January 29, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Padma Awards | Explained
One of the nation's highest civilian honors, the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri are awarded in three different categories. Art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, and other disciplines are among the fields of endeavor in which the Awards are granted. "Padma Bhushan" is given for exceptionally distinguished service of the highest grade, "Padma Shri" for outstanding service in any field, and "Padma Vibhushan" for extraordinary and distinguished service. Each year, Republic Day is the day on which the honors are announced.
Highlights of the Day
1.Rare Sighting: Laughing Gull Migrates from North America to Kerala, India
A laughing gull, a migratory bird from North America, has been spotted for the first time in India at the Chittari estuary in Kerala's Kasaragod district. Birdwatcher C. Sreekanth made the discovery, noting the bird's unique laughterlike calls. Confirming the finding through experts and the eBird application, this rare sighting increases India's bird species count to 1,367, with Kasaragod contributing 400 to the state's total of 554. The laughing gull's presence in the region enhances Kasaragod's biodiversity. Sreekanth, with 20 years of birdwatching experience, had previously spotted the Asian house martin in Kannur[1].
2.ISRO Set to Boost Meteorological Capabilities with Launch of Advanced Weather Satellite INSAT-3DS
India is set to launch INSAT-3DS, an advanced weather satellite developed by ISRO, in February. Serving as a successor to INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, it aims to enhance meteorological monitoring and disaster management. The INSAT system, providing services like telecommunications and broadcasting, will benefit from improved capabilities. INSAT-3DS, with a lift-off mass of 2,275 kg, carries sophisticated payloads for meteorological observation, including a 6-channel Imager and a 19-channel Sounder. It also features communication payloads like the Data Relay Transponder and the Satellite Aided Search and Rescue transponder, contributing to weather forecasting and global search and rescue operations[2].
3.Genomic Breakthrough: UK Study Reveals Potential Transformative Impact of Cancer Genomics on Treatment Strategies
India faces a rising cancer burden, adding 1.4 million cases annually. Globally, cancer rates surge, with the WHO projecting a 60% increase by the next decade. Precision oncology, employing DNA-based tests, emerges with promising therapies. The UK's '100,000 Genome Program' demonstrates the transformative potential of cancer genomics, using whole-genome sequencing for over 13,800 patients. The study identifies novel therapeutic targets, particularly for brain, bowel, and lung cancers. It reshapes understanding of ovarian cancers and sarcomas. England's NHS aims to integrate genomics into cancer care, with real-world applications seen in East Midlands hospitals. Challenges remain in translating genomics insights into widespread clinical practice[3].
4.Demystifying Encryption and End-to-End Security: Safeguarding Information in the Digital Age
Encryption, a crucial tool for protecting information, transforms data into an unreadable form. End-to-end (E2E) encryption safeguards information throughout its journey, ensuring it's encrypted both in transit and at rest, decrypted only upon reaching the recipient. Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption involves different keys. E2E encryption prevents unauthorized access during transmission but can face challenges like man-in-the-middle attacks. Although E2E encryption enhances privacy, potential vulnerabilities include device hacking, malware, and the possibility of backdoors installed by companies for legal or illicit purposes. Metadata surveillance remains a concern even with strong encryption[4].
5.Germany Presents Proposal for Advanced Submarines in Indian Navy's P75I Program
Germany has presented a proposal to sell six advanced conventional submarines to India as part of the Navy's P75I procurement program, costing over ₹45,000 crore. The deal, competing with Spain, has faced delays. Discussions were held during a recent visit by a senior German delegation to New Delhi. In June 2023, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius pitched for ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems' bid. Only Germany and Spain qualify to submit bids, with a July 2023 deadline. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Larsen & Toubro are shortlisted for the strategic partnership, and bids from TKMS-MDL and L&T-Navantia are being evaluated[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
a) Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram, and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Q2: 'End-to-end encryption' is commonly used in the context of:
a) Gene Editing
b) Cryptography
c) Data Analysis
d) Automobiles
Q3: Which of the Following Countries are Landlocked?
1. Lithuania
2. Switzerland
3. Iraq
4. Mongolia
5. Uzbekistan
a) Only one of these
b) Only two of these
c) Only three of these
d) All of these
Q4: What is the purpose of the P-75I project for the Indian Navy?
a) To develop aircraft carriers
b) To acquire diesel-electric submarines
c) To enhance naval nuclear submarines
d) To build advanced destroyers
Q5: In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term transcriptome', sometimes seen in the news, refers to
a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing
b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cell
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the historical and cultural significance of tigers in India. Discuss the role of tigers in Indian mythology, art, and folklore.
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