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  • Researchers found gene regulating Nitrogen absorption in Plant

    Researchers led by those from the National Centre of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru (NCBS-TIFR), have found a new pathway that regulates nitrate absorption in plants.

    Nitrogen in plant nutrition

    • Nitrogen is one of the most important macronutrients needed for development of a plant.
    • It is a part of chlorophyll, amino acids and nucleic acids, among others.
    • It is mostly sourced from the soil where it is mainly absorbed in the form of nitrates and ammonium by the roots.
    • Nitrates also play a role in controlling genome-wide gene expression that in turn regulates root system architecture, flowering time, leaf development, etc.
    • Thus, while a lot of action takes place in the roots to absorb and convert nitrogen into useful nitrates, the absorbed nitrates in turn regulate plant development apart from being useful as a macronutrient.

    What is MADS27?

    • The gene MADS27, which regulates nitrate absorption, root development and stress tolerance, is activated by the micro-RNA, miR444, therefore offers a way to control these properties of the plant.
    • The researchers studied this mechanism in both rice (monocot) and tobacco (dicot) plants.

    Regulatory switches

    • In addition to this route, several gene regulatory switches that regulate nitrate absorption and root development, such as the micro-RNA, miR444, are known in monocot plants, such as rice.
    • The micro-RNA ‘miR444’ is specific to monocots.
    • When this is not made, its target, MADS27, is produced in higher abundance, and it improves biosynthesis and transport of the hormone auxin, which is key for root development and its branching.
    • This regulatory miR444 switch is known to turn off at least five genes called MADS box transcription factor genes.
    • The speciality of the MADS box transcription factors is that they function like switch boxes of their own.
    • They bind to their favourite specific DNA sequences and they switch the neighbouring genes “on.”

    Why is the discovery important?

    • Presence of nitrates is important for the plant development and also for grain production.
    • However, the overuse of nitrates in fertilizers, for instance, can lead to the dumping of nitrates in the soil which leads to accumulation of nitrates in water and soil.
    • This accumulation adds to soil and water pollution and increased contribution to greenhouse gases.
    • Also, since the whole process of nitrate absorption takes place in the roots, a well-developed root system is needed for this to take place optimally.
    • At one level, it is known that the hormone auxin is responsible for well-developed roots across all plants.
    • A number of genes are known to help with auxin production, improved nitrate transport and assimilation in plants.

    Significance of MADS27

    • The MADS27 transcription factor has a three-pronged effect on the plant.
    • First, it regulates nitrate absorption by switching “on” proteins involved in this process.
    • Second, it leads to better development of the roots by regulating auxin hormone production and transport.
    • Finally, and somewhat surprisingly to the researchers, it helps in the abiotic stress tolerance by keeping the main stress player proteins “on.”

     

     

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  • Mayurbhanj’s superfood ‘Ant Chutney’

    The Kai Chutney made from Red Ants by the tribals of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha are seeking a Geographical Indications (GI) tag.

    Ant Chutney

    • Despite this, weaver ants are popular among the people, mostly of the tribes,
    • This food item, rich in proteins, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, fibre and 18 amino acids, is known to boost the immune system and keep diseases at bay.
    • Applied under food category, the GI tag will help develop a structured hygiene protocol in the preparation of Kai chutney for standard wider use.
    • Geographical Indications labels enhance the reputation and value of local products and support local businesses.

    How is the Chutney prepared?

    • Weaver ants, Oecophylla smaragdina, are abundantly found in Mayurbhanj throughout the year.
    • They make nests with leaves of host trees.
    • The chutney is prepared by mixing and grinding salt, ginger, garlic and chilly and is sold by tribal people in rural markets.

     

    Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Q.Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?

    1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
    2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
    3. Tirupathi Laddu

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”g6v5t9ixgo” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

    Back2Basics:  Geographical Indication

    • A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
    • Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    • India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
    • GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
    • GI is granted for a term of 10 years in India. As of today, more than 300 GI tags has been allocated so far in India (*Wikipedia).
    • The tag stands valid for 10 years.

     

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  • DRDO tests Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out the maiden test flight of a new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, from the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka.

    About the Indigenous Drone

    • The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is powered by a small turbofan engine.
    • It is developed under unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) programme.
    • It is designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru, a premier research laboratory of DRDO.
    • The engine is Russian TRDD-50MT originally designed for cruise missiles.
    • A small turbo fan engine is being developed indigenously for meeting the requirement.

    Various initiatives by DRDO

    • DRDO is in the process of developing UAVs of different classes to met the requirements of the armed forces.
    • Rustom-2, the indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV under development, had crossed a milestone by reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet and an endurance of 10 hours.
    • It is now being designed to reach an altitude of 30,000 feet and 18 hours endurance.
    • An Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle is also on the drawing board.

    Significance of the development

    • Operating in a fully autonomous mode, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way point navigation and a smooth touchdown.
    • This flight marks a major milestone in terms of proving critical technologies towards the development of future unmanned aircraft.
    • This is a significant step towards self-reliance in strategic defence technologies.

     

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  • Festivals in news: Puri Rath Yatra

    Lakhs of devotees thronged the coastal town of Puri town to witness the annual Rath Yatra with three decorated chariots of sibling deities Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra towed in front of the 12th century Shree Jagannath Temple.

    About Jagannath Rath Yatra

    • Ratha Jatra, the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannatha is celebrated every year at Puri, the temple town in Orissa, on the east coast of India.
    • It involves a public procession with a chariot with deities Jagannath (Vishnu avatar), BalaBhadra (his brother), Subhadra (his sister) and Sudarshana Chakra (his weapon) on a ratha, a wooden deula-shaped chariot.
    • The huge, colourfully decorated chariots, are drawn by hundreds and thousands of devotees on the bada danda, the grand avenue to the Gundicha temple, some two miles away to the North.
    • It attracts over a million Hindu pilgrims who join the procession each year.

    Back2Basics: Puri Temple Architecture

    • Jagannath Temple is a very big temple and covers an area of 37000m2. The height of the outer wall is 6.1m.
    • It is surrounded by a high fortified wall 6.1 m high is known as Meghanada Pacheri.
    • The main portion of the temple is also surrounded by a wall known as Kurma Bheda.
    • The temple is built in Rekha Deula style and has four distinct sectional structures, namely –
    1. Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls)
    2. Mukhashala (Frontal porch)
    3. Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
    4. Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)

    Try this question from CSP 2019:

    Q.Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of-

    (a) Chalukya (b) Chandela (c) Rashtrakuta (d) Vijayanagara

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”pdpfj71jer” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

     

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  • What is PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)?

    The ISRO has launched three Singaporean satellites in precise orbit through the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module or ‘POEM’.

    What is POEM?

    • The POEM is a platform that will help perform in-orbit experiments using the final, and otherwise discarded, stage of ISRO’s workhorse rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
    • The PSLV is a four-stage rocket where the first three spent stages fall back into the ocean, and the final stage (PS4) — after launching the satellite into orbit — ends up as space junk.
    • However, in PSLV-C53 mission, the spent final stage will be utilised as a “stabilised platform” to perform experiments.
    • POEM is carrying six payloads, including two from Indian space start-ups Digantara and Dhruva Space.

    Features of POEM

    • POEM has a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system for attitude stabilisation, which stands for controlling the orientation of any aerospace vehicle within permitted limits.
    • The NGC will act as the platform’s brain to stabilize it with specified accuracy.
    • POEM will derive its power from solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank, and a Li-Ion battery.
    • It will navigate using four sun sensors, a magnetometer, gyros & NavIC.
    • It carries dedicated control thrusters using Helium gas storage. It is enabled with a telecomm and feature.

    Has ISRO repurposed and used PS4 rocket junk earlier?

    • The Indian space agency first demonstrated the capability of using PSLV-C44 as an orbital platform in 2019.
    • It injected Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2 satellites into their designated orbits.
    • The fourth stage in that mission was kept alive as an orbital platform for space-based experiments.
    • While in that mission, the fourth stage had Li-Ion batteries, solar panels are an addition this time.
    • The latest repurposing and upgrade of the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket involves the stabilization of the orbital platform.

     

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  • CAPSTONE: NASA’s satellite, newly launched

    NASA has launched CAPSTONE, a microwave oven-sized CubeSat weighing just 55 pounds (25 kg).

    What is CAPSTONE?

    • CAPSTONE, short for Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment, is designed to test a unique, elliptical lunar orbit.
    • It aims to help reduce risk for future spacecraft by validating innovative navigation technologies, and by verifying the dynamics of the halo-shaped orbit.

    Its launch

    • It is heading toward an orbit intended in the future for Gateway, a Moon-orbiting outpost that is part of NASA’s Artemis program.
    • The orbit is known as a near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO).
    • It is significantly elongated, and is located at a precise balance point in the gravities of Earth and the Moon.
    • This offers stability for long-term missions like Gateway, NASA said on its website.

    Mission details

    • CAPSTONE will enter NRHO, where it will fly within 1,600 km of the Moon’s North Pole on its near pass and 70,000 km from the South Pole at its farthest.
    • The spacecraft will repeat the cycle every six-and-a-half days and maintain this orbit for at least six months to study dynamics.

     

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  • Typhi: A more drug-resistant Typhoid

    The bacteria causing typhoid fever is becoming increasingly resistant to some of the most important antibiotics for human health.

    What is the news?

    • The largest genome analysis of Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) also shows that resistant strains — almost all originating in South Asia — have spread to other countries nearly 200 times since 1990.
    • The researchers noted that typhoid fever is a global public health concern, causing 11 million infections and more than 1,00,000 deaths per year.
    • Antibiotics can be used to successfully treat typhoid fever infections, but their effectiveness is threatened by the emergence of resistant S. Typhi strains.

    What is Salmonella Typhi?

    • Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) are bacteria that infect the intestinal tract and the blood.
    • It is usually spread through contaminated food or water.
    • Once S. Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream.
    • The disease is referred to as typhoid fever. S. Paratyphi bacteria cause a similar, but milder illness, which comes under the same title.
    • Paratyphoid has a shorter duration, generally, than typhoid.
    • Typhi and S. Paratyphi are common in many developing countries where sewage and water treatment systems are poor.

    How does it spread?

    • Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans.
    • Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract.
    • Symptoms include prolonged high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhoea.
    • Some patients may have a rash. Severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death.
    • Typhoid fever can be confirmed through blood testing.

     

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  • Four new corals recorded from Indian waters

    Scientists have recorded four species of corals for the first time from Indian waters. These new species of azooxanthellate corals were found from the waters off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

    What are Azooxanthellate Corals?

    • The azooxanthellate corals are a group of corals that do not contain zooxanthellae and derive nourishment not from the sun but from capturing different forms of planktons.
    • They are deep-sea representatives with the majority of species being reported from depths between 200 metres and 1,000 metres.
    • They are also reported from shallow waters unlike zooxanthellate corals that are restricted to shallow waters.

    Which are the news species found?

    • Truncatoflabellum crassum, T. incrustatum, T. aculeatum, and T. irregulare under the family Flabellidae were previously found in Japan, the Philippines and Australian waters.
    • Only T. crassum was reported with the range of Indo-West Pacific distribution.

    Significance of the discovery

    • Most studies of hard corals in India have been concentrated on reef-building corals while much is not known about non-reef-building corals.
    • These new species enhance our knowledge about non-reef-building solitary corals.

    Back2Basics: Coral Reefs

    • Corals are marine invertebrates or animals not possessing a spine.
    • Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grows when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
    • Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef system stretching across 2,300 km.
    • It hosts 400 different types of coral, gives shelter to 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc.
    • Corals are of two types — hard coral and soft coral:
    1. Hard corals, also called hermatypic or ‘reef building’ corals extract calcium carbonate (also found in limestone) from the seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons.
    2. Soft coral polyps, however, borrow their appearance from plants, attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years and these growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs. They are the largest living structures on the planet.

    How do they feed themselves?

    • Corals share a symbiotic relationship with single-celled algae called zooxanthellae.
    • The algae provides the coral with food and nutrients, which they make through photosynthesis, using the sun’s light.
    • In turn, the corals give the algae a home and key nutrients.
    • The zooxanthellae also give corals their bright colour.

     

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  • Festival in news: Sao Joao Festival

    As in every monsoon, Catholics in Goa will celebrate Sao Joao, the feast of St John the Baptist.

    Note: The name typically sounds like a North-Eastern festival, but it is not.

    What is Sao Joao and where is it celebrated in Goa?

    • In Goa, Catholics celebrate all the feasts of the Roman Catholic Church, which include the feast of St John the Baptist on June 24.
    • John the Baptist is the person who he had baptised Jesus Christ on the river Jordan.
    • Traditionally, there are spirited Sao Joao festivities in the villages of Cortalim in South Goa and Harmal, Baga, Siolim and Terekhol in North Goa.
    • However, over the years, pool parties and private Sao Joao parties in Goa have been a “complete package of merriment and joy” for tourists.

    Course of celebration

    • The celebrations will include revellers sporting crowns made of fruits, flowers and leaves, and the major draw of the feast is the water bodies – wells, ponds, fountains, rivers – in which the revellers take the “leap of joy”.
    • Enjoyed by children and adults alike, the festival also includes playing the traditional gumott (percussion instrument), a boat festival, servings of feni, and a place of pride for new sons-in-law.

    What does jumping into water bodies symbolise?

    • The youngsters in Goa celebrate this occasion with revelry and perform daredevil feats, by jumping into over flowing wells or rivulets.
    • The boys are found merrily jumping into the water to commemorate the leap of joy, which St John is said to have taken in the womb of his mother St Elizabeth when virgin Mary visited her.

     

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  • Odisha’s Mo Bus: Recipient of the UN’s prestigious public service award

    Mo Bus, the bus service of Odisha’s Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) authority, has been recognized by the United Nations as one of 10 global recipients of its annual Public Service Awards for 2022.

    Mo Bus service

    • The Mo Bus service was launched on November 6, 2018.
    • It aimed to ensure transformation of the urban public transport scenario in the city and its hinterland through use of smart technology, service benchmarking and customer satisfaction.
    • The buses are designed to integrate smart technologies such as free on-board Wi-Fi service, digital announcements, surveillance cameras, and electronic ticketing.
    • CRUT says that to increase women’s participation in the workforce, and to make women riders feel safer, it is committed to ensuring that 50% of Mo Bus Guides (conductors) are women.

    What is the recent award?

    • The public transport service has been recognised for its role in “promoting gender-responsive public services to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)”.
    • The “impact” is that 57 per cent of the city’s commuters now use the Mo Bus, the UN said.
    • Mo E-Ride is estimated to reduce pollution by 30-50 per cent.

    About UN Public Service Award

    • The UN describes its Public Service Awards as the “most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service”.
    • The first Awards ceremony was held in 2003, and the UN has since received “an increasing number of submissions from all around the world”.
    • It is intended to reward the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide.
    • Through an annual competition, the UN Public Service Awards promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of public service.

     

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