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Agricultural Losses: Plant viruses cause over $30 billion in annual global losses, with pests and diseases destroying nearly 40% of annual crops.
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Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV): CMV infects over 1,200 plant species, causing significant yield losses (e.g., 25-30% in Indian banana plantations, up to 70% in pumpkin/cucumber/melon crops). Spread by aphids.
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RNA Silencing: Plants naturally use RNA silencing (dsRNA triggers DCL enzymes to produce siRNAs, destroying viral RNA) as a defense against viruses.
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HIGS vs. SIGS: Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS) involves genetically modifying plants for continuous dsRNA production but faces regulatory and cost hurdles. Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) uses RNA sprays, but traditional dsRNA mixes are inefficient.
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New “Effective dsRNA” Approach: Researchers developed a new approach that enhanced the effectiveness of RNA silencing against CMV.
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Engineered dsRNA: Genetically engineered dsRNA enriched with highly functional siRNA.
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Key Advantages: The new approach: (i) precision, directing the plant’s immune system toward the viral particles’ most vulnerable genetic regions, boosting its ability to fight infection. (ii)
a stronger defense because the more-effective dsRNA targets multiple regions of the viral genome simultaneously, making it harder for the virus to mutate and escape. (iii) effective dsRNA can be redesigned in about a month to target new viral strains. -
Promising Results: Demonstrated up to 80% viral load reduction in lab settings using Nicotiana benthamiana. Effective
against multiple CMV strains. -
Future Steps: Developing spray-based solutions and field trials are underway to test effectiveness in natural conditions.
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Broader Applications: The technology could be adapted for other plant viruses, fungal and bacterial diseases, and insect pests.
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Challenges: RNA stability in outdoor conditions (sunlight, rain), cost and scalability of production, and regulatory approvals.
Current Affairs
WTO: Reboot
- WTO’s Diminished Relevance: Rising protectionism, paralyzed dispute settlement, proliferation of FTAs challenge WTO’s role.
- Dispute Settlement Crisis: The Appellate Body is non-functional due to blocked appointments by the US since 2019, weakening enforcement.
- Negotiation Stalemate: Doha Round failed due to disagreements on agriculture, market access, subsidies.
- MFN Erosion: FTAs bypass MFN obligations, fragmenting trade rules, and undermining the multilateral vision.
- Rise of Protectionism: Trade wars, unilateral tariffs using “national security” exceptions weaken WTO principles.
- Inability to Address New Issues: WTO lacks rules for the digital economy, e-commerce, and climate-related trade.
- Power Imbalance: Developed countries push reforms, while developing countries resist, fearing loss of development space.
- Geopolitical Tensions: US-China rivalry, Russia-Ukraine war, and strategic blocs reduce cooperation within the WTO.
- Developing Country Status Disputes: Disagreement over benefits for large economies like China.
- India’s Concerns: MSP exceeding subsidy caps and reluctance to negotiate labor/environmental standards.
- WTO’s Significance: Despite challenges, it facilitated trade growth, reduced poverty, and provided a platform for the Global South.
- Revival Measures: Equitable globalization, enforceable digital trade d="M549.7 124.1c-6.3-23.7-24.8-42.3-48.3-48.6C458.8 64 288 64 288 64S117.2 64 74.6 75.5c-23.5 6.3-42 24.9-48.3 48.6-11.4 42.9-11.4 132.3-11.4 132.3s0 89.4 11.4 132.3c6.3 23.7 24.8 41.5 48.3 47.8C117.2 448 288 448 288 448s170.8 0 213.4-11.5c23.5-6.3 42-24.2 48.3-47.8 11.4-42.9 11.4-132.3 11.4-132.3s0-89.4-11.4-132.3zm-317.5 213.5V175.2l142.7 81.2-142.7 81.2z"/> Subscribe on YouTube