Bhakra Dam Deflection Exceeds Design Limit
Why in News
- Bhakra Dam has recorded structural deflection beyond its permissible limit amid consistently high reservoir levels.
- Authorities are planning a safety review with international experts via the National Dam Safety Authority.
Key Observations
- Maximum deflection recorded in 2026: 1.17770 inches, exceeding the design limit of 1.03 inches.
- Deflection on 24 Feb 2026: 1.04 inches.
- High reservoir levels over recent years (not dropping below 1,550 feet) have prevented the dam from returning to equilibrium.
Planned Measures
- Controlled drawdown scheduled for upcoming summer: target level 1,490–1,510 feet.
- Drawdown expected to reduce structural loading and allow elastic recovery.
- Partial desilting may also be possible during this period.
Reservoir & Structural Info
- Maximum storage: 1,680 feet; minimum: 1,462 feet.
- Reservoir has lost ~25% of original storage capacity due to silt from Sutlej and tributaries.
- Real-time monitoring of deflection, seepage, and stress continues.
- Officials confirm the dam is structurally safe, and measures are precautionary.
Indigenous Groups Mark 200 Years of Yandabo Treaty as ‘Black Day’
Why in News
- Indigenous and social organisations in Dibrugarh, Assam observed the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Yandabo as a ‘Black Day.’
- The treaty (signed on 24 Feb 1826) ended the First Anglo-Burmese War, transferring Assam to the British East India Company.
- The day-long programme highlighted political, socio-economic, demographic, and cultural changes and loss of sovereignty for Assam.
Key Observations
- Participants wore black badges and paid tribute to historical figures such as King Badosa, Sukapha, Lachit Borphukan, Sati Sadhani, and Kanaklata Barua.
- The programme included flag hoisting, lighting of traditional lamps, and incense offerings before portraits of freedom fighters.
- Two panel discussions were held:
- Treaty of Yandabo and its aftermath
- Defining ‘Khilonjia’ (indigenous people of Assam) and safeguarding their future
Organisers and Speakers
- Main organisers included: Khilonjia Mancha, All Assam Ahom Sabha, All Assam Matak Sanmilan, Assam Moran Sabha, All Assam Chutia Jati Sanmilan, All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilan, and North-East Indigenous Peoples’ Forum.
- Speakers included advocate Ramesh Barpatra Gohain, Dr Jibeshwar Mohan, Phatik Chandra Neog, Litton Rongphar, and Dr Atul Borgohain.
- Discussions focused on protection of indigenous rights and ensuring the future of coming generations in social, political, and economic spheres.
Significance
- Yandabo Treaty is considered a dark day in Assam’s history, marking the start of colonial rule.
- Sparked resistance and nationalism, contributing to India’s broader struggle for independence.
- The events concluded with a call to remember sacrifices and promote unity among Assam’s communities.
Indian Team Makes Big Solar Discovery That Could Save Earth’s Satellites, GPS
Why in News
- Indian astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) captured the closest-ever observations of shock waves triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) near the Sun.
- Discovery could improve space weather forecasting and protect satellites, GPS, communications, and power grids from solar storms.
Key Observations
- Observed using the Gauribidanur radio telescope and VELC onboard Aditya-L1.
- Shock waves from CMEs are like sonic booms in space, compressing Earth’s magnetosphere and causing geomagnetic storms.
- Observed May 27, 2024, at ~130,000 km above the Sun, traveling at ~1,700 km/s.
- Closest distance ever for detecting a CME-driven shock and its associated radio burst.
Instruments & Methodology
- Gauribidanur radio telescope: India’s only dedicated low-frequency solar radio observatory; detects intense low-frequency emissions from shocks.
- VELC (Visible Emission Line Coronagraph): Observes the Sun’s outer atmosphere to identify the exact CME responsible.
- Combined observations allowed detection of the “birth stage” of solar shocks near the Sun.
Significance
- Enhances understanding of where solar shocks originate, crucial for predicting space weather.
- Protects satellites, GPS systems, high-altitude flights, radio communications, and power grids.
- Could allow detection of CME shocks even closer to the Sun (within 30,000 km) during Solar Cycle 25.
- Findings to be published in the Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy.
Small RNA Molecule Copies Itself, Hinting at How Life First Began
Why in News
- Scientists have reported a small RNA molecule, QT45, capable of self-replication, offering clues about how life may have originated on Earth.
- Supports the RNA World hypothesis, suggesting RNA could have been the first genetic material.
Background
- Early life required genetic material (DNA/RNA) that could store information and replicate itself.
- The chicken-and-egg problem: RNA or DNA needs proteins (polymerases) to replicate, but proteins require RNA/DNA instructions.
- In the 1980s, RNA was found to perform simple chemical reactions, hinting it could bypass this problem.
Key Discovery
- QT45 RNA is only 45 nucleotides long and can copy its own genetic information.
- Developed by the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, U.K., through selection of rare RNA sequences showing faint replication.
- Self-replication is slow and requires special conditions; producing one full copy can take weeks, compared to modern polymerases which do it in seconds.
Mechanism
- QT45 uses three-nucleotide building blocks to assemble a complementary negative strand, then reproduces the original sequence.
- Copying is imperfect (92–94% accuracy), creating variations for natural selection, a key feature of life.
Significance
- Demonstrates self-replicating RNAs can exist, supporting the idea that life could begin from simple chemical systems.
- Strengthens the RNA World hypothesis but does not prove RNA was the first genetic material.
- Highlights how inert matter can gradually acquire lifelike properties through chemistry.
8,000-Year-Old Indus Valley Civilisation May Be Older Than Egypt’s Earliest Pharaohs
Why in News
- New archaeological evidence from Bhirrana, Haryana suggests the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) began around 8,350 years ago, predating Egypt’s earliest pharaohs.
- Challenges earlier theories that climate change and monsoon weakening caused abrupt collapse; instead, IVC adapted gradually to environmental changes.
Key Findings
- Oxygen isotope analysis of animal teeth and bones created a 5,000-year record of monsoon variability at Bhirrana.
- Continuous settlement observed from Early Harappan (8,000–6,500 years ago) to Mature Harappan (5,000–2,800 years ago).
- Early occupation characterised by Hakra ware ceramics; confirmed via radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence dating.
Adaptation to Climate
- Monsoon intensity declined gradually after 7,000 years ago, but people shifted from water-intensive crops (wheat, barley) to drought-resistant crops (millets, rice).
- Population dispersed into smaller settlements, reducing reliance on centralised storage and urban centres.
- Evidence shows no abrupt collapse, but a gradual restructuring of society and agriculture.
Significance
- Positions the Indus Valley Civilisation as one of the oldest urban cultures in the world.
- Demonstrates human adaptability to long-term environmental change.
- At its peak, the civilisation had grid-pattern cities, covered drainage, wells, craft production, standardised weights, and undeciphered seals.
- Offers a new understanding of societal resilience and gradual transformation rather than sudden collapse.