Current Affairs 4th July

 New Species Discovery

A new tree species, Garcinia kusumae, has been discovered in Assam. It belongs to the genus Garcinia, locally known as thoikora in Assamese. Naming & Dedication: The species has been named in honour of Kusum Devi, the late mother of botanist Jatindra Sarma, who co-authored the study and is the Chairman of Assam’s State Expert Appraisal Committee. Unique Family Dedications: Mr. Sarma has now named four plant species after his immediate family members, including: Amomum pratisthana (daughter),

 

Syzygium nivae (wife), Garcinia sibeswarii (father), and now Garcinia kusumae (mother). Largest genus in the family Clusiaceae with 414 species. Found mainly in Africa, Australasia, and Southeast Asia. Known for diversity and pharmacological value.

TOPIC ⟶ The Growing Plastic Health Crisis Plastics, once considered inert, are now infiltrating human bodies through microplastics and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). endrocine ⟶ The glands and organs that make hormones and release them directly into the blood so they can travel to tissues and organs all over the body. India, the largest plastic waste generator, faces a rising public health emergency. Health Impacts Microplastics: Found in blood, lungs, heart, placenta, breast milk, semen, ovarian f luids. 2024 study: 89% of Indian blood samples contained microplastics (avg. 4.2 particles/ml). Indian men’s testicular tissue showed 3x more microplastics than dogs. EDCs: Plastics, once considered inert, are now infiltrating human bodies through microplastics and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

endrocine ⟶ The glands and organs that make hormones and release them directly into the blood so they can travel to tissues and organs all over the body. India, the largest plastic waste generator, faces a rising public health emergency. Found in plastics: BPA, BPS, Phthalates (DEHP, DBP), PFAS. Disrupt hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones. Cause: oxidative stress, inflammation, reproductive cell death. Plastic Waste in India India generates 9.3 million tonnes/year. 5.8M tonnes incinerated (toxic emissions), 3.5M tonnes pollute land and water. CPCB reports phthalates above EU safety limits in major Indian cities. Children show rising cases of early puberty, respiratory issues, learning disabilities. Policy & Action Gaps Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016–2024) exist but enforcement is weak. Laws ignore low-dose EDC effects and vulnerable populations like children. Way Forward Launch biomonitoring programmes to track EDCs in blood, milk, urine. Fund long-term health studies on fertility and chronic disease risks. Promote: Public awareness on plastic hazards Use of glass/steel/EDC-free materials Healthy diets rich in antioxidants Improve: Plastic segregation, recycling, safe disposal Microplastic filters in water treatment Non-toxic biodegradable materials