Amylase

• Amylase is an enzyme in human saliva that breaks down starch.
• It has been crucial for human evolution and adaptation to changing food supplies.
• Two recent studies, published in Science and Nature, have revealed that humans acquired more amylase genes in two major waves:
• Several hundred thousand years ago, possibly in response to the invention of fire and cooking.
• About 12,000 years ago, after the agricultural revolution.
• Human amylase gene copies vary widely:
• Some people have a single gene on each copy of chromosome 1.
• Most people have multiple copies, up to 11 in some cases. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• This is in contrast to chimpanzees, which have only one copy.
• The first increase in amylase genes likely coincided with the control of fire, which allowed humans to cook and consume starch-rich plants more easily.
• The second wave occurred with the advent of agriculture, as societies began domesticating starch-rich crops like wheat, barley, and potatoes.
• The studies found no evidence that hunter-gatherers gained any evolutionary advantage from having extra amylase genes. (Statement 3 is incorrect)
• The studies found that people with more amylase genes were more likely to survive and reproduce in agricultural societies.
• In Peru, where potatoes were domesticated over 5,000 years ago, there was a rapid increase in extra amylase gene copies in recent millennia.
• Omer Gokcumen, who led the Science study, speculates that:
• People with fewer amylase genes may be more vulnerable to diseases like diabetes, especially given modern starch-heavy diets.
• More amylase might prompt increased insulin production, potentially leading to better sugar absorption from starch.
• These findings could potentially lead to amylase-based treatments for certain diseases in the future.

Sakura Science Exchange Program

Recently the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education has sent 20 students from India to participate in Sakura Programme 2024.    

• Sakura Science Exchange Program invites talented young foreign human resources for short−term visits to Japan, giving them the opportunity to experience both Japan's cutting−edge science and technology and culture.
• It was started in 2014 by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
• Exchange plans prepared by Japanese receiving organizations and overseas sending organizations are publicly offered and adopted.
• The Sakura Science Program's objectives include:
  • To support the development of talented human resources from overseas who have the potential to contribute to innovation in science and technology.
  • To accelerate the international brain cycle.
  • To promote continuous collaboration, cooperation and interaction between Japanese educational and research institutes and those overseas.
  • To strengthen good relationship between Japan and other countries and regions can encourage diplomacy in science and technology.
• Eligible persons – Students, researchers and others engaged in science and technology who are 40 years old and under.
• Host Organizations – Educational and research institutes throughout Japan, companies, local governments, various organizations, and others.
• Sending Organizations – An organization that dispatches invitees and plans and implements exchange programs in cooperation with the host organization.

INDIAB

• INDIAB is first of its kind, largest nationwide study on diabetes.
• The study surveyed 1,520 participants across urban and rural areas in Jammu.
• The survey was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research.
• Key findings for Jammu region:
  • Overall diabetes prevalence: 18.9%
  • Urban areas: 26.5%
  • Rural areas: 14.5%
  • These rates are higher than the national average.
  • Prediabetes affects 10.8% of the population.
  • Hypertension prevalence: 27.1%
  • Generalized obesity: 41.7%
  • Abdominal obesity: 62.7%
• Measures – The concern over rising diabetes cases and called for increased awareness to prevent and control the disease.
• The importance of preserving the health of youth, calling them "architects of Viksit Bharat" (Developed India).
• The government is setting up about 1.5 lakh (150,000) Health and Wellness Centres across India, focusing on prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including diabetes.
• To promote preventive healthcare, including traditional medicine and yoga.

Exercise NASEEM AL BAHR

• Exercise NASEEM AL BAHR is a bilateral naval exercise between Indian Navy Royal Navy of Oman.
• It was held at off Goa’s coast in the Indian Ocean region.
• The exercise was conducted in two phases and as part of harbour activities, personnel from both Navies engaged in professional interactions, including Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and planning conferences.
• In addition, sports fixtures and social engagements were also held.
• The exercise included gun firings at surface inflatable targets, close-range anti-aircraft firings, maritime manoeuvres, and Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS).
• The Chetak helicopter embarked on-board INS Trikand undertook cross-deck landings and vertical replenishment with the Omani naval ship, RNOV Al Seeb.

Parana River, Murray-Darling River, Mackenzie River & Klein River

• Parana River – of South America is the second longest river after the Amazon in South Africa.
• It rises on the plateau of southeast-central Brazil and flows generally south to the point where, after a course of 4,880 km, it joins the Uruguay River.
• Murray-Darling River – Is in Australia's south-east.
• The basin is a system of interconnected rivers and lakes
• Mackenzie River – Is a major river system in the drainage pattern of north-western North America.
• Its basin is the largest in Canada, and it is exceeded on the continent only by the Mississippi-Missouri system.
• The Klein River – Originates as the Hartebees River, 300 metres above mean average sea level on the northern slopes of the Kleinriver Mountain range.
• It is one of the smallest rivers in Africa.