A New Diatom Genus Discovered

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Why in news?

Researchers from the Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, have discovered a new genus of Gomphonemoid diatom named Indiconema in the clean waters of the Eastern Ghats. The presence of Indiconema species has been reported in both the Eastern and Western Ghats. This unique diatom differs from its relatives by having a pore field at both ends, rather than just the foot pole. Researchers suggest that Indiconema is related to Afrocymbella, a genus endemic to East Africa, based on morphological features. Early studies noted similarities between Gomphonema species from India, East Africa, and Madagascar.

Diatoms:

• Description: Tiny, microscopic algae that are crucial to aquatic ecosystems.
• Oxygen Production: Responsible for producing 25% of the world’s oxygen.
• Food Chain: Serve as the primary producers in oceans, forming the base of the aquatic food chain.
• Water Quality Indicators: Sensitive to chemical changes, making them excellent indicators of water quality.
• Diversity in India: Nearly 6,500 diatom taxa, with 30% being endemic.
• Habitats: Thrive in diverse biogeographic zones ranging from freshwater to marine environments, sea level to high mountains, and alkaline lakes to acidic swamps.
• Eastern and Western Ghats: Unique physiographic, edaphic, and climatic gradients in these regions host distinct diatom communities specific to these geographical locations.

5G Intelligent Village and Quantum Encryption Algorithm

Why in News?

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has unveiled two initiatives under the Jai Anusandhan movement, funded by the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme, to promote innovation and technological advancement in India’s telecommunications sector. These initiatives reflect the DoT’s commitment to indigenous R&D, IP creation, and inclusive digital growth across the nation.

5G Intelligent Village:

• Objective: Transform rural life through 5G technology, driving digital inclusion and economic growth.
• Proposal: Titled “From Connectivity Gaps to Smart Solutions: Designing 5G Networks for Rural Innovation—5G Intelligent Villages,” it focuses on agriculture, education, healthcare, governance, and sustainability.
• Scope: Ten villages across India have been selected.
• Applications: Utilize 5G’s Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) in rural areas.
• Collaborations: Engage telecom providers, sensor manufacturers, CCTV suppliers, and IoT providers to explore 5G benefits and establish research and development hubs.

Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA):

• Objective: Develop an India-specific Quantum Encryption Algorithm to secure digital communication channels using quantum mechanics principles.
• Features: Offers unparalleled security, advanced encryption capabilities, and ultrafast, efficient encryption.

New Security Regime at Parliament Complex

Why in news?

A Rajya Sabha MP recently complained about mistreatment by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at the Parliament complex, highlighting the ongoing shift in security management.

Shift in Security Management:

• Historical Security Management: The Parliament Security Service (PSS) and the Watch and Ward Committee historically managed security, providing familiarity with Parliament's unique needs.
• Recent Changes: Following a 2022 security breach, CISF has been tasked with taking over Parliament security duties from April 2024 in a phased manner to centralize security under a well-trained force.

From Watch and Ward to PSS:

• Origins: Established in 1929 by Vithalbhai Patel in response to a security breach involving Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt.
• Transformation: Evolved into the Parliament Security Service (PSS) in 2009, developing comprehensive security strategies, including preventive and protective measures, strict access control, and modern security technology.
• Role: PSS personnel played a crucial role in defending Parliament during the 2001 attack.

Rationale for a Separate Security Force:

• Constitutional Provision: Article 98 of the Indian Constitution provides for a separate Secretariat of Parliament, enabling control over its premises and preventing government interference.
• Specialized Training: PSS personnel receive specialized training, particularly in identifying MPs and VIPs.
• Support: The 2020 Model Law for Independent Parliaments supports making Parliament a self-contained and self-sufficient unit.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF):

• Establishment: Formed in 1969 to secure sensitive public sector undertakings.
• Role: Protects critical infrastructure such as nuclear installations, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants, government buildings, heritage monuments, and provides VIP security.

Summary: The shift in Parliament security management from PSS to CISF aims to centralize and enhance security, though it has led to complaints of mistreatment, reflecting the challenges in transitioning to a new security regime.