[Sci-Tech]TheHindu Sep-Oct-Nov(Part4of4): Space,Defense related: ISRO Mars Mission, MAVEN,INSAT3D, Vikramaditya, EMP, Napalm1. Prologue2. ISROs MAR Orbiter Mission (MoM)/Mangalyaan1. Timeline2. Launch Vehicle3. Payloads4. Do we need Mars Mission?5. Anti-Arguments6. Pro-arguments3. MAVEN (NASA)4. INSAT 3D5. RH 200 & Thumba6. GSAT-77. GSAT-148. Chandra X-ray Observatory9. Olympic torch in Space10. Defense related1. #1: INS Vikarmaditya2. #2: Napalm3. #3: EMP Bomb11. Physics/Chemistry1. #1: Tree Leaves to detect gold2. #2:Candle flame vs Gravity12. Mock QuestionsISROs MAR Orbiter Mission (MoM)/Mangalyaan Timeline

Launch VehiclePSLVGSLV

Polar satellitelaunch vehicleGeosynchronous satellite launch vehicle

Can carry upto 1600 kg satellite2500kg

MoM/Mangalyaan= first Indian spacecraft to cross Earths escape velocity of 11.2 km per second. Mangalyaan willtravelfor almost 300 days, covering 680 million kilometres, and reach Martian orbit in September 2014.ISRO used PSLV XL (C25) launch vehicle to launch the Mangalyaan (Mars spacecraft). Why?1. GSLV tests are not yet successful. Last time they tried GSLV to launchGSAT-14 satellite and failed because of fuel leak. (Aug 2013)2. Mangalyaan weighs ~1300 kg. PSLV can easily carry this weight.3. PSLV istried and testedtechnology.PayloadsISROs Mangalyaan wants to gather data about Mars SAM (Surface Atmosphere Minerals) using fivepayloads/instruments:Study Mars S-E-APayloaddetail

I. Surface1. Color Camera Mars Color camera. Study surface,dust stormsetc. also taking photos of Mars satellites: Phobos and Deimos.

1. Spectrometer ThermalInfrared Imagingspectrometer (TIS). To study mineral resources of Mars and to help UPSC update its Mains GS1 syllabus: Distribution of key natural resources across the Earth AND Mars.

1. (Particle)Environment1. MENCAGandhiMars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer.To study neutral gas atoms in the Martian atmosphere.

1. Atmosphere1. Methane SensorMethane Sensor for Mars (MSM).If methane + water detected=possible that at some point of time, Mars had supportedlife form.

1. PhotometerLyman Alpha Photometer (LAP). Measure hydrogen and deuterium.Deuterium = heavier than hydrogen.Water made from heavy hydrogen is heavier and hence it evaporates differently.Knowing Hydrogen : Deuterium ratio will help answer how did water vanish from Mars?

The combined weight of these five instruments =just ~25 kg.ISTRAC ISRO Telemetry, Tracking & Command Network @Banglore. Previously tracked and commanded Chandrayaan-1 Now doing the same for Mars orbiter.Do we need Mars Mission?(for Group Discussion GD/Interview)Anti-Arguments1. Crores of rupee wasted- could be used to feed millions of hungry people in India. Millions of children suffering from malnutrition, half the junta doesnt have toilets. Better get those thousands of ISRO scientists andengineers to comeup withnew technologyto fixmalnutrition and malnutrition.2. ISROs budget is better spent to meet Indias communication needs and bring down digital divide.3. Even Airtel has sued ISRO for not meeting its contract obligations. So, ISRO better focus on present rather than doing some mars research whose benefits can materialize may be after 100-200 years.4. ISRO has installed a fancymethane detectorin this spacecraft. But NASAs curiosity rover data has already concluded thatMars environment doesnt contain methane.ISRO is only doinggaddha majoori(donkey labour). Counter argument: NASAs Curiosity rover measured presence of methane in asmall area. But ISRO will scan entire Martian environment to detect Methane.5. GSLV testing has not giving positive result yet. Had they waited for GSLV testing to finish-Mars Missioncould be done in 2016. (Even Chandrayan-2 project is stalled due to this GSLV problem). But it seems ISRO chairman wants media publicity before retiring, so made he all the haste to launch Mars Mission in 2013 using PSLV (instead of GSLV).6. Less of a scientific pursuit and more of a space race with China- me too going on Mars. First India should overtake China in terms of GDP and poverty removal.7. Britain, Japan, World Bank etc. reduce the donation to India thinking since India haslot of moneyof run such Mars adventures, they must have money to take care of their poors as well.(to drag the argument further non-seriously)1. This is just publicity stunt to divert attention from real issues. Earlier Chandryaan found traces of water on Moon, then Aaj-tak etc. Hindi channels ran 24/7 reports for weeks= in the meantime government can go scot free with bigger scams.1. And most importantly, the youngsters have to mugup one more stupid topic for the competitive exams. The financial cost of combined man-hours wasted in studying such topics= aloneworth13% of GDP.Pro-arguments#1: cash will be recoveredAt the core of Anti arguments= Ca$H that ISRO has wasted in this Mars project. But in reality its aninvestmentthat will be recovered within a few decades, How?1. Many countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America are seeing good economic growth. But they lack skilled manpower, technology and budget to setup their own launch vehicles and premierspace agencies.2. But they too need satellites for communication and military. So, they outsource the satellite launch/survey work to established players.3. ISROs commercial Arm ANTRIX makes annual profit of ~100 crore rupees from such outsourced contracts.4. ISRO spent only 450 crore rupees. NASA has spent billions of dollars on Mars. This Makes ISRO world-famous as a prudent cost saving space agency= more clients via its commercial arm ANTRIX = more money incoming.So, we can see this Mars mission as ISROs 450 crore rupees advertisement / PR campaign- to impress those potential clients and get more contracts=> money will be recovered and profit will be made.#2: Soft PowerAs ISRO establishes reputation, gets more contracts from third world- it can be used as a tool to exercise soft power. How?giveTake

personnel /technologyexchange programswith developing countries givingdiscountson their space projects/infrastructure their support for Indias claim to Permanent seat in UNSC their votes in our favour whenever Kashmir/Arunachal issues popup in UN General Assembly Oil-gas explorationcontracts in their territory and so on.

In short, there is more tointernational relationsthan what meets the eyes. 450 crore is a very petty amount to accomplish many diplomatic victories- [compared to the thousands of crore rupees weve given to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan via soft loans so they dont shelter terrorists and secessionists on their soil.]#3: Did not steal from poors month1. Government spends barely ~0.35% of budget on space programs. And even out of that ~0.35% allocation, ISRO spent only 8% on Mars Missions. There are plenty of government schemes with way bigger budgetary allotments for poor people. So its not like government stopped/reduced expenditure on some xyz scheme for poors to fund ISROs Mars adventure.2. Agreed, poverty should be removed, and everyone must get food security. But the proposed food security bill will need ~1-2 lakh crores rupees every year. Even If ISRO didnt spend 450 crores on Mars, the money thus saved- wont make a big contribution to food security anyways.#4: Making History So far only three agencies have succeeded in Mars Mission1. European Space Agency(ESA) of European consortium,2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the US3. Roscosmos of Russia Even USA, Japan and China failed to reach mars in their first attempt. So, if ISROs Mars mission succeeds in first attempt (that too without coaching), itd be a milestone in the history of space explorations.#5: Misc.1. Will attract talented desi scientist/engineers to join ISRO=braindrain prevented.2. Data gathered from ISROs mission, can be used to send manned mission (astronauts) on Mars later, with collaboration of NASA etc.3. The technology used in this mission has potential application in weather forecast, computer tech, health-medicine etc. in future.4. Space research is not waste of time. 1990 Odisha cyclone killed >10000 people. But 2013 cyclone Phalin killed very few, because Indian satellite gave accurate weather prediction about where and when the storm would hit. Space research has given immense benefits to Agriculture, education, fisheries and defense. (Counter argument: then send more weather/education satellites- not spacecrafts to Moon and Mars!)MAVEN (NASA)ISROs MoMNASAs Maven

Mars Orbitor MissionMars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN)

launch vehicle=PSLVAtlas V rockets. (more powerful than PSLV)

launched on 5thNov 201318thNov 2013

from Sriharikota, Andhrafrom Cape Canaveral in Florida, US.

Rs.450 crore$671 million

~1,350 kg??

will enter Mars Orbit ~Sept. 24, 2014will enter Mars Orbit ~Sept. 22, 2014

Doing three studies:1. Surface/geology: using camera and spectrometer.2. (Particle) Environment: using MENCA3. Atmosphere:using Photometer and Methane sensor Only study Martian (upper) atmosphere. based on that data: Itll give clues about martian climate, geologic, and geochemical conditions over time Will find the answer: Did Mars ever had suitable environment to support life?

has five instruments/payloads has eight instrument- spectrograph, magnetometer, ion analyzer etc.

The spacecraft may also provide communications relay support for future Mars landers and rovers.

INSAT 3D Weather satellite (meteorology), search and rescue operations. At present Indias meteorological observation is done by two satellites Kalpana-1 and INSAT 3A. This INSAT 3D is more powerful and advanced. it can detect signals from distressed fishing boats, aeroplanes etc. and help in search and rescue missions, with help of coast guard, navy etc. Launched in late August 2013. expiry date= after seven years in 2020RH 200 & Thumba Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), Kerala, under ISRO 1963: Vikarm Sarabhai and team had launched an American rocket Nike-Apachefrom here. 2013: completed 50 years. RH 200 rocket was launched. RH 200 is a Rohini series advanced sounding rocket. can carry 10 kg payload. to study the upper atmosphere.

GSAT-7 Indias first full-fledged military communications satellite Navy will use it for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications. Launched from French Guiana in late August 2013.

GSAT-14 this communication satellite was to be launched ~mid-August 2013, from Sriharikota, Andhra but #EPICFAIL because launch vehicle GSLV-D5 developed a leak= ISRO had to cancel.

CuriosityNASAs Mars Rover Curiosity- gave two new findings1. Martian meteoritesreally are from the Mars Planet.2. Found two isotops of argon gas : Argon-36 and Argon-38by the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument on Curiosity.

Chandra X-ray Observatory belongs to NASA allows scientists from around the world to obtain X-ray images- to understand universes structure and evolution It recently found a black hole @the center of milky way a producing high energy particles. High energy particles = produced by young stars and blackholes. They play important role regulating the rate of formation of new stars.Olympic torch in Space 2014s winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia during February. From Kazakhstan, rocket was launched to carry Olympic torch to the international space station. (ISS) Astronauts will carry out a spacewalk with this Olympic torch. That way we can brag Olympic torch has even been to space. This torch has also been through:1. Worlds deepest lake:Baikal2. Highest mountain in Russia and Europe:Mt.ElbrusAshish Yadavfrom Haryana.Selected in NASAs three year astronauttraining program.

Defense related#1: INS Vikramaditya1987INS Virat- Aircraft carrier inducted.

1994India starts negotiating with Russia to get their aircraft carrier calledAdmiral Gorshkov(to be added as INS Vikramaditya)

2004formal deal signed

2013,INS Vikrant: Indias first ever indigenously built aircraft carrier launched @Kochi.

2013, NovFinally Russia handed over the ship to Indian Navy, after almost 9 years wait. Total cost: >12000 cr. rupees.

Ok but why is it so special? INS Virat is soon to retire. Vikrants testing is still ongoing. So, We needed a new aircraft carrier. vikramaditya will makes us only the third country in the world after the US and Italy to own more than air craft one carrier. (Vikrama+Vikrant) Even China has only one aircraft carrier: Liaoning INS Vikramaditya can carry 30 aircraft including MiG 29K, Sea Harrier; Dhruv, Chetak helicopters. 1600 personnel Its radar has a range of 500kms.2013 has been a special year for Indian Navy for following reasons:1. got Boeing P8 I long range maritime reconnaissance planes2. got Hawk jets to train navy pilots.3. got full fledged communication satellite GSAT-74. first MiG-29K squadron was commissioned5. INS Vikrant: first indigenous aircraft carrier, was launched at Kochi.6. INS Arihant- Indias first home grown nuclear submarine: Its nuke reactor went critical in August month.7. and finally got this INS Vikramaditya#2: Napalm incendiary weapon, designed by American chemists during WW2 Principle: fuel + thickening agent= fuel burns longer, gives higher temperature= more damage if poured on an enemy bunker/vehicle/soldier. Thickening agent used was:Naphthenate + aluminiumpalmitate. (hence calledNapalm) was widely used during Korean and Vietnam War. UN convention prohibits the use of Napalm against civilians.Why in News?Syrian Air force dropped Napalm bombs over schoolchildren. (BBC report.)#3: EMP Bomb EMP=electromagnetic pulse Nuclear bomb blast => gamma radiation. Atom is made up of: proton + neutron + electron. but this gamma radiation throws electrons out of the atom. all those free electrons are then deflected by earths magnetic field. And thus an EMP blast is created. An EMP blast can disable all type of electronic equipment. But it wont damage physical structures- like bridges/buildings, It cant kill people directly. Solar flares also create EMP- damage satellites and communication network. ok but why in news? Because North Korea has (allegedly) bought EMP bombs from Russia = South Korea is worried.Physics/Chemistry#1: Tree Leaves to detect gold Gold mining companies spend billions of dollars to search new deposits of gold. But Australian researcher came with a cheaper method= just study the tree leaves. Acacias and eucalypts treet roots go very deep in the earth and while they suck water and minerals- they also suck gold particles. But these trees treat the gold as toxic, and store it away in their leaves for shedding later.= by studying the chemical contents of the tree leaves, we can make a preliminary assessment about gold deposits in the area. Synchrotron=particle accelerator machine in Australia. it was use for testing this tree-leaves-gold theory.#2:Candle flame vs Gravity When we light a candle, why does the flame go against the gravity (up)? Burning candle= nearby air gets hot=moves upwards. And the cold air from above comes downward. Soon, this cold air also gets hot and moves upward. This continuous cycle of air movement pushes the flame upwards and gives the teardrop / elongated shape. If there is no gravity, then candle flame will be inspherical shape. (Because there is no up direction for the warm air to rise.)Mock Questions1. Which among the following used GSLV launch vehicle?a. GSAT7b. GSAT14c. Mars Orbitor Missiond. None of Above2. Which of the following is not associated with Indian Navya. Hawk Jet Trainerb. Boeing P8c. GSAT-7d. Samudra Paheredar3. Find the correct statement about Nepalma. Napalm is used in synethsis of Agent Orangeb. Napalm can be used as fuel in bomber jets.c. UN convention forbids the use of Napalm against enemy soldiers during war.d. None of Above4. Find incorrect statementsa. an EMP blast cannot damage mechanical instruments stored in a bunkerb. an EMP blast cannot kill soldiers hiding in a bunkerc. an EMP blast cannot damage electronics stored in a bunkerd. None of aboveQ5. Consider following statements about ISRO Mars Mission1. Mangalyaan was launched using PSLV because PSLV can carry heavier weight and longer journey than GSLV2. Mangalyaan has a Spectrometer to determine hydrogen and Deuterium levels in Martian atmosphere3. Mangalyaan has a Photometer to study mineral composition of Martian soilCorrect statements are:A. Only 1 and 2B. Only 2 and 3C. Only 1 and 3D. NoneQ6. Consider following pairs1. Mangalyaan=first Indian spacecraft to cross Earths escape velocity of 11.2 km per second.2. INS Virat= Indias first ever indigenously built aircraft carrier3. GSAT-7= Indias first full-fledged Military communication satellite.Correct pairs areA. Only 1 and 2B. Only 2 and 3C. Only 1 and 3D. NoneQ7. Which of the following do not belong to ISRO?1. Chandra X-ray Observatory2. RH-2003. Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer4. Sample Analysis at MarsAnswer choiceA. Only 1 and 2B. Only 2, 3 and 4C. Only 2 and 4D. Only 1 and 4Mains5 marks1. Payloads on ISROs Mars orbital mission2. MENCA3. ISTRAC1. INSAT 3D1. GSAT-71. GSAT-14

12 marks1. Discuss the modernization initiatives of 2013 that will help Indian Navy to become a Blue Water Navy.2. India, a country faced with plethora of socio-economic problems, should not involve in space race with developed countries. Do you agree? Justify your stand.[Sci-Tech] TheHindu Sep-Oct-Nov:(Part 1 of 4) Environment and Biodiversity (EnB)-Jellyblooms,e-waste rules,SAFARtech1. Prologue2. Flora Fauna Wildlife related1. Jellyfish bloom2. Cyber poaching3. Tiger Census4. Giant African Snail5. Hibernation6. Great Indian Bustard7. Katurirangan report on western ghat8. Human Cruelty by Animals?3. Waste Management related1. #1: E-waste rules2. #2: Nisrgruna3. #3: Coriander as biosorbent4. Air Pollution related1. #1 Air Quality Index2. #2 SAFAR3. #3 China bans coal based power plants4. #4: Aerosol5. Energy related1. #1: Nanotech: Better solar panels2. #2: Nanotech: better fuel cells6. Mock QuestionsPrologue Until now, Ive compiled Hindu Sci-Tech upto August 2013. You can access the entire archive onMrunal.org/sntnow moving to next three months: September, October and November 2013. (minus last Thursday of November ie.28thNov) This compilation runs in total three parts, first part dealing with Environment and Biodiversity related topics. Topics of agro,medical research, space, IT etc in remaining parts coming soon. COP-19/ Warsawclimate change conferencebeing a big topic- separately dealtclick me Disclaim:Ive covered only Thursday edition. (in that too, left many topics that I felt useless.) However sci-tech newsrandomly comes in Non-Thursday editions also. And nothing prevents UPSC from asking anything from there. So one should keep habit of maintaining daily notes from the newspaper on his own. These articles are only meant to supplement your preparation- not substitutes of Hindu/IndianExpressFlora Fauna Wildlife relatedJellyfish bloomJellyfish bloom= huge increase Jellyfishes population.Jellyfish bloom: result?1. In Sweden, anuclear power planthad to be shut down after jellyfishes clogged itswater cooling system. Similar incidents reported from Muscat, S.Korea to Scotland2. Bad for fishermen: their nets get busted and trawl lines get clogged.3. Jellyfish stings are extremely painful. Sea-resorts/beaches receive less tourists whenever jellyfishes are sighted near the coast.Why Jelly fish blooms?or, why is Jellyfish population increasing so rapidly?PredatorsThey have few predators sea turtles, salmon, mackerel et al.Overfishing of salmon, mackerel = less predators of jelly fish.

cuisineExcept a few Asian countries- most people dont eat Jelly fish because its meat is tasteless and you need to carefully remove its poisonous stings.=less demand=fishermen avoid jellyfishes.

CompetitorsJelly fish competes with smaller fishes for the same food. But Jelly fish even eats the eggs of its competitors fishes= collapses smaller fish populations.

Reproduction They create polypslittle bundles of clones. Polyps attach to hard surfaces and wait for their opportunity to release small jellyfish. Nowadays with lot of man-made hard surfaces in the ocean: drilling platforms, offshorewind turbines, boats, anchors etc even plastic cigarette packets= more places for polyps to thrive. In Certain species of jelly fish- even dead jelly fishes cells find each other again and from a whole new polyp. Because of this polyps mechanism- Jellyfish can even transport to new ecosystem- where often they have no natural predators.

Algae Bloom Pesticides, fertilziers, industral waste etc=>river=>ocean This increases the nitrogen and phosphorous content in water=> algal blooms During algal bloom, oxygen content in water decrease. = most marine organisms are wiped out. However, jellyfish can survive because it needs very little oxygen. So as other animals dwindle, jellyfish colonies expand Example: Pollution fromYangtze Riverinwestern China=> dead zones in the East China and Yellow Seas with Jelly blooms.

Cyber poaching Cyber poachingis the use of GPS, satellite, IT technology poaching animals. Iridium collar= fitted on tigers, can track them both via satellite and ground tracking. Can provide GPS data about animals movement at regular interval daily. Wildlife official found that someone from Pune tried to access this GPS data of tiger in MP=>leading to suspicion that hacker tried to get the tiger movement data- pass it to poachers so the animal can be easily hunted. FIR has been lodged. in the meantime, forest officers captured this tiger, replaced this iridium collar with Very High Frequency (VHF) collar.VHF collarGPS collar

since 60srecent technology

An animal wearing a VHF collar = transmits radiowaves- you track it with a special receiver and directional antenna. (but you have to in the nearby region). GPS tracking is based on a radio receiver (rather than a transmitter) in an animals collar. satellite used for monitoring the location coordinates- every 15 minutes,one houretc.

labor intensive. You need a man on the ground / plane in the air to track animal. So, doesnt work well in bad weather / difficult terrain.Satellite captures GPS coordinates- you can see animals location on computer anywhere.

Cheapexpensive

long lifeBattery expires in a few months.

Accuracy=reasonable.extreme

Tiger Census Conducted every four years. By National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) + Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun It is in news because October-December 2013 period,tiger censuswill run in the four southern states. Authorities also want to include NGOs and citizens in this exercise. Public participation gives transparency and credibility to tiger census. (else local forest officers might inflate tiger numbers in their district.) but as per the rules: no cameras/mobile phonesallowed. hence very few volunteers applied. Why? Because in previous census Volunteers spent most of their time shooting photos and recording videos, rather thancollecting data. flashlights from camera=disturbs the tigers and other wildlife.Giant African Snail Exotic pest introduced from East Africa to India in 1800s This is the biggest land snail Damages crops of papaya, brinjal etc. Snail is one type of Mollusk= Invertebrate having asoft bodyusually enclosed in a shell Snail is a hermaphrodite and lays eggs on soil. In cold regions, snail can undergohibernationHibernationWhat? Hibernation is a way that some animals deal with the harshness of winter. They curl up in a safe place, barely breathe, heartbeat is so slow you can hardly detect it, as if the animal is almost dead. In warmer weather, they return to their regular activities. Hibernation =in winter / cold regions. Similarly, Estivation = in summer/ hot regions.Why Hibernation? Evolutionary mechanism to survive in winters + food shortage. they breathe slowly, dont move=energy expenditure declines. Can live with just their body fat. (new research) Hibernation boosts immunity. Predator avoidance: since animal is motionless and emit minimal noise and body odour= predator cannot detect it.Who? Mammals: bats, bears, chipmunks, mice, hedgehog, Prairie Dogs, Raccoons, hamsters frogs, snakes, turtles, snails, earthworms, bees, lizards Birds: Poorwill, Nighthawks.Great Indian BustardRegardingGreat Indian Bustard: Less than 250 left in country.Why decline?Andrahas received ca$h from CAMPA (Compensatory AfforestationManagement and Planning).. Yet theyve not declared bird sanctuary for great Indian bustards.

Maharashtrain Chandrapur, the government ordered that farmland cannot be sold if bustard was seen on it. So, farmers kill bustards to sell the land.

KarnatakaForest officials planting exotic tree species= unsuitable as habitat for birds + less insect=less food

Erosion of grassland by domestic animals=less insects=less food for bird. Grassland turned into farmland, Farmland sold for industrial purpose= less insects=less food. Forest mafia destroying teak trees. poaching Unregulated tourism.In recent times, UPSC has been asking MCQ about status and location of endangered species. So, As per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)s red list:Birds found in Indiared list status (on Nov 2013)Found in

Great Indian Bustardcritically endangeredMaharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

Cattle Egretleast concern Egrets are local winter Migratory birds. In winter, they migrate to Ooty hill station region. They also feed on pest/insects=help farmers.

Baya Weaverleast concern

Pink-headed Duckcritically endangeredYou dig and post in comments.

Jerdons Coursercritically endangered

Siberian Cranecritically endangered

Indian Vulturecritically endangered

Bengal Floricancritically endangered

Katurirangan report on western ghat Weve already seen Gadgil report in detail:click me But Gadgil report led to widespread protests by villagers and forest/builder/mining mafia lobby in Western Ghats. So, Environment ministry setup one more committee under Kasturirangan, in August 2012. headed by Dr. K. Kasturirangan (Member, Planning Commission)GadgilKasturirangan

Official name: Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP)High Level Working Group (HLWG)

use satellite data down to 9km resolution24 meters resolution

Classifies western ghat region into three zone: 1, 2 and 3. Separate level protection to each of this zones.click me for moreIt classifies Western Ghat into cultural landscape: ~58% Natural landscape ~42%.

kept cultural landscape within purview of ecologically sensitive areas. Kasturi has kept cultural landscape out of purview of Ecologically sensitive areas. e.g. sacred groves of Kerala- rich in biodiversity. So, if Kasturis recommendations accepted, any builder could raze the sacred groves to construct new buildings. (or atleast thats what Gadgil followers say)

entire Western ghat should be declared as ecologically sensitive area under Environment Protection Act, 1986. nope, only 37% area of Western ghat (=60000 sq.km) villages with population density >100, shoulnot be declared ecologically sensitive.

pro-people, pro-nature.Grama Sabhas should decide on the Ecological Sensitivity of the respective areasautocratic approach. Doesnt include local communitys role in ecological decision-making. (or atleast thats what Gadgil followers say)

Why Kasturi in news? As per Kasturis recommendation, Environment ministry banned mining activities and restrict on construction activities in 123 villages of Western Ghat. Kasturi also recommends that commercial crops, rubber, tea, coffee, pepper, cashew, cardamom, arecanut and coconut etc. shouldnot be allowed in such ecologically sensitive areas. + even chemical fertilizers and pesticides should not be allowed for any crops. result? farmers are against Kasturis report. = violent protests in Kerala.Human Cruelty by Animals? Shimla Municipal Corporation had earlier rounded up every stray dog and kept them in dog houses built outside the town. But an NGO got these dogs released and now leopards entering localities to hunt this dogs Similarly, people throwing food garbage in the town= monkeys coming from jungle causing more crop destruction. State Government has banned export of monkeys for medical research. Kisan Sabha demanding that (1) monkeys must be culled and (2) monkey export should be permitted. Animal-loving NGOs move to courts for flimsiest reasons but dont care for such problems faced by humans.Waste Management related#1: E-waste rules e-waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011 By Environment ministry- made in 2011, became effective since 2012 Covers: electrical / IT equipment. Doesnt cover: lead batteries and radioactive waste (separate rules for them)Featuresaim safe disposal e-waste through private bodies

Coverage Apply to every producer, consumer and recycling center.

Ceiling Specify the ceiling limits of lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, ether etc. hazardous substances in electrical equipment. Every producer has to certify their equipment donot contain those substances beyond the specified level.

Disposal Concept: Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR). Meaning, once the consumer discards the electronic / IT product- it is producers responsibility to collect the e-waste and ensure theyre safely disposed. Producer has to take back its discarded electronic products from customers. (or can outsource this work to a recycler/collection center) If municipality gather e-waste (during their day-to-day operation)- they need to hand over e-waste to such private bodies.

Non-ComplianceState pollution control board can cancel the license of thatproducer.

Some more fodder points on e-waste1. E-waste is not entirely waste. you can salvage iron, aluminum, copper and gold and other precious metals and reuse them2. but e-waste also contains mercury, cadmium etc. hazardous substances3. Mercury =bio-accumulates (builds up in organisms) and biomagnifies (moves up the food chain). Thus, even a minuscule amount of mercury can affect entire ecology and human health.4. As per ASSOCHAM report top three e-waste producing citiescity ranke-waste in tonnes per year

1. Mumbai>60,000

1. Delhi>40,000

1. Banglore>35,000

#2: Nisrgrunatoo clichd topic, besides already been asked in one of the earlier mains. but anyways: Nisargruna= solid waste management technology devised by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) 1 tonne of biodegradable waste from households, hotels, farms=>nisargruna plant=>methane (1 cylinder) + manure (50kg) 4 such cylinders can power 80-100 LED streetlight for 8 hours. takes only 20 lakhs to setup one plant. More efficient than traditional biogas plants been in news because a new Plants being setup in Madurai + Chennaisome fodder points related to municipal waste By 2100: Indias total waste generation will be 70 per cent of all the high income and OECD countries put together by 2030 India will be worlds largest municipal solid waste generator.#3: Coriander as biosorbent Coriander or cilantro, the leafy herb used to garnish variety of Indian food. US researchers found coriander leafs are potential biosorbent = can remove lead, nickel and other toxic heavy metals from water. can be used low-cost remedy to purify drinking water.Air Pollution related#1 Air Quality IndexAir QualityIndex is a color-coded tool that categorizes air quality.Air QualityRatingAir Quality Index (AQI)Color

GOOD0 50green

MODERATE51 100yellow

UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS101 150orange

UNHEALTHY151 200red

VERY UNHEALTHY201 300purple

HAZARDOUS>300maroon

Air Quality index can be measured based on particle size. PM 10: measure pollutants with a diameter of 10 microns or less. PM 2.5: pollutants with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less.For exampleAir QualityRatingRangePM10PM2.5Color

GOOD0 50green

MODERATE51 100yellow

UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS101 150orange

UNHEALTHY151 200red

VERY UNHEALTHY201 300purple

HAZARDOUS>300maroon

for Beijing, it remains >300 (hazardous) and for Delhi- in the range of 250 (very unhealthy). [October data]#2 SAFAR SAFAR: System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Computerized system developed by Indian institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune (under Ministry of Earth Science) with help of India Meteorological Department (IMD). SAFAR was installed in Delhi, during CWG-2010. Later in Pune. Why in news?Because SAFAR is being installed in Mumbai. (October) it provides data on1. Air Quality Index health advisory2. UV Index skin advisory3. Dynamic city pollution maps. Quality of air can be forecasted 24-72 hours in advance.#3 China bans coal based power plantsIn Beijing, air quality index is constantly above 300 in recent months. Haze is a routine phenomenon. Air pollution has reduced Chinese peoples life expectancy by 5.5 years and so on finally Chinese government woke up, has banned new coal based power plants in the three key industrial regions1. Beijing2. Shanghai3. Guangdong (Pearl River)China will try to reduce its coal consumption to 65% by 2017, and aim for more nuclear, natural gas and renewable energy.#4: AerosolAerosol= solid/liquor particles uniformly distributed in gas.naturalman-made

sea salt, dust soot from vehicles. firewood burning, sulphate particles from thermal / cement plants.

Aerosol optical depth (AOD)= An index of aerosol levels. Researchers found aerosol level has increased over the years in India.Why aerosol bad in atmosphere? They absorb light= less sunlight coming to ground. also affect how much heat escapes from earth Thus aerosol affect aerosol affect regional climate and monsoon (+respiratory problems). Man made aerosols have HFCs (Hydrofloro carbons)=greenhouse effect.Energy related#1: Nanotech: Better solar panels Solar power panels use semiconductor material, like silicon or gallium arsenide Sunlight=>photons=> Semiconductor material =>electromagnetic energy London researchers coated this solar panel surface with aluminum nanostructures.Result? More photons absorbed=>more electricity produced. Earlier scientists tried similar thing with silver and gold nanoparticles. But Aluminum is giving better performance at cheaper cost. Price of Solar Power in India2011Rs. 18/kWh

2013Rs. 7/kWh

Aluminum nano structureCould help bring down the cost even further

#2: Nanotech: better fuel cells Fuel cells: chemical energy=>electricity. Fuel cell running cars will emit water rather than carbon dioxide. But fuel cells use platinum as a catalyst= very expensive. Researchers came with new tech. to convert cheap catalyst from geletin. Gelatin is protein, used in jelly making. Gelatin+Magneisum+Iron=>heating=>create metal nanoparticles. Useem as catalyst in fuel cells.Mock QuestionsQ1. Consider following statements about Nisargruna Technology1. It is a solid waste management technology developed by BARC2. can transform plastic waste into biodiesel3. More efficient than traditional biogas plants because Nisargruna plant can directly turn waste into butane gas.The incorrect statements areA. only 1B. only 2C. only 2 and 3D. only 1 and 3Q2. Consider following statements about hibernation1. It is a survival mechanism to cope up with harsh winters.2. During hibernation, animal reduces its breathing rate to increase its metabolism rate.3. Only mammals can undergo hibernation.Correct statements areA. only 1B. only 2C. only 2 and 3D. only 1 and 3Q3. Which of the following set of birds are included in IUCNs critically endangered list?A. Great Indian Bustard, Cattle Egret, Indian VultureB. Great Indian Bustard, Siberian Crane, Cattle EgretC. Great Indian Bustard, Siberian Crane, Indian VultureD. Cattle Egret, Siberian Crane, Indian VultureQ4. Consider following statements about Jellyfish:1. Jellyfish is one type of Mollusk2. Jellyfish population is on decline because the overfishing of its food-salmon and mackerel.3. Jellyfish requires high amount of dissolved oxygen and hence can die immediately during an algae bloom.4. Man-made hard surfaces in the ocean such as drilling platforms, offshore wind turbines, boats and anchors negatively affect the reproduction of jelly fishes.Correct statementsA. only 1 and 2B. only 2 and 3C. only 2, 3 and 4D. NoneQ4. Find correct statementsA. VHF collar is more accurate in tracking wild animals compared to GPS collars.B. VHF collar is one type of radio transmitter.C. Both A and B correctD. Neither A nor B correctQ5.Consider following statements about Tiger Census1. Tiger census is conducted at the interval of every five years.2. Tiger census is solely done by Wild life institute of India, with help of state forest departments.3. As per the tiger census rules, the forest officials are prohibited from using public and NGOs in the tiger counting work.Correct statementsA. Only 1B. only 2 and 3C. Only 1 and 3D. NoneQ6. Consider following statements about Katurirangan report on western ghat1. Kasturirangan is the chairman of Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP)2. His report recommends entire Western ghat should be declared as ecologically sensitive area under Environment Protection Act, 1986.3. His report recommends promoting cultivation of rubber, tea, coffee, pepper, cashew, cardamom, arecanut and coconut in the ecologically sensitive areas- to prevent tribals from joining poaching activities.Incorrect statementsA. Only 1B. only 2 and 3C. AllD. NoneQ7. Incorrect statementA. E-waste (Management & Handling) Rules were enacted by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in 2011.B. These rules follow the principle of Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR), under which, producer is freed from the responsibility of safe-disposal of e-waste, by paying a specified amount to government.C. both A and BD. Neither A nor BQ8. Correct StatementA. As per the Air Quality index- city with lower index number is more polluted than a city with higher index number.B. System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) is a new technology developed by Japan to monitor air quality index during next Olympic Games.C. both A and BD. Neither A nor BMains 5 marks1. SAFAR technology2. Tiger Census3. Great Indian Bustard 12 marks1. List the salient features of the rules enacted by Ministry of environment and forestry for management and handling of e-waste.2. Between Gadgil and Kasturirangans recommendations- which one is more suitable for the conservation of Western Ghats? Why?3. List the applications of nanotechnology in the area of clean energy.[Sci-Tech]TheHindu Sep-Oct-Nov(Part 2of4): Agriculture,Public Health,Medical research related1. Prologue2. Foodcrops related1. #1: Trombay Crop varieties2. #2: Navara Rice3. #3: Rice-Fish-Poultry Integrated Model3. Milk/Meat/Fish related:1. #1: Poultry Meat to Biodiesel2. #2: Sea Ranching3. #3: TMR (Total mixed ration)4. #4: FMD outbreak in South India4. Public Health/Policy related1. #1: B.Sc (Community Health)2. #2: Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) 20133. #3: Brainmapping, Lie Detection and Narco Analysis4. #4: Eye Donation5. Disease/Anatomy related1. #1: Wifi Pacemaker2. #2: Rabies3. #3: Kala Azar4. #4: Goose bumps5. #5: Pediatric TB6. Medical research related1. Nano capsule vaccine2. Regenerative Medicine3. 4D printing4. In-vivo iPS cell5. 3 parent baby6. DNAs half life7. Mock QuestionsPrologue In the previous article (part 1 or 3) we saw the environment and biodiversity (EnB) related topics from Sep-Oct-Nov months of TheHinduclick me Now (part 2 of 3): time for agriculture and publichealth related topics. part (3 of 3): dealing with IT, Space and other misc. topics coming soon.Foodcrops related#1: Trombay Crop varieties by BARC scientists. Using radiation induced mutation and cross-breeding. Agro. Ministry has permitted their commercial cultivation. In the 70s, BARC started with Trombay Groundnut (TG-1) for Guj-Maharashtra regionCropNo. of Trombay varieties

Groundnut15- large seeds, drought resistant, no sprouts/germination during storage

Mustard3

Soya2-more resistant to bacteria

Sunflower1

Mooong8- can survive salinity, disease-resistant, early maturing

Tuvar4

Urad5

Chouli1

Rice1

Jute1

Total41

Benefits: individual crop varietys feature may vary but by and large takes less time to mature drought/ pest tolerant longer shelf life#2: Navara Rice Navara is a medicinal rice variety. Red colored. Grown in Kerala. used in Ayurveda remedies for rheumatisms, neuro muscular disorders andbody rejuvenation. enjoys geographical indication (GI) status. (Pokkali rice=another Kerala rice that enjoys GI status=Pokkali rice) butNavara ricecultivation is almost extinct. Why? pure seeds not available low yield, high production cost Now farmers trying to revive this via concept of Navara Eco Farm- with organic farming Pesticides not used. Instead, they plant Tulsi and marigold to repel the insects.#3: Rice-Fish-Poultry Integrated ModelIn this model, farmer uses% of his landTo grow

90%Paddy (rice)

5%Fishes carp, roghu, cutla etc.

5%Poultry cage. Erected in such a way that one part is over the fishes and one part over the paddy crop. This way, bird dropping help as fish-feed + farm-manure.

Benefits1. Recyclingwaste products-using them as fish feed and manure2. Additional incomefrom poultry and fishes3. bio-control of pests: fish feed on the pests and insects attacking the rice plant4. Similar triple-income model can also be constructed with silkworm rearing, or apiary.Madurai malli Flower in TN Enjoys GI status (click me for earlier article) Why in news? Because theyre looking for exprort potential in Malaysia Problem: rainfall scarcity, Labor shortage because of MNREGA,Cotton Duty(Although not really a sci-tech topic) Currently, duty-free cotton exports are permitted (after registering contracts with the Directorate General ofForeign Trade(DGFT). Textile minister wants to impose 10% duty on overseas sale of cotton. But Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said not a good idea sir-ji Reasons: Indias cotton production has been increasing every year. In such a situation, there should be no restrictions on export of raw cotton and no duty on export. any quantitative restriction or export duty would penalise farmersMilk/Meat/Fish related:#1: Poultry Meat to Biodiesel Namakkal district of TN= leading producer of poultry. (for more on[food processing] click me) Avg. 4000 birds die here every day and discarded in the open=>foul smell, contamination of ground water, health hazards, house flies and diseases. Now a TN researcher designed method to extract bio-diesel out of dead poultry. Each dead chicken weighs about 1.5 kg and ~15% of its body has fat. Using solvent extraction method, we can extract this fat and turn it into body diesel. This way six birds=1 litre of bio-diesel. This bio-diesel can be blended with regular diesel in 20:80 ratio and can be used in regular vehicles.#2: Sea Ranching Sea ranchingis a process of releasing artificially cultured juvenile fishes into the sea or estuarine waters=> let them mature=>fishing. can be used for shrimps, sea cucumber, sea urchin, variety of fishes. New sea ranching project in Kozikode- 4 lakh larvae of tiger prawns released. This would help inland fishermen of the district- who are negatively affected by overfishing practices andclimatic changes Economies of sea ranching=> 4 lakh larvae = only 20% survive= 1,600 kg of prawn, and at an average Rs.250 a kg, this will amount to Rs.3 lakh to Rs.4 lakh in returns.#3: TMR (Total mixed ration) New type of cheap cattle feed being tested in Kerala. Uses mixture of ground nuts, sesame, red gram, molasses, toxin binder, salt and vitamin mineral mixtures. Cheaper than commercial feeds Can also be given to goats, sheep etc. Reduces the green fodder requirement Increases milk output.#4: FMD outbreak in South India In [Food Processing] Milk sector article, weve already seen theory Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) and how it affects the supply line of milk/meat industry.click me FMD is in news because of outbreak reported in Andhra. There are four type of FMD virus: A, C, O and Asia1. Indian cattle is given vaccines against all these FMD viruses- twice a year. Sheep and goats (cloven hoofed animals) are also susceptible to the FMD viral disease. FMD is not a public health hazard. It doesnt spread to humans.Public Health/Policy related#1: B.Sc (Community Health) Union cabinet approved this newdegree course. 3 years course in state university =>Community healthofficer under health ministry. Syllabus designed by National Board of Examinations (NBE). (and not the medical council of India MCI) Will help in: diarrhea, pneumonia, vaccination, TB, fever, skin infection, normal delivery etc. will act as a bridge between village midwife/ASHA work vs a doctorOppositionWhy?

MBBS lobby1. Course Syllabusnot designed by MCI= such graduates cannot be expected to provide professionaldiagnosis and treatment.2. This B.Sc course will create two tiers of medical professionals.

parliamentary standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare1. these half-baked doctors will endanger the lives of the patients.2. Instead of such fancy new courses- better make it mandatory for new MBBS to serve in rural areas for the first few years.3. 12thFYP already proposed setting up medical colleges in every district. So doctor shortage will be removed soon, then why are you makingnew degree?

#2: Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) 2013 By Department of Pharmaceutics under ministry of Chemical and fertilizer. (and not health ministry). To fix ceiling price of essential medicines on the basis of market-based pricing. DPCO 2013 empowers the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to regulate prices of 348 essential drugs.How? Make a list of all pharma companies with marketshare of atleast 1% or more. observe their prices for given drug- take simple average of those prices +local taxes and 16% profit margin for retail chemist. Decide ceiling price based on that.Sounds well and good, whats the problem?1. Patented drugs not covered. So most of the MNC pharma brands are out of the scope.2. AYUSH drugs are not covered.3. Only applies to 348 drugs. There are total ~900 allopathic drugs in India.4. Companies can still evade price ceiling by adding / changing a few ingredients in their drug formulation.5. Doesnt not apply to newly patented within India (for first five years). =companies might file frivolous patents by slightly modifying existing mixtures-to evade price ceiling.6. Even within ceiling, Doctors can still prescribe most expensive variety of drug and patient will buy it. (and doctor mints commission from pharma company.)Anyways, but why in News? become Some NGO filed court case- alleging that DPCO encourages profiteering. Government prince regime guided by market-driven forces= bad idea. National List of Essential Drugs consists of only 348 drugs and left out many essential medicines from price control.Drugs in news (DIN?)Mycidac-C Cadilas new New drug For non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Price: 40000 for 10 injections (still cheaper than its rival Avastin by Roche pharma.) Got permission from to sell in India

Metforminused for treatment oftype II diabetes.some researchers believed It also helps in heart-diseases-even in non-diabetic patients. But the clinical trials have been inconclusive so far.

RanbaxyIndian drug company Ranbaxy Laboratories used fraudulent data to approval from USAs FDA to sell generic drugs in America. (according to its whistleblower employee.)

#3: Brainmapping, Lie Detection and Narco AnalysisPolygraphPopularly called Lie detection test. Been used since 1920s.Lie detection instrument connected with suspects body. He is asked series of questions.Principle: deceptive/wrong answers produce physiological responses different than true answers e.g. BP, pulse rate, respiration and skin temperature.Thus you can find lie by monitoring his physiological indices.

Narco AnalysisSuspect is given injection of truth serum e.g. sodium thiopental/ Sodium Pentothal/ Sodium Amytal. (one type of barbiturate derivate.)Principle: truth serums act on the central nervous system (CNS). They reduce anxiety and self-control. Suspect becomes woozy/ trance/half-unconscious. Then you ask questions, hell (most likely) tell the truth.

Brain MappingSensors attached to Suspects head. He is shown audio/video/images related to crime scene.Principle: suspects brain recognizes things from a crime scene and produces different type of brain waves (while innocent person who has no knowledge of crime scene- will not produce those brain waves).

In a typical criminal investigation, suspects first undergo a lie detection test, then brain mapping and narco-analysis. As per an expert committee of NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) says Brain mapping = unscientific and should be discontinued as an investigative tool and as evidence in courts. As per Supreme court directive: police cannot do Brain mapping, polygraph and brain-mapping tests without consent of the accused person. fine but Why in news? Because LeT bomber Abdul Karim Tunda refused to give consent for brain mapping, citing his old age and health problems. (September 2013 news)#4: Eye Donation NationalEye Donationfortnight was held in Aug-September period. India has around 20 lakh people with corneal blindness they can see again with eye transplantation. eye donation does not disfigure the dead body and the procedure takes only about 10 to 15 minutes. shelf life of a retrieved eye is12 days- it is given to needy patient based on waiting list. We have to motivate people to donate eyes. but only signing forms alone is not sufficient. A person must inform his friends and relatives. (that if I die, contact this xyz number to get my eye donated) World Sight Day= celebrated on second Thursday of October. This year it was on 10th Oct.Disease/Anatomy related#1: Wifi PacemakerNormal heart beat60-90 times per minute. (72 to be exact)

bradycardiaheart beats at a slower rate than 60 beats per minute

TachycardiaHeart rate >100 beats per minute.

arrhythmiasirregular heartbeat

sinoatrial (SA) node. Group of cells- that generate electrical signal . This signal controls heartbeat rate. Faulty electrical = arrhythmias=irregular heartbeat.

During Tachycardia (too fast heart beats), upper chambers of heart cannot fill up blood within the fast beat= blood flow become irregular=>fatigue, dizziness, fainting, and/or chest pain even death.PacemakerImplantable Cardio Defibrillator. (ICD)

Generates low energy electrical impulses= to make the heart beat at normal rate.same. but not just impulse- it can also give an electrical high-shock during emergency.

Pacemaker runs on a battery- need replacement @4-5 years.same

Latest models of pacemaker even have wifi-feature. It can directly send messages to the doctor, about patients heart rate.same

ok but Why in news?Because ex-Vice President Dick Cheney had turned off wifi feature in his defibrillator- because of fear that terrorists could hack it to kill him, via wifi!Speaking of fancy heart gadgets:AED Automated External Defibrillator Shocks the heart back to its normal rhythm. You may have seen this in many Hollywood movies. Anyone can use AED device on the patient during emergency. But need to educate people and need to place AEDs @commonplaces like railway station, bus complex, and a shopping malls.

Holter Monitor A small, portable ECG. Can be worn over chest to track your heart rate for 24 hours and doctor can use this data for diagnosis.

#2: Rabies is a zoonosis disease (transmitted from animals to humans) other examples of such diseases are Anthrax, Bovine tuberculosis, Plague, Ringworm. Virus is present in the salivary glands of rabid animals. When rabid animal bites human= virus transmitted. Raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, dogs, and cats, among other smaller animals can spreadrabiesthrough their bites. Rabies virus infects the central nervous system. Causes hypersalivation (increase in saliva), hydrophobia (fear of water), partial paralaysis, hallucinations and finally death. (India: >20,000 per year) Louis Pasteur (French)= pasteurization, anthrax vaccine, rabies vaccine. earlier, you had to get 16 injections of anti-rabies vaccine on the abdomen. Today, with advanced care, just 4-5 injection sufficient. No treatment is required if a person feeds or touches a rabid dog. No treatment required if rabid dog licks intact skin of human. But if the rabid dog causes a skin injury or licks the mucus membrane like in the mouth, eyes and nose, vaccination is must.#3: Kala Azar Also known visceral leishmaniasis. caused by Parasite: Leishmania Spread by female sand-fly (it bites for blood meal) Affects spleen, liver and bone marrow. (Parasite cannot synthesize iron containing haem molecule on its own. So, it attacks those organs in search of hemoglobin.) In terms of death record by parasitic diseases: #1 Malaria and #2 isKala Azar. Our national health policy aims to eliminate Kala-azar by 2015 i.e. less than 1 case per 10,000 population at sub-district level. Weve also signed Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nepal and Bangladesh to eliminate Kala-azar from the South East Asia region by 2015, Drugs used: Miltefosine capsule, Amphotericin B injection. (brandname Fungisome) By and large, Kala Azar drugs are toxic and expensive. No vaccine has yet been licensed.ok but why in news? Because anAmerican institutetesting vaccine in India.#4: Goose bumps Goosebumps are caused by extreme cold or intense emotions How? electric impulse passing thru tiny muscles below skin=>skin contracts and the hairs get erect. Fur animals usegoose bumpsfor insulation against coldness. (because erect hairs trap more air=more insulation) in cats and rats- goose-bumps make their bodysize appear bigger= to frighten their enemies. ok but what is the use of goosebumps in humans? Nothing. Its just a vestigial reflex. Other examples of vestigial traits=appendix, tailbone, wisdom teeth and tonsils.#5: Pediatric TB 1997: Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) started Limitation?Passive approach RNTCP waits for the patient to come to the clinic and get his sputum tested. But in the meantime, hed have infected dozen more.

Children neglected WHO recommends that if an adult has TB, then all children (below 5 years age in his house must be tested for TB. Because children are particularly susceptible to TB bacteria. But RNTCP doesnt do this. DOTS workers dont inquire about children living in TB patients house either.

Result? Highest number of TB patients found in India- ~3.5 million and >10% of them are children. TB in Children: detection problems? Unlike adult, children donot product sputum= hard to diagnose in lab. Smear microscopy and other traditional methods to detect TB= dont give conclusive result when used on children. Solution? Use Xpert MTB test on children to detect TB. (we already saw this test under GeneExpert device click me) Xpert MTB is a rapid molecular test. WHO recommends it for diagnosing Multi-drug resistant TB (MTB) this test can give result within two hours. even if very few TB bacteria present in the sample. Limitation: barely ~30 Xpert diagnostic machines in India. Brighter side: if Child is infected but has not yet developed TB disease, just give him isoniazid drug for six month and problem solved.Medical research relatedNano capsule vaccine Nanocapsule vaccines give better protection than normal vaccine Doesnt require injection /needle. Mucosa tissues= found in Human respirator track, alimentary canal, and the reproductive tract. If Nano-capsule vaccine is delivered to any of these one sites- it gives immunity to all other sites as well. e.g. if future HIV vaccine is given through inhaler in nose= will grant immunity to genitals (from where HIV virus can enter body.) Thus nanocapsule vaccines delivered through inhalers=future of medicine- especially HIV, human papillomavirus (Cervical cancer), herpes, influenza and tuberculosis and other diseases that pass through mucosal tissues.Regenerative Medicine It is a branch of medical science which studies the replacement or regeneration of human cells, tissue and organs. This helps in chronic (long term) diseases. Involves use of stem cells and now 3Dprinting(for example: 3d printed liver, kidney, ears etc.) Latest in this area is 4D printing.4D printing4D printing=3D printing + time / place dimension.For example, A soldiers uniform that can alter its color pattern depending on time/season/surrounding place A soldiers armor that can alter its defense-mechanism based on type of attack: bullet/acid/fire/radiation/chemical etc. An artificial organ that can adapt based on lifestyle, diet, blood group, and infection etc. of the patient.In-vivo iPS cell Adult cell (e.g. from skin, muscle etc)=>reprogram=> becomes iPS cell (induced pluripotent stem cells) Use this iPS stem cell to grow liver, heart, kidney etc. in lab.=>organ transplant. Last year, Nobel was given for this iPS research. So far, iPS cells could be grown only in labs (in-vitro) But now researcher working on how to grow iPS cells right inside the body (in-vivo) Benefit? Theyll have more uses asregenerative medicinethan lab grown iPS cells (in-vitro)3 parent baby already covered in june-july-august seriesclick me same story repeated in October edition as well. Anyways, lets check Mitochondria= powerhouse of cell, help oxidizing food and generate energy. Also help coordinating several molecular events. During fertilization Embryo gets mitochondria DNA from mother side. Fathers sperm also contain mitochondria in its tail- but not given to the embryo. If mother has Defective mitochondria=> baby likely to have liver, heart and respiratory disease.What is the solution? In mothers egg, replace mitochondria with healthy from a donor lady. Then use this modified egg in the fertilization with fathers sperm. Thus three-parent babyis born:FatherGave sperm

Mito-momDonor lady, Gave mitochondria DNA

Geno-momGave the egg

UK gave permission for clinical trials.USA still contemplating over the biological, ethical and legal issues involved in this technology.1978Invitro fertilization

1996Dolly ship clone

2013Three parent baby

Exact years not important but chronology is. Incase UPSC asks an like they did in CAPF-2013 for plasma, LED and CRT televisions chronology.DNAs half life New research found DNA has a half-life of 521 years. That means that after 521 years, half of the bonds between nucleotides in DNA would have broken; after another 521 years half of the remaining bonds would have gone. ok but how is that even relevant? Because in Hollywood sci-fi movies, you may have seen how scientist would use DNA sample from dinosaurs and ancient insects are trapped in amber and breed a new dinosaur or some other massive creature. This is implausible because dinosaurs died 65 million years ago. And given that DNAs half-life is just 521 years- their DNA has become junk- there is no way you can decode it and create new dinosaur.Cytoskeleton This material in our cells, determines the mechanical properties of the cell. If the cytoskeleton is damaged, cell-division is affected, too. Cancer damages this cytoskeleton, rendering cells softer and smoother. Thus, by studying cytoskeleton we can detect cancer. Research on going in this area.

Botulism Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobic bacteria=can only grow in the absence of oxygen. Botulinum = toxin produced by this bacteria. It can enter human body through contaminated food, wounds, water=> botulism=death if untreated. ok but why in news? Scientists have discovered a new strain of this bacteria- its toxin has no antidote. Theyve not published all details- otherwise terrorists can use it for making bioweapons.

Polonium Polonium (Po) is a radioactive element. Marie Curie had discovered it and named after her homeland- Poland. Polonium is deadlier than cyanide. ya but why in news? A Swiss scientist found high levels of Polonium on blood-saliva stains on Yasser Arafats clothes- suggesting that someone (=Israelis) had poisoned him.

DEETDEET ( N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the most widely used insect repellantProblem: costly, dissolves plastics and synthetic fabrics, But now scientists looking for natural alternative made from grape.

Mock Questions1. Which among the following set of agriculture produce, enjoys GI status?a. Madurai Malli, Trombay groundnut, Pokalli riceb. Trombay groundnut, Navara Rice, Madurai Mallic. Pokkali rice, Navara Rice, Madurai Mallid. None of Above2. Sea Ranchinga. is an adventure sportb. is a novel method for mining metals from Polymetallic nodules in the sea bed.c. is a method where juvenile organisms are released in the sea /inland water to increase their harvestable stock.d. none of above3. find Correct statement(s)a. Foot and mouth Disease (FMD) is a viral disease that can only spread among domestic animals.b. FMD can spread from animals to humans, therefore it is not advisable to eat the meat of an animal died of FMD.c. Both A and Bd. Neither A nor B4. Find correct statement(s) about Trombay Crop varietiesa. Theyre developed by ICARb. Environment ministry has banned their commercial usage due to presence of Bt-strain.c. both A and Bd. Neither A nor B5. What is the principle behind polygraph tests?a. Deceptive answers produce notable difference in pulse rate, respiration and other physiological parameters.b. Injection of certain drugs can inhibit self-control and suspect would give true answers.c. Brain can automatically generate specific type of waves, when it recognizes a sound / picture / video of a place the suspect had earlier visited.d. None of above6. What is the principle behind narco-analysis tests?a. Under influence of truth serums, deceptive answers produce notable difference in pulse rate, respiration and other physiological parameters.b. Injection of certain drugs can inhibit brains self-control and suspect would give true answersc. Under influence of truth serums, Brain can automatically generate specific type of waves, when it detects a sound / picture / video of a place/person that suspect had earlier visited.d. None of above7. What is the principle behind brain mapping tests?a. Deceptive answers generate notable different type of brain waves in the suspects brain, compared to true answers.b. Injection of certain drugs can inhibit brains self-control and suspect would give true answers.c. Brain can automatically generate specific type of waves, when it detects a sound / picture / video of a place/person that suspect had earlier visited.d. None of above8. Incorrect statements about eye donationa. If the donated eye is not transplanted to patient within 3 days, it becomes useless.b. Donated eye cannot restore vision of a patient suffering from corneal blindness.c. both A and Bd. Neither A nor B9. Correct statements about mitochondriaa. Mitochondria helps coordinating several molecular events.b. If mother has defective mitochondria, baby will not be affected because an embryo gets mitochondria from fathers side through sperms.c. Both A and Bd. neither A nor B10. Incorrect statements about Botulisma. Botulism is a genetic disorder found in the next generations of survivors of nuclear disaster.b. Polonium can used as a medication to treat botulismc. Both A and Bd. neither A nor B11. Correct statements aboutDrug PriceControl Order (DPCO) 2013a. It is formulated by the Ministry of Health and family welfareb. It fixes ceiling price of both allopathic and AYUSH drugs in India.c. Both A and Bd. neither A nor BQ12. Consider following statements about Navara Rice1. It is a green colored rice having anti-cancer properties.2. grown in Mizoram3. enjoys GI statusCorrect statements:A. Only 1B. Only 1 and 2C. Only 2 and 3D. Only 3Q13. Consider following statements1. Tachycardia is a condition where heart beats at lower rate than 72 beats per minute.2. Kala-Azar is a viral disease spread via sand fly3. Human appendix is an example of non-vestigle organWhich of them are incorrect?A. only 1 and 2B. only 1 and 3C. only 2 and 3D. All of them.Q14. Consider following statements about Rabies1. Only the mammals from dog family (Canis lupus familiaris)can spread rabies virus.2. In humans, rabies virus decreases salivation and induces hydrophobia.3. Jonas Salk had developed vaccine against Rabies.4. Even if a rabid dog licks intact human skin, the person must get rabies vaccine shots.Correct Statements are:A. only 1B. only 1 and 2C. only 2 and 3D. NoneQ15. Which of the following is/are capable of spreading rabies?1. Raccoons2. bats3. dogs4. catsAnswer choiceA. only 3B. only 1 and 3C. only 2 and 3D. All of themMains 5marks1. Trombay Crop varieties2. Navara Rice3. Sea Ranching4. B.Sc (Community Health)5. Mycidac-C6. Xpert MTB7. Regenerative medicine 12marks1. Write a note on the community health care initiatives by Government of India.2. Discuss the salient features and limitations of Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) 2013.3. What are the salient features Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP). Suggest improvements to make RNTCP more effective.[Sci-Tech]TheHindu Sep-Oct-Nov(Part3of4): Computer/IT/Mobile Tech: Gecko,Street View Trekker, Param Yuva, EMF Radiation1. Prologue2. ICT for Public welfare1. #1: C-DAC mobile app for womens safety2. #2 VithU App3. #3: Google for Indian women4. #4: Google to defend freedom of expression5. #5: Street View Trekker6. #6: Param Yuva II3. ICT: new Technology by Indians1. #1: Gecko: Bluetooth device2. #2: Zendrive3. #3: ZoomCar Pvt. Ltd4. ICT: Government Rules/Policy1. #1: EMF radiation limit1. Electromagnetic field (EMF)2. Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)3. Electromagnetic spectrum4. Mobile Frequencies5. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)6. Mobile towers- radiation limits2. #2: Preferential market access (PMA) policy3. #3: IT Potential in Africa5. IT: Misc.6. Mock Questions7. MainsPrologueSo far Part 1 of 4: Environment-Biodiversity Part 2 of 4: Agriculture and Healthcare Part 3 of 4: IT/Computers related (youre here) Part 4 of 4: Space and defense related (Coming in a few hours)ICT for Public welfare#1: C-DAC mobile app for womens safety C-DAC=Centre for Development of Advanced Computing under Department of Electronics andInformation Technology(DeitY) Made newmobile appfor women. Just by presing a button on the phone- the women in distress can send automatic message to nearest police control room. Then police can track the women based on her mobile location- send nearby PCR van etc. Pilot project in Rajasthan. financed byNirbhaya fundbut What is Nirbhaya fund?In 2013s budget, Chindu came up with two new initiatives for women1. all India bank for women2. Nirbhaya fund. (Named after Delhi rape victim Nirbhaya)This Nirbhaya fund has 1000 crore rupees- to support women centric projects by government and NGOs.#2 VithU App VithU, is an emergency App for mobile phones. (you may have seen its ad on TV) App launched by Channel V (of Star India pvt. ltd.) in response to Delhi and Bombay gangrape incidents With only 2 clicks of thepowerbutton, person can send SOS message to their guardian along with location ongoogle maps. App keeps sending the message repeatedly every two minutes with new location updates. Limitation:Phone must have GPS+internet connection.#3: Google for Indian womenOnly 1/3rd of Indian internet users are women.Google India came up with new project to get 50 million Indian women online by the end of 2014.How?1. Via a new website hwgo.com. This website will provide very basics of the Internet, special content for women like childcare, cooking recipes, household management etc .2. Available in Hindi + English. (Similarly, Intel designed a mobile app easy step to promotedigitalliteracy)3. Toll freehelpline number where women can call and get free answers about internet/computer. (1800 41 999 77)4. A pilot project in Rajasthan to train computer-net surfing to 1 lakh women.Benefits: New opportunity for women to get education,freedom of expressionand self-esteem. Ultimately Less MMR and IMR Higher GDP and HDI#4: Google to defend freedom of expressionGoogle funded following projects to fight against online barriersProject shield to protect websites against distributeddenial of service (DDoS) attacks. Google gave money to defend websites related to independent newsreporters, human rights, and elections-related bloggers (whom hackers/secret government spy agencies try to shut down)

Digital Attack Map is a livedata visualizationto mapDDoS attacksacross globe. shows real-time anonymous traffic data related to these attacks.

uProxy is a new browser extension under development lets friends provide each other with a trusted pathway to the web- thus protects your net surfing from filtering, surveillance or misdirection.

#5: Street View Trekker wearable backpack with a camera installed at the top Camera has 15 lenses, takes picture every 2.5 seconds. The images are stiched together with software= you get a 360 degree view of the location. For streetviews (under google maps) they mount this camera on top of a car. but @certain places like ancient monuments or natural sites, the car cannot go. and person has to take this camera on foot. why in news?Because Google India and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) announced partnership to create 360-degree onlineimagery of 100 most important heritage including Taj Mahal, Khajuraho, Qutub Minar, Humayuns Tomb andAjanta and Elloracaves. will help people virtually visit those site. Concept already used for Grand Canyon in the US and Mt Fuji in Japan.click me to seeSpeaking of monuments and cultureKittur Utsav-2013 In Karnataka to celebrate the historical revolt of Rani Chennamma. She was queen of Kittur in N.Karnata, fought against the British in 1824. Janapada Kalavahini: Cultural procession showing traditional art forms of north Karnataka region.

Ayyappan Theeyyattu Ayyappan Theeyyattu is an age old temple art form from Kerala. There are no training schools and it is practised and propagated by a handful of members of a few families known as Thiyyadi Nambiars, Udayasthamanakoothu: performance of the art in full by a single performer that ends with breaking of 12,000 coconuts.

Bidar Bidar is a city of Karnataka. In the 1400s, it was the capital of Bahamani kingdom. Bahamani kings used Persian style to construct the palace, water system etc. here The karez water system= a complex system of aqueducts used for agricultural irrigation. has three national monuments Bidar Fort, Ashtur tombs and the Madrasa of Mahmud Gawanok but why in news?World Monuments Fund(WMF) gave ca$H to Following desi monuments:1. Bidar in Karnataka2. house of Sheikh Salim Chisti in Fatehpur Sikri,3. Juna Mahal in Rajasthan

PIN 110201 this has nothing to do with Sci-tech or Culture. but came across while going through Thursday newspaper. Department of Posts has given this separate PIN code 110201 for the Supreme Court of India. before this PIN:letter to SC=>sorting office => delivery post office=>reaches to SC. After: letter to SC=>sorting office=>directly reaches SC. Benefit?faster delivery + cost savings for post office Soon, Separate PIN codes for High courts as well.

anyways back to the topic: IT topic.#6: Param Yuva II super computerby C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) launched in early 2013 capacity: 524 teraflops but consumes 35% less electricity than other supercomputers of same capacity.Uses?1. Precise weather forecast2. faster tapping of natural resources in the sea3. design customised drugs for individuals4. solve large and complex computational problemsOk but why in News? This supercomputer has been ranked in the list of top 500 Green supercomputers in the world. In terms of Power efficiency, Params ranking: 1stin India, 9thin Asia-Pacific and 44thin worldIT: new Technology by Indians#1: Gecko: Bluetooth device Gecko is a Bluetooth device- size just little bigger than a coin. by Banglore basedstartup company. it also has an accelerometer sensor to detect motion. You can pair it with an apple or android phone/device.ok but whats the use?1. Since it can detect motion- you put it in the doorknob- everytime someone opens door, itll notify you on phone. If someone opens door at odd hours- say 2AM, it can make your phone raise theburglar alarm.2. similarly can be put in a pillbox- to ensure the person doesnt forget to take medicine. (if he forgets=pillbox doesnt move=gecko sends remainder via phone)3. you can even pair it with a camera- once you can get in the frame, wave your arm and Gecko will trigger the camera to shoot photoWhy in news?because Apples co-founderSteve Wozniakgave funding.#2: Zendrive Another startup company- one of its founder from India- Pankaj Risbood. Zendriveaims to make driving better by using data from smartphone sensors. insurance companies can use its data to determine auto-insurance premiume.g. if person has erratic driving habit=more likely to accident=should be charged higher insurance premium. Similarly, Parents could also use the system to track their teenagers driving habits. Determining best route based on real time traffic data and so on. Why in news?Because Jerry Yang (of Yahoo) gave funding to them.#3: ZoomCar Pvt. Ltd This is Indias first and only car-sharing company (similar to Zipcar in the US). allows individuals to hire cars by the hour or by the day. You can rent a car as low as Rs 225 an hour- for personal driving. (you must be minimum 23 years old) Reservations are made through the website or through mobile. If you get in car accident- they coordinate everything with the police, insurance, and road-side assistance. Available only in Bangalore at the moment. Why in news?Because former US treasury secretary Larry Summers gave funding to this startup company.IT: Government Rules/Policy#1: EMF radiation limitDoT (Department of Telecom) panel has recommended 10 lakh fine if cell tower violates EMF (electro magnetic field) radiation limits. (0.45 watts per sq metre)More background news covered in an earlier article:click meLets check the theoryElectromagnetic field (EMF) as the name suggests: Electrical field + Magnetic Field= Electromagnetic field (EMF) EMF is created when electric and magnetic waves travel to space together. for example: electricity supply, radio waves from TV, radio devices, medical devices mobile phones, radar and satellite communications. EMF strength is measured inunits watt per square meter(W/m2). EMF radiationweakens very quickly as we move away from the source / antenna. EMF strength is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. e.g. when distance from antenna doubles (2x) the EMF strength is reduced to (1/4)th Similarly when distance 3times (3x), strength reduced to 1/9th.Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)Its source can be of two typesnaturalmanmade

UV, visible lightradio, TV, mobile phones etc.

we can further classify electromagnetic radiation based on can they ionize (and hence damage) biological molecules?Non Ionizing radiationIonizing radiation

1. mobile handsets and antenna2. radiation from visible light3. infra-red radiation1. X-ray radiation2. gamma ray radiations

has relatively low energy and low frequencyrelatively higher

cant break chemical bonds in body cells. cant cause ionization of atoms and molecules. cant damage DNACan do those damages.

Electromagnetic spectrumObserve following photo-From left to right: frequency increases and wavelength decreases.

Mobile Frequenciesmobile handsetfrequency

CDMA869 890 MHz

GSM900935 960 MHz

GSM18001805 1880 MHz

3G2110 2170 MHz

4G2300-2400 MHz

Observe frequency increases with new technology. Meaning wavelength must decrease.Speaking of mobile phones A mobile phone is two way radio. It contains a transmitter and a receiver. It emits electromagnetic radiation to exchange information with nearest base station. but the strength of electromagnetic field decreases rapidly as we move away from source- so we need to setup more and more mobile towers to have good connectivity.Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) It is the Rate at which Radio Frequency energy is absorbed in the human body Unit of SAR = watts per kilo gram (W/kg) of tissue. Every model of mobile handset has specific SAR value. SAR Limit in India: 1.6 w/kg (effective from Sep.2012) SAR matter falls under Department of Telecom.mythfact

It is safer using a mobile from car because the car shields from the radiation.Mobile phone generates more RF radiation to overcome the shielding of car and reach the tower. so infact, using phone while in car=more harmful.

mobile phone emits radiation only when you are talking with someone.As long as mobile is on it automatically transmits Radio frequency signal to check (poll) the network with nearest tower. it doesnt matter where youre talking or not.

Mobile Base stations are dangerous and we should keep distance from it.We need to keep distance from the antenna of base station.At the ground level, the radiation intensity is much lesser than @Antenna.

Metal & water are good conductors of radio waves so avoid using a mobile phone while wearing metal-framed glasses or having wet hair People having active medical implants should preferably keep the cell phone at least 15 cm away from the implantMobile towers- radiation limits for mobile phones, Telecom department has prescribed SAR limits (1.6 w/kg) similarly for Mobile towers, Telecom department has prescribed EMF radiation limits:NationEMF limit for mobile towers

India0.45 watt/m2

China0.9 watt/m2

Italy0.1 watt/m2

Even Italians are more conscious about mobile tower radiation than India/China. Anyways, if a mobile tower operator doesnt comply with this limit, hell have to pay 10 lakh rupees fine per tower. Telecommunications Engineering Centre (TEC) under Department of Telecom measures these radiation levels.UV radiation: three types Ultra violate light (UV) has three subtypes based on their wavelength Shorter the wavelength=more dangerous for body.UVAwavelength longest among 3Majority of UV radiation coming to earth, is of this type.

UVBmediumAs Ozone layer depletes, more and more of this UVB light incoming. It cannot penetrate beyond skin layer. Hence does all its damage to skin itself e.g. tanning, burning, skin cancer.

UVCshortest among 3but doesnt reach earths surface. Most damaging- upto cells DNA. Artificial UVC lights used in food/medical/pharma industry to kill germs.

#2: Preferential market access (PMA) policy By Department of Electronics and IT (DEITY) PMA policy makes it mandatory for the government and private companies to procure a certain percentage of its requirements from desi manufacturers. This was opposed by American companies including Apple. Now government revising this policy to give some exemption to private companies And limit to the scope of PMA policy to only the supply of electronic and telecom equipment that hassecurity implications.#3: IT Potential in AfricaNothing sci-tech but some fodder material:Scope of Indian IT Companies in Africa because of following reasons:1. Most of the African countries are seeing political stability and better economic growth than ever before.2. Indian companies can create digital infrastructure for in e-governance, e-banking, e-learning- especially for maths+science.3. IIT Delhi actively involved in the training, particularly vocational training and training of teachers in some African countries.4. Nearly 30% Of Africas demand for CRT, picture tubes, inverters, radios, sound equipment, medical equipment, etc. is met from India imports.5. Indian government setting up IT parks and other ICT related activities in a number of African countries like Ethiopia, Senegal, Mozambique, Rwanda and Tanzania.IT: Misc.chromebook it is a netbook, but instead of Microsoft windows, it runs on googles chrome operating system. (OS)

Snapchat photo messaging system. you take a picture, send it to friend. itll automatically disappear from his phone after 24 hours. American teenagers like this. Mark Zukerburg (facebook) wants to bring them to facebook- hence offered 3 billion $ cash to snapchat maker, but he refused.

Windows 8.1 Its a patch released by Microsoft to add new features in the existing Window8 Operating system

YahooLookflow=Yahoo bought this company, to provide image recognition facility in Yahoos photo website flickrTumblr=Yahoo bought this blogging companyMarissa Mayaer=Yahoos female CEO.

Mock Questions1. Arrange the given mobile phones in the ascending order of the frequency they use: (1) 3G (2) GSM (3) CDMAa. 123b. 321c. 213d. All work on same frequency2. Arrange these in ascending order of wavelength (1) Visible Light (2) Gamma Rays (3) Radiowaves (4) Microwavesa. 1234b. 4321c. 1243d. 2143Q3.Consider following statements1. Rani Chennamma was the queen of Southern Kerala.2. Rani Chennamaa was a contemporary of Rani Gaidinliu.3. Both Rani Chennamma and Rani Gaidinliu had fought against the British.Correct Statement(s)A. Only 1B. Only 2 and 3C. Only 1 and 3D. Only 3Q4. Consider following statements1. Bidar fort is located in Balasore, Odisha.2. Bidar was once the capital of Bahmani kings3. Bahmani architecture is influenced by Persian style.Correct Statement(s)A. Only 1B. Only 2 and 3C. Only 1 and 3D. Only 3Q5. Consider following statements1. SAR is the rate at which base tower receives signals from mobile phones in the given cell region.2. In India, SAR limit for mobile phones is 0.45 watts/sq.meter3. The SAR and EMF radiation limits are administered by Ministry of Environment and ForestCorrect statementsA. Only 1 and 2B. Only 2 and 3C. only 1 and 3D. NoneMains5 marks1. Nirbhaya Fund2. VithU App3. Street View Trekker4. Kittur Utsav5. Ayyappan Theeyyattu6. Bidar Fort1. Rani Chennamma1. Ayyappan Theeyyattu1. ParamYuva II1. Gecko Bluetooth device1. Zendrive1. Preferential market access (PMA) policy

12marks1. Discuss the significance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a tool for empowerment and safety of women.2. Write a brief note about any five women freedom fighters of India- except Rani Laxmibai, Annie Besant, Meeraben, Kasturba and Sarojini Naidu.