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- Why in News?
- Due to India's disagreement, the meeting ended without a joint declaration, as the SCO requires unanimous approval for such documents.
- Key Provisions:-
- India's Defence Minister emphasized the nation's commitment to consensus-building in response to global challenges, guided by the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—reflected in the slogan ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. He also underscored the SCO's relevance, representing 30% of global GDP and 40% of the world’s population. For India, the SCO presents strategic advantages: it strengthens regional security via the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), promotes collaboration through initiatives like the SCO Young Scientists Conclave and innovation forums, and supports regional connectivity through projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor. These also serve as counterweights to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. However, India faces challenges within the SCO, including the China-Pakistan nexus, China's stance on terrorism, and concerns over the grouping’s perceived anti-Western tilt.
- Why in News?
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently seized goods worth around ₹9 crore as part of Operation Deep Manifest.
- Key Provisions:-
- This operation was initiated to crack down on the illegal entry of goods originating from Pakistan but rerouted through third countries, mainly via Dubai in the UAE. The aim is to detect and prevent attempts to bypass trade restrictions imposed by India. In response to the Pahalgam terror attacks, India enforced a complete ban on the import, export, or even transit of Pakistani-origin goods, whether directly or indirectly. Prior to this ban, such goods faced a steep customs duty of 200%, acting as a strong disincentive for importers. Operation Deep Manifest reinforces India’s commitment to national security and ensures that trade routes are not misused to circumvent policy measures. The DRI continues to play a critical role in monitoring international trade and upholding India’s customs regulations.
- Why in News?
- A recent genomic study has confirmed the widespread presence of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) across rice-growing regions in Africa, posing a serious threat to the continent's rice production.
- Key Provisions;-
- Originating in the mid-1800s in the Eastern Arc Mountains—now part of Tanzania and known for its rich biodiversity—RYMV is a highly infectious pathogen affecting rice and related grass species. Belonging to the Sobemovirus genus, it is endemic to Africa and found in most of its rice-producing countries. The virus is notorious for its high genetic variability, allowing it to rapidly evolve and overcome plant resistance genes. RYMV is primarily transmitted by beetles from the Chrysomelidae family, as well as grasshoppers like Conocephalus merumontanus and Oxya species. Transmission can also occur through contact with infected plant roots via injuries and even indirectly via animals like cows, rats, and donkeys. Although detected on seeds, research shows it is not spread through seed transmission.
- Why in News?
- A recent genomic study has confirmed the widespread presence of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) across rice-growing regions in Africa, posing a serious threat to the continent's rice production.
- Key Provisions;-
- Originating in the mid-1800s in the Eastern Arc Mountains—now part of Tanzania and known for its rich biodiversity—RYMV is a highly infectious pathogen affecting rice and related grass species. Belonging to the Sobemovirus genus, it is endemic to Africa and found in most of its rice-producing countries. The virus is notorious for its high genetic variability, allowing it to rapidly evolve and overcome plant resistance genes. RYMV is primarily transmitted by beetles from the Chrysomelidae family, as well as grasshoppers like Conocephalus merumontanus and Oxya species. Transmission can also occur through contact with infected plant roots via injuries and even indirectly via animals like cows, rats, and donkeys. Although detected on seeds, research shows it is not spread through seed transmission.
- Why in News?
- A recent genomic study has confirmed the widespread presence of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) across rice-growing regions in Africa, posing a serious threat to the continent's rice production.
- Key Provisions;-
- Originating in the mid-1800s in the Eastern Arc Mountains—now part of Tanzania and known for its rich biodiversity—RYMV is a highly infectious pathogen affecting rice and related grass species. Belonging to the Sobemovirus genus, it is endemic to Africa and found in most of its rice-producing countries. The virus is notorious for its high genetic variability, allowing it to rapidly evolve and overcome plant resistance genes. RYMV is primarily transmitted by beetles from the Chrysomelidae family, as well as grasshoppers like Conocephalus merumontanus and Oxya species. Transmission can also occur through contact with infected plant roots via injuries and even indirectly via animals like cows, rats, and donkeys. Although detected on seeds, research shows it is not spread through seed transmission.