9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 27th January, 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution

This post on  Article 370 of the Indian Constitution has been created based on article “In our Constitution, two competing visions of power” published in The Indian Express on 27th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 2- Polity

Context: The article provides a detailed critique and analysis of the Supreme Court’s judgment on the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. It also ties the discussion to historical debates that took place during the framing of the Constitution, particularly the tensions between uniformity and diversity in federal arrangements.

What is the context of the Supreme Court’s judgment on Article 370?

1. In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special status.
2. While the judgment was largely discussed in political terms, the constitutional reasoning behind it was relatively overlooked.
3. This case highlighted the constitutional philosophy of “integration,” which played a pivotal role in the Court’s interpretation.

What was the Court’s constitutional reasoning regarding Article 370?

1. The Court noted that Article 370 originated from unique historical circumstances aimed at ensuring the gradual “integration” of Jammu and Kashmir into India.
2. While rejecting the government’s constitutional mechanism for the abrogation, the Court concluded that Article 370 granted the President unilateral authority to revoke the provision.
3. This interpretation involved bypassing the clause that required a recommendation from Jammu and Kashmir’s Constituent Assembly.

What definition of “integration” did the Court adopt?

1. The Court implicitly defined “integration” as homogeneity, arguing that the existence of a special status for a state was incompatible with integration.
2. For the Court, true integration necessitated uniform constitutional relationships between all states and the Union.
3. The petitioners challenged the Court’s definition, arguing that integration should reflect India’s diversity and constitutional pluralism. They contended that Article 370 symbolized the recognition of India’s heterogeneity and that diversity, rather than homogeneity, was essential for true integration.

How does this debate connect to India’s constitutional history?

1. This contest mirrors earlier debates in the Constituent Assembly regarding the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, which provided special autonomous arrangements for Adivasi populations.
2. Critics feared these provisions might encourage secessionism, while leaders like Jaipal Munda defended them as expressions of coexistence and mutual respect within the Union.

What broader constitutional question does the Article 370 case highlight?

1. The case reflects the enduring tension between centralization and decentralization in India’s federal framework.
2. The Constitution has always been a site for competing visions of power: one emphasizing uniformity and centralization, and the other advocating for diversity and decentralization.

How has power distribution evolved in the Indian Constitution over 75 years?

1. Since its inception, the Indian Constitution has exhibited a tendency toward centralization.
2. This trend is partly embedded in the constitutional text and reinforced by Supreme Court judgments.
3. While such centralizing tendencies were justified in 1950, it is crucial to question whether they remain relevant in the pluralistic and diverse India of 2025.

What is the significance of debating these constitutional visions today?

1. As the Indian Constitution completes 75 years, critically examining its legacy of power distribution is essential.
2. The act of questioning whether centralization continues to serve India’s pluralistic society is the truest tribute to the Constitution and its enduring relevance.

Trump’s Second Term Shapes Indo-Pacific Strategy

Source: The post Trump’s Second Term Shapes Indo-Pacific Strategy has been created, based on the article “An enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific” published in “The Hindu” on 27th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting

Context:  The article discusses Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President, focusing on his strong emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region. It highlights his efforts to deepen security, economic, and technological cooperation with Quad nations to counter China’s influence and ensure regional stability.

For detailed information on Trump’s Second Term Reshapes America and World read this article here

What is the significance of Trump’s second term for global geopolitics?

1. Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President marks a historic political comeback.
2. It has significant implications for global geopolitics, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. Foreign ministers from India, Japan, and Australia attended his inauguration, highlighting the importance of the Quad alliance in his foreign policy.
4. Trump’s administration aims to deepen defense, economic, and technological cooperation with like-minded nations to address challenges and maintain regional stability.

How did Trump redefine the Indo-Pacific during his first term?

1. Adoption of the term ‘Indo-Pacific’: Trump replaced ‘Asia-Pacific’ with ‘Indo-Pacific,’ expanding the geographic scope to include the Indian Ocean. This shift emphasized maritime security, global trade routes, and countering China’s growing influence.
2. Structural changes in defense: In 2018, the U.S. Pacific Command was renamed the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, reflecting its operational focus on this region. Specialized units in the U.S. Department of Defense were created to strengthen partnerships with Indo-Pacific nations.
3. Revival of the Quad: Trump prioritized the Quad alliance (U.S., India, Japan, and Australia), elevating its dialogue to the ministerial level. This promoted collaboration in maritime security, resilient supply chains, and technology.

What are the prospects for the Indo-Pacific in Trump 2.0?

1. Continuation of bipartisan focus: Trump is expected to take a more assertive stance against China. However, he will rely on Quad nations (India, Japan, and Australia) to share the responsibility for regional security.
2. Early Quad initiatives: The administration’s first foreign policy move was a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized China as the U.S.’s greatest adversary and highlighted the Quad’s commitment to peace, maritime security, and resilient supply chains.
3. Joint priorities: The Quad reaffirmed their dedication to international law and regional stability. They planned regular meetings and a leaders’ summit to be hosted by India.
4. Trump’s second term will likely focus more on hard power dynamics, adapting to the evolving Indo-Pacific landscape. He may enhance security frameworks while also supporting broader mechanisms that uphold the rules-based order and regional prosperity.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of Donald Trump’s second term for the Indo-Pacific region and its implications for global geopolitics.

Global Failures in Preventing Genocides and Atrocities

Source: The post Global Failures in Preventing Genocides and Atrocities has been created, based on the article “Genocide and the world’s averted gaze” Published in “The Hindu” on 27th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Context: The article discusses the Holocaust, genocide at Auschwitz, and international failures to prevent atrocities in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, and Gaza. It questions global inaction, the line between self-defense and genocide, and the unequal treatment of suffering.

For detailed information on Genocide convention: Preventing genocide read this article here

What happened at Auschwitz during the Holocaust?

1. On January 27, 1945, Soviet soldiers liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau. They discovered 8,000 emaciated prisoners and evidence of mass killings, including 44,000 pairs of shoes, spectacles, and cooking utensils.
2. Approximately 1.1 million people, mostly European Jews, were murdered at Auschwitz.
3. The Nazis destroyed records to hide the full scale of the killings.
4. The Holocaust killed six million Jews and tens of thousands of Roma, Sinti, and others deemed inferior.

How did genocide unfold in Nazi Germany?

1. The Nazis codified Jewish persecution through laws like the 1935 Nuremberg Laws. Jews lost citizenship and faced emigration restrictions.
2. Countries like the U.S. and U.K. imposed strict immigration policies, leaving many Jews unable to escape. As Germany invaded Europe, Jews were rounded up for extermination.

How Did the Allies respond to the Holocaust?

1. The Allies were aware of Nazi atrocities by 1942 through reports like the Riegner Telegram and the Polish Government-in-Exile’s pamphlet The Mass Extermination of Jews in German Occupied Poland (December 1942).
2. Despite evidence, action was limited. At the Evian Conference (1938), 32 countries offered only sympathetic statements but no concrete solutions.
3. By the Bermuda Conference (1943), mass killings were unambiguous, yet the Allies failed to act decisively to aid Jewish refugees.
4. Bureaucratic obstacles, xenophobia, and restrictive immigration laws in the U.S. and U.K. further prevented Jews from escaping Nazi persecution.

Have genocides occurred after the Holocaust?

Despite the promise of “Never again,” genocides continued:

Cambodia (1975-79): The Khmer Rouge killed over two million people.

Rwanda (1994): 800,000 to 1,000,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in 100 days.

Srebrenica (1995): 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were massacred in a UN-declared safe zone.

Darfur (2003-05): About 200,000 people were killed in Sudan.

What is happening in Gaza today?

1. Gaza faces severe destruction. Over 47,000 people, mostly women and children, have died.
2. The UN reports 92% of homes, 87% of schools and much infrastructure destroyed.
3. Healthcare infrastructure is devastated, and entire populations have been displaced multiple times.
4. 10,000 people are estimated to be missing under the rubble.
5. Gaza remains under siege, with foreign press barred from entering.
6. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating genocide charges against Israeli and Hamas leaders.
7. Despite the destruction, arms continue to flow to Israel. This reflects a global tendency to prioritize political alliances over humanitarian concerns.

Why is there criticism of global responses?

The international community often ignores or delays action during genocides. Gaza highlights unequal treatment, with some leaders defending actions that may cross into genocide. This questions the global tendency to “look away” from such crises.

Question for practice:

Examine how the Holocaust and subsequent genocides reflect global failures in preventing atrocities and addressing humanitarian crises.

GS PAPER - 3

State of the Indian Economy Before Budget 2025-26

This post on State of the Indian Economy Before Budget 2025-26  has been created based on article “State of economy before the Budget” published on The Indian express on 27th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3-Economy

Context: The article provides an analysis of India’s economic condition leading up to the Union Budget announcement.

What is the government’s current economic stance?

1. The government is seen as pro-corporates and pro-cronies, with corporate profits increasing from ₹10,88,000 crore in 2022-23 to ₹14,11,000 crore in 2023-24.
2. During these two years, scheduled commercial banks wrote off corporate loans amounting to ₹2,09,144 crore and ₹1,70,000 crore, respectively.

How has India’s economic growth evolved over the years?

1. Growth in the last three decades has been impressive compared to the 1950s-80s, primarily due to liberalization, enabling people to produce, trade, and innovate.
2. Despite this, the economy is growing at 6-7%, which, although faster than many large economies, adds less in absolute terms to GDP compared to the U.S. (USD 787 billion) and China (USD 895 billion). India added only USD 256 billion in 2024.

Why is the growth rate falling?

1. Key drivers of growth such as  private consumption, public investment, and private investment are declining.
2. Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) (constant prices) in three recent quarters was ₹22,82,980 crore, ₹23,42,610 crore, and ₹24,82,288 crore, reflecting slow consumption growth.
3. Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) in the same quarters was ₹3,36,707 crore, ₹3,83,709 crore, and ₹4,00,698 crore.

What are the reasons for sluggish private consumption?

1. Inflation: Food inflation averaged 6.18% (2012-2024), with healthcare costs rising 14% annually and education costs by 11%.
2. Stagnant wages: Between 2017 and 2023, real wages of agricultural workers (male) increased from ₹138/day to ₹158/day, while construction workers’ wages rose from ₹176/day to ₹205/day. Female workers earn ₹40-45 less on average.

 How is investment performing?

1. Public investment: Stuck between 6.7-7% of GDP over the past decade.
2. Private investment: Ranges between 21-24% of GDP, showing no significant growth.
3. Central government capital expenditure: Declined from 4.7% of GDP (2019-20) to 3.8% (2023-24).

What is the state of inflation and unemployment?

1. Inflation remains a millstone, particularly for essentials like food, healthcare, and education.
2. Unemployment: CMIE reports an all-India rate of 8.1% in December 2024. Youth and gender-based unemployment figures paint an even bleaker picture.

What about income tax and relief measures?

1. In FY 2023-24, 68% of the population filed income tax returns (8.09 crore). Of these, 4.9 crore filers paid zero tax.
2. While providing relief to taxpayers is important, relief for daily wage earners is even more critical.

What are the challenges with India’s tax structure?

1. The complicated GST system disproportionately affects the poor and middle class. Tax simplification is essential to reduce economic burdens.
2. The fiscal deficit and revenue deficit are major concerns.
3. Public perception is influenced by the government’s actions, with debates on whether the upcoming budget will adequately address these economic challenges.

Current state of India’s tax system

This post on Current state of India’s tax system has been created based on article “Our tax system retards growth. It’s time for an overhaul” published in The Indian Express on 27th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy

Context:The article critiques the current state of India’s tax system, particularly its Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, and calls for an overhaul to prioritize economic growth rather than revenue maximization. Using the symbolism of the Roman god Janus, the author reflects on past policy decisions and their consequences, urging introspection and forward-thinking reforms for the coming years.

What issues arose from the 55th GST Council meeting?

1. Policy Backsliding: Chronic tinkering with GST rates continues, alongside retrospective amendments to nullify Supreme Court judgments.
2. Example of Retrospective Taxation: The council nullified a Supreme Court ruling that allowed input tax credits for warehouses and infrastructure projects, sending a message that even court victories can be overruled.
3. Impact on Investment: Such amendments undermine India’s reputation as an investment destination, signaling disrespect for the rule of law.

How does retrospective taxation affect India’s economy?

1. Historical Example: The Vodafone case resulted in an international arbitration award of ₹8,000 crore against India.
2. Present Issue: Retrospective amendments discourage foreign investment, increase policy uncertainty, and harm India’s image as a rule-of-law-driven country.
3. Proposed Resolution: No more retrospective amendments should be a key policy change.

What is the core flaw in GST Council’s functioning?

1. Revenue-Centric Approach: The Council prioritizes revenue maximization over growth, often publicizing exaggerated claims of tax evasion.
2. Lack of Simplification: Complex notifications, arbitrary demands, and inadequate appellate systems remain unaddressed.
3. Input Tax Credit Denials: Denying credits on lease rentals and joint development rights hampers the real estate sector and the broader economy.

What are the proposed reforms to simplify GST?

1. Streamlining Rates: Introduce a single GST rate of 12% for hotels/restaurants and a maximum rate of 18% for essential sectors like cement.
2. Economic Impact Studies: Analyze whether lower tax rates could boost demand and, ultimately, tax collections.
3. Sector-Specific Adjustments: Exempting certain real estate activities from GST could make affordable housing more viable.

How do high tax rates and complex systems harm the economy?

1. Historical Parallels: India’s pre-1991 tax system, focused on high rates and exemptions, stifled economic growth.
2. Current Trends: Signs of reverting to old practices are evident, benefiting professionals like lawyers and accountants but burdening businesses.
3. Adverse Outcomes:
   1. Increased imports from China (from $70 billion in 2018-19 to $100 billion in 2023-24).
   2. Manufacturing’s GDP share falling below 15%.
   3. Continued rupee depreciation.

What is the proposed way forward for the tax system?

1. Growth Maximization Framework: Shift focus from revenue collection to economic growth.
2. Reforms 2.0: Introduce a long-term fiscal policy for 2025-2030 to enable 9-10% annual GDP growth.
3. Philosophical Shift: Recognize that taxes should be the byproduct of growth, not the primary goal.

India Need a Cabinet Committee on Science and Technology (CCST)

Source: The post has been created, based on the article “A cabinet committee on science and technology is a must today’” published in “Live mint” on 27th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Science and Technology and GS Paper 2- Governance-Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Context: The article advocates for creating a Cabinet Committee on Science and Technology (CCST) in India, chaired by the Prime Minister. This committee would coordinate policies, manage trade-offs, oversee strategic plans, and strengthen India’s position in the global technology race.

Why Does India Need a Cabinet Committee on Science and Technology (CCST)?

1. Global Politics Driven by Technology

• Technology is now the foundation of global politics.
• The U.S. protects its semiconductor and AI industries as national interests, while China uses its tech sector to further Communist Party goals.
• India needs a strategic approach to navigate this global tech race and respond to challenges like sanctions and export controls.

2. Managing Cross-Ministerial Trade-Offs

• Ministries often face conflicting goals. For example, while the railway ministry plans full electrification for modernization, diesel locomotives are critical for defence preparedness and troop mobility.
• A CCST can resolve such trade-offs by ensuring coordinated decisions across departments.

3. Modernizing Strategic Programme Management

• Expertise in technology is now spread across private industries, research institutions, and public enterprises.
• National missions like AI, quantum computing, genomics, and aerospace need cross-sector collaboration for effective implementation.
• A CCST can unify these efforts and balance the need for speed with long-term planning.

4. Making Strategic Decisions

• Technology policy requires prioritization: Should India prioritize market competition or global scale?
• Should climate goals outweigh energy needs for AI data centers?
• A CCST can provide direction for such dilemmas and ensure alignment between Union and state policies.

What Can India Learn from China?

1. China has set up a Central Science and Technology Commission (CSTC) to oversee its tech ecosystem, approve mega-projects, and align science with political goals.
2. Although this approach has risks, it has helped China maintain a strong global tech presence.

Conclusion

The establishment of a CCST would help India navigate and excel in the ongoing global tech competition, ensuring strategic alignment and effective use of resources at both the national and state levels. This approach mirrors actions taken by other major powers like China, emphasizing the strategic necessity of such a committee.

Question for practice:

Examine the need for a Cabinet Committee on Science and Technology (CCST) in India and its potential role in addressing global technological challenges and internal policy trade-offs.

India advancements in 2025 space technology

Source: The post India advancements in 2025 space technology has been created, based on the article “Indian space programme breaks into 2025 on ‘mission mode’” published in “The Hindu” on 27th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Science and Technology-Awareness in the fields of  Space

Context: The article highlights India’s advancements in space technology in early 2025. It discusses ISRO’s successful SpaDeX docking experiment, the POEM4 mission with various payloads, and private space companies’ contributions. It also mentions leadership changes at ISRO, approvals for a third launch pad, Vikas engine tests, and progress in solar research through the Aditya-L1 mission.

For detailed information on Space sector in India read this article here

What is the SpaDeX Docking Experiment?

1. SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is an ISRO mission to achieve in-orbit satellite docking, a critical step for space stations and lunar missions.
2. It was launched on December 30, 2024, aboard the PSLV-C60 from Sriharikota.
3. The two satellites were deployed into a 475-km circular orbit and gradually maneuvered to dock.

4.Initial docking attempts started on January 7, 2025, but faced challenges due to unexpected drift.

5. After multiple adjustments, the satellites successfully docked on January 16, 2025 at a distance of 3 meters.
6. Post-docking, both satellites were controlled together, showcasing operational readiness for lunar and space-station docking.

7.The experiment involved private companies like Kepler Aerospace for ground support and s2a systems for tracking satellite separation.

What was the role of POEM4 in space experiments?

The role of POEM4 in space experiments was multifaceted and crucial for advancing space technology:

1. Testbed for Technology: POEM4 utilized the PSLV’s fourth stage as an orbital platform, hosting 24 payloads from ISRO, academia, and the private sector.
2. Robotic Demonstrations: Technologies tested included ISRO’s Relocatable Robotic Manipulator, which demonstrated movement capabilities, and the Debris Capture Robotic Arm Manipulator, aimed at capturing space debris.
3. Plant Growth Experiments: The Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies successfully germinated cowpea seeds, studying plant growth in space.
4. Propulsion Experiments: Manastu Space tested its green propulsion system, achieving a significant tilt of the stage. Bellatrix Aerospace conducted similar tests, further proving the module’s capabilities in maneuvering in orbit.
5. Communication and Imaging: N Space Tech’s SwetchaSAT-V0 tested communications across different bands, and GalaxEye’s payload created synthetic-aperture radar images, enhancing imaging techniques in space.

How did private companies contribute to the missions?

1. Kepler Aerospace: Provided ground station-as-a-service for the SpaDeX mission, enabling command and control of two satellites simultaneously.
2. Pixxel Space: Launched three hyperspectral satellites as India’s first private satellite constellation, with deployment successful and two-way communication established.
3. Digantara: Launched the Space Camera for Object Tracking to enhance space situational awareness.
4. XDLINX Labs: Deployed a miniaturized communications satellite that transmitted a “hello from space” message.

What other developments happened at ISRO?

1. V. Narayanan replaced S. Somanath as ISRO chairman on January 14, 2025.
2. The Union Cabinet approved Rs 3,984.86 crore for a third launch pad at Sriharikota, operational by 2029.
3. ISRO successfully tested the restart capability of the Vikas engine for atmospheric operations.

Conclusion

India’s space programme is progressing rapidly in 2025 with successful missions, private sector involvement, and leadership changes. These advancements are laying the groundwork for future human spaceflights, lunar missions, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Question for practice:

Discuss the role of private companies in advancing India’s space missions in 2025.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Central Pollution Control Board

News: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed National Green Tribunal (NGT) that only 167 posts out of 2,228 vacancies have been filled so far in 12 states and 2 UTs. Earlier the NGT had ordered to fill vacant posts across pollution control boards in the country by April end. 

About Central Pollution Control Board

 

• It is a statutory body established by the central government under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. 
• The board was also assigned powers and functions under the the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. 
• The principal functions of the board are: 
  • Promoting cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution. 
  • Improving the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country. 
• It also serves as a field formation, providing technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 
• The board is headed by a chairperson who is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. 
• It is administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 

Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI)

News: The Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI) has set up a new regional office at Varanasi. 

About Inland Waterway Authority of India 

• It is a statutory body established by the central government under the provisions of the Inland Waterway Authority of India Act, 1985. 
• The authority undertakes projects for development and maintenance of inland water transport infrastructure for shipping and navigation. 
• Functions: 
  • The authority carries out the survey and navigation, fairway development, and undertakes infrastructural development of national waterways. 
  • It is also responsible for other general functions like advising the central government, carrying out hydrographic surveys, assisting state governments, providing consultancy services. 
• It is administered by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 
• It is headquartered in Noida. The regional offices are in Patna, Kolkata, Guwahati and Kochi, Varanasi. 

Chinar Tree

News: The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) has launched ‘Digital Tree Aadhaar Initiative’ for the conservation of the Chinar tree. 

About Chinar Tree

 

• It is also known as the majestic chinar and oriental plane tree. Chinar is a maple-like tree with a huge canopy. 
• It is found in the cool climate regions with sufficient water, taking 30-50 years to mature and 150 years to reach its full size. 
• The tree grows to a height of 30 metres with a girth of 10-15 metres at ground level. 
• It is believed that Mughal emperor Jahangir coined the term Chinar.
  • The myth says that the term gained prominence after someone saw crimson red chinar tree leaves from a distance during the autumn season and shouted “Chee naar ast” (a Persian word meaning “what flame is that”). 
• Significance: 
  • They are a major tourist attraction during the autumn season as their green leaves turn into crimson red and gold. 
  • They occupy a special place in Kashmir’s art, literature and craft, which often feature chinar motifs. 
• Kashmir is home to chinar groves with Ganderbal district having the highest number of chinar trees. 
  • Chinar also grows in Jammu’s Chenab Valley, and in the Pir Panjal Valley. 

About Digital Tree Aadhaar Initiative  The initiative assigns a geo-tagged digital identity to each chinar tree, providing information like tree’s location, height, and health.  It aims to establish a detailed database of chinar trees using the Geographic Information System (GIS) based quick response code enabled surveys.  JKFRI 2021 data highlights that Kashmir was home to around 40,000 chinar trees but their numbers are declining steadily.  Rapid urbanisation and infrastructural expansion (like highway widening) are key reasons for decline.

Stargardt disease

News– Researchers from Switzerland have announced the development of a gene-editing technique that may potentially aid in the treatment of Stargardt disease.

About Stargardt Disease

• It is a rare inherited genetic disorder that leads to progressive vision loss, especially in children and young adults.
• Cause: The disease is caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, which disrupts the body’s ability to process Vitamin A properly. This leads to the accumulation of lipofuscin, a fatty substance that builds up on the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
• Bilateral: Stargardt disease typically affects both eyes (bilateral), resulting in the gradual loss of central visual acuity in both eyes.
• No Cure: There is currently no cure or effective treatment for Stargardt disease, though research continues to explore potential therapies.

Corpse flower

News: A “corpse flower” at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney attracted over 20,000 visitors for its highly anticipated bloom. These flowers are rare bloomers, and this one opened for the first time since 2010.

About Corpse flower

• The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is a rare and distinctive plant known for its large size and foul odor, which resembles the smell of decaying flesh.
• It is famous for its unusual blooming cycle and its ability to attract carrion-eating insects for pollination.
• Habitat– It is native to the rainforests of western Sumatra, Indonesia where it is called bunga bangkai (bunga means flower and bangkai means corpse).

Key Features:

• Size and Structure:
  • It can grow up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) tall.
  • It features a tall, phallic spadix (a spike) surrounded by a purple spathe (a petal-like structure), which unfurls during blooming.
• Odour: The flower emits a strong, unpleasant smell similar to rotting meat. This scent attracts carrion insects, such as flies and carnivorous bees, which aid in the pollination process.
• Blooming Cycle: The blooming of the corpse flower is rare and often occurs once every 7–10 years or more. The bloom lasts for only a single day.
• Pollination:
  • The flower relies on carrion insects to pollinate.
  • It has both male and female flowers, with the female flowers blooming first to avoid self-pollination.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN– Endangered

Related Species: Rafflesia arnoldii (the largest individual flower in the world), Dracunculus vulgaris, Stapelia gigantea.

Paraquat poisoning

News: A Thiruvananthapuram court recently sentenced a 24-year-old woman to death for poisoning her boyfriend in 2022 with the herbicide paraquat.

About Paraquat

• Paraquat, also known as paraquat dichloride or methyl viologen, is one of the world’s most-used herbicides.
• It a highly toxic chemical which is mainly used to control weeds and dry out crops like cotton before harvest.
• The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that “even a small accidental sip can be fatal” to humans.
• The WHO classifies paraquat as a Category 2 chemical, indicating it is moderately hazardous and irritating.
• It is banned in over 70 countries, including China and the European Union, due to its high toxicity. Despite this, it remains widely used in the US and India.
• Paraquat is still not officially listed under the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure of the Rotterdam Convention.

Treatments for paraquat poisoning

• There is no alternative treatment for people who have consumed this herbicide.
• The consumers who has consumed it has complained of kidney, liver and lung problems.

Restrictions that have been placed on the use of paraquat in India

• In India, the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC), under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, regulates its use.
• The Insecticides Act of 1968 governs the manufacture, sale, storage, transport, and distribution of insecticides, including herbicides like paraquat.
• A 2021 notification from the Agriculture Ministry limits paraquat use to specific crops such as wheat, rice, tea, coffee, potato, grapes, maize, rubber, and apple.
  • It also permits its application in waterways like ponds and canals to manage weeds, including bulrush (Typha latifolia), waterthymes (Hydrilla), and the invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).