Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 25 September 2024 | Download PDF

• The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) has introduced India’s first comprehensive cancer multi-omics data portal.

Key Features of the Portal:

• India’s First Cancer Multi-Omics Data Portal: The platform provides detailed multi-omics data (DNA, RNA, and protein profiles) for breast cancer patients, integrated with clinical outcomes.
• Initial Dataset: Currently, the portal hosts data from 50 breast cancer patients, with plans to expand to over 500 in the next year.
• Free Access under PRIDE Guidelines: The portal adheres to ethical data-sharing practices and is freely accessible to the global scientific community.
• Based on cBioPortal: Derived from the internationally recognized cBioPortal, this ensures seamless integration with global cancer research.
• Step Toward Precision Oncology: The initiative supports the development of personalized cancer treatments tailored specifically to Indian patients.

ICGA:

• The ICGA was launched in 2020-21, inspired by the success of the U.S.-based The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), which has molecularly characterized thousands of cancer samples. 

• On September 11, 2024, the Cabinet approved the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats.

Key points:

• This scheme is allocated a total outlay of ₹2,602.98 crores for the 15th Finance Commission cycle. 
• Key components of the scheme include Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and the Development of Wildlife Habitat, all of which are integral to the government’s 100-day action plan.

About:

• The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme introduced by the Government of India during the 11th Plan period. 
• Its primary objective is to provide technical and financial assistance to States/UTs for the conservation of natural wildlife habitats.

• Bangladesh has decided to lift its export ban on hilsa fish, allowing the shipment of 3,000 tonnes to India in time for Durga Puja, which will be held from October 9 to 13. 

Key points:

• Hilsa holds special cultural importance among Bengalis, especially during Durga Puja.
• Bangladesh traditionally restricts hilsa exports but has made exceptions for India during this festival as a goodwill gesture.
• Bangladesh is the leading global producer of hilsa fish.

About:

• • Hilsa fish, also known as Ilish or hilsa herring (Tenualosa ilisha), is a highly prized species of fish in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Bangladesh and India.
  • Scientific Classification: Hilsa belongs to the family Clupeidae and is classified under the genus Tenualosa. It is recognized for its silvery body, distinctive flavor, and oily texture.
  • Habitat: Hilsa is an anadromous fish, meaning it migrates from the ocean to freshwater rivers for spawning. It is primarily found in the Bay of Bengal and the river systems of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.
• Conservation status

• • IUCN: Least Concern

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the Quad Leaders’ Summit during his US visit, presented symbolic gifts to US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

About:

• PM Modi presented a traditional pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden.
• This exquisite shawl, produced in Jammu and Kashmir, is made from the fine fiber of the Changthangi goat, native to Ladakh.
• The wool, known as ‘Pashm’, is hand-combed and spun into yarn using age-old techniques passed down through generations.
• The shawl is dyed with natural colors derived from local plants and minerals, showcasing the region’s rich artisanal heritage.
• The shawl was presented in a papier-mâché box, also crafted by artisans from Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the beauty and functionality of traditional Indian crafts.

Antique Silver Train Model:

• PM Modi gifted a rare silver train model to President Joe Biden.
• The model was handcrafted by artisans from Maharashtra, showcasing intricate repoussé (hammering) techniques and filigree work.
• Made of 92.5% silver, the model highlights the steam locomotive era and the artistry of Indian craftsmen.
• The train bears the inscription “Delhi-Delaware,” symbolizing the connection between the two regions and honoring Biden’s hometown, where the Quad summit took place.
• The gift signifies the importance of India-US relations, referred to as the “defining partnership of the 21st century.”

• Vancomycin has been the preferred treatment for MRSA for the past 40 years, with rare cases of resistance (only 16 reported in India).
• Recent research indicates that MRSA(Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) may develop resistance to this antibiotic, raising concerns about the long-term viability of vancomycin as a treatment option.

AMR:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant challenge in modern medicine, with Staphylococcus aureus being a key player.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) caused over 100,000 deaths in 2019 and is known for resisting multiple antibiotics.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus):

• Common bacterium found on human and animal skin and mucous membranes
• Can cause a wide range of infections, from minor skin issues to severe diseases
• Possesses various virulence factors that contribute to its pathogenicity

Characteristics:

• Gram-positive, spherical (cocci) bacteria in grape-like clusters
• Non-motile, non-spore forming
• Facultatively anaerobic (can grow in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions)
• Catalase-positive and coagulase-positive

• Odisha is in advanced talks with the National Health Authority (NHA) to join the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).

Ayushman Bharat scheme:

• Ayushman Bharat is a flagship healthcare initiative of the Indian government launched on September 23, 2018 and is aimed at achieving universal health coverage. 
• It consists of two primary components:   

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): 

• This is the world’s largest health insurance scheme, providing free-of-cost health insurance coverage up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. 
• It covers over 50 crore beneficiaries from economically weaker sections of society.   

Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): 

• These are primary healthcare centers providing comprehensive health care services, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care.   

Key benefits of Ayushman Bharat:

• Provides financial protection to poor and vulnerable families.   
• Improves access to quality healthcare services.
• Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare.   
• Promotes preventive healthcare through

• Recently, the Ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey was carried out on the premises of the Konark Sun Temple.
• It was done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with the help of CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI).

About:

• GPR utilizes electromagnetic waves to scan beneath the surface, providing valuable insights into the temple’s foundation, underground structures, and potential anomalies. 
• The survey is expected to shed light on the construction techniques, modifications, and any hidden chambers or artifacts that may have been overlooked in previous studies. 

Konark Sun Temple:

• The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun god Surya. 
• The temple is shaped like a colossal chariot drawn by seven horses and has 24 wheels, symbolizing the sun’s journey across the sky.   
• The temple’s sculptures depict various aspects of Hindu mythology, including deities, celestial beings, and everyday life. 
• The erotic sculptures, known as “Kamasutra carvings,” are particularly famous. 
• It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

• IIM Sambalpur is set to become the first B-school in India to pioneer AI-taught courses. 
• This groundbreaking initiative aims to transform the learning experience for students by integrating AI as a faculty member.

About:

• IIM Sambalpur is a relatively new Indian Institute of Management, established in 2015. It is located in Sambalpur, Odisha. 
• The institute offers a two-year flagship MBA program and is known for its focus on experiential learning and industry-oriented curriculum.

• Odisha will soon get its first bio-banking facility.
• It is set to come up at the Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP).
• The biological samples will be stored and disease and gene research of endangered species undertaken to supplement the ongoing ex-situ wildlife conservation in the state.
• In line with this, the authorities are in touch with Hyderabad-based Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) and for establishment of the advanced lab.
• This advanced facility will use cryopreservation techniques to store the samples at an ultra-low temperature of -180 degree or -196 degree Celsius.

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