25 January 2025: Daily Current Affairs Updates

Mount Ibu; GS-1 (Geography) ▪️Why in the News: Indonesia's Mount Ibu erupted 1,000 times in January 2025.

• Definition:

• Mount Ibu is an active volcano located on the northwest coast of Halmahera Island in Indonesia.

o. It stands at a height of 1,325 meters (4,347 feet) and is classified as a stratovolcano.

o. The volcano has a truncated summit and features multiple large-nested summit craters.

•. Mount Ibu is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its frequent volcanic activity.

• The volcano has a history of frequent eruptions, typically involving lava flows, ash plumes, and pyroclastic activity.

• What Are Stratovolcanoes?

•. Stratovolcanoes, also known as composite volcanoes, are characterized by their steep, symmetrical cones formed from alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, and other eruptive materials.

• Unlike shield volcanoes, which have broad, gentle slopes, stratovolcanoes typically have higher, steeper peaks:

• These volcanoes are often found in subduction zones and are a prominent feature of large, volcanically active regions like the Ring of Fire, which encircles much of the Pacific Ocean.

• Stratovolcanoes account for around 60% of Earth's volcanoes.

• They are formed by viscous, sticky lava that does not flow easily, causing the lava to accumulate around the vent and form steep sides.

Jute; GS-3(Agriculture) ▪️Why in the news: The Union Cabinet has approved a minimum support price of Rs 5,650 per quintal for raw jute for marketing season 2025-26, an increase of 6%, or Rs 315, over the previous MSP.

• Definition:

• Jute is an important natural fibre crop in India, ranking second after cotton.

• It is often referred to as the 'Golden Fibre' due to its economic value.

• Jute is a vital cash crop used in the production of a variety of items such as bags, mats, ropes, yarn, carpets, and decorative products.

• Jute is a Kharif crop, requiring high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and a humid climate for optimal growth

• Ideal Growing Conditions:

• Soil: The crop thrives in alluvial or loamy soil:

• Temperature: 25-35°C

• Rainfall: 150-250 cm

• Relative Humidity: 80-90%

• Jute Production in India:

• India is the world's largest producer of jute, contributing about three-fifths of the global production.

• West Bengal, which accounts for about three-fourths of India's jute production.

° Other significant producers include Bihar, Assam, Odisha, and Meghalaya®

• National Jute Board (NJB):

• The National Jute Board (NJB) is a statutory body created under the National Jute Board Act, 2008.

• Purpose and Goals of NJB:

• Develop policies and programmes to promote the growth of the jute sector.

• Ensure that jute producers can access both domestic and international markets at competitive prices.

• Strive to make India the global leader in jute industries.

Stargardt Disease; GS-3 (Science and Technology) ▪️Why in the news: A research team in Switzerland has developed a technique to edit genes, to demonstrate how it could be used to perhaps cure Stargardt disease, a rare, genetic eye disease that leads to vision loss.

• Definition:

• Stargardt disease, also referred to as Stargardt macular degeneration, is primarily caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, which plays a role in the body's use of Vitamin A

• This inherited disorder leads to progressive vision loss, often affecting children and young adults: It typically affects both eyes:

• The condition results in an excessive accumulation of lipofuscin, a yellowish-brown pigment, in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.

Normally, lipofuscin builds up in eye cells as people age, but in individuals with Stargardt disease, the buildup is excessive.

• Symptoms of Stargardt Disease:

• The most common symptom is a gradual loss of central vision in both eyes, though the rate of vision loss varies from person to person.

• Other symptoms may include gray, black, or hazy spots in the center of vision, increased sensitivity to light, and color blindness.

• Prevalence of Stargardt Disease:

• Stargardt disease is more commonly observed in males and typically manifests during the second decade of life.

o. The estimated prevalence of the disease is about 1 in 8,000 to 10,000 individuals, with visual acuity deteriorating to the point of legal blindness and loss of central vision.

• Treatment for Stargardt Disease:

• Currently, there is no cure available for Stargardt disease.

Chinar Tree (Platanus orientalis); GS-3 (Environment and Ecology) ▪️Why in the news: A "Digital Tree Aadhaar" program has been launched by the Jammu and Kashmir government for the conservation of the majestic Chinars, which will see the creation of a comprehensive database of the tree-facing threats due to rapid urbanization.

• Features of the Chinar Tree:

• The Chinar tree is a large deciduous tree with a spreading canopy, reaching a height of up to 30 meters and a girth of 10 to 15 meters at ground level.

• It is also called the Oriental plane tree and maple tree: Locally in Kashmir, it is known as Boueen.

• The oldest recorded Chinar tree in Kashmir, estimated to be around 700 years old, is located in Chattergam, Budgam district. It is believed to have been planted by the Sufi saint Syed Qasim Shah.

• These trees take approximately 30 to 50 years to attain their mature height and around 150 years to grow to their full size.

• Habitat of Chinar Trees:

• Chinar trees are typically found in the Eastern Himalayas.

• They flourish in regions with a cool climate and ample water availability.

• Uniqueness of Chinar Trees:

• One of the most distinctive features of the Chinar tree is its seasonal transformation.

The leaves change colors from deep green in summer to vibrant hues of red, amber, and yellow in autumn.

• Uses of the Chinar Tree: The tree has multiple uses:

• Medicinal: The leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine.

Wood: Known as lacewood, its wood is used to craft fine furniture.

• Dyes: The twigs and roots are used for making dyes.

• Key Facts about Geotagging of Chinar Trees:

• Geotagging has been implemented for Chinar trees to monitor and conserve their population.

• This process helps in maintaining a database for these iconic trees and ensures better preservation efforts.