Candy leaf has Potential beyond its Natural Sweetening properties

• Candy Leaf (Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni) a plant recognized for its natural non-caloric sweetening characteristics, also has therapeutic properties for diseases like endocrine, metabolic, immune, and cardiovascular diseases, because of its effect on cellular signalling systems according to a new study.
• Assam exports Stevia worldwide.
• The North Eastern Council also highlighted stevia cultivation’s potential to help the northeast Indian economy due to high demand and use.
• Scientists did pioneering research on Stevia’s medicinal properties, effects on cellular signalling mechanisms to prove the Assam’s Stevia’s therapeutic qualities.
• Their multimodal strategy integrated network pharmacology with in vitro and in vivo techniques, showing that the plant used phosphorylation of Protein Kinase C (PKC) to inhibit a crucial cellular signalling route.
• PKC is connected to inflammatory, autoimmune, endocrine, and cardiovascular illnesses.
• Stevia suppresses PKC phosphorylation, which alters downstream pathways that cause inflammation, a significant cause of endocrine metabolic and cardiovascular issues.
• The study shows Stevia’s promise in this field for the first time.
• The study also found that active stevia molecules strongly interact with AMPK, highlighting the need for additional research.
• This work revealed Stevia’s potential and identified new targets for immunological endocrine and cardiovascular problems.
• It could have therapeutic effect on diabetes, type 1, type 2, autoimmune diabetes, pre-diabetes, chronic inflammation related auto immune disease – rheumatoid arthritis; chronic kidney diseases and cardiovascular diseases like hypertension; vasculopathy and so on.
• The study illuminates an undiscovered facet of Stevia, underlining the necessity of creative tactics and scientific data to support traditional therapeutic practices.

Connections established between Volcanic Eruption & Ionospheric Disturbances

Context:

• A new study has revealed a previously unexplored ionospheric connection between the massive eruption of the Tonga volcano, a submarine volcano in the South Pacific, in January 2022 and the formation of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs) or an ionospheric phenomenon near the Earth’s geomagnetic equator at night time over the Indian subcontinent.
• It highlights how volcanic eruptions can trigger ionospheric disturbances and space weather that affect satellite communication and navigation systems.
• In today’s world, satellite-based communication and navigation systems are critical for numerous sectors.
• Understanding how natural disasters, like volcanic eruptions, can impact the ionosphere is essential for predicting and mitigating disruptions in these systems.
• While previous studies have established that EPBs can disrupt satellite signals, the role of terrestrial events in shaping space weather has not been explored.
• In January, 2022, the Tonga volcano located 65 km (40 mi) north of Tongatapu, Tonga’s main island in Polynesia, erupted with extraordinary force sending shock waves through the atmosphere.
• Scientists were intrigued by the subsequent formation of EPBs in the evening hours over the Indian region.
• Scientists at Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology explored the connection between the Tonga volcanic eruption and the EPBs.
• They found that the eruption produced strong atmospheric gravity waves that propagated into the upper atmosphere, triggering ionospheric conditions favorable to trigger EPBs.
• They used ionosonde observations from Tirunelveli and Prayagraj to detect spread-F traces –a phenomenon in the ionosphere where electron density become irregular causing spread in radio signals and leading to fading or disruptions in communications.
• Concurrently, satellite data from Swarm B and C confirmed significant electron density depletions, directly linked to the formation of EPBs.
• The scientists analyzed various atmospheric and ionospheric data to understand how disturbances triggered by the eruption led to the generation of EPBs.
• Observations from NASA’s Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) (wind, ion density, and temperature) and Swarm satellites provided a comprehensive view of the ionospheric changes during the event, confirming that the eruption-induced gravity waves played a crucial role in initiating these plasma instabilities.
• Plasma blobs, as well as enhanced Pre- Reversal Enhancement (PRE) –sharp increase in the ionospheric eastward electric field in the dusk sector before it turns to westward in the late-night hours, triggered by atmospheric disturbances were also detected.
• Further analysis of iso-frequency and Total Electron Content (TEC) data from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements across the Indian region revealed gravity wave-like oscillations/Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs) moving across Indian longitudes in the equatorial ionosphere.
• This indicated that the volcanic eruption had a widespread impact on the ionosphere and acted as seeding mechanisms for EPB generation.
• This comprehensive utilization of data from multiple sources gave the researchers a multi- dimensional view of the ionospheric disturbances.
• By combining ground-based and satellite data, the study offers new insights into how natural disasters like volcanic eruptions can significantly influence space weather, affecting satellite communication and navigation systems.
• The Tonga Volcano identified as a cause for these ionospheric disturbances is a real-world example showing the need for monitoring space weather conditions in the aftermath of major geological events, adding to existing knowledge of ionospheric dynamics.
• The research by the team underscores the role of terrestrial events in shaping space weather, adding to existing knowledge of ionospheric dynamics.
• The connection established between geological events and ionospheric dynamics is important for satellite communication and relevant for sectors like defense, agriculture, aviation, disaster management, and any other areas that rely on Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and satellite-based technologies.
• The study can help improve forecasting of ionospheric disturbances leading to better early warning systems that involve satellite signal interference, benefiting fields like navigation, aviation, and military operations.
• This will allow governments and industries to better prepare for and mitigate disruptions in essential services like GPS, air traffic control, and satellite communications.

Supreme Court says secularism a core part of the Constitution

Context:

• The Supreme Court said secularism is an indelible and core part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution.

More info:

• The court made the oral observation while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the inclusion of words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Constitution.
• “This court has in a number of judgments held that secularism was always part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
• If one looks right to equality and the word ‘fraternity’ used in the Constitution, there is a clear indication that secularism has been held as the core feature of the Constitution,” a Bench of 2 Justices said.
• Justice Khanna disagreed with the petitioners’ argument that the term ‘socialism’ would curtail personal liberty and individualism.
• “One should not take the meaning adopted in Western countries… Socialism can also mean that there should be equality of opportunity and the wealth of the country should be distributed equally,” Justice Khanna remarked.
• A petitioner said he was neither against the words “socialist, secular and integrity” nor their insertion in the Constitution but against the insertion of these words into the Preamble in 1976 and that too with a retrospective effect from November 26, 1949.
• The Preamble was amended in December 1976 by the Indira Gandhi government to introduce the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’.
• The phrase “unity of the nation” was replaced with “unity and integrity of the nation”.
• The changes were made in the Preamble through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment during the Emergency.
• Originally, the text of the Preamble declared India as a ‘sovereign, democratic republic’.
• The words ‘socialist’, ‘secular’ were inserted between ‘sovereign’ and ‘democratic’.
• The largest Bench in the history of the Supreme Court (13 judges) in the Kesavananda Bharati case had held that the Preamble was an integral part of the Constitution, and was subject to the amending power of the Parliament, provided the basic structure was not tinkered with.
• Another Advocate said the 42nd amendment was indeed “infamous”.
• It had after all tried to reduce the power of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• “While subsequent amendments more or less restored the Constitution to what it was pre-1976, this change was made in the Preamble… that we are secular and socialist… was retained.”

Tourism Expansion in India

Introduction:

• With its rich heritage, cultural diversity, and breathtaking destinations offering a wealth of possibilities, India’s tourism industry is emerging as a global favourite.
• As a key driver of economic growth, the tourism sector not only promotes development but also improves the quality of life by creating various job opportunities.
• Acknowledging the potential of this sector, the government has allocated ₹2,479 crore for the tourism sector for FY25.

Global Perspective: Tourism Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

• According to the latest Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI), international tourist arrivals (ITAs) have been projected to increase globally after COVID-19.
• India has been ranked 39th among 119 countries in the latest TTDI 2024 report published by the World Economic Forum.
• India’s score has improved in three areas:
• Prioritisation of Travel & Tourism
• Safety & Security
• Health & Hygiene

• The Government of India promotes tourism as a vehicle for social inclusion, employment and economic progress.
• Committed efforts are being made to transform India into a desirable tourist destination, and the tourism sector is becoming a key driver to making India a developed country by 2047.

Foreign Tourist Arrival in India:

• In 2023, India recorded 9.24 million foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs), a growth of 43.5% compared to 6.44 million in 2022.
• FTAs contributed Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) of Rs 2.3 lakh crores (Provisional estimates), a growth of around 65% in the same period compared to Rs. 1.39 lakh crores in 2022.
• FTAs during January-June 2024 were 47,78,374 (Provisional).
• FEEs during January-June 2024 (Provisional estimate) were Rs. 1.27 lakh crores.
• To increase the number of FTAs, various steps have been taken, such as promoting adventure and niche tourism, making easy the availability of e-visas, and launching a 24X7 multilingual helpline for tourists.
• Also, on World Tourism Day 2024, ‘Paryatan Didi and Paryatan Mitra’ were launched to create a hospitable and memorable experience for tourists in India.

Rise in Domestic Tourism:

• Domestic tourism plays a crucial role in the overall growth of India’s tourism sector.
• The Government of India has taken various initiatives to promote domestic tourism, such as Dekho Apna Desh, PRASHAD, Vibrant Village Programme, SWADESH 2.0, and Regional Connectivity Scheme – Udaan.
• These efforts focus on raising awareness about key tourist destinations and products within the country and facilitating growth in tourism-related activities.
• Due to these continuous efforts, India has shown a positive trajectory in domestic tourism.
• In 2023, 2509.63 million Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) were recorded (provisionally) compared to 1731.01 Million DTVs in 2022.
• Further, in 2022-23, 76.17 million direct and indirect jobs were created due to tourism in India, compared to 70.04 million direct and indirect jobs created in 2021-22.
• Over the last few years, India has built extensive tourism infrastructure worth approximately $1 billion (Rs. 7,000 Crores) to improve the tourist experience.
• To make India a global travel destination, the country’s tourism products are being promoted holistically within the country and overseas markets.

Conclusion:

• Tourism in India has grown remarkably over the past two decades, with government initiatives, infrastructure development, and global branding contributing to this success.
• To boost tourism in India, schemes like Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Vibrant Village Programme, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive), and Paryatan Mitra have been started.
• At the same time, the government is taking key steps to develop adventure and sustainable tourism.
• Technological integration and diversification into niche markets will help the tourism industry increase its growth.

Gaucher Disease

Context:

• Petition sent to Union Health Minister seeking sustainable treatment support for Gaucher Disease

News:

• The Lysosomal Storage Disorders Support Society of India has written to Minister J.P. Nadda stating that only 25% of eligible Gaucher patients are currently receiving treatment, and requesting his urgent intervention to ensure all patients with this rare disease can begin treatment.

About Gaucher disease:

• Gaucher disease is a rare genetic disorder, one of the lysosomal storage disorders.
• Lysosomal Storage Disorders are categorised under Group 3 (a) in the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021.
• Patients with Gaucher disease have low levels of an enzyme that breaks down lipids (fatty substances).
• This results in these lipids building up in organs such as the spleen and liver, and causing a host of symptoms.
• October is observed as Gaucher month.
• In India, the treatment of Gaucher disease through Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) began 25 years ago.
• Thanks to early diagnosis and timely treatment, a substantial number of Gaucher patients in India are now leading normal lives.