In our eyes, nose and mouth, we have sensors for light, odours and flavours. Within the body, cells have similar sensors for hormones and signalling substances, such as adrenalin, serotonin, histamine and dopamine. As life evolved, cells have repeatedly used the same basic mechanism for reading their environment: G-protein– coupled receptors. But they remained hidden from researchers for a long time. In a human, tens of thousands of billions of cells interact. Most of them have developed distinct roles. Some store fat; others register visual impressions, produce hormones or build up muscle tissue. In order for us to function, it is crucial that our cells work in unison, that they can sense their environment and know what is going on around them. For this, they need sensors. Sensors on the cell surface are called receptors. Robert J. Lefkowitz and Brian K. Kobilka are awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for having mapped how a family of receptors called Gprotein– coupled receptors (GPCRs) work. In this family, we find receptors for adrenalin (also known as epinephrine), dopamine, serotonin, light, flavour and odour. Most physiological processes depend on GPCRs. Around half of all medications act through these receptors, among them beta blockers, antihistamines and various kinds of psychiatric medications. Knowledge about GPCRs is thus of the greatest benefit to mankind. However, these receptors eluded scientists for a long time.

Spotlight/News Analysis (22 Dec):

The Union Cabinet on 11 October 2012 approved the introduction of Amendments to the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 in Parliament under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The amendments proposed are as:

Broaden the scope of the law to cover the audio-visual media and material in electronic form which includes Internet, satellite- based communication, multi-media messaging and cable television, among others.

Penalties to be enhanced to a maximum of three years of imprisonment and fine of between 50000 to 100000 Rupees for first conviction, and imprisonment of not less than two years, but which may extend to seven years, and a fine between 100000 Rupees to 500000 Rupees for second conviction.

Police officers not below the rank of Inspectors authorized to carry out search and seizure, in addition to State and Central Government officers authorized by the State or Central Government. The Act was enacted in 1986 to prohibit the indecent representation of women through advertisement, publication, writing, and painting or in any other manner. With the increased use of advanced technology and communication devices in everyday life, the Government felt the scope of the Act should be amended. The amendments were introduced after consultations with stakeholders, including lawyers and civil society organisations, on the draft Bill.

The Indian economy has traditionally been an agrarian economy, where 70% of the population is dependent on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood. Significantly, land is also the most essential asset for the development and growth of any nation, particularly in the infrastructure sector. To fulfill this said objective, the Government has to acquire land under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and 18 other special Acts, which are applicable to various other sectors including Highways, Railways and Ports.

Land acquisition and compensation have always been an emotional and highly contentious issue between the Government and landowners. Recent agitations and protests by farmers and land owners against the Government for unfair compensation and forcible acquisition of land in Singur and Nandigram (W.Bengal), Jaitapur (Maharashtra) and Greater Noida (U.P) have been witnessed by the world.

After three rounds of vigorous debate, a Group of Ministers has approved the controversial Land Acquisition Bill, with few changes from the version presented to the Union Cabinet last month. This paves the way for the Bill to be introduced in Parliament in the winter session. Land acquisition is the process by which the government forcibly acquires private property for public purpose without the consent of the land-owner. It is thus different from a land purchase, in which the sale is made by a willing seller. Though land is a state subject, “acquisition and requisitioning of property” is in the concurrent list. Both Parliament and state legislatures can make laws on this subject. The government had introduced a Bill to amend this Act in 2007. That Bill lapsed in 2009 at the time of the general elections. The government enacted a new bill in 2011.

The 62nd Annual Report of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the Financial Year 2011-12 was tabled in the Parliament today.

The main highlights of the Report are as below:

1. Under recruitment through examination method, the Commission conducted 14 examinations, 10 for recruitment to Civil Services/ Posts and 4 for Defence Services; a total of 21,02,131 applications were received and processed; 9938 candidates interviewed for Civil Services/ Posts (interviews for Defence Services were conducted by SSB of Min. of Defence) and 6863 candidates recommended for appointment to various posts, 5007 (including 307 candidates recommended through Reserve List) for Civil Services/Posts and 1856 for Defence Services/Posts.

2. 100% Online mode of submission of applications and 100% online filling of Detailed Application Forms introduced by the Commission for all of its Examinations.

3.  The Commission processed 528 requisitions involving 4008 posts for direct recruitment by interview from various ministries/departments. 189 requisitions involving 920 posts were advertised during the year 2011-12.

Spotlight/News Analysis (21 Dec):

• Topic of Discussion: India Asean Commemorative Summit
• Expert Panel: Muchkund Dubey (Former Foreion Secretary), Mahendra Vaidh (Senior Journalist)

Spotlight/News Analysis (20 Dec):

• Topic: Poll Verdicts in Gujrat & Himachal Pradesh
• Expert Panel: T.R. Rama Chandra (Senior Political Commentator), Mohan Sahay (Senior Journalist)

Spotlight/News Analysis (19 Dec):

• Interview with B.S. Sampat on Paid News & Elections
• Interviewer S Mathais - AIR Special Correspondent

Spotlight/News Analysis (18 Dec):

• Topic of Discussion: Right's of Minorities
• Expert Panel: Wajahat Habibullah (Chairperson National Commission For Minorities ), Doctor Terray O.Brian (Senior Journalist)

Spotlight/News Analysis (17 Dec):

• Topic of Discussion: Reservation in Promotion to S.C., S.T. (117th Constitution Amendment Bill)
• Expert Panel: G. Sriniwas (School of Social Science J.N.U.) & Prof. B.S. Arun (Political Editor - Deccan Herald)

H.C.S (Judicial Branch) Examination – 2012

(Advertisement No. 3 / 2012)

The Haryana Public Service Commission invites applications from eligible candidates for 72 posts (52 actual posts and 20 anticipated posts) of Civil Judge (Junior Division). The category wise break-up of vacancies is as under:-

Civil Judge (Junior Division)

Total Posts: 72

Pay Scale: Rs.27700-770-33090-920-40450-1080-44770 /- or such as may be revised by the Govt. from time to time.

Age Limit: Candidate should not be less than 21 years and not more than 40 years as on 17.01.2013.

Education Qualification:

Spotlight/News Analysis (16 Dec):

• Interview: Topic of Discussion: Delhi Anna Shri Yojana
• Interview with: Shila Dixhit (Chief Minister Delhi),
  Interviewer: Harveer Singh (Senior Economic Editor - Amar Ujala)

Staff Selection Commission will make recruitment to the posts of Constable (GD) in ITBPF, BSF,CISF,CRPF and SSB and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles.Female candidate will be considered for posts earmarked for them in different CAPFs. Matriculation or 10th class pass is the minimum educational qualification. The recruitment will comprise of Physical Standards Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Written Examination and Medical Examination. Constabulary forms the major component of the forces. The working mainly depends upon the effectiveness of the personnel at this level. Therefore, it is important that only the candidates having the right aptitude, capability and fitness in all respects apply for the posts.

Content

Spotlight/News Analysis (14 Dec):

• Topic of Discussion: Land Acquisition Bill-Passed by The Cabinet
• Expert Panel: Prof Subrato Mukharji (Former Faculty Delhi University), Anna Purna Jha (Journalist)