In News:

The U.S. Army is scheduled to test launch a Minuteman III ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) after the closure of voting on Election Day.

Missile Features

• Speed: Hypersonic, capable of reaching speeds up to 15,000 mph (Mach 23).
• Range: 13,000 km.
• Payload: Currently carries one nuclear warhead (as per arms control agreements with Russia), but originally designed for multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).
• Launch Time: Extremely fast, enabling near-instant global retaliation capabilities.
• Testing Reliability: Nearly 100% success rate in tests, with backup airborne launch controllers to ensure continuity of the retaliatory strike capability.
• Length: 18.2 meters.
• Diameter: 1.85 meters.
• Launch Weight: 34,467 kg.
• Type: Three-stage, solid-fuel missile.

Strategic Significance

• Land-Based Nuclear Deterrent: The Minuteman III is a key component of the U.S. nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The Sentinel weapon system (modernized Minuteman III) is viewed as the most cost-effective option for maintaining the land-based leg of U.S. nuclear deterrence until the planned Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) system replaces it in 2029.
• Global Reach: The missile can strike any target worldwide within minutes, demonstrating U.S. nuclear reach and power projection.

Why is it in the News?

An Australian cryonics company, Southern Cryonics, sparked a widespread debate after successfully freezing their first client, known as ‘Patient One’.

What is Cryonics?

• Cryonics is the practice of preserving human bodies in extremely cold or cryogenic temperatures (−196°C) with the hope of reviving them sometime in the future.
• Cryonics procedures can begin only after the "patients" are clinically and legally dead.
• When a dead body is cryonically preserved, it is packed with ice and injected with anticoagulants, a treatment to stop blood from clotting.
• The body is then transported to one of three cryonic centres in the world.
• There, in a process known as vitrification, the body is drained of its blood, which is then replaced with chemicals and anti-freeze.
• The body is placed in a sleeping bag and housed in a tank of liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius.
• The premise of cryonics is based on a possibility rather than a probability of success.
• There is no scientific evidence to suggest that it is possible to revive a person back to a living state.
• Cryobiologists hope that with future technology, including nanotechnology, they will be able to repair cells and tissues that are damaged during the freezing process.

Is cryonics ethical?

• There are some arguments in favour of cryonics, the simplest of which is one of free will and choice.
  • As long as people are informed of the very small chance of success of future re-animation, and they are not being coerced, then their choice is an expression of their autonomy about how they wish to direct the disposal of their bodies and resources after death.
  • In this light, choosing cryonics can be seen as no different to choosing cremation or burial, albeit a much more expensive option.
• However, this case raises several other ethical and problematic concerns.
  • There is the issue of potentially exploiting vulnerable people.
  • Some might argue vulnerable people are trading hype for hope.
• The cryonic process might work, but imperfectly. During the process of re-animation, there may be some brain damage.
• That would mean rather than waking up, one might be unconscious or trapped in some disordered, uncontrollable painful stream of consciousness.

It might be heaven but it might also be hell. The key issue is that people must be made aware of the risks as well as the benefits, and are not exploited.

Why is it in the News?

The recent addition of Ajrakh from Kutch to the list of GI-tagged fabrics is a proud moment for India's rich textile heritage.

What is Ajrakh?

• The Ajrakh fabric is a traditional hand-block printing technique that originated in Kutch, Gujarat.
• It uses natural dyes and intricate patterns to create beautiful textiles, which are then used to make sarees, dupattas, stoles, and other garments.
• The unique feature of Ajrakh is its use of geometric patterns and rich earthy colours like indigo, madder, and mustard.
• This fabric has been an integral part of the Kutchi culture for centuries and has now gained recognition on a global level with its GI tag.

What is a GI tag?

• The GI tag is a certification that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical location and possessing unique qualities due to that region's traditional knowledge and expertise.
• It not only adds value to the product but also protects it from imitation or misuse.
  • Ajrakh's GI tag was granted by the Geographical Indications Registry after a long process of documentation and verification of its origin and production techniques.

Some other Indian textiles have received similar recognition.

• Banarasi Silk: The luxurious Banarasi silk sarees from Varanasi have been coveted by women all over the world for their exquisite designs and fine quality.
  • This fabric has been granted a GI tag for its uniqueness in design, weaving technique, and use of pure silk and zari.
  • The intricate designs of Banarasi silk sarees, inspired by Mughal and Persian art, make them stand out in the sea of Indian textiles.
• Chanderi Fabric: Chanderi, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, is known for its delicate and lightweight fabric.
  • Chanderi sarees and suits are made from a combination of cotton and silk, giving them a sheer and lustrous appearance.
  • This fabric has been granted a GI tag for its traditional handloom weaving technique, which dates back to the 13th century.
  • The motifs used in Chanderi fabrics are inspired by nature and are intricately woven using golden zari.
• Kanjeevaram Silk: The Kanjeevaram sarees from Tamil Nadu are famous for their vibrant colours, fine silk, and intricate zari work.
  • This fabric has been granted a GI tag for its traditional weaving technique that uses three shuttles to weave the body, border, and pallu of the saree separately and then join them together.
  • The rich gold zari work on Kanjeevaram sarees makes them a must-have in every Indian woman's wardrobe.
• Kota Doria: One of the many varieties of sari clothing produced in Muhammadabad Gohna, Mau in Uttar Pradesh and the surrounding area, as well as in Kota, Rajasthan, is kota doria.
  • Pure cotton and silk are used to make sarees, which are adorned with square-like designs called khats.
  • Since these sarees were woven in Mysore, they were originally known as Masuria.
  • The GI tag was given to Kota Doria in July 2005. Kota Doria cotton sarees are regarded as the lightest in India because of their transparency and low weight.
• Odisha Ikat: One type of ikat, which is a resist dyeing method, comes from Odisha and is called Orissa Ikat.
  • It is sometimes referred to as "Bandha of Orissa" and has been an Orissan product since 2007.
  • To produce the design on the loom before weaving, the warp and weft threads are tie-dyed.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, scientists have created plant-based plastic that doesn't create cancer-causing microplastics because 97% of it breaks down in the environment.

What is Microplastics?

• Microplastics are small plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter.
• These particles, which are distinguished from larger "macroplastics" like bottles and bags, stem from both commercial product development and the breakdown of larger plastics.
• Microplastics are commonly found in a variety of products, including cosmetics, synthetic clothing, plastic bags, and bottles.
• Unfortunately, many of these products can easily enter the environment as waste.
• Composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms linked in polymer chains, microplastics often contain additional chemicals such as phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA).
• There are two categories of microplastics: primary and secondary.
  • Primary microplastics are intentionally designed for commercial use, including in cosmetics and microfibers shed from textiles like clothing and fishing nets.
  • Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, result from larger plastic items breaking down due to environmental factors such as sunlight and ocean waves.
• Understanding the sources and types of microplastics is crucial for addressing their impact on the environment, wildlife, and human health, ultimately promoting more sustainable production and waste management practices.

Environmental Impacts of Microplastics:

• Microplastics pose significant environmental concerns due to their resistance to breaking down into harmless compounds, much like larger plastic items.
  • Consequently, both primary and secondary microplastics accumulate and endure once introduced into the environment.
• In marine ecosystems, microplastics have the potential to amalgamate with harmful chemicals before being consumed by marine organisms.
  • Despite efforts, conventional water treatment facilities struggle to completely eliminate microplastics from water sources.
• Additionally, microplastics contribute to air pollution as they are present in dust and airborne fibrous particles, further highlighting their pervasive impact on various environmental systems.

Why is it in the News?

A two-month-old girl, diagnosed with the rare disease ‘bubble baby syndrome,' becomes the youngest to receive a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children in Parel.

What is Bubble Baby Syndrome?

• 'Bubble baby syndrome,' medically known as Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a group of rare, life-threatening diseases that cause a child to be born with very little or no immune system.
• As a result, the child’s body is unable to fight off infections and can become very sick from infections like chickenpox, pneumonia and meningitis and can die within the first year of life.
• This condition falls under the category of primary immune deficiencies.
• The term "Bubble Baby Syndrome" is derived from the necessity for affected individuals to live in a highly controlled environment, as exposure to ordinary surroundings can pose fatal risks to children with SCID.
• What happens in Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)?
• In the developing fetus, the immune system originates in the bone marrow, where versatile stem cells can differentiate into three crucial types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
  • Among these, white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes, play a vital role in safeguarding the body against infections.
• Lymphocytes consist of two main types: B-cells and T-cells.
  • T-cells identify, attack, and eliminate invaders, while B-cells produce antibodies that "remember" infections for future defence.
  • SCID is classified as a "combined" immunodeficiency as it impacts both of these infection-fighting white blood cell types.
• In SCID, the child's immune system exhibits either an insufficient quantity of lymphocytes or dysfunctional lymphocytes.
  • Consequently, the compromised immune system struggles to combat various germs such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, leading to recurrent and severe infections.
• Causes: SCID results from inherited mutations in multiple genes, with one or both birth parents passing down the condition to their child.
• Symptoms: Although infants with SCID may initially appear healthy, signs of the disorder may manifest shortly after birth. These symptoms include
  • Failure to thrive
  • Chronic diarrhoea
  • Frequent, often severe respiratory infections
  • Oral thrush (a type of yeast infection in the mouth)
  • Other challenging-to-treat bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• Treatment: SCID is considered a pediatric emergency, and without prompt intervention, affected babies are unlikely to survive beyond their first birthday.
• The primary treatment method involves a stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant.
• In this procedure, the child receives stem cells from a donor with the hope that these new cells will reconstruct the compromised immune system, offering a chance for a healthier and more sustainable life.

Bone marrow transplant

• The most common treatment for SCID is an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, which will introduce normal infection-fighting cells into your child’s body.
  • Allogeneic transplants use stem cells from a relative or an unrelated donor from the National Marrow Donor Program.
• An allogeneic bone marrow transplant involves taking cells from the bone marrow (the soft, spongy tissue found in bones) of a healthy donor and giving them to a child after the child’s diseased bone marrow has been eliminated.
• Doctors at Children’s Hospital will screen your child’s family for potential bone marrow matches.
  • While a tissue-matched sibling offers the greatest chance of curing SCID, they are not often available.
  • Instead, most patients receive bone marrow donations from their parents or unrelated matched donors.

What is the News ?

Prime Minister presented Meghalaya Shawl and Chhattisgarh Dhokra Art and Telangana Bidri Art vases to Greek President and Prime Minister.

Facts About:

Meghalaya shawls 

Meghalaya shawls were originally woven for  Khasi and Jaintia royalty who considered them a symbol of their power and status. 

Shawls were worn at formal events and festivals, and their intricate designs and vibrant colors reflected the wealth and prestige of the royal family. 

The designs used in Meghalaya shawls were very symbolic. 

• For example, the use of animal motifs such as tigers and elephants was a symbol of strength and power, while the use of floral motifs was a symbol of beauty and grace.  
• The weavers, mostly women, spend hours weaving intricate designs and patterns using traditional weaving techniques. 
• The shawls are made from local wool and natural colors. 
• Shawls are highly valued for their fine workmanship and intricate designs.  

Dhokra Art of Chhattisgarh 

One of the earliest manifestations of this ancient art is the dancing girl object found in the excavations at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. 

Traditionally, the Gadwads, Gonds and Dhurwas tribes of Chhattisgarh practice the art of Dhokra using the lost wax technique or hollow casting. 

It is named after the Dhokar Damar, an Indian tribe in the central and eastern part of the country. 

Common themes in Dhokra art revolve around  Hindu gods and goddesses and various animal figures. 

Dhokra Art is a non-ferrous metal casting art that uses wax casting technology. 

This type of metal casting has been used in India for over 4000 years and is still used today. 

There are two main processes involved in lost wax casting: solid casting and hollow casting. 

Bidri Art vases 

It originated from the city of Bidar in Karnataka in the 14th century.

Bidar in Karnataka and Hyderabad in Telangana are the most active centers of the art form. 

Bidri Work handicraft is the art of inlaying metal alloys. 

The soil of Bidar Fort magically gives black color to the base metals and the art form has been given the prestigious GI status. 

Technique: For smelting, a new mold must be made, into which molten metal, an alloy of zinc and copper, is poured. 

• Patterns are drawn on them and carved with a chisel and hammer. 
• The engravings are attached with silver wire. 
• This contrast of shiny silver with black metal is unique in Bidri art.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/meghalaya-shawl-to-telangana-vase-what-pm-modi-gifted-to-his-greek-counterpart-article-103065689