- Plant genetic resources refer to the genetic material of plants that are of actual or potential value.
- The conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources is crucial for food security and addressing climate change.
- The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) is an important agreement in this regard.



- Medicinal plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems.
- The preservation and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants is essential for healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.
- Initiatives such as the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) in India aim to promote cultivation, conservation, and research on medicinal plants.



- Climate change poses significant challenges to the survival and distribution of plant species.
- Understanding plant adaptation mechanisms and developing strategies for conserving and enhancing plant resilience is crucial.
- Research on plant responses to climate change, such as heat tolerance, drought tolerance, and altered flowering patterns, is an important area of study.



- Invasive alien species are non-native plants that establish and spread rapidly, causing harm to ecosystems and native species.
- Control and management of invasive species are essential for biodiversity conservation.
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and various national policies address the issue of invasive alien species.



- Plant biotechnology involves the application of scientific techniques to improve plant traits and agricultural productivity.
- Genetically modified (GM) crops, gene editing techniques, and tissue culture are some of the areas of focus in plant biotechnology.
- The regulation and ethical considerations surrounding plant biotechnology are important aspects to be aware of.



- Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, maintaining biodiversity, and providing ecosystem services.
- Initiatives such as afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable forest management are important for forest conservation and restoration.
- International agreements like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) address the role of forests in climate change mitigation.

Overall, these current affairs topics in botany highlight the importance of plant genetic resources, medicinal plants, climate change adaptation, invasive alien species, plant biotechnology, and forest conservation in the context of UPSC exam preparation.