Current Affairs 28-FEB-2024 (The Hindu)

Gaganyaan Mission

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Gaganyaan Mission

Why in News?

India's announcement of four IAF pilots as potential crew members for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission has garnered attention due to its significance in advancing the country's space exploration capabilities. The selection of astronauts and the progress of the Gaganyaan program represent India's ambitious pursuit of space exploration and its commitment to establishing a sustained human presence in space.

Overview

• Human spaceflight program.
• Aim: Sending vyomanauts into space.
• 3 Crew members.
• 400 Km low earth orbit.
• 3-day mission.

Components of LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3)

• Crew Module:
  • Has Earth-like environment in space for the crew.
  • Includes life support system, avionics, and deceleration systems.
  • Designed for re-entry.
• Service Module:
  • Provides support to the Crew Module.
  • Includes thermal system, propulsion system, power systems, avionics systems, and deployment mechanisms.

Significance

• Demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities.
• Foundation for long-term human space exploration.
• Employment generation and R&D in advanced sciences.
• Conducting experiments related to biology, material science, and astronomy in microgravity.
• Future collaboration in global space station development.
• Motivate youth.
• Strengthen international partnerships.

Practice Question – Prelims

Consider the following statements about LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3):

1. It is a three-stage launch vehicle with a solid stage, liquid stage, and a cryogenic upper stage.

2. The cryogenic upper stage (C25) is powered by CE-20, India's largest cryogenic engine.

3. The LVM 3 is capable of placing 8,000 kg payload in geostationary orbit.

How many of the above-mentioned statements are correct?

a) Only One

b) Only Two

c) All Three

d) None

Genome

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Genome

Why in News?

The '10,000 genome' project, completed by the Department of Biotechnology, aims to create a diverse genome database for India. Led by 20 institutions, including IISc and CCMB, the project seeks to understand genetic diversity for personalized medicine and disease prevention.

Genome

The genome is the sum of all genetic material or the complete set of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in an individual.

• DNA:
  • DNA is the unit forming the genome.
  • It is a long, coiled double helix molecule containing genetic instructions.
  • Short sections that contain the code for specific proteins are called genes.
  • Genes are present on chromosomes found inside the nucleus of a living cell.

Genome Sequencing

Genome sequencing involves figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides or bases in a genome.

• DNA Building Blocks:
  • DNA is made up of four building blocks called nucleotides.
  • The four nucleotides are adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C).
  • Nucleotides attach to each other, with A getting attached to T and G with C.
  

Process

The process involves figuring out the order of adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T) nucleotides that make up an organism's DNA, typically done through a laboratory method.

Genome India Project

The Genome India Project is a gene mapping project initiated by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.

• Goal: Creating a comprehensive database of genetic variations among the Indian population.
• Sequence the genomes of over 10,000 Indians from different regions of the country and establish a reference genome for the Indian population.

Practice Question – Prelims

DNA Barcoding can be a tool to:

1. Assess the age of a plant or animal.

2. Distinguish among species that look alike.

3. Identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 3 only

c) 1 and 2

d) 2 and 3

United Nations

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Why in News?

António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, expresses concern over the organization's future due to lack of unity among members, signaling potential challenges to the current global order. Established post-World War II, this order is anchored in the United Nations and its specialized agencies, aiming to prevent global conflicts and foster international cooperation.

Practice Question – Mains GS - II

Discuss the challenges faced by the United Nations (UN) system in the current global context. Suggest reforms that could make the UN and its associated structures more relevant and responsive?

(150 words, 10 marks)

United Nations

Introduction

• United Nations - international organization founded in 1945.
• Currently - 193 Member States.
• UN Charter outlines the principles of UN.
• Implemented by its 6 principal organs & various specialized agencies.
• Multifunctional role.
• International peace, security, protecting human rights, sustainable development, combating climate change, protecting rights of labor, women, children etc.

Challenges

• Outdated Structure and Decision-Making Processes.
• P5 members - veto power
• Resulted in imbalance and concentration of power.
• Lack of Representation and Inclusivity.
• Africa and Latin America lack sufficient influence and a voice in UN.
• Ineffectiveness and Inefficiency.
• UN's bureaucratic structures are slowing down responses to global challenges.
• Duplication of Efforts Among Specialized Agencies.
• Numerous specialized agencies, each with its own mandates and resources leads to duplication of functions.
• Financial Stability.
• Need to reassess formula for assessing financial contributions to the UN budget.
• Based on a country’s GNI with a cap on contributions.

Reforms

• Expanding UNSC.
• Reforms needed to keep in pace with various changes in the post WW2 global order.
• Veto power should be abolished.
• Reforming the UN charter.
• Talks about rights but not duties and responsibilities.
• Strengthening funding & accountability framework.
• Need to formalize funding commitments of countries.
• Proper monitoring and evaluation systems to evaluate the decision making.
• Equitable Representation.
• Decentralization of UNSC.
• Need to become more representative and participatory body.

Model Conclusion

• By addressing its outdated structure, streamlining its processes, and ensuring financial stability - UN can become a more effective and inclusive global institution.
• If the reforms are adopted, UN will keep achieving its mission of promoting peace,security and development.