PRELIMS
IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 to Debate Synthetic Biology Ban
Why in News: The upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi will vote on a proposed ban on synthetic biology tools in conservation, reflecting global concerns over ecological risks and ethics.
IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 –
About IUCN:
- Founded in 1948, the world’s oldest and largest environmental network.
- Over 1,400 members from 170+ countries, including governments, NGOs, and Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations.
- India is a State Member since 1969.
- Known for the Red List of Threatened Species and global conservation policy guidance.
World Conservation Congress:
- Held every four years; next in October 2025, Abu Dhabi.
- Theme: “Powering transformative conservation.”
- Comprises three components: Forum (science and policy discussions), Exhibition (research and innovation showcase), and Members’ Assembly (decision-making and voting).
Key Motions in 2025:
- Motion 133: Proposes banning synthetic biology in conservation due to ecological and ethical concerns.
- Motion 087: Advocates a cautious, case-by-case approach balancing innovation with precaution.
Synthetic Biology in Conservation:
- Involves engineering DNA to create organisms with new functions.
- Examples include gene-edited algae to protect coral reefs, genetically modified mosquitoes to curb malaria, and engineered mice to control invasive species on islands.
India and Lesotho to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Why in News: India’s Minister of State for External Affairs visited Lesotho, signaling efforts to deepen diplomatic and developmental ties between the two nations.
Lesotho – Key Facts
- Capital: Maseru
- Location: Landlocked country, completely surrounded by South Africa
- Nickname: “Kingdom in the Sky” — only country entirely above 1,000 meters elevation
Geography:
- Mountains cover two-thirds of the country
- Highest Peak: Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m)
- Important ranges: Drakensberg Mountains (east boundary), Maloti Mountains (north-south spurs)
Natural Resource:
- Water, known as ‘white gold’, is Lesotho’s major resource due to abundant mountain streams and rivers.
Ambrosia Beetle-Fungus Alliance Threatens Kerala’s Rubber Plantations
Why in News: Kerala’s rubber plantations face a severe threat from the invasive ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus) and its fungal partners (Fusarium ambrosia and Fusarium solani), leading to reduced latex yield and tree mortality.
Ambrosia Beetle Threat
- Pest: Euplatypus parallelus (Ambrosia beetle)
- Native to Central and South America
- First reported in India (Goa, 2012) on cashew trees
- Now attacking rubber trees in Kerala
Fungal Allies:
- Fusarium ambrosia
- Fusarium solani (newly discovered in adult beetles)
Fungi help feed beetles, block xylem, degrade wood
Damage to Rubber Trees:
- Symptoms: Latex oozing, leaf fall, trunk drying
- Results: Blocked water transport, reduced latex yield, tree death
Control Measures:
- Removal of infected parts
- Beetle traps
- Limited success with antifungals/insecticides
- Need for early detection & sustainable, local strategies
Wider Threat:
- Affects 80+ broadleaf species (cashew, teak, coconut, coffee)
- Potential threat to immunocompromised humans via Fusarium spp.
Income Tax Bill, 2025 – Select Committee Recommendations
Why in News: The Parliamentary Select Committee has submitted its report on the Income Tax Bill, 2025, aimed at replacing the outdated Income-Tax Act, 1961, to modernise and simplify India’s tax regime.
Key Highlights:
Powers of Tax Officials:
- Committee upheld provisions allowing access to social media and private emails during search and seizure operations.
Updated definitions for:
- Capital asset
- Infrastructure capital company
- Micro and small enterprises (Aligned with current laws)
Startup and Business Support:
- Clear R&D deduction rules
- Tax breaks for biodegradable waste-handling businesses
- Clarity on terms like “parent company” and “status” in tax appeals
Income Tax Bill, 2025 – Key Features:
Simplification:
- Removes 283 sections and 24 chapters
- Replaces complex terms with simplified ones (e.g., “tax year” instead of “assessment year”)
Clarity on Digital Assets:
- Defines Virtual Digital Asset and Electronic Mode
- Introduces taxation provisions for them
Continuity & Predictability:
- No change in tax rates or major policy overhauls.
- Consolidates previous amendments for consistency.
