About Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):

• OGTTs are done to measure how well the body can process larger amounts of sugar. 
• Procedure:
  • The person fasts overnight, and in the morning, is given a fixed dose of glucose, usually in the form of a sweet drink.
  • Blood samples are taken at 30-minute intervals for 2 hours.
• If the blood sugar reading is above a certain level, this could be a sign that sugar is notbeing absorbedfast enough by the body’s organs. 
• Then diabetes, or gestational (pregnancy-related) diabetes, might be at the root of this problem.
• In gestational diabetes, blood sugar levels are often higher due to changes in the metabolism during pregnancy, but they usually come back down again after the child is born.
• Diabetes can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, eye disease, and kidney damage.

What is HbA1c test?

• A hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test is a blood test that shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past two to three months.
• Glucose in your blood sticks to hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells (RBCs).
• As your blood glucose levels increase, more of your hemoglobin will be coated with glucose.
• HbA1c is what’s known as glycated haemoglobin.
• An HbA1c test measures the percentage of your RBCs that have glucose-coated hemoglobin.
• RBCs are active for around 2-3 months, which is why the reading is taken quarterly.
• No preparation is needed for this test.

A high HbA1c means you have too much sugar in your blood.

Q1: What are red blood cells (RBCs)?

RBCs, or erythrocytes, are one of the components of blood. (The others are plasma, platelets and white blood cells. They deliver oxygen to the tissues throughout the human body. Oxygen turns into energy, and tissues release carbon dioxide. RBCs also transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. They are made in the bone marrow. They typically live for about 120 days, and then they die.

Source: Screen all pregnant women for gestational diabetes with point-of-care test, suggests new study

About Parvati River:

• The Parvati River, also known as the Parbati River, is located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
• It is a major tributary of the Beas River.
• Course:
  • It rises from the Man Talai Glacierbelow the Pin Parbati Pass on the Greater Himalayas western slope at an altitude of 5200 meters above mean seal level.
  • This pass connects the fertile and lush Parvati valley on the Kullu side with the Pin valley on the Spiti side.
  • The river flows for approximately 150 km, meandering through the valley and collecting water from several glacial streams along the way.
  • As it flows, the Parvati River forms the picturesque regions of MalanaandManikaran and passes through lush green forests and rolling hills.
  • The river is fed by melting glaciers and receives additional water from the monsoons that occur in the region.
  • The river continues its course until it reaches Bhuntar, south of Kullu, where it merges with the Beas River.
• Some of the major tributaries of the Parvati River include: Malana Nala, Manikaran Nala, Rashol Nala, and Chalal Nala.
• The river also has geothermal springs on the banks of the river at Manikaran and Khirganga.

Q1: Which are the main tributaries of Beas River?

Its main tributaries are the Parbati, the Spin and Malana nala in the East; and the Solang, the Manalsu, the Sujoin, the Phojal and the Sarvati Streams in the West. In Kangra, it is joined by Binwa, Neugal, Banganga, Gaj, Dehr and Chakki from North, and Kunah, Maseh, Khairan and Man from the South. T.

Source: Tourist washed away in Parvati river near Himachal’s Manikaran

About Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGF): 

• It is a key regulator of physiological angiogenesis during embryogenesis, skeletal growth and reproductive functions.
• VEGF has also been implicated in pathological angiogenesis associated with tumors, intraocular neovascular disorders and other conditions.
• The biological effects of VEGF are mediated by two receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2.
• The VEGFR family of receptors is the key regulator of the process of generating new blood vessels.

Highlight of the research

• The researchers were intrigued by the fact that two members of family VEGFR 1 and VEGFR 2 behaved quite differently.
• While VEGFR 2, the primary receptor regulating process of formation of new blood vessels, could be spontaneously activated, without its ligand, the other member of the family VEGFR 1 cannot be spontaneously activated even when overexpressed in cells.
• It camouflages as a dead enzyme VEGFR1 and binds with ten-fold higher affinity to its ligand VEGF-A than VEGFR2.
• This ligand binding induces a transient kinase (speeding up chemical reactions in the body by an enzyme) activation.

Q1: What are Endothelial cells?

These form a single cell layer that lines all blood vessels and regulates exchanges between the bloodstream and the surrounding tissues.

Source: Camouflaging as a dead enzyme VEGFR1 holds key to medical solutions for colon and renal cancers

About Evidential Breath Analyzer:

• It is an Instrument that measures and displays the breath alcohol mass concentration of exhaled human breath within specified error limits.
• It provides a non-invasive way to measure blood alcohol content, offering quick and painless sample collection.
• Working of Breath Analyser
  • In the case of alcohol detection, a precise amount of a person’s exhaled breath is passed through a solution of potassium dichromate and sulfuric acid in the analyzer.
  • The change in the colour of the solution is proportional to the amount of alcohol in the air sample, which in turn is directly related to the alcohol content of the blood. 
• Evidential Breath Analysers needs to be verified and stamped according to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, to ensure their accuracy.
• The rapid analysis capabilities allow law enforcement officers to make swift, informed decisions, enhancing the effectiveness of roadside checks.
• This verification protects individuals from wrongful penalties due to faulty equipment and helps maintain the integrity of legal and workplace policies.
  • The availability of stamped and verified Evidential Breath Analysers to the public can raise awareness about the effects of alcohol on impairment and the legal limits for safe operation of vehicles and machinery. This encourages responsible behavior and informed decision-making.
  • The rules are applicable to those types of Evidential Breath Analysers that use mouthpieces for sampling the breath.

Q1: What is Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)?

Sulfuric acid is a corrosive substance, destructive to the skin, eyes, teeth, and lungs. Severe exposure can result in death.

Source: Department of Consumer Affairs introduces draft rules for Evidential Breath Analyzer for measurement and display of breath alcohol mass concentration under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011

About Gardi Sugdub Island: 

• It is a tiny island in the Caribbean Sea and a part of the San Blas archipelago, which comprises 365 islands, mostly uninhabited.
• It is home to 1,200 indigenous Guna people, who will soon be displaced to the mainland because of the sea level rise induced by climate change.
• The further movement of inhabitants from the surrounding islands is foreseen to be necessary by 2050.
• The Latin American nation is set to become the first to evacuate an entire island community due to climate change.
• Panama is situated in the Caribbean, where sea level rise currently averages around 3 to 4 millimetres per year

Key facts about the Caribbean Sea

• It is the Atlantic Ocean’s 2nd largest marginal sea that is geographically positioned between the continents of North and South America in the Western Hemisphere.
• It is bordered by the countries of Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela in the south; by Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the west; by the Greater Antilles islands in the north; and by the Lesser Antilles islands in the east.
• The Caribbean Sea is connected with the Gulf of Mexico in the north via the Yucatan Channel.

Q1: What is the Climate Change Performance Index?

Climate Change Performance Index is an instrument to enable transparency in national and international climate politics. It is published by Germanwatch, the New Climate Institute and the Climate Action Network annually. It was first published in 2005.

Source: Climate change forces Panama islanders to relocate: What happened — and how sea level rise is affecting the world

About Sangyaan App: 

• It is designed and developed by the Tech Team of RPF.
• It is a practical tool for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest legal developments in India.
• It aims to educate and empower RPF Personnel by providing comprehensive information to understand the provisions of both new and old criminal laws, while highlighting the relevance of these new acts in the context of RPF operations.
• It will provide in-depth information on three new Criminal Acts: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023.
• Key Features
  • Comprehensive Legal Access
  • Comparison of Laws
  • Section wise analysis
  • Advanced Search Tools
  • Inclusive Legal Database
  • User-Friendly Design

Key facts about Railway Protection Force

• The history of the RPF dates back to 1882 when various Railway companies appointed their own guards for protection of Railway property.
• It was declared as statutory force in the year 1957 by an enactment of Parliament and subsequently declared as an armed force of the Union of India in the year 1985.
• In 2003, the RPF partially took up the duties of escorting passenger trains and access control at the railway stations”.
• It is led by a director-general.
• It is an armed force under the operational and administrative control of the Union Ministry of Railways.
• It is tasked with protecting and securing railway property, the passenger areas, and the passengers themselves.

Q1: What is Operation Amanat?

Under the Operation Amanat initiative, the Railway Protection Force has taken a novel initiative to make it easier for the passengers to get back their lost luggage.

Source: DG, RPF launches Sangyaan App- A Comprehensive application for legal reference

About Krishi Katha Platform:

• It showcases the voice of the Indian farmers, dedicated to amplifying the experiences, insights and success stories of farmers across the country.
• It aims to provide a comprehensive and immersive storytelling space where the narratives of India's agricultural community can be shared and celebrated. 
• The objectives behind this initiative will be helpful in raising awareness, facilitating exchange of knowledge, fostering collaboration and empowering farmers.

Key facts about Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme

• It was launched in 2020.
• Objective: Development of post-harvest management infrastructure for reducing losses, realisation of better value to farmers, innovation in agriculture and attracting investments for creation of Agriculture infrastructure with a total outlay of ₹ 1 lakh crore funding through the banks and financial institutions upto 2025-26.

The scheme provides for 3% interest subvention to beneficiaries of the scheme for the loans given by banks upto ₹ 2 crore for a maximum period of 7 years, besides reimbursement of credit guarantee fee paid by banks.

Q1: What is Kisan Rin Portal?

The portal helps farmers avail subsidised loans under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC). It was developed in collaboration with multiple government departments. It offers a comprehensive view of farmer data, loan disbursement specifics, interest subvention claims, and scheme utilisation progress.

Source: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches web portal for faster bank settlements of interest subvention claims under Agriculture Infrastructure along with Krishi Katha blogsite to amplify the voice of Indian farmers

About Central Electronics Limited (CEL):

• It is a Govt. of India Enterprise under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology.
• It was established in 1974, with the objective to commercially exploit indigenous technologies developed by National Laboratories and R&D Institutions in the country.
• CEL's mission is to achieve excellence in the technology and manufacture, and be market leader in Solar Energy Systems and Strategic Electronics.
• It holds a unique position among the family of Public Sector Enterprises in Electronics, with its emphasis on indigenous technology inducted both from its in-house developments and from the National Laboratories, for its production programme in diverse high-technology areas of national importance. 
• The activities of CEL are sharply focused on three thrust areas:
  • Solar photovoltaic cells, modules, and systems for a variety of applications.
  • Selected Electronic Systems: Equipment for Railway Signalling and Safety, Cathodic protection Equipment for Oil Pipelines, Switching Systems and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs).
  • Selected Electronic components-professional (Soft) Ferrites, Electronic Ceramics, Piezo Electric Elements and Microwave Components.
• CEL has been a pioneer in the country in the areas of solar photovoltaics, ferrites, and piezo ceramics.
• Today, it enjoys the international status of being among the top producers of crystalline silicon solar cells in the world.

CEL has developed a number of critical components for strategic applications and is supplying these items to Defence.

Q1: What are solar photovoltaic (PV) cells?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, also known as solar cells, are electronic devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made of semiconductor material that can conduct electricity better than an insulator but not as well as a metal. When light hits a PV cell, it may be reflected, absorbed, or pass through the cell.

Source: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced grant of 'Mini RATNA' status (Category-1) for Central Electronics Limited (CEL)

About Svalbard:

• It is an archipelago that is situated in the Arctic Ocean, to the north of the European mainland. 
• It is the northernmost place in the world with a permanent population.
• Discovery: It was discovered by the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz in 1596.
• It is part of Norway. The 1920 Svalbard Treaty established Norwegian sovereignty over the Svalbard Islands.
• It is located about halfway between the North Pole and the northern part of Norway.
• It covers a total area of about 61,022 sq.km, of which 36,502 sq.km (about 60%) is covered by glacial ice and permanent snowfields.
• It is composed of several islands such as Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet, Edgeøya, Barentsøya, Kvitøya, Kong Karls Land, Prins Karls Forland, Bjørnøya, and Hopen.
• Spitsbergen is the largest and most populous island.
  • The island is bounded by the Arctic Ocean, the Greenland Sea, and the Norwegian Sea.
  • The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is also located on Spitsbergen.
• Climate: The archipelago features an Arctic climate, although with significantly higher temperatures than other areas at the same latitude. 
• Due to its location in the northern part of the Arctic Circle, the Svalbard Islands experience the midnight sunduringthesummer months and polar night during the winter months.

Q1: What are hydrothermal vents?

Hydrothermal vents are like geysers, or hot springs, on the ocean floor. Along mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates spread apart, magma rises and cools to form new crust and volcanic mountain chains. Seawater circulates deep in the ocean’s crust and becomes superheated by hot magma. As pressure builds and the seawater warms, it begins to dissolve minerals and rise toward the surface of the crust. The hot, mineral-rich waters then exit the oceanic crust and mix with the cool seawater above. As the vent minerals cool and solidify into mineral deposits, they form different types of hydrothermal vent structures.

Source: Investigating newly discovered hydrothermal vents at depths of 3,000 meters off Svalbard