research, the exact mechanism behind the Sun’s differential rotation remains an active area of investigation in solar physics.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following phenomena

    1. Size of the sun at dusk

    2. Colure of the sun at dawn

    3. Moon being visible at dawn

    4. Twinkle of stars in the sky

    5. Polestar being visible in the sky

    Which of the above are optical illusions?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 3, 4 and 5

    (c) 1, 2 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 5

  • Assessing India’s Tuberculosis burden

    Why in the News?

    The Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 presented by WHO indicates that India recorded the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in 2023.

    Current Scope of Tuberculosis in India

    • High Burden: According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, India accounts for 26% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide, making it the country with the highest TB burden. The report indicates that over 55.9% of global TB cases are concentrated in five countries: India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
    • Mortality Rates: Although TB deaths in India have decreased from 580,000 in 2010 to 320,000 in 2023, the country still accounted for 26% of global TB deaths among people with and without HIV in 2023.
    • Incidence Trends: The incidence of TB has decreased from 275.7 cases per 100,000 population in 2010 to 194.9 cases in 2023. However, there has been a notable increase in notified TB relapse cases, reaching the highest level since 2010.
    • Risk Factors: Individuals with nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and smoking habits are at the highest risk of contracting TB. The prevalence of TB infection among individuals aged 15 and older is reported at 31.4%, according to the National TB Prevalence Survey conducted from 2019-2021.
    • Preventive Treatment Uptake: The number of people receiving preventive treatment has been rising, indicating an increased focus on preventing TB progression among high-risk populations.

    Strategies and Programs Implemented by Govt to Reduce TB Incidence

    • National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP): This program aims to eliminate TB by 2025 through various strategies including early diagnosis, treatment support, and preventive measures.
    • TB Preventive Therapy (TPT): The introduction of TPT marks a significant shift in TB care in India. It focuses on providing preventive treatment to individuals at high risk of developing active TB.
    • Project Axshya Plus: Launched with support from the Global Fund, this project implements comprehensive interventions such as contact tracing, testing for infection, and managing latent TB infections.
    • Increased Funding: Domestic funding for TB prevention and treatment increased by 38% in 2023 to $253 million, although international funding has declined during the same period.
    • Community Engagement Initiatives: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan encourage community involvement in supporting TB patients through initiatives like Ni-kshay Mitras.
    • Digital Health Initiatives: The NTEP leverages digital platforms for monitoring patient progress and ensuring adherence to treatment protocols through tools like the Nikshay portal.
    • Awareness Campaigns: Public health campaigns aim to reduce stigma associated with TB and educate communities about prevention and treatment options.

    Challenges India Faces in Eliminating Tuberculosis by 2025

    • Funding and Infrastructure Gaps: Despite increases in domestic funding, overall financial resources remain lower than pre-COVID levels, impacting program implementation and outreach efforts.
      • Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, hampers access to timely diagnosis and treatment for many patients.
      •  The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted TB services significantly, leading to a backlog of undiagnosed cases and impacting ongoing treatment programs.
    • Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma associated with TB continues to deter individuals from seeking diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to delayed care and increased transmission rates.
      • Social determinants such as poverty, malnutrition, and living conditions contribute to higher susceptibility to TB among vulnerable populations.
    • Drug Resistance Issues: The rise of drug-resistant strains of TB poses significant challenges for effective treatment and control strategies.
    • Multi-sectoral Coordination Challenges: Effective elimination requires collaboration across various sectors (healthcare, education, social services), which can be challenging due to bureaucratic hurdles.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Coordination: There is a need to foster collaboration among healthcare, education, and social services to address the social determinants of TB.
    • Enhancing Accessibility and Outreach: Need to improve access to TB diagnosis and treatment in rural areas by investing in healthcare infrastructure, training local health workers, and implementing mobile health units.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (2014)

  • The Gompertz Model

    Why in the News?

    Indian researchers have developed a predictive model based on the Gompertz Model to estimate a newborn’s birth weight using routine pregnancy scans.

    What is the Gompertz Model?

    • It is a mathematical model developed by English mathematician Benjamin Gompertz in the early 19th century.
      • It was originally designed to model population growth in a constrained environment, such as a specific geographic region.
      • The model uses an S-shaped (sigmoid) curve to represent growth patterns that start slowly, accelerate, and then slow again as they approach a plateau.
    • Applications:
      • Biology: The Gompertz Model is used to study tumor growth and cell population dynamics, reflecting constrained growth in biological systems.
      • Epidemiology: Applied in predicting the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, capturing how transmission rates slow with interventions.
      • Ecology: Useful for modelling species population growth in habitats with limited resources, aiding conservation and ecosystem management.
      • Healthcare: Recently adapted to predict foetal birth weight, helping identify potential risks associated with low or high birth weight.
      • Aging Research: Employed to analyze mortality rates and lifespan patterns, contributing to studies on aging and longevity.

    Recent Research and Significance

    • Recent research has applied the Gompertz Model in predicting foetal birth weight using routine scans, as shown by researchers from IISER Pune and IMSc Chennai, offering a non-invasive alternative for maternal health.
    • The model is used in tumor growth studies, allowing researchers to understand and predict cancer progression.
    • Its predictive accuracy under constrained conditions makes it useful for biological systems, including population growth and cell dynamics.
    • In healthcare, it supports early detection and intervention for conditions impacted by growth patterns, such as low or high birth weight risks.

  • Sleep Apnea contributes to Dementia in older adults

    Why in the News?

    A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder, increases the risk of dementia (loss of cognitive functioning) in adults, especially in women.

    What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

    • OSA is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blocked airways.
    • It is marked by episodes of disrupted or restricted breathing, leading to brief awakenings throughout the night.
    • Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air, morning headaches, and daytime drowsiness.
    • Risk Factors: Common in individuals who are overweight, have large tonsils or suffer from nasal congestion.
      • In India, approximately 10.4 lakh people are reported to suffer from OSA, as per government data.
      • Untreated OSA is associated with various health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

    Recent Findings on OSA and Dementia Risk

    • A study from Michigan Medicine found a link between OSA and increased dementia risk, especially in older adults over 50.
      • Women with known or suspected OSA were found to have a higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to men, with dementia diagnoses increasing as women age.
    • Another study by NIMHANS focused on the link between stroke and OSA.
      • 105 stroke patients over the age of 50 were studied using polysomnography (PSG), which tracks brain waves and sleep breathing patterns.
      • Results showed that 88% of stroke patients had sleep apnea soon after their stroke, with 38% having severe OSA.

  • How remote sensing system LiDAR helped discover a lost Mayan city?

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have used LiDAR technology to find an ancient Mayan city hidden for centuries under a thick jungle in Mexico.

    What is LiDAR?

    • LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light pulses to measure distances between a sensor (often airborne) and Earth’s surface.
    • It produces high-resolution, 3D models of ground elevation with up to 10 cm vertical accuracy, as per the US Geological Survey.

    How Does LiDAR Work?

    • LiDAR Setup: Includes a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver. The laser emits rapid pulses of light that reflect off surfaces on the ground, including natural features and man-made structures.
    • Data Collection: The reflected light returns to the sensor, and the LiDAR system calculates the two-way travel time to determine the distance to each point on Earth’s surface.
    • Data Processing: GPS and Inertial Measurement System (IMS) data are used to create accurate maps. The initial data forms a “point cloud” representing surfaces like vegetation, buildings, and terrain.
    • “Bare Earth” Model: By filtering out structures and vegetation, LiDAR can create a Digital Elevation Model that shows just the ground terrain.

    Applications of LiDAR

    • Geography and Mapping: Creates precise 3D information for topographic mapping.
    • Urban Planning and Infrastructure: Used in planning transportation routes, assessing flood risk, and managing natural resources.
    • Conservation: Helps monitor forest health, manage habitats, and detect environmental changes.
    • Engineering and Policy: Provides data for infrastructure design, environmental policy making, and land-use planning.

    Why is LiDAR Useful for Archaeologists?

    • Large-Area Surveying: LiDAR enables archaeologists to study extensive areas quickly, bypassing the need for labor-intensive, on-ground exploration.
    • Vegetation Penetration: LiDAR can “see through” dense tree canopies by using the reflections that pass through gaps, allowing mapping of hidden structures and terrain.
    • Detailed Site Mapping: With “bare earth” models, archaeologists can strip away vegetation layers to reveal hidden archaeological sites.
    • Case Study – Maya Civilization: Archaeologists discovered the lost Mayan city of Valeriana in Mexico by analyzing publicly available LiDAR data, uncovering plazas, temple pyramids, a ballcourt, and other features indicative of a Classic Maya capital.

    Where is the Indian Government using LiDAR ?

    • High-Speed Rail Projects: NHSRCL (National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited) uses aerial LiDAR surveys for the Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail Corridor, reducing survey time from 10-12 months to 3-4 months by capturing detailed topographical data within a 300-meter corridor.
    • National Highways: NHAI mandates Mobile LiDAR for feasibility studies and project reports, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of highway surveys across extensive networks.
    • Forest Mapping: The Ministry of Environment is piloting LiDAR-based forest mapping across states to improve forest management and accurately monitor forest cover changes.
    • Water Resource Management: WAPCOS is using LiDAR to identify groundwater recharge zones, aiding water resource management and mitigating human-animal conflicts in forested areas.
    • Urban Planning: Chandigarh and Gujarat are using LiDAR for GIS mapping and drone-based surveys, respectively, supporting detailed city models, urban planning, and infrastructure mapping.

    Conclusion: LiDAR technology has revolutionized fields from archaeology to urban planning by providing precise 3D mapping. In India, it’s enhancing infrastructure projects, environmental monitoring, and urban planning, proving invaluable for efficient, large-scale data collection and analysis.

  • [pib] Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 15th edition of VAJRA PRAHAR, a joint Special Forces exercise with the US Army.

    About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR:

    Details
    What is it? A joint Special Forces exercise between India and the US aimed at enhancing military cooperation.
    Inception
    • Started in 2010 as part of bilateral defense cooperation between India and the US.
    • No exercises held between 2012 and 2015 and in 2020.
    Frequency Conducted annually, alternately in India and the United States.
    15th Edition Dates Scheduled from 2nd to 22nd November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre, Idaho, USA.
    Participants 45 personnel from each country; Indian Army’s Special Forces and US Army’s Green Berets.
    Objectives • Enhance military cooperation
    • Promote interoperability and tactical exchange
    • Improve combined capabilities in joint operations
    Key Focus Areas • High physical fitness standards
    • Joint planning and tactical drills
    Significance • Joint Team Mission Planning
    • Reconnaissance Missions
    • Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
    • Execution of Special Operations
    • Roles of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers
    • Psychological Warfare

  • What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?

    What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?

    Why in the News?

    A case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was confirmed in the US.

    About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

    • CWD is a fatal, transmissible disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of deer, elk, and moose.
    • First identified in 1967, CWD is a prion disease where normal proteins misfold, leading to symptoms that eventually cause death.
    • Transmission occurs through animal-to-animal contact or contamination of feed or water by infected saliva or bodily waste.
    • Environmental contamination can occur through soil exposure from infected carcasses or bodily fluids.
    • High-risk areas include places where deer and elk gather closely, like feeding or watering sites.
    • Species affected: CWD does not naturally infect cows, other livestock, or pets.
    • Although no strong evidence exists that it can spread to humans, officials advise against eating meat from infected animals.

    Symptoms of CWD:

    • Symptoms: Drastic weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, listlessness, and excessive thirst. Infected animals may also show drooping ears and lose their fear of humans.
      • Prevention: To prevent the spread of CWD, avoid handling or eating sick animals, use synthetic lures, dispose of carcass waste in landfills, and report any sick or unusual deer to local wildlife authorities.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to:

    (a) The destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species

    (b) A drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle

    (c) Scarcity of food available to them

    (d) A widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them

  • How Tardigrades are able to resist high levels of radiation?

    Why in the News?

    • A team of researchers has discovered the genetic mechanisms that allow a newly identified tardigrades species—Hypsibius henanensis—to withstand high levels of radiation.

    About Tardigrades

    • Tardigrades, often called “water bears” or “moss piglets,” are tiny, water-dwelling microorganisms known for their remarkable ability to survive extreme conditions.
    • They can withstand environments that would be lethal for most life forms, including:
      • Extremely high and low temperatures (from near absolute zero to over 150°C),
      • High levels of radiation and vacuum conditions found in space,
      • Extreme dehydration (losing nearly all water in their bodies),
      • High pressures (up to six times that of the ocean’s deepest trenches).
    • This adaptability makes them a subject of interest for scientists, especially in understanding survival mechanisms in extreme conditions.

    How Tardigrades resist High Radiations?

    The researchers identified 2,801 genes involved in DNA repair. Three key factors contributing to radiation tolerance include:

    • DNA Repair Protein (TRID1): Enabled the species to repair double-strand DNA breaks due to radiation.
    • Gene Activation for Mitochondrial Proteins: Radiation exposure activated a gene that produced two proteins vital for mitochondrial synthesis and DNA repair.
    • Antioxidant Pigments (Betalains): These pigments neutralize harmful chemicals generated by radiation within cells.

  • Betelgeuse, one of the Brightest Stars predicted to Explode

    Recent research has revealed a surprising finding about Betelgeuse (which was believed to explode): the star’s unusual brightening and dimming patterns may be influenced by an unseen companion star.

    Why in the News?

    Recent research has revealed a surprising finding about Betelgeuse (which was believed to explode): the star’s unusual brightening and dimming patterns may be influenced by an unseen companion star.

    About Betelgeuse

    • Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the Orion constellation, marking Orion’s left shoulder.
    • It is among the brightest and largest stars visible in the night sky, located about 650 light-years from Earth.
    • The star is nearing the end of its life, and when it dies, its explosion is expected to be visible during the day for several weeks.
    • Betelgeuse is vast, measuring more than 700 million miles (1.2 billion kilometers) in diameter.
    • Known for its periodic dimming and brightening, Betelgeuse has two distinct pulsation cycles:
      • A short-term cycle of about one year.
      • A longer six-year cycle called a long secondary period.
    • Researchers believe this longer cycle may be caused by Betelbuddy (an unseen companion star) moving through the dust surrounding Betelgeuse.

    Indicators and Scientific Evidence

    • Betelgeuse’s cyclic dimming and brightening patterns indicate it is nearing the end of its life.
    • Its massive size and expansion as a red supergiant suggest it is in a late stellar stage.
    • Cooling surface temperature and mass loss through stellar winds signal increasing instability.
    • Spectral analysis shows heavy elements in Betelgeuse’s layers, typical of late-stage fusion.
    • An unseen companion star, or “Betelbuddy,” may be influencing its brightness and internal structure.

    Potential Effects of Betelgeuse’s Supernova on Earth and Our Solar System

    • Betelgeuse’s supernova will likely be visible in daylight for weeks and brighter than the Moon at night.
    • At 650 light-years away, dangerous radiation would dissipate before reaching Earth, posing no harm.
    • Space missions and satellites may experience minor interference from increased cosmic rays.
    • The explosion will enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, contributing to new star formation.
    • The supernova will provide valuable scientific insights into stellar life cycles and cosmic element formation.

    PYQ:

    [2017] The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of:

    (a) Observation and understanding of the Universe

    (b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses

    (c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth

    (d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

  • West Nile Virus

    Why in news?

    Ukraine is currently dealing with a serious outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV), with health officials raising alarms as the death toll rises.

    About West Nile Virus

    Details
    Virus Type Member of the flavivirus genus, family Flaviviridae
    First Isolated 1937 in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda
    Geographical Distribution Commonly found in Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America, and West Asia
    Transmission Primarily transmitted through infected mosquito bites; mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds. Can also spread through infected animal tissues.
    Symptoms – Asymptomatic: ~80% of infected individuals show no symptoms
    – West Nile Fever: ~20% develop symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and occasional skin rash.
    Peak Infection Period Typically spikes between June and September (summer to autumn)
    Reported Outbreaks 19 countries have reported outbreaks, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Türkiye, and Kosovo.
    Treatment No vaccine available; supportive treatments provided for neuroinvasive WNV patients

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.

    2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2