In News:

A team of Indian scientists from MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune (under the Department of Science & Technology) has discovered a new species of lichen named Allographa effusosoredica in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot. This crustose lichen exhibits effuse soredia and contains norstictic acid, a rare secondary metabolite within its genus.

Scientific and Molecular Significance

• The species was examined through polyphasic taxonomy, integrating:
  • Morphological traits
  • Chemical profiling
  • Molecular sequencing using genetic markers:
    • Fungal DNA markers: mtSSU, LSU, RPB2
    • Algal symbiont marker: ITS
• The lichen’s photobiont was identified as a species of Trentepohlia, advancing the understanding of tropical algal diversity in lichens.
• Though morphologically similar to Graphis glaucescens, it is phylogenetically closest to Allographa xanthospora.

Symbiosis in Lichens

• Lichens are composite organisms, formed by a symbiotic association between:
  • A fungal partner (mycobiont) — provides structure and protection.
  • A photosynthetic partner (photobiont), such as green algae or cyanobacteria — produces nutrients via photosynthesis.
• This discovery supports the concept of locally adapted symbiosis, emphasizing co-evolution in tropical ecosystems.

Ecological Importance of Lichens

• Lichens are vital for:
  • Soil formation
  • Feeding insect populations
  • Acting as bioindicators of air quality and ecosystem health.

Conservation and Biodiversity Impact

• Allographa effusosoredica is:
  • The 53rd Allographa species reported from India.
  • The 22nd species of this genus documented in the Western Ghats.
  • The first Indian Allographa species validated using molecular tools.
• The study was supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and contributes to the growing inventory of India’s cryptic biodiversity.

In News:

Virologists raise alarm over surge in measles cases worldwide.

What is Measles?

• Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Measles morbillivirus (from the paramyxovirus family).
• It primarily affects children, but any non-immune person (unvaccinated or without immunity) is at risk.
• The virus spreads via airborne transmission—through coughing, sneezing, and respiratory droplets. It can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
• Infectivity: ~90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed will contract the virus.

Global Surge in Cases (2023–2025)

• The World Health Organization (WHO) and US CDC reported a 30-fold global surge in measles cases from 10,000 in 2022 to 10.3 million in 2023.
• Outbreaks have been recorded in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.
  • Africa: Nearly half of global outbreaks.
  • Europe: 41 of 53 countries reported cases.
  • United States: Worst outbreak since 1992 with 1,300+ cases across 40 states, including Texas, Ohio, and California.
  • Americas (2025): 11-fold increase in cases due to international travel.

Symptoms and Progression

• Incubation: Symptoms appear 7–14 days after exposure.
• Early signs: High fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes), and white spots in the mouth (Koplik spots).
• Rash: Starts on the face and neck, spreads to the entire body, lasting 5–6 days.
• Contagious: 4 days before and after rash onset.

Complications

• Common: Pneumonia, diarrhoea, encephalitis (brain inflammation), deafness.
• Severe:
  • 1–3 per 1,000 unvaccinated children may die.
  • Can cause blindness, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) (a fatal brain disorder).
  • In pregnancy: Can lead to stillbirth or premature delivery.

Vaccination and Prevention

• No specific antiviral treatment exists; only preventive vaccination is effective.
• MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella):
  • Two doses recommended:
    • 1st dose: 12–15 months
    • 2nd dose: 4–6 years
  • During outbreaks or travel: Can be given from 6 months of age.
• Herd Immunity Threshold: 95% vaccination coverage needed to prevent outbreaks.
  • Current US rate: 92.7%, with rising nonmedical exemptions at 3.3%, falling short of safety threshold.

Causes of Resurgence

• Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and declining immunisation rates.
• Conflict zones, weak health systems, and interrupted vaccination drives in developing regions.
• Post-COVID travel rebound accelerating transcontinental spread.

Call to Action by Scientists and WHO

• Global Virus Network (GVN) and virologists urge:
  • Urgent vaccination of unvaccinated children and vulnerable adults.
  • Strengthening public health infrastructure.
  • Enhancing outbreak surveillance and public awareness.
  • Focused outreach in rural and underserved communities.

In News:

The Indian Navy is participating in the 32nd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) in Singapore in July 2025. It marks one of the longest uninterrupted bilateral naval exercises India has with any country.

What is SIMBEX?

• SIMBEX stands for Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise
• It is an annual naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)
• Origin: Initiated in 1994 as Exercise Lion King
• It has evolved into a complex maritime engagement, showcasing interoperability in surface, subsurface, and air operations

Significance

• It supports India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Act East Policy
• Promotes regional maritime security cooperation and ensures the safety of sea lanes of communication (SLOCs)
• Reinforces commitment to a rules-based international maritime order, especially amidst rising piracy and threats from non-state actors

Indian Navy’s Participation (2025 Edition)

• The Indian naval contingent includes:
  • INS Delhi – Guided missile destroyer
  • INS Satpura – Stealth frigate
  • INS Shakti – Fleet replenishment tanker
  • INS Kiltan – Anti-submarine corvette
• These vessels are indigenously designed and equipped with advanced systems for high-seas operations

Strategic Engagement Highlights

• SIMBEX is a critical part of India’s expanding maritime diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific
• The naval exercise is conducted alongside a goodwill visit to Singapore, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic ties
• Following Singapore, the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet is also scheduled to visit the Philippines and Vietnam

Broader Defence Cooperation with Singapore

In addition to SIMBEX, India and Singapore engage in:

• Exercise Agni Warrior (Army)
• Joint Military Training (JMT) (Air Force)

India also engages with ASEAN through:

• ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (First held in 2023, co-hosted by Singapore)
• Participation in ASEAN-led forums like:
  • ADMM-Plus
  • ASEAN Regional Forum
  • East Asia Summit

Vision SAGAR & Maritime Security

India’s Vision SAGAR emphasizes:

• Collaborative maritime partnerships
• Combating common maritime threats (e.g., piracy, trafficking, and disasters)
• Securing economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

In News:

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, aged 79, was recently diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) — a common vascular condition, especially among individuals above 70 years. This brings attention to a condition affecting millions globally.

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?

CVI is a circulatory disorder where the veins in the legs fail to return blood effectively to the heart. This results in blood pooling in the lower limbs due to damaged or weak vein valves, increasing venous pressure.

• Typically begins in one leg and may progress to both.
• Common symptoms include:
  • Leg pain, swelling
  • Varicose veins
  • Cramps, skin discoloration, or thickening
  • In advanced cases: venous ulcers
• In some cases, patients may be asymptomatic in early stages.

Epidemiology

• Affects approximately 1 in 20 adults
• Risk significantly increases with age
• Particularly common among individuals over 70
• People with CVI are about 60% more likely to also have cardiovascular disease compared to those without the condition

Risk Factors and Causes

CVI can result from or be worsened by:

• Obesity and pregnancy
• Family history of vein disorders
• Leg injury, surgery, or prior blood clots
• High blood pressure, smoking
• Lack of physical activity or prolonged sedentary lifestyle

Management and Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular physical activity
• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
• Weight management
• Elevating the legs to aid venous return

Medical Interventions

• Compression therapy: Use of compression stockings or bandages to support vein function
• Medications that enhance venous tone and reduce inflammation

Surgical/Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Endovenous laser ablation
• Vein glue therapy: Seals off malfunctioning veins
• Vein ligation/stripping (less common today due to invasive nature)

These newer techniques often ensure quicker recovery than traditional surgery.

In News:

The Global Wetland Outlook (GWO) 2025, released by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, highlights alarming degradation trends in global wetlands—especially in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean—with implications for climate resilience, biodiversity, and socio-economic wellbeing.

What are Wetlands?

A wetland is a land area saturated with water—either permanently or seasonally—and functions as a distinct ecosystem. Wetlands include:

• Inland: Lakes, rivers, swamps, peatlands
• Coastal: Mangroves, tidal flats, coral reefs, estuaries
• Human-made: Rice paddies, reservoirs, wastewater ponds

Key Findings:

• Produced by: Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) of the Ramsar Convention

• Global Wetland Loss: Since 1970, the world has lost 411 million hectares of wetlands—a 22% decline in extent.
• Current loss rate: ~0.52% annually
• Regional Degradation:
  • Most severe in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean
  • Africa’s wetlands are deteriorating faster than they can be restored, especially in South Africa
  • Drivers of degradation:
    • Africa, Latin America & Caribbean: Urbanisation, industrialisation, infrastructure development
    • Europe: Drought
    • North America & Oceania: Invasive species
• Economic Valuation:
  • Global value of wetlands: $7.98 to $39.01 trillion/year
  • Africa’s wetlands (2023): $825.7 billion, vs Asia’s $10.58 trillion
• Restoration Costs vs Conservation:
  • Restoration: $1,000 to $70,000 per hectare/year
  • Conservation is cheaper and more effective long-term
• Policy Insight: Most wetlands in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are in poor condition, while those in high-income countries are in better health.

Africa’s Wetlands: A Deepening Crisis

• Millions depend on wetlands for food, water, disaster protection, and climate resilience.
• The Kafue Flats (Zambia) restoration example shows:
  • $300,000 investment revived flooding
  • Supported biodiversity and over a million people
  • Boosted artisanal fisheries worth $30 million annually
• Warning from Ramsar Secretariat: Loss of wetlands is a major barrier to achieving global climate, biodiversity, food, and poverty targets.

India and Wetlands

• India has ~4.6% of its land as wetlands
• Hosts 91 Ramsar Sites – largest in South Asia and third in Asia
• Wetland types: Himalayan high-altitude lakes, Gangetic floodplains, mangroves (e.g., Sundarbans), coastal lagoons

Importance of Wetlands:

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

• Adopted: 1971, Ramsar, Iran | Came into force: 1975
• India joined: 1982
• Goal: Conservation and wise use of wetlands globally
• Ramsar Site Criteria: Supports endangered species, ≥20,000 waterbirds, or critical fish spawning grounds

Key Framework: Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

• Adopted in 2022 (COP15 to Convention on Biological Diversity)
• Dubbed “Paris Agreement for Nature”
• Targets:
  • Halve invasive species spread
  • Cut harmful subsidies by $500 billion/year
  • 30x30 Target: Protect 30% of land + marine areas by 2030
  • Restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030

Recommendations from GWO 2025

• Increase Wetland Financing:
  • Incorporate wetlands in KM-GBF finance targets
  • Mobilise private-public funding
• Cross-Border Collaboration: Enhance regional conservation partnerships, especially in Africa
• Value Nature in National Accounts: Recognise GDP contributions from wetlands, forests, biodiversity
• Invest in Nature-Based Solutions: Wetlands can buffer climate shocks and reduce disaster response costs