PRELIMS
Evolution of Hands
Why in News:A new study in Nature reveals that the genetic recipe for hands was borrowed partly from genes that originally developed our nether regions.
Key Points
- Timeline: Around 360 million years ago, fish ancestors moved from water to land; fins evolved into feet and later into hands.
- CRISPR Role: DNA-editing technology like CRISPR is helping scientists decode evolutionary transformations.
How Genes Work:
- Embryos switch genes on/off to form tissues/organs.
- Genes need molecular “locks and keys” for activation.
- A DNA stretch called 5DOM discovered in 2011 controls limb growth.
5DOM Discovery:
- Found in zebrafish and mammals (common ancestor >400 million years ago).
- In mice: removal of 5DOM → legs without feet.
- In zebrafish: deleting 5DOM affected tail/anus/urogenital region, not fins.
New Hypothesis:
- Early fish (~500 million years ago) had genes unlocked by 5DOM for anus, urethra, and sex organs.
- Around 360 million years ago, 5DOM also began guiding finger and toe development.
National Policy on Geothermal Energy, 2025
Why in News: India notified its first National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) to harness untapped geothermal resources, aligning with the Net Zero 2070 target.
Geothermal Energy: Heat from Earth’s subsurface used for electricity & direct applications.
Global Leaders: USA, Indonesia, Philippines, Iceland.
India’s Potential: 10 geothermal provinces, 381 hot springs across 16 states.
Key Features of Policy:
- Nodal agency: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- Provides framework for exploration, development, utilisation.
- Focus on research, innovation, hybrid geothermal-solar plants, retrofitting oil wells, EGS/AGS technologies.
- Developers can get exploration permits & 30-year leases.
- Single-window clearance encouraged at state level.
Applications:
- Power generation, district heating, GSHP-based cooling, aquaculture, greenhouse farming, tourism, desalination, cold storage.
Implementation:
- First phase: 5 pilot & resource assessment projects sanctioned.
- Collaboration with oil & gas companies, research institutes, and international geothermal bodies.
Significance:
- Provides stable & continuous power (unlike solar/wind).
- Reduces fossil fuel dependence & carbon emissions.
- Enhances energy security, supports sustainable growth & job creation.
Gaganyaan Analog Experiments (Gyanex)
Why in News: India has launched Gaganyaan Analog Experiments (Gyanex) in 2025 to design astronaut protocols for the Gaganyaan mission and future space expeditions.
Static Info:
Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO’s human spaceflight programme aiming to send Indian astronauts (Vyomnauts) into Low Earth Orbit.
Analog Missions: Ground-based simulations replicating space conditions to test medical, psychological, and operational aspects of human spaceflight.
Global Examples:
- NASA – parabolic flights for microgravity.
- ESA – confinement studies, Mars habitat simulations.
- India – HOPE Mission (Ladakh, Tso Kar valley) for Mars-like conditions.
Key Features of Gyanex:
- Agencies involved: ISRO, ICMR, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, DRDO, NIN.
Simulations include:
- Confined simulator (mock spacecraft modules).
- Biomedical & operational experiments under stress/isolation.
- Bed-rest studies (six-degree head-down tilt).
- Testing of DRDO-NIN developed astronaut food.
Gyanex-1 (July 2025): Group Captain Angad Pratap & 2 others confined for 10 days, 11 experiments conducted.
Significance:
- Develops India-specific astronaut protocols.
- Enhances psychological preparedness for stress, isolation, teamwork.
- Lays groundwork for long-duration space missions (lunar habitats, interplanetary exploration).
- Positions India as self-reliant in astronaut health & space medicine.
International Reference Classification of Occupations (IRCO)
Why in News: India and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) signed an MoU (2025) to develop the International Reference Classification of Occupations, aimed at enhancing global employment opportunities and managing labour mobility.
Static Info:
ILO HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.
India’s Membership: Founding member (1919).
Occupational Classification: Standardised system to make skills/qualifications comparable globally.
G20 Link: Commitment to create skills-based migration pathways.
Key Features of MoU:
- Promotes mutual recognition of skills & qualifications.
- Enhances comparability of occupational data across countries.
- Supports youth in accessing global job markets.
- Addresses skill shortages from demographic changes & digital transformation.
India’s Contribution:
- Showcased National Career Service (NCS) Portal and e-Shram Portal as digital public goods at ILO.
- Proposal to share these globally to improve labour market efficiency and social security integration.
Future Collaboration:
- Feasibility study & pilot projects in green, digital, and care sectors.
- Potential expansion to broader workforce development.
- Supports India’s vision to become a global skill hub.
Significance:
- Facilitates integration of Indian workers into international markets.
- Helps manage international labour mobility effectively.
- Strengthens India’s role in global skill development & migration governance.
Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival 2025
Why in News: The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was inaugurated at Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district, Manipur. Theme: “A Heritage of Blessing”.
Static Info:
- Location: Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district, Manipur.
- Tribe: Home of the Tangkhul Naga tribe.
- GI Tag: Received in 2021, first chilli variety from Manipur to earn GI recognition.
Characteristics of Hathei Chilli:
- Length: 8–9 inches, impressive size, bright-hued.
- Distinctive taste, aroma, deep vibrant colour.
- Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, Calcium.
Significance:
- Promotes agricultural heritage and environmental sustainability.
- Elevates Sirarakhong as a hub of quality chilli cultivation.
- Highlights the role of local women farmers in preserving agricultural traditions.
- Supports national development initiatives through agri-based festivals.
