Today's Brief 4/10/2024

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1. GM Crops (GS Paper 3) : Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques to introduce desirable traits. These traits can include resistance to pests, herbicides, or environmental conditions, improved nutritional content, or enhanced growth rates.

Pest Resistance: Crops like Bt cotton have been modified to produce toxins that are harmful to specific insects, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Herbicide Tolerance: Some GM crops are engineered to tolerate certain herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds without damaging the crops (e.g., Roundup-ready crops).

Enhanced Nutritional Value: Crops like Golden Rice are fortified with additional nutrients (such as Vitamin A) to address nutritional deficiencies in certain regions.

Drought and Climate Resistance: Some GM crops are designed to be more tolerant to environmental stresses like drought, high salinity, or extreme temperatures.

Examples of GM Crops:

Bt Cotton: Engineered to resist bollworms, a common pest.

Golden Rice: Modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, aimed at reducing Vitamin A deficiency.

Roundup Ready Soybeans: Tolerant to glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide.

Controversies:

While GM crops promise numerous benefits, they are also subject to significant debate. Key concerns include:

Environmental Impact: Potential for gene transfer to non-target species, leading to the creation of "superweeds" or affecting biodiversity.

Health: Some groups fear that consuming GM foods could lead to allergic reactions or other health problems, though no conclusive evidence supports this.

Economic and Ethical Issues: Large corporations like Monsanto control many GM crops, raising concerns about monopolies and the economic impact on small farmers.

Global Status:

Widely Adopted: Countries like the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, and Canada have embraced GM crops for several years.

Cautious or Restricted: In the European Union, GM crops are subject to stringent regulations, with many countries banning their cultivation.

In India: Bt Cotton is widely cultivated, but other GM crops like Bt Brinjal and GM Mustard have faced resistance and regulatory hurdles.

GM crops continue to be a focal point of agricultural innovation, balancing the promise of higher yields and sustainability with ethical and ecological concerns.

2. Classical languages in India, referred to as "Shastriya Bhasha," are languages with a long historical lineage, rich literary heritage, and significant cultural value. These languages have played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual and cultural framework of the region, contributing to literature, philosophy, and religion.

Recently, the Indian government has expanded the list of classical languages, adding Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese, raising the total to eleven. The original list includes Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. Tamil was the first to receive classical status in 2004, with Odia being the sixth in 2014.

For a language to be granted classical status, it must have a history of at least 1500 to 2000 years and a significant body of ancient texts. Additionally, it must have a distinct literary heritage, independent of other languages, distinguishing it from its modern forms.

Languages with classical status benefit from government support, which includes the establishment of research centers and professional chairs in universities.

These initiatives help in the study, preservation, and promotion of these linguistic treasures, ensuring their continued relevance and contribution to India’s cultural landscape