Hay-flick Limit

• In the early 1960s, Hay-flick found that normal somatic cells can only divide a limited number of times (about 40-60).
• This challenged the previous belief that cells were potentially immortal and that aging was solely due to external factors.
• The Hay-flick limit – It refers to the maximum number of times a cell can divide before entering senescence (stopping division).
• This limit varies among species, correlating with their lifespans.
• For humans, the "ultimate Hay-flick limit" is around 125 years.
• Telomeres and aging – Telomeres are protective DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes.
• They shorten with each cell division, eventually reaching a critical point where division stops.
• While telomere shortening is related to aging, the exact relationship is not fully understood.
• Implications and future research – Cancer cells can overcome the Hay-flick limit by activating telomerase.
• While telomerase synthesis has shown promise in slowing telomere loss in vitro, practical applications remain distant.

National Geoscience Awards

President of India recently conferred National Geoscience Awards- 2023 to the awardees.

• The National Mineral Awards Scheme was instituted in the year 1966 by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
• The scope of the awards has been expanded and the name changed to National Geoscience Awards (NGA) from 2009.
• The objective of the scheme is to honour individuals and teams for extraordinary achievements and outstanding contributions in the field of fundamental / applied geosciences mining and allied areas.
• Eligibility – Any citizen of India with significant contribution in any field of earth sciences is eligible for the Award.
• The Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Young Geoscientist Award can be awarded only to the individuals and not teams.
• Categories – There are 3 categories of awards under National Geoscience Awards:
  1. National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement
  2. National Geoscience Award and
  3. National Young Geoscientist Award
• The awards are given only for the following disciplines:

• National Geoscience Awards, 2023:
• It was awarded to 21 Geoscientists, including academicians and professionals from across the country, were honoured under 3 categories in various specialized fields of geosciences such as:
• National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement (01 award),
• National Geoscience Award (10 awards) and
• National Young Geoscientist Award (01 award)

PROMPT (Portal for Online Monitoring of Projects – Thermal) Portal

The Union Minister of Power has recently launched a new online platform named PROMPT Portal to enable transparent, coordinated, and effective working of the power sector in the country.

• Portal for Online Monitoring of Projects – Thermal (PROMPT) is part of a broader effort to enhance the efficiency and transparency of thermal power project management in India.
• The PROMPT portal is introduced to streamline the monitoring process for thermal power projects.
• It aims to facilitate real-time tracking, transparent reporting, and coordinated efforts among stakeholders to address project issues promptly.
• Key Features of the PROMPT:
• Real-Time Tracking – Allows for centralized monitoring and swift identification of issues.
• Transparency – Enhances accountability and project management efficiency.
• Resource Optimization – Helps in managing resources predictably, aiding in maintaining a balance between demand and supply.
• Press Sewa Portal – Developed under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 (PRP Act, 2023).
• It automates the process for newspaper registration and related procedures.
• NaViGate Bharat Portal – Is developed by the New Media Wing of the Ministry.
• It serves as a unified bilingual platform hosting videos on the government's development and citizen welfare measures.

Exotic Animals

The Union government has recently stated that the last date for declaring Exotic animals listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is 28 August 2024

• ‘Exotic species’ is a term used to refer to a species not found in a concerned habitat or geographical area and hence it is non-native.
• The trade of exotic species occurs globally, with a growing market for the species.
• While the trade negatively impacts habitat, the targeted species are often extracted from their natural habitats in the wild.
• These living specimens of exotic animals listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 are to be reported and registered by the concerned individuals, organizations and zoos.
• The registration of these exotic animal species is to be done in the PARIVESH 2.0 portal.
• Anyone who owns or keeps an animal species listed in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 must do two things:
  1. Report details about these animals
  2. Apply for registration
• They need to do this online through the PARIVESH 2.0 website.
• The application should be sent to their state's Chief Wild Life Warden.
• There are two deadlines to remember:
  • If you already have the animal: Within 6 months after the official notice is published
  • If you get the animal later: Within 30 days of getting the animal
• This rule helps track protected species and ensures they're properly registered with wildlife authorities.
• Exotic wildlife species can be found only in India are:
  • One-horned rhino, Assam
  • Great Indian Bustard, Gujarat and Rajasthan
  • Nilgiri Tahr, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
  • Andaman Cobra, Andaman Islands
  • Barasingha, Assam and other locations
  • Asiatic Lion, Gujarat
  • Snow Leopard, Himalayan National Park

Hema Committee

The Justice Hema Committee recently published a report revealing sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry seven years after the brutal rape of an actress in Kochi.

• Hema Committee was formed to study the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
• Key findings from the report:
• Systemic sexual harassment – The report revealed a pervasive culture of sexual harassment within the Malayalam film industry, often perpetrated by those in positions of power.
• Casting couch culture – The report highlighted the prevalence of the casting couch, where aspiring actors and actresses are expected to engage in sexual favours in exchange for roles.
• Gender inequality – Deep-rooted gender inequalities were identified, with women facing discrimination and limited opportunities compared to their male counterparts.
• Powerful 'boys' club' – The report pointed to a dominant 'boys' club' that controls the industry, making it difficult for women to succeed.
• Recommendations from the report:
• Mandatory written contracts – To ensure transparency and protect the rights of artists and technicians.
• Internal complaint committees – On all film sets to address complaints of harassment and discrimination.
• Tribunal with judicial powers – To handle cases related to sexual harassment, service conditions, and contract breaches.
• Government's role:
• Delayed release – The government's delay in releasing the report was criticized, as it hindered the process of addressing the issues.
• Investigation – The government should have investigated the allegations raised in the report, even if legal action was not possible.
• Industry bodies' response:
• Guarded silence – The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists and Film Employees Federation of Kerala were criticized for their lack of action and transparency.
• Opportunities for change:
• Correct systemic issues – The release of the report presents an opportunity to address the deep-rooted problems within the industry.
• Implement recommendations – The government and industry bodies should work together to implement the recommendations of the Hema Committee.
• Create a more equitable environment – The goal is to create a Malayalam film industry where women have equal opportunities and are treated with respect.
• Overall, the Hema Committee report is a significant step towards addressing the systemic issues plaguing the Malayalam film industry.
• By implementing the recommendations and fostering a culture of accountability, the industry can strive to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all.