 Welcome to the Hindu News Analysis by Shankar Ayesakarmi. The news articles along with the page numbers are displayed here for your reference. The PDF link of the handy to notes and the time stamping of the news articles is given in the description box as well as in the comment section. Now let us start our today's news analysis. See this news article is with reference to arsenic resistant rice. In this analysis we will mainly see why a paddy variety has been developed to resist arsenic. The syllabus element for the analysis of this news article is highlighted here for your reference. Now let us see few important information about arsenic. See arsenic occurs naturally in the environment as an element of the earth crust but beyond a safe and permissible limit arsenic should not enter human body. This is because arsenic is also responsible for large scale health effects in human beings. See the presence of arsenic in groundwater beyond safe limit means that the groundwater in that particular area is contaminated by arsenic. Here the safe limit refers to the permissible limit which is about 0.05 milligrams per liter in groundwater. This means that if the groundwater has arsenic concentration more than 0.05 milligrams per liter then the area is contaminated by arsenic. Know that the soil in the region could also contain naturally excess arsenic and may lead to arsenic contamination of groundwater. Let us see the states or number of states in India that have reported arsenic groundwater contamination. According to Central Ground Water Board about 86 districts in 10 states have reported this problem. These are the 10 states that are affected by this arsenic contamination in groundwater. Today we are going to discuss this problem with reference to Westerbengal that is around 8 districts in the state of Westerbengal are affected by this arsenic contamination. In the newspaper you can find the name Nadia which is one of the arsenic contaminated districts of Westerbengal. Now let us see how arsenic can enter into human beings. This is mainly by 2 ways that is arsenic can enter into human beings. One is that through drinking water and the other way is through food chain. See several research studies have confirmed that the arsenic in groundwater enters food chain through rice from paddy crop that is cultivated in arsenic contaminated region. Several research studies were stated to develop a rice or paddy variety that is resistant to arsenic contamination. See the safe limit of arsenic in drinking water is 0.01 milligrams per liter and this is as per the standards of World Health Organization. See the long term exposure to arsenic contaminated drinking water on food is said to lead to skin cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer in human beings. It also amounts to poisoning of food. So with respect to drinking water sufficient treatment is required to keep arsenic levels in safe limit. So what can be done for the absorption of arsenic in paddy crops? We saw that arsenic can also enter from groundwater and soil into paddy crops. When human beings consume rice from the contaminated paddy crop then the food chain becomes contaminated by arsenic. Then the individuals become vulnerable to the health hazards which are caused by arsenic contamination. See the news article states that scientists from the Agriculture Department of West Bengal and the National Botanical Research Institute have developed and have also commercialized a paddy variety. See the specialty is that this variety is resistant to arsenic even if the soil or groundwater is contaminated by arsenic. This means that this paddy variety absorbs very less amount of arsenic from soil and water when compared to other varieties of rice. We know that this variety is called as Muktoshri and it is also called as IET-21845. See the commercialization or commercial use of this crop is already allowed in the state of West Bengal since last year. The news article reports that thousands of farmers have started cultivation of this arsenic resistant paddy variety even in areas where arsenic in groundwater is not an issue. This is because this arsenic resistant paddy variety resists arsenic absorption into the crop. It also gives better yield. This means that better profits to the cultivator. Finally, it can withstand both scarcity of water as well as heavy rains. This is one of the reasons why this crop can be grown even beyond the curry season. Therefore, the development of this paddy variety is seen as a significant practical adaptation in fighting the arsenic contamination in food chain. In the news article, you can find a term borow season. See borow is a Bengali word which is derived from a Sanskrit word borob. This refers to a special type of rice cultivation that is carried out after the harvest of paddy in curry season. See, such a cultivation is carried out on a residual or stored water from curry cropping. And this borow rice cultivation is usually carried out in low-lying areas. And therefore, this cultivation coincides the period from November to May. See, the news article states that farmers are cultivating the arsenic resistant paddy during curry season and also during the borow season. So this is another specialty of this paddy variety. So these are some of the important information with reference to the analysis of this news article. In this analysis, we have discussed about arsenic contamination and associated health effects. We have also discussed that the states that are affected by arsenic contamination in groundwater. And finally, we have discussed the development of a paddy variety which is known as muktoshri which develops resistance to or raises the absorption of arsenic from soil and groundwater. With this, we have come to the end of analysis of this news article. The displayed practice question will be discussed at the end of the session. Now let us proceed to the next news article analysis. This news article provides the reasons behind why bats do not get affected even though they harbor numerous viruses. The syllabus relevant for the analysis of this news article is highlighted here for your reference. You should know that bats are the only flying mammals or only mammals with the ability to fly. And bats are hosting to a large number of high-profile viruses. High-profile viruses such as Ebola virus, Nipah virus, Corona viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome. As per the news article, bats are also host for the new coronavirus which is the 2019 novel coronavirus. See, these viruses are capable of causing severe and often deadly disease in humans and also in animals. But the bats which are host of such deadly viruses exhibit no signs or minimal signs of the disease even when there is high viral loads of these viruses in the bats body. So to find out the reasons behind it, a study was conducted by researchers in Singapore last year. So based on the research study to find out the reasons that is the reason why bats can harbor these viruses without getting affected or infected is simply because of bats' special immune system that enables bats to avoid excessive virus-induced inflammation. So to understand this, first you should understand about inflammation. See inflammation is part of immune response which is a normal physiological response that causes injured tissue to heal. See the inflammatory process starts when chemicals are released by the damaged tissue. So in response to this inflammation, white blood cells make substances that cause cells to divide and grow to rebuild the tissue to help to repair the injury. So once the wound is healed, the inflammatory process slowly ends. However, sometimes inflammatory process may begin even if there is no injury and sometimes it does not end even after healing. So this leads to chronic inflammation. Therefore, uncontrolled acute inflammation may become chronic and it contributes to a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases in animals and also in human beings who are infected with the viruses. However, as per the recent research study that the inflammatory response in bats is dampened or it is a reduced response. They found that the inflammatory response is dampened in bats immaterial of the variety of viruses that are present and it was also immaterial of the viral load. So what was the reason behind this dampened inflammatory response? The researchers found that the significantly reduced inflammation in bats was because of dampened or reduced activation of an important protein which is known as NLRP3. See NLRP3 stands for NLR family Pyrene domain containing 3. See it is a gene name of NLR family. The NLRP3 gene provides instructions for making a protein called cryopyrene. See cryopyrene is found mainly in white blood cells and in cartilage forming cells. See the NLR proteins are mainly involved in the immune system and they help to start and regulate the immune system's response to injury or toxins or invasion by microorganisms. These proteins recognize specific molecules and they become activated and they respond by helping to engage the components of the immune system. So in this the cryopyrene recognizes the bacterial particles and then chemical such as asbestos and it also recognizes the compounds released by injured cells. So after recognizing it gets activated. Now once this is activated groups of cryopyrene molecules assemble themselves along with other proteins into structures. These structures are called as inflamosomes which are involved in the process of inflammation. See inflammation occurs when the immune system sends molecules as well as white blood cells to a site of injury or disease to fight the microbial invaders and the inflammation facilitates tissues to repair. So when this NLRP3 gene has a dampened activation it leads to reduced inflammation. This is what happens in bats immune system. Therefore the researchers found that the activation of NLRP3 inflamosome is dampened in bats primary immune cells. So this process is in complete contrast to what is seen in mice and human beings for disease causing genotic viruses. So finally as a conclusion the researchers noted that the reduced inflammatory response caused by dampened activation of NLRP3 gene supports an enhanced innate or natural in bone immune tolerance in bats rather than an enhanced antiviral defense. So this is the reason behind why bats do not get affected even though they harbor numerous deadly viruses. With this we have come to the end of analysis of this news article. Now let us proceed to the next news article. This discussion is based on the FAQ article. This article mentions about a draft notification published by the Union Environment Ministry last week. In the draft notification the ministry prohibits users from installing membrane based water purification. See it mainly prohibits users from installing reverse osmosis systems or simply RO systems in their homes and this prohibition is applicable if the water has been sourced from a supply that meets the Bureau of Indian Standards drinking water norms. See very recently that is on 6th February Hindu news analysis we discussed about this notification and also about RO systems we have discussed in our June 4th and November 7th news analysis videos. In these videos we have discussed the functioning of RO systems then the problems associated with RO systems and the reasons behind the prohibition suggested by the Union Environment Ministry in the recent draft notification. So we request our viewers to view these videos for better understanding about the issue. Now let us proceed to the next news article. This discussion is based on novel coronavirus. We have been discussing about this disease for a long time so you can refer our 19th January and also 28th January videos for better understanding. In today's discussion we will specifically see the transmission of the disease that is discussed in this FAQ article. As we know that coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found both in animals and also in human beings. Some coronaviruses infect people and they are known to cause illness which ranges from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome and a severe acute respiratory syndrome. See the detailed investigations found that SARS coronavirus was transmitted from civet cats to human beings in China in 2002. Whereas Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus was transmitted from dromedary camels to human beings in Saudi Arabia in 2012. See the dromedary camels are mainly used for riding or for racing in Arabian desert. But the animal source of the 2019 NCOV has not had been confirmed. But this does not mean that you can catch novel coronavirus from any animal or from your pet animals. See these coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals including camels, cattle, cats and bats. As per this news article there is evidence that the novel coronavirus originated in bats. But this has not yet been confirmed by WHO. Now we will see the transmission chain of coronavirus that is novel coronavirus. This novel coronavirus transmits to the intermediate host from the original host. And from these intermediate hosts are also animals that are infected by blood, saliva, urine and feces of bats. And then from these intermediate hosts this virus transmits to human beings who have close contact with the infected animals. Then it spreads from person to person. It is because the 2019 NCOV causes respiratory disease and it can be transmitted from person to person usually after close contact with an infected patient. Know that it spreads through respiratory droplets that is generated when a person for example coughing or sneezing or through droplets of saliva or it also spreads through the discharge from the nose. A new worry about the virus has arisen that the virus can transmit in its incubation period also. See the incubation period is the time between infection and the onset of clinical symptoms of a disease. See the current estimates of the incubation period for novel coronavirus ranges from 1 to 12.5 days. So based on information from other coronavirus diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome, the incubation period of 2019 NCOV could be up to 14 days also. But it is not at clear that whether this disease could transmit during incubation period or not. So these are some of the information regarding the novel coronavirus from this FAQ article. We will get more confirmed details about this disease once the precise research is completed on 2019 NCOV. With this we have come to the end of analysis of this news article. The display practice question will be discussed at the end of the session. Now let us proceed to the next news article analysis. This news article is with reference to a big temple in our country which has completed 1000 years of age by the year 2010. See the news article is mostly discussing the debate on which language is to be used in the consecration of the temple. That is whether Tamil should be used or Sanskrit should be used in the consecration ceremony. But we will restrict ourselves and use this opportunity to learn important information with reference to the big Brihadeeshwara temple in Tamil Nadu state. The syllabus relevant for the analysis of this news article is highlighted here for your reference. Now let us see the few important facts with respect to the Brihadeeshwara temple which is located in the Tanjavu district of the Tamil Nadu state. See this temple is an important example of temple architecture during the Chola dynasty. This temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I and the construction of this temple was completed in the year 1010 AD and this is the reason why we have said that this temple has completed 1000 years of age in the year 2010. See it is a Hindu temple and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per the Press Information Bureau of the Central Government, this temple is the world's first granite temple and this temple is most famous due to its unique architecture style. See the temple is said to be made up of about 1.3 lakh tons of granite but granite is not found in the surrounding areas of this temple. That is no granite quarry is present within 100 kilometers radius of this temple. So historians are surprised that where from the massive granite was brought for the construction of the temple. Therefore Raja Raja Chola I became famous for the efforts taken to bring the massive granite stones to the construction site. See the temple tower which is called as Vimana is about 216 feet or 66 meters tall structure. Therefore this temple tower is among the tallest of its kind in the world and PIB states that this is the world's tallest temple tower. Then the important statues such as Nandi statue have been called out from single granite rock stone. See Nandi is the sacred bull and the apex bulb-like portion of the temple which is called as kumbam was also said to be carved from a single granitic rock. See the kumbam is also called as Kalsha or Shikaram. Then the Gopram which is the pyramidal tower usually over the gateway of a temple is the significant feature of this temple. Therefore because of the outstanding significance of the art picture at this big temple Unisco has listed this temple as world heritage site under the cultural category and this is listed in the year of 1987. Then the other two Chola temples were later added with this big temple in the Unisco world heritage list and this is done in the year 2004. These temples are Brahadeswara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Aira Vatheswara temple at Dara Suryam. See the Brahadeswara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is in the Arayalu district of Tamil Nadu and this temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva by Rajendra Chola 1. Then the Aira Vatheswara temple which is located at Dara Suryam in Tanjavuru district of Tamil Nadu state was built by Raja Raja Chola 2. See Unisco calls these three Chola temples as great living Chola temples. So in the context of consecration ceremony of the Brahadeswara temple we have discussed the significance of this temple and also some of the important Unisco world heritage sites. With this we have come to the end of analysis of this news article. The displayed practice question will be discussed at the end of the session. Now let us start our practice question session. Now let's take up this question that is which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another person through coughing. They have given statements like novel coronavirus influenza then SARS then Zika virus. So for this question you have to choose correct answer using the quotes given. So to answer this question you should know different modes of transmission of diseases or viruses. See the novel coronavirus or 2019 NCOV is a new strain of family of coronaviruses which is recently identified in the Wuhan city of Hubei province of China. See the mode of transmission of novel coronavirus can be through coughing and also by sneezing. Therefore the healthy person gets infected if the person is in direct contact with the infected person or through airborne modes like coughing and sneezing of an infected person. Now in case of influenza is a contagious respiratory illness which is caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. See serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or can leads to death in some cases. So in case of influenza the mode of transmission is airborne that is mainly through coughing and sneezing. So we can say that novel coronavirus and influenza can spread through coughing. Now if you look at SARS which is a severe acute respiratory syndrome is also viral respiratory illness which is caused by a coronavirus known as SARS coronavirus. See the primary way that SARS appears to spread is by close person to person contact. SARS coronavirus is transmitted by respiratory droplets. Therefore we can say that severe acute respiratory syndrome can also be transmitted through coughing. Now in case of JICA virus which is spread mostly by the bite of an infected AD species mosquito that is AD's egypti and AD's albopictus. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. JICA can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. See infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. Also know that JICA virus can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse but not through coughing. So for this question you have to choose correct statements. Therefore the correct answer is option B, 1, 2 and 3 only. Now let's take up this question that is which of the following temples are designated as world heritage sites by INISCO. They have given the statements like Mahabodhi temple complex of Bodh Gaya, then Brahadiswara temple at Thanjavur, then Sun temple at Konark. So for this question you have to choose correct answer from the quotes given. See all the given sites are designated as INISCO world heritage sites that is Bodh Gaya or Mahabodhi temple complex at Bodh Gaya in the state of Bihar. Then the Brahadiswara temple which is located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. Then the Sun temple or Konark temple in the state of Vadisha. In addition to these temples Buddhist monuments such as Sanchi that is Sanchi Stopa in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Then the Brahadiswara temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram in the state of Tamil Nadu. Then the Aira Vathiswara temple at Dara Suram in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu are also designated as world heritage sites by the INISCO. So for this question you have to choose correct answer that is option D, 1, 2 and 3 is the correct answer. Concerning this question which is asked in UPSC Prelims 2013 examination that is which are the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India. They have given the pollutants like arsenic, then sorbitol, fluoride, formaldehyde and uranium. So for this question you have to choose the correct answer using the quotes given. So to answer this question first you should know about sorbitol and formaldehyde. See formaldehyde is a simple chemical compound made of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon. See all life forms such as bacteria, plants, fish, animals and human beings naturally produce formaldehyde as part of cell metabolism. So we can say that formaldehyde is not a pollutant that is there in drinking water. Now sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol commonly used as a sugar substitute to sweeten medications, candies, gums and other baked goods. So sorbitol is not a pollutant in the drinking water. Then the remaining statements like arsenic, fluoride and uranium are considered as the pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India. So for this question option C that is 1, 3 and 5 only is correct. With this we have come to the end of analysis of today's India news analysis. If you like the video please do like, comment, share and subscribe Shankar IAS Academy YouTube channel for more updates. Thank you.