26 February 2025-Current Affairs

1. Spices Board and Its Regulatory Efforts – Economy

Why in News?

• The Spices Board of India is collaborating with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and other regulatory bodies to introduce new regulations aimed at enhancing the spice industry in terms of quality, safety, and global standards.

About the Spices Board

1. Establishment and Governance

• Established: 1987
• Act: Spices Board Act, 1986
• Under: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Formed by merging:
  • Cardamom Board (1968)
  • Spices Export Promotion Council (1960)

2. Functions and Responsibilities

• Regulatory Role:
  • Oversees the promotion, production, and quality improvement of 52 scheduled spices (including small and large cardamom, turmeric, pepper, and cumin).
• Export Promotion:
  • Facilitates global trade by connecting Indian spice exporters with international markets.
  • Works on improving quality standards to ensure India remains a leader in spice exports.
• Quality Control & Standards:
  • Collaborates with FSSAI and other regulatory bodies to ensure spices meet domestic and international food safety standards.
  • Promotes sustainable growth in spice exports by ensuring pesticide-free, high-quality spices.
• Research & Development:
  • Supports innovation in spice cultivation, processing, and packaging.
  • Works on sustainable farming practices to improve yield and reduce environmental impact.

Significance of the Spices Board

• International Trade & Economy:
  • India is the largest producer and exporter of spices, making the board crucial for foreign exchange earnings.
  • It ensures compliance with global safety standards (like EU, US, and Gulf regulations), preventing export bans.
• Agricultural & Rural Development:
  • Provides support to farmers, especially in spice-growing regions like Kerala, Karnataka, and Northeast India.
  • Encourages organic farming and reduces pesticide use to meet global demand.
• Regulatory Importance:
  • Works closely with APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), FSSAI, and international bodies to maintain high-quality exports.

Recent Challenges & Government Initiatives

Challenges:

1. Quality Issues: Rejections of Indian spices in the EU & US due to pesticide residues.
2. Competition from Other Countries: Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and China are emerging as competitors in the spice export market.
3. Climate Change: Affects spice production, especially for temperature-sensitive crops like cardamom.

Recent Government Initiatives:

• Digital Spice Bazaar: A platform to help farmers get better market prices.
• Introduction of GI Tags for unique Indian spices (e.g., Malabar Pepper, Alleppey Green Cardamom).
• Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program to ensure exports meet international standards.

Conclusion

The Spices Board of India plays a critical role in regulating, promoting, and enhancing India’s spice industry. Its focus on export growth, quality control, and collaboration with FSSAI makes it a key player in maintaining India’s dominance in the global spice market. However, addressing quality concerns and boosting sustainable farming practices remains crucial for long-term success.

Exam Focus – Why This Topic is Important?

• Economy & Trade: India’s export potential in agriculture.
• Government Schemes & Policies: Role of FSSAI & Spices Board in food safety.
• Agriculture & Rural Development: Impact on farmers and sustainable spice cultivation.
• Current Affairs: Recent efforts to regulate spice quality and maintain India’s global trade position.

2. The RTI Act: From Transparency to Restriction – Polity

Why in News?

• The Right to Information (RTI) Act, which was introduced to promote transparency and accountability, is facing challenges that weaken its effectiveness.
• Issues such as bureaucratic resistance, judicial restrictions, and legislative amendments have significantly reduced access to information.
• Recent court rulings and government reluctance to share information have further eroded the Act’s impact.

About the RTI Act

• Enacted in: 2005
• Objective: To provide citizens access to government-held information to ensure accountability and reduce corruption.
• Governing Body: Central Information Commission (CIC) & State Information Commissions (SICs).
• Scope: Covers all public authorities, including government departments, PSUs, and even NGOs receiving government funds.

Challenges Weakening the RTI Act

1. Bureaucratic Resistance

• Government officials reluctant to share information, leading to delays and outright denials.
• Amendments to weaken the Act, such as changes in the tenure and autonomy of Information Commissioners.
• Public opposition to such amendments, but implementation issues persist.

2. Judicial Restrictions

• Key court rulings have restricted the scope of RTI:
  • Central Board of Secondary Education vs Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011): Limited the disclosure of exam evaluation processes.
  • Supreme Court Ruling on CJI’s Office (2019): While bringing the Chief Justice’s office under RTI, also introduced exceptions related to judicial independence.
  • Recent Supreme Court verdicts have further limited access to high-profile government files.

3. Weak Enforcement by Information Commissions

• Information Commissions often fail to impose penalties on officials who delay or deny information.
• Delays in hearings make RTI appeals ineffective, as information loses relevance over time.

4. Impact on Transparency and Democracy

• Reduced Government Accountability: Makes it harder to scrutinize government decisions and policies.
• Increased Corruption: Lack of access to information allows corrupt practices to go unchecked.
• Threat to Investigative Journalism: Journalists rely on RTI to uncover scams, but growing restrictions hinder their work.

Consequences of Weakening the RTI Act

• Citizens’ Right to Information is Undermined: Government transparency decreases.
• Democracy is Affected: The public’s ability to question authorities is diminished.
• Increased Misuse of Power: Lack of scrutiny allows bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption to flourish.

Way Forward: How to Safeguard RTI?

• Strengthening the RTI Framework: Ensure strict implementation and reduce bureaucratic delays.
• Public Awareness and Activism: Encourage citizens and activists to demand transparency and accountability.
• Judicial and Legislative Reforms: The judiciary should adopt a pro-transparency approach, and the government should refrain from weakening the RTI Act through restrictive amendments.

Conclusion

The RTI Act, once a powerful tool for citizen empowerment and government accountability, is gradually being diluted by systemic issues, bureaucratic resistance, and restrictive judicial rulings. To restore its effectiveness, strong enforcement, public participation, and judicial support are essential. Without these measures, transparency in governance will continue to decline, affecting democracy and public trust in institutions.

Exam Focus: Why This Topic is Important?

• Polity & Governance: Directly related to transparency, accountability, and citizen rights.
• Current Affairs: Recent amendments and judicial rulings impacting RTI’s effectiveness.
• Essay & Interview Topics: Government transparency, role of RTI in democracy, corruption, and judicial activism.

3. Connecting India-China: Significance of Tea Horse Road – History & Culture

Why in News?

• China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, recently highlighted the historic Tea Horse Road on social media, emphasizing its role in trade and cultural exchanges between China, Tibet, and India.
• This ancient trade route, spanning over 2,000 km, was crucial in the exchange of tea, horses, and other commodities for centuries.
• The route’s historical relevance in India-China relations makes it a topic of geopolitical and cultural interest today.

Historical Background of the Tea Horse Road

• Origins: Traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE).
• Purpose: Established as a trade route linking Southwest China, Tibet, and India.
• Early Documentation: Noted Buddhist monk Yijing recorded the exchange of goods such as sugar and textiles from China and Tibetan horses in return.
• Flourished under the Song Dynasty (10th Century): Markets were set up to regulate tea and horse trade, making these key commodities in China-Tibet-India relations.

Trade & Economic Significance

Key Trade Commodities:

• Tea: Essential for Tibetan nomads, as it was a major part of their diet.
• Horses: Supplied to China’s military, crucial in their defense against Mongolian invasions.
• Other Goods: Silk, salt, medicinal herbs, and religious artifacts were also traded.

Difficult Terrain & Challenges:

• The route passed through rugged Himalayan landscapes, reaching elevations of 10,000 feet.
• Harsh weather, treacherous paths, and long travel durations made it a perilous yet vital trade network.

Strategic & Geopolitical Relevance

Role in World War II:

• Served as a supply route during World War II, especially when Japanese forces cut off other trade routes between China and the West.

Impact on India-China Relations:

• The route fostered early diplomatic and trade ties, shaping interactions between India, Tibet, and China.
• Post-1949, after the annexation of Tibet by China, the route declined as political and territorial disputes increased.

Modern-Day Relevance

Cultural Revival & Tourism:

• Places like Lijiang in China are reviving the Tea Horse Road’s heritage, attracting tourists and historians.
• India and China can explore cultural diplomacy by promoting historical trade routes like this.

Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) Parallels:

• China’s modern Silk Road projects (BRI) are often compared to ancient trade routes like the Tea Horse Road.
• India remains skeptical of Chinese infrastructure projects in its vicinity but recognizes the historical trade importance of such routes.

Conclusion

The Tea Horse Road was more than just a trade path—it was a cultural and economic bridge connecting India, Tibet, and China. While its role in global trade has declined, efforts to preserve its historical significance through tourism and cultural projects highlight its enduring legacy. Given the current India-China geopolitical tensions, revisiting such historic connections could offer insights into past interactions and potential diplomatic approaches.

Exam Focus: Why is this Important?

• History & Trade: Ancient trade routes linking India with China and Tibet.
• Geopolitics: Impact of trade on India-China relations, both historically and today.
• Current Affairs: Recent references to the route highlight historical diplomacy & cultural heritage.
• Tourism & Heritage: Efforts to revive historical trade routes for tourism.

4. India’s Strategy on Fertilizers: Towards Sustainable and Balanced Usage – Economy

Why in News?

• India is focusing on reducing its consumption of high-analysis fertilizers like urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and muriate of potash (MOP) due to heavy reliance on imports and rising costs.
• Currency depreciation is making fertilizer imports more expensive, increasing pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves.
• There is a growing need for a balanced fertilization strategy to improve soil health and crop productivity.
• Ammonium Phosphate Sulphate (APS) is emerging as a sustainable alternative to DAP.

India’s Dependence on Imported Fertilizers

Current Scenario:

• India imports over 85% of its DAP and MOP.
• Urea production is domestic but depends on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar, the US, UAE, and Angola.
• Global fertilizer price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions impact India’s import costs.

Challenges Due to Currency Depreciation:

• Depreciation of the Indian Rupee (INR) makes imported fertilizers more expensive.
• Increased import bills put pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves.

Challenges of Current Fertilizer Use

Imbalance in Nutrient Application:

• Farmers overuse urea, DAP, and MOP, leading to nutrient wastage and soil degradation.
• High-analysis fertilizers often exceed crop requirements, reducing nutrient use efficiency.

Impact on Soil Health:

• Excessive urea use leads to soil nitrogen imbalance.
• MOP overuse depletes secondary nutrients like sulphur and magnesium.
• Continuous DAP application increases soil acidity, reducing long-term productivity.

Need for a Balanced Fertilization Strategy

Balanced Fertilization Approach:

• Includes macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium – NPK), secondary nutrients (Sulphur, Calcium, Magnesium), and micronutrients (Zinc, Iron, Copper, Boron, Manganese, Molybdenum).
• Prevents soil degradation and enhances crop yield.
• Reduces the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and promotes nutrient efficiency.

Introduction of Ammonium Phosphate Sulphate (APS) as an Alternative to DAP

• APS composition:
  • 20% Nitrogen (N)
  • 20% Phosphorus (P)
  • 13% Sulphur (S)
• Advantages of APS:
  • Sulphur content improves soil fertility and boosts crop productivity.
  • Less phosphorus than DAP, reducing soil imbalance.
  • More effective for sulphur-intensive crops.
• Target Crops for APS vs. DAP:
• 🌾 APS is best suited for: Oilseeds, Pulses, Maize, Cotton, Onion, Chilli.
• 🌿 DAP should be used for: Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane.

Target Crops for APS vs. DAP:

• APS is best suited for: Oilseeds, Pulses, Maize, Cotton, Onion, Chilli.
• DAP should be used for: Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane.

Rising Popularity of NPKS Complex Fertilizers

Market Trends:

• Sales of NPKS fertilizers (which contain Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulphur) are expected to double by 2024-25.
• Farmers are increasingly adopting APS, reducing dependence on DAP.

Marketing & Awareness Efforts:

• Promoting complex fertilizers through farmer awareness programs.
• Discouraging direct MOP application to prevent nutrient imbalance.

Conclusion

India’s fertilizer strategy aims to:

• Reduce dependence on imports, thereby conserving foreign exchange.
• Promote balanced fertilization to enhance soil health and increase crop yield.
• Encourage the use of APS and NPKS complex fertilizers to replace excessive DAP and MOP use.

By shifting towards sustainable fertilizer practices, India can improve agricultural productivity while ensuring long-term environmental health.

Exam Focus: Why is this Important?

• Agriculture & Economy: Fertilizer imports, subsidies, and impact on foreign exchange reserves.
• Science & Environment: Soil health, sustainable agriculture, and alternative fertilizers.
• Current Affairs & Government Policies: India’s fertilizer subsidy policy, promotion of balanced fertilization.
• Exam Relevance: Agriculture-based questions in Prelims & Mains, particularly for Himachal Pradesh’s farming economy.

5. Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Recent Advances in Treatment – Science and Technology

Why in News?

• Clinical neuroscientists have successfully treated Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in a baby while still in the womb, marking a major breakthrough in genetic therapies.
• This advancement highlights the potential of early genetic interventions in managing severe motor neuron diseases.

What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?

• SMA is a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness by affecting motor neurons, the nerve cells that control movement.
• It leads to muscle atrophy (wasting) and, in severe cases, can result in difficulty breathing and swallowing.
• The condition does not affect cognitive abilities, meaning patients remain mentally alert.

Causes & Genetics of SMA

Genetic Basis:

• Caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene (Survival Motor Neuron 1 gene).
• This mutation results in a deficiency of the SMN protein, which is essential for motor neuron survival.
• Without this protein, motor neurons degenerate, leading to muscle weakness and loss of movement.

Inheritance Pattern:

• Autosomal recessive disorder – A child must inherit two faulty copies of the SMN1 gene (one from each parent) to develop SMA.
• Carriers (one faulty SMN1 gene copy) do not show symptoms but can pass the mutation to their children.

Types of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

SMA is classified into five types based on age of onset and severity:

Symptoms of SMA

• Mild to severe muscle weakness
• Loss of voluntary muscle control (especially in arms, legs, and trunk)
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing (in severe cases)
• Limited mobility – difficulty sitting, standing, or walking
• Spinal curvature (scoliosis) in some cases

Current Treatment Approaches

While no complete cure exists, advancements in genetic therapies and symptom management strategies have significantly improved the quality of life for SMA patients.

1. Gene Therapy

🧬 Zolgensma (Onasemnogene Abeparvovec)

• A one-time gene therapy that replaces the faulty SMN1 gene with a functional copy.
• Administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion in infants before symptoms appear.
• Most effective in early treatment (before severe motor neuron damage occurs).

2. RNA-Based Therapies

Spinraza (Nusinersen)

• Modifies the SMN2 gene to increase SMN protein production.
• Given through spinal injections at regular intervals.
• Approved for all ages and SMA types.

Risdiplam (Evrysdi)

• Oral medication that boosts SMN protein levels.
• More accessible than Spinraza (no spinal injections needed).
• Used for long-term SMA management.

3. Prenatal Treatment Breakthrough

Recent clinical trials have shown success in treating SMA in the womb through early gene therapy interventions.

• First case reported of in-utero SMA treatment, showing potential for early prevention of severe motor neuron loss.
• This breakthrough could lead to prenatal screening and early genetic interventions in high-risk pregnancies.

Supportive Therapies (Managing Symptoms)

• Physical Therapy – Prevents joint immobility and muscle stiffness.
• Respiratory Support – Ventilators or breathing exercises for severe cases.
• Nutritional Support – Special diets or feeding tubes for swallowing difficulties.
• Assistive Devices – Mobility aids like braces, wheelchairs, and standing frames.

Conclusion

While SMA remains an incurable condition, scientific advancements in gene therapy and RNA-based treatments are offering new hope for patients. The recent success of prenatal treatment represents a major breakthrough, suggesting that early intervention could significantly alter disease progression. Continued research and investment in genetic medicine are crucial for improving outcomes and potentially finding a cure in the future.

Exam Focus: Why is this Important?

• Science & Technology: Advances in gene therapy and genetic medicine.
• Health & Medicine: Role of RNA-based treatments and prenatal interventions.
• Ethics & Policy: The debate on prenatal genetic treatments and accessibility of expensive therapies like Zolgensma.
• Current Affairs: Recent medical breakthroughs and their impact on rare genetic diseases.