CONTENTS

1. Pingali Venkayya
2. Kindlins

 Pingali Venkayya

Context:

On August 2nd, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Pingali Venkayya on his birth anniversary. He also urged citizens to support the Har Ghar Tiranga movement by unfurling the tricolour between 9th and 15th August, 2024.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Evolution of the Flag

• Initial Design and Proposal:
  • In 1916, Pingali Venkayya published a booklet titled A National Flag for India, showcasing nearly 30 potential designs for an Indian flag, influenced by flags from various nations.
  • Venkayya’s design for the National Flag received approval from Mahatma Gandhi during a Congress meeting in Vijayawada in 1921.
• Original Flag Features:
  • The first flag, known as the Swaraj Flag, included two horizontal bands of red and green, symbolizing the Hindu and Muslim communities, respectively. It also featured a charkha (spinning wheel) representing Swaraj (self-rule).
  • Gandhi suggested adding a white band to symbolize peace.
• Modifications and Official Adoption:
  • In 1931, the Flag Committee made changes by replacing the red with saffron, placing saffron on top, followed by white and then green. The charkha was positioned in the center of the white band.
  • The colors were chosen to represent qualities rather than communities: saffron for courage and sacrifice, white for truth and peace, and green for faith and strength. The charkha symbolized the welfare of the masses.
• Post-Independence Changes:
  • After India gained independence, a new national flag committee under President Rajendra Prasad replaced the charkha with the Ashok Chakra.

About Pingali Venkayya

• Military Service and Contributions:
  • Venkayya participated in the Second Boer War (1899-1902).
  • In 1913, he gave a lecture in Japanese in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, known as ‘Japan Venkayya.’
  • He was also referred to as Patti Venkayya due to his research on Cambodia cotton.
• Honors and Recognition:
  • In 2009, a postage stamp was issued to honor his contributions.

Kindlins

Context:

A recent study of kindlins has revealed a novel pathway to cancer treatment.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

About Kindlins

• Overview:
  • Kindlins are adapter proteins located within cells and are attached to cell membranes in nearly all types of vertebrate cells.
• Family and Functions:
  • The Kindlin family includes three members: Kindlin 1, Kindlin 2, and Kindlin 3. Each has unique amino acid sequences and tissue distributions.
  • These proteins transmit external mechanical signals into biochemical responses inside the cell. They play a critical role in converting extracellular signals into intracellular actions by interacting with structural proteins, receptors, and transcription factors, thereby initiating a cascade of chemical signals.
• Impact of Structural Disruptions:
  • Disruptions in Kindlin proteins can significantly affect mechano-chemical signaling, which may disrupt the balance of various body systems essential for proper function and survival.
• Mutations and Carcinogens:
  • Kindlins can be mutated by exposure to various chemical and physical carcinogens, such as nicotine and ultraviolet rays.
  • Mutated Kindlins may potentially interfere with the global mechanical homeostasis within cells.