20.04.25 Daily [Madhya Pradesh] MPPSC Current Affairs

Here are the key points and why in news for “Aryabhata”:

• 50th Anniversary: News focuses on the 50th anniversary of Aryabhata’s launch (April 19, 1975), India’s first satellite. This milestone marks a significant achievement in India’s space program history.
• India’s Entry into Space Age: Aryabhata’s launch propelled India into an exclusive group of 11 countries capable of launching satellites. It showcased India’s ability to indigenously build satellites despite limited resources.
• Scientific Experiments: The satellite was designed for solar physics and X-ray astronomy experiments. Although a power failure limited its operational lifespan, it successfully made initial X-ray observations, providing scientists with valuable experience.
• Soviet Collaboration: Launched with Soviet assistance from Kapustin Yar, it symbolizes scientific cooperation between India and the Soviet Union, especially during the Cold War era when collaborations were limited.
• Aryabhata’s Legacy: Named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer, the satellite reflects India’s rich scientific heritage. It serves as a symbol of national pride and inspires future generations of scientists and engineers.
• Learning Curve: The satellite’s development involved a young team learning “on the fly,” highlighting the challenges and ingenuity required to establish India’s space program.
• Commemorative Stamps: Both India and the Soviet Union issued commemorative stamps, underscoring the event’s historical and diplomatic importance.
• Satellite’s Design and Orbit: Aryabhata was a 26-sided polyhedron covered in solar panels, orbiting the Earth every 96.3 minutes. Its design and orbital parameters are noteworthy technical aspects.

• Enzymes & Coenzymes Defined: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, boosting metabolism. Coenzymes are organic molecules that assist enzymes.

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• Coenzyme Q (Ubiquinone): A lipid-soluble antioxidant vital for mitochondrial function and cellular energy. Exists in forms CoQ1 to CoQ10.

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• CoQ9 Importance: Found in cereals (rice, wheat), bamboo, and some flowering plants.

• CoQ10 Importance: Crucial for the mitochondrial electron transport chain. High concentrations found in organs with high energy demands (e.g., heart). Supplementation may help with neurological problems.

• Genetic Engineering for CoQ10 Production: Rice plants can be genetically engineered to produce CoQ10. CRISPR-Cas9 allows editing of precise sites in the genome.

• Biofortified Rice (Recent Breakthrough): Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers used CRISPR to create rice varieties with up to 75% CoQ10.

• Significance of Biofortified Rice: Allows engineering of edible crops (“farm”) to produce antioxidant supplements (“factory”).

• Stem Cell Therapy Shows Promise for Parkinson’s: Two independent clinical trials (Kyoto University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) demonstrate the safety of stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease. Published in Nature.

• Parkinson’s Disease Background: Neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopamine-producing neurons, leading to motor function impairment. Current treatments (dopaminergic medications) have limitations and side effects.

• Kyoto University Trial (iPSCs):

  • Phase I/II trial using dopaminergic progenitors derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
  • No serious adverse events reported in seven patients.
  • Transplanted cells produced dopamine without overgrowth or tumors.
  • Observed decrease in motor symptoms in some participants (variable results depending on measures).

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Trial (ESCs):

  • Phase I clinical trial using a dopaminergic neuron progenitor cell product (bemdaneprocel) derived from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs).
  • No severe adverse events related to the therapy in twelve patients during 18 months of follow-up (low and high dose groups).
  • Some improvement in motor function observed in both dose groups (variable results).

• iPSCs Importance: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells are generated from adult somatic cells and have the ability to develop into any human cell type. They are used in testing, disease modeling and transplantation medicine.

• Stem Cell Therapy Approach: Aims to replace lost dopamine-producing neurons by transplanting lab-grown cells derived from pluripotent stem cells into the patient’s brain.

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• Future Implications: Cell therapy, specifically replenishing dopamine-producing neurons, could provide a potentially more effective treatment with fewer adverse effects for Parkinson’s Disease.

• Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Completion: Katra-Sangaldan section completion ensures year-round, faster rail access to Kashmir Valley.

• Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel (Banihal Railway Tunnel): India’s longest transportation railway tunnel at 11.2 km, part of USBRL.

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• Connectivity: Connects Quazigund (Kashmir Valley) with Banihal (Jammu) under the Pir Panjal range.

• Strategic Importance: Only broad-gauge mountain railway tunnel in India, vital for USBRL’s core segment.

• Historical Context: Maharaja Pratap Singh proposed a rail link to the Kashmir Valley in 1898 but multiple routes were suggested but were not materialized over years.

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• Early Hurdles: Proposed routes faced challenges like high altitude, operational difficulties, and enormous costs.

• Incremental Progress: Efforts continued post-independence, with the extension of rail lines and surveys.

• National Project: Declared a “national project” by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002, emphasizing its importance.

• Milestones: Gradual opening of sections from Anantnag to Baramulla, Qazigund to Anantnag, and Udhampur-Katra.

• Sangaldan-Banihal Section: Commissioned in February 2024, completing the USBRL.

• Significance: Connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, reduces travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, and eliminates road travel disruptions due to weather.

• INS Sunayna arrived at Nacala Port, Mozambique on April 17, 2025, as part of its deployment to Africa under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR mission. This strengthens maritime ties between India and Mozambique.
• It previously participated in the India-Africa maritime partnership exercise AIKEYME 25 in Tanzania, highlighting growing defense cooperation.
• IOS SAGAR, based on India’s SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region), fosters collaboration with African nations for maritime security. India is emphasizing its role as a security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The mission includes 44 naval personnel from nine friendly foreign nations (Comoros, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Maldives), demonstrating India’s commitment to inclusive maritime security.
• Activities planned during the port stay include joint training exercises (VBSS, firefighting), community engagement (yoga sessions, school visits), and a deck reception, enhancing operational synergy and promoting goodwill.
• Following the port visit, INS Sunayna will conduct joint surveillance in Mozambique’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with Mozambique Navy personnel onboard, combating non-traditional threats and reinforcing shared maritime security.
• INS Sunayna is the second Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel, indigenously designed and constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, commissioned in 2013. It is equipped with advanced systems and armament, including a 76 mm gun and the ability to carry a helicopter.

• HEALD Initiative Launched: Union Home Minister unveiled the HEALD (Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention) Initiative, a nationwide program to combat liver disease in India. Launched by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) on World Liver Day.

• Multi-Sectoral Approach: HEALD combines public education, early screening, psychological and medical treatment for alcohol use disorder, and liver disease management. Aims for awareness, prevention, rehabilitation, and policy integration.

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• Addressing Stigma: The initiative seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding alcohol dependence by integrating mental health support, community outreach, and policy reform into liver care.

• ILBS Role: ILBS, a tertiary care super-specialty hospital, is leading the initiative, setting a national example in healthcare innovation. ILBS Director emphasizes prioritising liver health, with early prevention through lifestyle education.

• Government Support: Home Minister Amit Shah lauded ILBS and called for replicating this model across states. Delhi government plans to expand ILBS centers for equitable liver care access.

• Integrated Liver Habilitation (LiHAB) Centre: First Integrated Liver Habilitation (LiHAB) Centre also inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

• Focus on Prevention: Emphasizes proactive liver protection and integrated healing, shifting from reactive treatment.

• Recognizing Efforts: MP Sujeet Kumar recognised for pioneering the Viral Hepatitis (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025.

• NHPC aims to begin electricity generation from the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project (LSHP) by May-end. Target is filling the reservoir by April and commissioning 750-1000 MW by May end.
• This plan has triggered downstream impact worries in Assam. The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has voiced concerns.
• Key worry is the absence of an independent reservoir management authority (SIIRMA). Recommended by an Environment Ministry-constituted panel.
• SIIRMA was meant to monitor reservoir levels and minimize downstream risks. Especially during panic water releases/floods.
• Expert panel recommended SIIRMA should be set up before filling the reservoir. A continuous release of minimum 240 cumec water downstream was suggested.
• Expert Panel suggested discharge release should not worsen Majuli Island erosion. Concerns relate to erosion of Majuli Island.
• NHPC, Centre, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh accepted SIIRMA recommendation in 2019. Yet, it hasn’t been implemented.
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII) report raised concerns about elephants. Specifically, the risk of elephants being washed away during “panic release” of water.
• The project, located on the Subansiri River (Arunachal Pradesh/Assam border), was delayed due to protests (2011-2019). Work was suspended, but cleared by NGT in 2019.
• LSHP reservoir details: 33.5 sq. km. surface area, 1.37 cubic km. gross storage capacity.

• India’s first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is likely to be commissioned by 2025-26.
• This marks the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme, focusing on recycling spent fuel.
• Developed by BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited), the 500 MWe reactor uses plutonium-based mixed oxide fuel (MOX) and liquid sodium as coolant.
• The PFBR can utilize spent fuel from Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
• The reactor is in advanced stages of integrated commissioning, with core loading commenced in March of last year and permission granted for low-power physics experiments.
• PFBRs are vital as spent fuel from these reactors will fuel thorium-based reactors in the third stage of India’s closed fuel cycle.
• The government aims for 100 GW of nuclear power, with current capacity at 8.18 GW and plans to reach 22.48 GW by 2031-32.
• BHAVINI is expected to contribute 3.80 GW through Fast Breeder Reactors.
• Unlike traditional reactors, the PFBR uses fast neutrons and breeds more fuel than it consumes.
• The design incorporates advanced safety features and operates at higher temperatures for enhanced efficiency.

• Discovery: A submerged “Davis Strait proto-microcontinent” has been identified beneath the Davis Strait, between Canada’s Baffin Island and Greenland.

• Formation: It formed millions of years ago due to tectonic plate movement. The shifting plates reconfigured the Earth’s crust, resulting in a thick continental crust in the ocean.

• Structure: The microcontinent features a 19-24 km thick thinned continental crust, separated from Greenland and Baffin Island by narrower bands of thin continental crust (15-17 km).

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• Location and Significance of Davis Strait: The Davis Strait connects the Baffin Bay and Labrador Sea, part of the Northwest Passage, and links the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It’s a wide strait with complex geological formations.

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• Geological History: Strike-slip faulting along the Ungava Fault Zone approximately 45 to 62 million years ago triggered plate tectonic movements, shaping the Labrador Sea, Baffin Bay, and the strait itself.

• Why it Matters: The discovery expands our understanding of the region’s geological history and plate tectonic processes. It also adds another piece to the puzzle of continental evolution.

• Exoplanet K2-18b: Located 124 light-years away in the Leo constellation, orbiting the star K2-18. Discovered in 2015 by the Kepler Space Telescope.

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• Size and Atmosphere: Approximately 5.2 times wider and 9 times more massive than Earth. Thought to have a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

• Past Discoveries: Hubble Space Telescope detected water vapour in 2019. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) found carbon dioxide and methane.

• DMS/DMDS Detection: In 2025, researchers reported detecting either dimethyl sulphide (DMS) or dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) in K2-18b’s atmosphere.

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• Significance of DMS: On Earth, DMS is primarily produced by phytoplankton and considered a potential biomarker (sign of life).

• Hycean World Candidate: K2-18b is hypothesized to be a Hycean world which is a planet covered with a liquid ocean and a hydrogen rich atmosphere.

• Contradictory Findings: Some studies challenge the initial findings, one 2024 paper said that JWST observations can be explained by K2-18b being “a gas-rich mini-Neptune”. One 2025 paper confirms the presence of methane but yields “no statistically significant or reliable evidence for carbon dioxide or DMS.

• Cautions about Habitability: Detecting potential biomarkers is suggestive, not confirmatory, of habitable conditions. Non-biological processes could also create such molecules.