Hatti Tribe
Syllabus: GS1/Tribes
Context
- A woman in Himachal Pradesh has married two brothers of the Hatti tribe.
About
- Polyandry refers to the practice of having more than one husband at a time.
- The custom, known as “Jodidara” in Himachal Pradesh, is followed by the Hattis and some other communities in the lower Himalayas.
- The Hatti community, present in the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border, has been practising polyandry for centuries and it was declared a Scheduled Tribe three years ago.
- Indian law does not permit polyandry. However, it allows for the protection of the customs and traditions of its many tribes.
Source: IE
ICMR Invites Partners to Commercialise Malaria Vaccine
Syllabus: GS2/ Health
Context
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited vaccine manufacturers to partner in the commercialisation of a new indigenous malaria vaccine, AdFalciVax.
About the vaccine
- The vaccine is developed by the ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar.
- AdFalciVax is a recombinant malaria vaccine, made using genetic engineering techniques.
- It uses DNA from the malaria parasite to produce specific proteins in lab cells, which are then used in the vaccine to trigger an immune response without causing disease.
Key Features of the Vaccine
- Whole CSP Protein Target: It uses DNA for the complete Circumsporozoite Protein (CSP) found on the malaria parasite surface.
- It is expected to generate a stronger immune response compared to existing vaccines that use only fragments of the CSP.
- Transmission Blocking Component: It targets proteins involved in the P. falciparum lifecycle inside the mosquito’s midgut. This provides a dual effect:
- Individual Protection: It prevents the disease in vaccinated individuals.
- Community Protection: It halts the parasite’s development inside mosquitoes that have picked up the pathogen, thereby blocking further transmission of malaria.
| What is Malaria? – Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries. – Transmission: It is caused by plasmodium protozoa. The plasmodium parasites spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Blood transfusion and contaminated needles may also transmit malaria. – Types of parasites: There are 5 Plasmodium parasite species that cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat. The other malaria species which can infect humans are P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi. 1. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent. P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa. – Symptoms: Fever and flu-like illness, including chills, headache, muscle ache and fatigue. |
Rajasthan’s Pride ‘sangri of khejri’ Awaits GI Tag
Syllabus: GS3/Environment
In News
- Efforts are being made to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for sangri to protect the legacy of the khejri tree and support the farmers who rely on it.
The khejri tree
- It is known by many names, including Prosopis cineraria, shami, jand and ghaf.
- It is believed to have originated in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert.
- It thrives in extreme heat with minimal water.
- It is a symbol of resilience, sustenance, and cultural heritage.
- It supports desert communities through its edible pods, sangri, which are vital during droughts.
| Do you know? – The khejri tree is deeply embedded in Indian religious and cultural traditions. – In the Vedas, it is recommended for use in fire rituals, with its wood historically used alongside peepal to ignite sacred flames. In the Mahabharata, Arjuna is said to have hidden his bow within a khejri tree during exile. – In the Ramayana, Lakshman built his forest hut using its branches. – In the 1730 Khejarli massacre, 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to protect khejri trees from being cut down. 1. Following Guru Jambhoji’s teachings, the Bishnoi community believes that protecting trees is essential for the survival of all life. |
Source: DTE
International Moon Day
Syllabus: GS3/Space
In News
- International Moon Day was observed on 20 July to commemorate humankind’s first landing on the moon, by the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
International Moon Day
- On this day, Neil Armstrong and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin set foot on the Moon’s surface as the first humans while Michael Collins awaited their return in the Columbia Command Module in Moon orbit.
- The UN General Assembly formally recognised it in 2021, following a proposal recommended by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
- The theme for 2025, ‘One Moon, One Vision, One Future,’ highlights the spirit of global unity and shared ambition in the continued exploration of the Moon.
- It celebrates global achievements in lunar exploration and promotes international cooperation, sustainable space practices, and the peaceful use of lunar resources.
| Status In India – India also has made remarkable strides in lunar exploration. 1. From Chandrayaan-1’s discovery of water molecules on the Moon in 2009 to Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing near the lunar south pole in 2023, India has demonstrated its prowess in cost-effective and innovative space missions. |
Source: PIB
Alien Plant Species Taking Over Native Ecosystems: Study
Syllabus :GS3/Environment
In News
- Alien plant species are now spreading at an unprecedented pace, reshaping tropical ecosystems globally.
Alien plant species
- They were introduced by humans directly or indirectly in different geographical regions of the world, and are now spreading at an unprecedented pace.
- They are rapidly replacing rich, diverse and stable ecosystems.
- They are causing irreversible transformation, changing the fundamental characteristics of the native ecosystems.
Spread
- It has accelerated since the 1950s, with over 13,000 species now outside their native ranges.
- By 2050, introduction of alien species would increase by approximately 21 per cent (669 species) across South America, 12 per cent (503 species) across Africa and 10 per cent (227 species) in the tropical regions of Asia.
- Climate change, land use change, and human activities further fuel this invasion, particularly in regions like South America, Africa, and Asia.
- Islands are especially vulnerable, with some now hosting more alien than native plant species.
- In India, agricultural expansion and forest fires have enabled invasions in 66% of natural areas.
Impacts
- Alien species alter fire regimes, reduce native biodiversity, and threaten fauna, such as blackbuck, which inadvertently spread invasive seeds.
- The Amazon faces similar threats, where plant invasions and forest degradation could convert it from a carbon sink to a carbon source.
Suggestions
- There are calls for long-term, interdisciplinary research, improved public awareness, and ecosystem restoration, especially in the Global South.
Source: DTE
Biostimulants
Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture
Context
- The Union Agriculture Minister wrote to Chief Ministers of all states to immediately stop the “forced tagging” of nano-fertilisers or biostimulants along with conventional fertilisers.
What are biostimulants?
- The Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985 regulates the manufacturing and sale of biostimulants.
- It defines it as a substance or microorganism or a combination of both whose primary function when applied to plants, seeds or rhizosphere is to stimulate physiological processes.
- It enhances its nutrient uptake, growth, yield, nutrition efficiency, crop quality and tolerance to stress.
- It does not include pesticides or plant growth regulators which are regulated under the Insecticide Act, 1968.
Concerns
- Many biostimulants are complex mixtures of compounds or microbes, and their exact modes of action are not always well understood.
- Inconsistent performance under field conditions due to variations in climate, soil, crop variety, etc.
- Companies may market fertilizers or pesticides as biostimulants to bypass regulations or appear sustainable (“greenwashing”).
- This erodes credibility and can mislead both farmers and policymakers.
Source: IE
88th Codex Executive Committee Meet
Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture
Context
- India’s role in global food standard development was appreciated in the 88th session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC 88), held in Rome.
Highlights of CCEXEC88 and India’s Role
- India chaired the development of group standards for whole millet grains, with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal as co-chairs.
- The Committee appreciated India’s leadership, and the millet standard is scheduled for final approval at Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48).
- Strategic Planning and KPIs (2026–2031): India actively contributed to discussions on the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031. It advocated for SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) outcome-based indicators.
- These KPIs were finalized for endorsement at CAC48.
- India informed about its capacity-building programs for neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Timor Leste, recognized by FAO.
- India encouraged less active member countries to use the Codex Trust Fund (CTF) for mentorship and twinning programmes.
| Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) – It is an intergovernmental food standards body, set up in 1963. – It was established jointly by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), within the framework of the Joint Food Standards Programme. – Objective: To protect consumer’s health and ensure fair practices in the food trade. – Members: Currently, 189 members (188 UN member countries and the European Union). – India became a member in 1964. – Headquarter: Rome |
Source: PIB
New Lichen Species Reveals Ancient Symbiosis in the Western Ghats
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment, Species in News
Context
- A new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, has been discovered in the Western Ghats by Indian scientists, offering insights into ancient symbiosis and evolutionary patterns.
About Lichens
- Definition: Lichens are composite organisms formed by a symbiotic association between a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (photobiont, usually a green alga or cyanobacterium).
- Ecological Role: Soil formation, Nutrient cycling, Serve as food for insects, Bioindicators of environmental quality (especially air pollution).
About Allographa effusosoredica
- Type: Crustose lichen (forms a crust-like growth tightly bound to the substrate).
- Unique Features:
- It has effuse soredia (powdery vegetative reproductive structures).
- Contains norstictic acid, a rare chemical compound among related species.
- Morphologically resembles Graphis glaucescens, though genetically distinct.
| Western Ghat – The Western Ghats are a 1,600-km long mountain chain along the west coast of India running from the river Tapi in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. – It covers six states — Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. About 60 percent of the mountain range is in Karnataka. – Significance:These Ghats are home to high mountain forests, which moderate the tropical climate of the region. 1. They are home to 325 globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, reptile and fish species. – Western Ghats were accorded the World Heritage Status by UNESCO in 2012. |
Source: PIB
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