Sara Abraham

• Sara Abraham, doyenne of contemporary Indian art, passes away

Contributions to Contemporary Indian Art

• Innovative Approach: Sara Abraham is celebrated for her experimental techniques, merging traditional and modern art forms.
• Mixed Media: She utilizes mixed media, such as photography, painting, and installation art, to delve into themes of identity, memory, and urban life.
• Social Commentary: Her work often addresses social issues, providing commentary on gender, migration, and cultural dislocation.
• Exhibitions: Abraham’s art has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions and galleries both in India and internationally, boosting the global visibility of contemporary Indian art.
• Educational Influence: As a teacher and mentor, Sara Abraham has significantly influenced the next generation of artists through her academic roles.

e-Sakshya, Nyaay Setu, Nyaay Shruti and e-Summon apps

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah launches e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti and e-Summon App

About Three Apps:

• e-Sakshya: All videography, photography, and testimonies will be stored on the evidence server.
• e-Summon: All evidence will be sent electronically from the court to the police station and the individual receiving the summons.
• Nyaay Setu Dashboard: This will interlink police, medical, forensic, prosecution, and prisons.
• Nyaay Shruti: The court will be able to hear witnesses through video conferencing.

Kindlins

• A recent study on kidlins has uncovered a new pathway for cancer treatment.

Kindlins: 

• About: These are adapter proteins found inside cells, attached to the cell membranes of nearly all vertebrate cell types.
• Kindlin Family: The Kindlin family includes three proteins—Kindlin 1, 2, and 3—each with unique amino acid sequences and tissue distributions.
• Signal Transduction: Kindlins transfer extracellular mechanical cues into biochemical signals within the cells. They interact with structural proteins, receptors, and transcription factors, initiating a cascade of chemical signals.
• Impact of Structural Disruptions: Disruptions in Kindlin proteins can significantly affect mechano-chemical signaling, disturbing the balance necessary for the body’s systems to function properly.
• Mutations and Carcinogens: Kindlins can mutate under the influence of various chemical and physical carcinogens, such as nicotine and ultraviolet rays.
• Effect of Mutations: Mutated Kindlin proteins can potentially disrupt global mechanical homeostasis within cells.

Genetic Screening

• Table tennis star Sharath Kamal, a seven-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, opted for genetic screening to enhance his preparations.

Genetic Screening:

• Purpose: Genetic testing analyzes an individual’s DNA to identify genetic variants affecting health, traits, and performance. 
  • It detects changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins to confirm or exclude genetic conditions and assess the risk of developing or passing on genetic disorders.
• Sample Sources: Tests can be conducted using samples from blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid, or other tissues.
• Types of Genetic Testing
  • Cytogenetic Testing: Examines whole chromosomes.
  • Biochemical Testing: Measures proteins produced by genes.
  • Molecular Testing: Detects small DNA mutations.

Bailey Bridge

• The Indian Army’s Madras Engineer Group recently constructed a Bailey bridge at Chooralmala to access Mundakkai village, a site severely affected by landslides.

Bailey bridge: 

• About: A Bailey bridge is a modular type, with pre-built parts requiring minimal construction work and allowing for quick assembly when needed.
• Origins:  Originating during wartime, it was invented by English civil engineer Donald Coleman Bailey during World War II (1939-45), as noted in a US Army Engineer School manual.
• Working: A Bailey bridge consists of pre-fabricated steel panels linked by pins that form the guardrails. 
  • Beams are placed through these guardrails to create the deck, locking in for stability. 
  • Its lightweight parts allow for easy transport and assembly, making it ideal for disaster relief and wartime use without heavy equipment.