India and Germany sign 17 MoUs
Seventeen agreements have been signed between India and Germany in the fields of agriculture, maritime technology, ayurveda and yoga among others, the external affairs ministry said.
Read More: https://www.ksgindia.com/study-material/news-for-aspirants/21860-india-and-germany-sign-17-mous.html
#Germanysign #17MoUs #India #DFB #IGC

Chandrayaan-2 detects Argon-40
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on 31 October 2019 said that the Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 (CHACE-2) payload on Chandrayaan-2 has detected Argon-40 (40Ar) from the lunar exosphere.
Read More: https://www.ksgindia.com/study-material/news-for-aspirants/21859-chandrayaan-2-detects-argon-40.html
#Chandrayaan2 #Argon40 #Isro #CHACE2 #noblegas

India loses export incentive case
India suffered a setback at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in a dispute against the US that had challenged its key export subsidy schemes including the one for special economic zones.
Read More: https://www.ksgindia.com/study-material/news-for-aspirants/21858-india-loses-export-incentive-case.html
#case #WTO #SCM #MEIS #WorldTradeOrganization


Pegasus spyware
In May 2019, WhatsApp identified that a bug in the app’s call function was used to install a malicious code into users’ phones.
Read More: https://www.ksgindia.com/study-material/news-for-aspirants/21857-pegasus-spyware.html
#Pegasusspyware #WhatsApp #appscallfunction #NSO

How the Big Bang may have happened decoded
The universe began with the Big Bang, and now scientists have explained how the mysterious explosion may have taken place around 13.8 billion years ago.
Read More: https://www.ksgindia.com/study-material/news-for-aspirants/21856-how-the-big-bang-may-have-happened-decoded.html
#BigBang #mysterious #scientists #KareemAhmed #US

Scientists engineer decoy protein
Scientists have engineered a decoy protein which binds to the novel coronavirus and blocks infection in cultured cells, an advance that may lead to a therapeutic or preventive agent against COVID-19.
Read More: https://www.ksgindia.com/study-material/news-for-aspirants/24852-scientists-engineer-decoy-protein.html
#Scientists #engineerdecoy #protein #decoyprotein

Scientists return from the Arctic
An icebreaker carrying scientists on a year-long international effort to study the high Arctic has returned to its home port in Germany carrying a wealth of data that will help researchers better predict climate change in the decades to come.
Read More: https://www.ksgindia.com/study-material/news-for-aspirants/26529-scientists-return-from-the-arctic.html
#Scientists #Arctic #Germany #icebreaker #UPSCOnlineClasses #OnlineClassses #IASOnlineclasses

Today's Headlines - 21 July 2023
The ‘good viruses’ fight bacteria
GS Paper - 3 (Health and Diseases)

Scientists now talk of a virome — all the different types of viruses we host in our bodies which contribute to health, much like the bacterial microbiome. This virome is huge. You have 380 trillion virus particles living (or existing) in or on your body right now — 10 times more than the number of bacteria. These viruses lurk in our lungs and blood, live on our skin and linger inside the microbes in our guts. They’re not all bad, however: There are viruses that kill cancer cells and help break down tumors, others that train our immune system and help them fight pathogens, and even some that control gene expression in pregnancy.

Bacteriophages: Anti-bacterial guard dogs

The vast majority of viruses inside us are bacteriophages — viruses that kill bacteria in our microbiomes.
Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are harmless to human cells as they do not recognize them as their bacterial prey.
They work by hunting down bacteria and attaching themselves to the surface of a bacterial cell, before injecting viral DNA material into the cell.
The viral DNA then replicates inside the bacteria, sometimes by borrowing the DNA replication hardware of the bacteria.
Once enough new viruses have been created inside the bacterial cell, the cell then bursts to release the new viral particles.
All this takes just 30 minutes, meaning one virus can become many in a couple of hours.
Phage therapy

The ability of phages to take down bacteria had scientists pondering whether they could be used to treat bacterial infections in the early 20th century, but when antibiotics like penicillin came along, that research faded away.
But antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are now on the rise, with experts saying antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest medical challenges facing global communities.
As a result, scientists are racing to find new forms of antibiotic agents, putting phages back on the menu as agents to fight bacterial infections.
The advantages of phages lie in their effectiveness against every multi-resistant pathogen.
Phages are extremely precise in their elimination of bacterial strains — so much so that you don’t disturb the gut microbiome, as is the case with antibiotics.
In theory, then, phages could be a huge boon in our fight against antibacterial resistance.

#upsc #news #goodviruses #fight #bacteria #health #diseases #scientists #microbiome #virome #particles #antibacterial #DNA #phage #therapy #antibotic #infections #pathogen

Today's Headlines - 05 August 2023
Govt’s Bill on IIMs over their autonomy
GS Paper - 2 (Polity)

The government has brought a Bill in Parliament giving itself significant say in the appointment and removal of Directors of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and in initiating inquiries. The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023, introduced in Lok Sabha, seeks to make changes in the law that governs the administration and running of IIMs. The proposed changes have triggered concern over their potential to erode the autonomy of the IIMs.

What is the purpose of the Bill?

The Bill seeks to amend the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017 which declared 20 existing IIMs as “institutions of national importance with a view to empower these institutions to attain standards of global excellence in management, management research and allied areas of knowledge.
Under the 2017 Act, the Director of an IIM is appointed by a Board of Governors, and the government has a limited say in the process.
The proposed amendments essentially seek to alter this situation, and to give the government an expanded role in the appointment of the IIM Director.

How is this change proposed to be effected?

Section 5 of the amendment Bill says that “After section 10 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely— ’10A. (1) The President of India shall be the Visitor of every Institute’” covered under the IIM Act.
The Bill prescribes three primary roles for the Visitor: to make appointments, to audit the working of institutions, and to conduct an inquiry.

What is the current process of appointment of the Director?

Section 16(2) of the 2017 Act says “the Director shall be appointed by the Board, on such terms and conditions of service as may be prescribed.”
Section 16(1) says the “Director shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute and shall provide leadership to the Institute and be responsible for implementation of the decisions of the Board”.
Section 16(3) says “the Director shall be appointed out of the panel of names recommended by a search-cum-selection committee to be constituted by the Board”.
The Board chairperson will head the search-cum-selection committee, which will also have “three members chosen from amongst eminent administrators, industrialists, educationists, scientists, technocrats and management specialists”.

#upsc #news #headline #govtbill #autonomy #polity #parliament #institutes #management #IIMS #loksabha #purpose #bill #global #governors #section16 #chief #executive #officer #panel #eminent #administrators #educationists #scientists #technocrats

Today's Headlines - 17 August 2023
First ever Quantum superchemistry observed
GS Paper - 3 (Science and Technology)

Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone as they observe "quantum superchemistry" for the first time within a laboratory setting. A long-standing theoretical concept, quantum superchemistry manifests when atoms or molecules sharing the same quantum state engage in chemical reactions at a heightened pace compared to those in differing quantum states. A quantum state encompasses specific characteristics of a quantum particle, such as its energy level or angular momentum.

What is Quantum superchemistry?

Quantum superchemistry refers to the application of quantum mechanics to the study of chemical reactions and processes at the molecular level.
It involves using quantum theory to describe and predict the behavior of atoms and molecules during chemical reactions, taking into account their wave-like nature and the principles of quantum mechanics.
Traditional chemistry relies on classical physics to describe chemical reactions, but quantum superchemistry offers a more accurate and detailed understanding of these reactions.
It takes into consideration phenomena like wave-particle duality, quantum tunneling, and the distribution of electron density in molecules, which are not fully explained by classical theories.
Quantum superchemistry has the potential to provide insights into complex chemical reactions, reaction mechanisms, and the behavior of molecules in various environments.
It can help researchers design new materials, optimize chemical processes, and explore reactions that might be difficult to study using classical methods.
However, due to the complexity of quantum calculations, quantum superchemistry often requires advanced computational techniques and high-performance computers to accurately model and simulate.

How did scientists observe quantum superchemistry?

In their pursuit of unveiling this novel phenomenon, scientists undertook the challenge of aligning entire molecules within the same quantum state.
The outcomes of their efforts revealed that chemical reactions ensued collectively rather than individually when atoms or molecules partook in the same quantum state.
Additionally, the researchers observed that denser collections of atoms led to accelerated chemical reactions, reinforcing the phenomenon's occurrence.

What is Quantum physics?

Quantum physics, also known as quantum mechanics, is a fundamental branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, typically involving particles like atoms, electrons, and photons.
It provides a framework for understanding the fundamental properties of nature that classical physics cannot adequately explain at the quantum level.

#upsc #news #headline #quantum #superchemistry #scienceandtechnology #researchers #theoretical #concept #atoms #molecules #chemicalreactions #state #energylevel #angular #momentum #traditional #physics #mechanisms #scientists #novelphenomenon #fundamentals #electrons #photons

Today's Headlines - 24 August 2023
Vikram lander creates history
GS Paper - 3 (Space Technology)

India became the first country to touch down on the lunar South Pole on 23 August 2023 as billions watched from around the globe. The Chandrayaan-3 lander - designed to deploy a smaller, 26-kg lunar rover - landed on the surface of the moon, marking a giant leap in India’s spacefaring journey.The Moon has captivated human curiosity for centuries, and with each new mission.

What is the Moon's geological history and evolution?

The Moon is estimated to be about 4.5 billion years old, roughly the same age as the Earth.
The leading theory about the Moon's formation suggests that a Mars-sized celestial body collided with the young Earth, and the debris from this collision eventually coalesced to form the lunar body.
However, current geological evidence from the Moon suggests that it may be younger by just 60 million years compared to Earth.
How much do things weigh on the Moon?

The Moon's gravitational pull is much weaker than Earth's, approximately one-sixth of Earth's gravity.
As a result, objects on the Moon weigh significantly less than they do on Earth. This is due to the Moon's smaller size and mass.
For example, a person weighing 68 kilograms on the Earth would weigh only over 11 kg on the Moon.
Why do Indian scientists want to land on the Moon's South Pole?

The lunar South Pole has become a focal point for exploration due to its unique features and potential scientific value.
It is believed to host a vast reservoir of water ice in permanently shadowed regions. The presence of water is of immense significance for future space exploration, as it can be converted into resources such as drinking water, oxygen and hydrogen for rocket fuel.
Also, the permanently sunlit area in the region has a temperature of around minus 50 to 10 degrees Celsius, which provides better chemical conditions for the electronics onboard the rover and lander to work properly.
What is in the lunar South Pole?

The terrain and geology at the Moon's South Pole are distinct from other regions. Permanently shadowed craters provide extremely cold conditions that allow water ice to accumulate and persist.
The unique geography of the South Pole also creates regions of perpetual sunlight, which can be harnessed for solar power.
The terrain varies from rugged landscapes to relatively flat plains, offering a diverse range of scientific opportunities.
Why is a region of the lunar South Pole permanently shadowed?

This depends on the Moon's geology. The Moon's axis is only slightly tilted relative to its orbit around the Earth.
This results in certain areas near the poles being in permanent shadow. These shadows create extremely cold environments where temperatures can plummet to very low levels.
These frigid conditions are conducive to preserving water ice for billions of years.

#upsc #news #headline #vikram #lander #history #spacetechnology #southpole #lunarrover #chandrayaan #centuries #moongeological #evolution #earth #collision #gravity #mass #scientists #waterice #hydrogen #chemicalconditions #landscapes #sunlight #environment #shadow #earthgravity

Today's Headlines - 10 September 2023
Scientists grew whole model of human embryo
GS Paper - 3 (Biotechnology)

Scientists have successfully grown a “human embryo” in the lab without using an egg or sperm. They used a mix of stem cells — early cells that have the ability to differentiate into other types of cells — that were able to spontaneously assemble into an embryo-like structure, mimicking molecular characteristics of an early embryo.

How was the embryo model created?

The scientists have called it one of the most complete models of a 14-day-old human embryo.
Several teams have been working on developing these human embryo-like models — around six such models have been published this year itself.
None of them fully replicate the processes that happen during the early stages of embryo development, but all of them add to their understanding.
The researchers from Israel used a mix of stem cells and chemicals, a small portion of which was able to spontaneously assemble to form different types of cells that form the foetus, those that provide nutrients to the foetus, cells that lay out the plan for development of the body, and cells that create structures like placenta and umbilical cord to support the foetus.
One of the problems that the team faced, however, was that only 1% of this mixture actually assembled spontaneously, making the process not very efficient.
Why are embryo models and research important?

There is no way for scientists to ethically research the early stages of development of an embryo, as it is difficult to study it after it implants in the uterus. Scientists currently study these initial changes in various lab models or donated embryos.
This research is crucial because the initial days of embryo development is when the majority of miscarriages and birth defects occur.
Studying the initial stages, scientists say, may help understand genetic and inherited diseases better.
The understanding of why some embryos develop normally, retain the proper genetic code, and implant properly in the womb while others do not, may also help in improving success rates of in vitro fertilisation.
Can lab-grown embryos be used to get pregnant?

No. These models are meant to just study the early stages of development of a foetus.
It is generally accepted — and legally supported in most countries — that these embryo models will be destroyed after studying the first 14 days. Attempts to implant are not allowed.
Also, creating a lab-based model that mimics the properties of early embryos is still far from an actual embryo that can implant to the lining of the womb.

#upsc #headline #news #scientists #grew #whole #model #human #embryo #biotechnology #egg #sperm #stem #cells #structure #embryo #mimicking #spontaneously #created #development #israel #chemicals #cells #fortus #placenta #umbilical #cord #body #efficient #research #birth #fertilisation #getpregant #foetus #implant #womb