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Context: Scientists are finding that ‘Gut Microbiota may be linked to heart health, some cancers, and even the color of urine.
Aim: To generate the baseline microbiome data of Indians.
It will enable tracing trillions of microbes found in Indians, particularly on their skin.
Initiated by: This Union government-funded, Rs 150 crore project was initiated in 2019 by the Department of Biotechnology.
This study is being led by Pune’s National Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR), which is a part of the National Centre for Cell Science.
In 2012, an international consortium of scientists launched the Human Microbiome Project that provided the first glimpses into the human body’s complex microbial makeup using genome sequencing.
The human microbiome is a community of trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi archaea, protists and viruses) that live in our body, especially in the digestive tract.
These microbes change in response to the environment, diseases and human diets.
It is a dynamic community that plays a pivotal role in regulating our health and diseases.
Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the “good” bacteria (normal microflora) in the body.
These are foods (typically high-fiber foods) that act as food for human microflora. Prebiotics are used with the intention of improving the balance of these microorganisms.
These microorganisms are dynamic and play a pivotal role in regulating human health and diseases including the way humans digest food, absorb nutrients, develop immunity, etc.
For example: Autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia are associated with dysfunction in the microbiome.
Microbiota stimulate the immune system, break down potentially toxic food compounds, and synthesize certain vitamins and amino acids, including the B vitamins and vitamin K.
For example, the key enzymes needed to form vitamin B12 are only found in bacteria, not in plants and animals.
Cardiometabolic Traits: Researchers identified a link between genetic variants in the ABO blood group and microbial genes involved in metabolizing N-acetylgalactosamine (an amino-sugar).
This link provides a significance in identification of cardiometabolic traits, including lipid levels and blocks in blood vessels and risk of severe COVID-19 infections.
Colorectal Cancer: Recently, researchers found that the development of colorectal cancer could be mediated by administering a molecule called trans-3-indoleacrylic acid (IDA) or implanting the microbe Peptostreptococcus anaerobius.
The effects of IDA could be abolished by deleting two human genes – AHR or ALDH1A3.
Neuronal Signaling: Gut microbes produce vitamin B12, which could influence neuronal signaling by influencing the availability of free choline.
Choline is a molecule that neurons use to make a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.
Jaundice: The human microbiome could be involved in the metabolism of urobilinogen. A bacterial enzyme, bilirubin reductase (BilR), is responsible for reducing bilirubin to urobilinogen.
The yellow color of urine comes from a pigment called urobilinogen.
Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the following two flagship programs from Maker Village, Kochi, Kerala.
“Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT) Sensors” and
India’s first Graphene Centre “India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG).
Hardtech 2024 Program was also launched during the event.
The objective of CoE in Intelligent IoT Sensors is to catalyze the development of sensors within the Intelligent IoT (Internet of Things) systems.
Located at Makers Village Kochi, it is a unique facility developed by MeitY, Union Government, and Government of Kerala.
Digital University Kerala (DUK) and Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET)-Thrissur will function as its technical partners.
It will function as a centre for R&D (Research and development), incubation, innovation, skilling, capacity building, testing & certification for the development of IoT Sensors.
The IICG is India’s first Graphene Centre that has an objective to foster R&D, product innovation, and capacity building in Graphene and 2D material systems.
It was developed by the MeitY, Union Government, Government of Kerala and Tata Steel Limited.
Technical assistance will be provided by the Digital University Kerala (DUK) and CMET-Thrissur.
It will function as a centre for R&D (Research and development), incubation, innovation, skilling, capacity building, testing & certification for the development of application of Graphene based materials.
The Hardtech 2024 Program is Makers Village's annual flagship program that will unite leaders from Industries, Startups, Investors, Academia, and R&D organizations in electronics hardware design and manufacturing.
The IIoT sensors and Graphene technologies has a role in driving digital transformation and economic growth.
It will help in creation of a complete ecosystem for startups in IoT sensors and Graphene & 2D materials.
The IoT Sensors are pieces of hardware that detect changes in an environment and collect data.
They’re the pieces of an IoT ecosystem that bridge the digital world to the physical world.
IoT sensors may detect things like temperature, pressure, and motion, and if they are connected to a network, they can share data with the network.
Data Collection: IoT sensors collect a wide range of data, including temperature, humidity, light, motion, and more, providing valuable insights for various applications.
Connectivity: These sensors are equipped with wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks, ensuring seamless data transmission.
Low Power Consumption: IoT sensors are designed to operate on minimal power, prolonging battery life and reducing maintenance needs.
Miniaturization: Advancements in sensor technology have led to smaller and more compact designs, allowing integration into various devices and environments.
IoT sensors can monitor traffic flow, air quality, and energy consumption, enabling efficient urban planning.
Smart parking systems help reduce congestion and improve parking availability.
Wearable IoT sensors can track vital signs, enabling remote patient monitoring.
Smart pill bottles remind patients to take medication, improving adherence.
Soil moisture sensors can optimize irrigation, conserving water resources.
IoT sensors in livestock tracking enhance animal health and breeding management.
Industrial IoT sensors can enhance predictive maintenance, reducing downtime.
Quality control sensors ensure product consistency and minimize defects.
IoT sensors can monitor pollution levels, water quality, and climate conditions.
Early warning systems for natural disasters rely on real-time data from sensors.
Efficiency: Optimized operations and resource utilization in various sectors.
Cost Savings: Reduced energy consumption, maintenance, and downtime.
Safety: Enhanced safety through real-time monitoring and alerts.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Informed decisions based on accurate and timely data.
5G Integration: High-speed 5G networks will enable faster and more reliable data transmission for IoT devices.
Edge Computing: Processing data at the edge (near the sensor) will reduce latency and enhance real-time analytics.
AI and Machine Learning: Integration of AI algorithms will enable IoT sensors to make autonomous decisions and predictions.
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, making it a 2-dimensional material.
It was isolated and characterized in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, earning them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010.
National Graphene Mission is a government initiative to propel India as a global leader in graphene technology.
Exceptional conductivity: Graphene exhibits remarkable electrical conductivity, making it a potential candidate for use in electronics.
Strength and flexibility: Graphene is stronger than steel and highly flexible, making it suitable for various applications, including structural materials.
Transparency: It is nearly transparent, allowing for potential applications in transparent electronics and optoelectronics.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): A widely used method for graphene synthesis in India, with ongoing efforts to optimize for large-scale production.
Liquid-Phase Exfoliation (LPE): Indian researchers are investigating environmentally friendly solvents and scalable processes to enhance LPE efficiency.
Electronics: Graphene's excellent conductivity has sparked interest in creating faster and more efficient electronic devices, such as transistors and flexible displays.
Energy storage: Graphene-based materials are being explored for advanced energy storage devices, including batteries and supercapacitors, due to their high surface area and conductivity.
Materials science: Its strength and flexibility make it an ideal material for strengthening materials in various industries, from aerospace to construction.
Medical applications: Graphene is being explored for various biomedical applications, including drug delivery systems and biosensors.
Space exploration: Graphene's lightweight and strong properties make it a candidate for applications in space exploration technologies.
Mass production: Large-scale production of high-quality graphene remains a challenge, hindering its widespread commercial applications.
Integration: Incorporating graphene into existing technologies and manufacturing processes requires further research and development.
Context: Recently, the study by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) highlight significant shifts in India's monsoon patterns, with implications for agriculture, economy, and ecosystems.
The study is titled 'Decoding India's Changing Monsoon Patterns: A Tehsil-level Assessment'.
It compared recent monsoon data (2012-2022) with the climatic baseline period (1982–2011).
55% of tehsils saw an increase in southwest monsoon rainfall by more than 10% in the past decade compared to the climatic baseline.
11% of tehsils experienced a decrease in monsoon rainfall during the same period.
North Bengal recorded a consistent decrease in rainfall from June to September.
South Bengal and specific districts like Purulia, Bankura, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly observed an increase in extreme rainfall days.
Changes in monsoon patterns disrupting sowing and harvesting cycles.
Uneven rainfall distribution affecting water management and ecological balance.
A predicted increase of 10%-14% in southwest monsoon rainfall by the end of the 21st century.
Recommendations for adaptive measures and sustainable agricultural practices.
Around 30% of India's districts experienced deficient rainfall years, while 38% faced excessive rainfall years.
Notably, 23% of districts, including major cities and agricultural areas, encountered both deficient and excessive rainfall years.
Significant increase in northeast monsoon rainfall in tehsils across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Notable trends observed in Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha, and West Bengal as well.
Context: The International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City has announced to establish a Global Hydrogen Trading Mechanism (GHTM).
The International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City, in collaboration with the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) and Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC), is spearheading the creation of a Global Hydrogen Trading Mechanism.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this collaboration was signed during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024.
It is a central aspect of this collaboration is the launch of the Global Hydrogen Price Index.
This initiative places GIFT City at the forefront of the emerging green hydrogen economy, being the second of its kind globally.
The initiative aims to enhance market transparency, boost investor confidence, and facilitate global growth in the green hydrogen sector.
GIFT City SEZ, as an International Financial Services Centre, will play a pivotal role in this mechanism, with existing operations in diverse financial and trading sectors.
GSPC, in collaboration with IGX, will work towards developing an index for hydrogen trading and attracting global institutions to trade in GIFT IFSC.
GIFT City's ongoing expansion is part of its development into a premier international financial centre.
The Gujarat government’s Green Hydrogen Mission aims for 3 MMTPA hydrogen production by 2030, with a significant investment and land allocation, aligning with the national hydrogen production targets.
The Global Hydrogen Price Index, a crucial aspect of the GHTM, is being developed as a benchmark for price discovery and market information in the green hydrogen market.
This index is fundamental in providing transparency and reliability for investors and market participants.
The development of the Global Hydrogen Price Index is a collaborative effort between GSPC and IGX.
The index will serve as a standard for pricing, essential for the evolving market dynamics of the green hydrogen sector in India and globally.
The International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is collaborating with the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) and Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) to establish a Global Hydrogen Trading Mechanism at GIFT City in Gujarat.
The Union Cabinet approved the creation of three posts at the level of joint secretary for assisting the 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya.
Engineers India Limited (EIL) has been conferred with the prestigious SCOPE Eminence Award in the category of Women Empowerment for the period 2019-20.
The award has been presented to EIL by the Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar and received by EIL's Director (Finance) Sanjay Jindal and Director (Commercial) Atul Gupta on January 18, during an award ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The award recognises EIL’s exemplary commitment to fostering an inclusive & diverse work environment and celebrates the outstanding achievement of its women workforce.
Union Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the artificial reef project through videoconference.
REC Wins ICAI Award: New Delhi, January 18, 2024, Public sector lender REC Limited has been conferred the ‘Plaque’ under the Financial Services category at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Awards 2022-23 for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared glimpses of the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, which commenced here. The foreign minister can be seen meeting various foreign dignitaries participating in the tow-day summit.
Former Chief Justice of India and Rajya Sabha MP Ranjan Gogoi will receive the highest civilian award in Assam, the ‘Assam Baibhav’.
With the initiative of TMP, TWF & YTF 46th KOKBOROK DAY celebration programme has been conducted here in Ampinagar community hall in Gomati Tripura .
Japan's Smart Lander Snipper for Investigating Moon (Slim) spacecraft successfully touched down on the lunar surface on Friday(19-01-2024), making Japan the fifth nation to achieve a soft landing on the Moon.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has confirmed the landing of the spacecraft equipped with a variety of instruments, including a camera, a laser altimeter, and a magnetometer, which will be used to study the Moon's geology, environment, and resources.
However, Slim’s solar panel had failed to generate power, which could shorten its activity on the moon, the Japanese space agency said.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have inaugurated five new solar power plants at some of Egypt’s most prominent heritage sites, namely the Giza Pyramids Visitors Centre, Mohamed Ali Palace in Al Manial, Sharm el-Sheikh Museum, as well as Alexandria’s National Museum and Royal Jewelry Museum.
These solar power plants are part of a plan to increase the integration of solar energy in all heritage sites and museums across Egypt, transforming them into green sites to help reach Egypt's sustainable development strategy by 2030.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed an indigenous technological solution namely Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) for the fishermen at sea to send emergency messages from fishing boats.
As part of their ‘Strengthening Integrated Sustainable Land Management’ project in Enga Province, UNDP and the European Union awarded small grants to 20 new community-based organizations working on sustainable land management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and biodiversity conservation in the province this week.
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