In News:

GG Tau A System: Located about 489 light-years from Earth, this system is a triple-star setup that is between 1 to 5 million years old. This makes it an ideal system for studying the early stages of planetary formation.

Findings from the Discovery:

• Protoplanetary Disk: The system features a protoplanetary disk made of gas and dust, where new planets are forming. Researchers from NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), Odisha detected emissions from key molecules in the disk.
• Chemical Molecules: The molecules are frozen on tiny dust particles in the coldest regions of the disk (temperatures between 12 K and 16 K). These frozen molecules could serve as the building blocks for new planets.

Significance of the Discovery:

• Triple-Star Configuration: GG Tau A’s triple-star system is rare, and it has complex gravitational interactions among the three stars. This complicates how the gas and dust disk behaves and provides unique insights into planetary formation in multi-star systems.
• Study of Planet Formation: Traditionally, planets form around single stars or in binary systems. However, multi-star systems like GG Tau A present challenges for planet formation. Studying this system helps scientists understand how planets can form in more complex environments.
• Cold Conditions for Planet Formation: The study found that icy conditions in the disk are essential for the accumulation of materials that form planets. These low temperatures (below the freezing point of carbon monoxide) allow dust and gas particles to clump together, creating the foundation for exoplanets.

Broader Implications:

• Exoplanet Diversity: This research enhances our understanding of how planets form in different types of star systems, contributing to the study of exoplanets and their potential diversity across the universe.
• Astrophysics and Planetary Science: This discovery plays a crucial role in improving our knowledge of the early stages of planet formation, especially in complicated star systems like triple-star setups, which are rare but can provide valuable insights into how planetary systems evolve under unique conditions.

Research Tools:

• The team used advanced radio telescopes located in the Atacama Desert (Chile) to observe the emissions from the disk, highlighting the role of cutting-edge technology in space exploration and astronomical research.

In News:

• Madhav Gadgil, an Indian ecologist, received the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)'s Champions of the Earth Award in 2024.
• The Champions of the Earth Award is UNEP’s highest environmental honor, recognizing individuals, organizations, and governments for significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Contributions of Madhav Gadgil:

• Work in Western Ghats:
  • Gadgil is recognized for his seminal work in the Western Ghats, an ecologically sensitive region in India, which is a global biodiversity hotspot.
  • He chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), formed by the Indian government to assess the impacts of population pressure, climate change, and development on the region.
• Recommendations by WGEEP:
  • Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA): Recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats range as an ESA.
  • The WGEEP suggested dividing the Western Ghats into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) based on environmental sensitivity.
  • Development Restrictions: Proposed a ban on activities like mining, quarrying, thermal power plants, and large-scale hydropower projects in the most sensitive zones (ESZ-1).
  • Governance Recommendations: Suggested a bottom-to-top governance approach, beginning with Gram Sabhas, and the creation of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA) for effective management.
• Impact of Gadgil’s Work:
  • His research and recommendations have played a crucial role in shaping environmental policy and public opinion in India.
  • The UNESCO World Heritage status for the Western Ghats in 2012 was a significant step in global recognition of the region’s ecological importance.

About the Champions of the Earth Award:

• History & Significance:
  • Established in 2005, the award recognizes trailblazers working towards addressing the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
  • Since its inception, it has honored 122 laureates who have shown outstanding leadership in environmental conservation.
• 2024 Awardees:
  • Madhav Gadgil (India) – for his work on the Western Ghats.
  • Sonia Guajajara (Brazil) – for advocacy for Indigenous rights and environmental protection.
  • Amy Bowers Cordalis (USA) – for her work in Indigenous rights and ecosystem restoration.
  • Gabriel Paun (Romania) – for defending Europe’s old growth forests from illegal logging.
  • Lu Qi (China) – for contributions to afforestation and combating desertification.
  • SEKEM (Egypt) – for advancing sustainable agriculture.

Key Facts about UNEP:

• UN Environment Programme (UNEP):
  • Established in 1972, UNEP is a leading global authority on environmental issues.
  • UNEP aims to address climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution through scientific research, policy support, and public advocacy.
  • UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya and works closely with 193 Member States to tackle the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.

In News:

• Recently, the government introduced a separate category of Ayush Visa for foreigners seeking treatment under the Ayush systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).
• The Ayush Visa is available in four sub-categories:
  • Ayush Visa: For foreigners visiting India for therapeutic care and wellness treatment in accredited hospitals/wellness centers.
  • Ayush Attendant Visa: For attendants accompanying patients seeking Ayush treatment.
  • e-Ayush Visa: An electronic version of the Ayush Visa for convenience.
  • e-Ayush Attendant Visa: For attendants accompanying patients on an e-Ayush Visa.

• Visa Statistics (as of December 4, 2024):

• 123 regular Ayush visas have been issued.
• 221 e-Ayush visas issued.
• 17 e-Ayush attendant visas issued.

• Advantage Healthcare India Portal:

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Advantage Healthcare India portal, an official platform for Medical Value Travel (MVT).
• The portal facilitates information for international patients seeking medical treatment and wellness services in India.
• The website for accessing the portal is www.healinindia.gov.in.

• Government's Objectives: The government aims to sensitize stakeholders involved in MVT, including Ayush facility providers, to ensure smooth services for international patients.

In News:

Human Rights Day 2024 celebrated every year on 10th December is dedicated to promote protection of fundamental rights and freedom of all individuals.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose: Promote and protect human rights and freedoms worldwide.
• Theme (2024): “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” – highlights the importance of immediate action to protect and uphold human rights globally.

Historical Significance:

• Commemorates: The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the UN General Assembly in 1948.
• UN Resolution: Established by UN Resolution 423 (V) in 1950.
• First Observance: December 10, 1950.
• Father of Human Rights Day: Eleanor Roosevelt, for her pivotal role in drafting the UDHR.

Key Highlights:

• The UDHR:
  • Adopted in 1948, it defines fundamental human rights for all individuals.
  • Comprises 30 articles, addressing rights such as freedom, equality, and access to education, healthcare, and fair employment.
• Role of the UN: UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC): A body under the UN responsible for monitoring and promoting human rights worldwide, comprising 47 member states.
• Human Rights Day Focus in 2024:
  • Emphasizes human rights education, particularly among the youth.
  • Addresses emerging challenges like cybercrimes, AI impacts, and climate change.
  • Reaffirms the importance of safeguarding human dignity globally.

Human Rights Declared by UDHR:

1. Right to freedom and equality
2. Right to life, liberty, and security
3. Freedom from slavery and torture
4. Right to recognition before the law
5. Equal protection under the law
6. Right to a fair trial
7. Right to privacy and protection from attacks
8. Right to work and fair employment
9. Right to rest and leisure
10. Right to education
11. Right to an adequate standard of living
12. Right to participate in government and cultural activities

In News:

• AgeXtend is developed by researchers at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology – Delhi (IIIT-Delhi) to rapidly identify age-defying compounds, known as geroprotectors, to promote healthy aging.

Key Features of AgeXtend:

• What is AgeXtend?
  • An AI-based platform designed to discover compounds with geroprotective (anti-aging) properties.
• Objective: To accelerate the identification of molecules promoting longevity by reducing the time and effort compared to conventional research methods.
• Development: Developed by researchers from the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Delhi.
• Working Mechanism:
  • Scans over 1.1 billion compounds to predict, analyze, and validate molecules with anti-aging potential.
  • Utilizes machine learning to determine efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action.
  • Experimental validation conducted using yeast, worms (C. elegans), and human cell models.
• Significance:
  • The largest study on longevity, including compounds from commercial drugs, FDA-approved drugs, Ayurvedic, and Chinese medicine.
  • Provides a scientific rationale for identifying geroprotective compounds, aiding targeted research.
  • Open-source code and data promote collaboration and allow commercial exploration.

Platform Capabilities:

• AI Analysis:
  • Uses bioactivity data from existing geroprotectors to predict new compounds with similar properties.
  • Evaluates geroprotective potential, toxicity, and identifies target proteins and mechanisms of action for accuracy and safety.
• Unique Feature: Explains why a compound is considered geroprotective, revealing underlying mechanisms.
• Example Validation: Successfully identified benefits of metformin and taurine without prior knowledge, confirming the platform’s predictive power.
• Study Scale: The study involved scanning over 1.1 billion molecules, making it the largest study on longevity to date.

Open-Source and Commercial Use:

• Availability:
  • The code and data are available as open-source for researchers and students. Commercial access is available for a fee.
  • A Python package for AgeXtend is available via pip on pypi.org.
• Further Collaboration: The researchers have reached out to pharma companies to further investigate promising compounds.
• Exploring Natural Compounds: AgeXtend also explores natural compounds from the human microbiome, investigating their role in controlling cell aging.