Daily Current Affairs MCQ Dt.24.06.2025 for UPSC ,SSC, State PCS and Competitive Exam.
1. Which technology is NOT a component of the recently piloted mobile-based...
Context: Recent genomic studies have confirmed the rapid spread of the Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) across key rice-growing regions of Africa, posing a significant threat to the continent’s food security and agricultural resilience.
What is RYMV?
- Full Form: Rice Yellow Mottle Virus
- Virus Type: Sobemovirus
- Transmission: Not seed-transmitted; instead spread by:
- Beetles (especially Chrysomelidae)
- Grasshoppers
- Mechanical means via contaminated tools or workers
- Geographic Spread: Endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa, but recent data shows expansion across West and East African regions
Symptoms in Rice Crops
| Symptom | Impact |
|---|---|
| Yellowing of Leaves | Affects photosynthesis, early sign of infection |
| Stunted Growth | Limits yield potential |
| Sterility of Grains | Leads to crop failure, major economic loss |
| Plant Death (in severe cases) | Total yield loss in affected patches |
Why It’s in News: Genomic Surveillance
- Genomic tracking has revealed multiple mutation hotspots in RYMV strains
- These mutations may lead to more virulent forms, making it harder to control with current resistant rice varieties
- Identified multiple introduction events, showing that cross-border transmission is accelerating due to trade and climate changes
UPSC & Competitive Exam Angle
| Paper / Subject | Relevance |
|---|---|
| GS Paper 3 (UPSC) | Food Security, Agri-Diseases, Bio-tech in Crops |
| Environment | Climate-vectored plant diseases |
| Geography (Agri) | Impact of pest outbreaks on African farming |
| Science & Tech | Role of Genomic Surveillance |
What Needs to Be Done
- Biotechnological interventions: Develop RYMV-resistant rice using CRISPR or transgenic methods
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce beetle populations
- Strict phytosanitary measures during cross-border rice trade
- Regional collaboration among African nations for disease forecasting and response
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