About Cushing’s Syndrome:

• It is a disorder that occurs when the body makes too much of the hormone cortisol over a long period of time.
  • Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and helps control blood pressure, metabolism, immunity, and the body’s response to stress.
• Cause:
  • The most common cause is long-term use of steroid medicines prescribed for asthma, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, or after organ transplants.
  • The body produces excess cortisol on its own. This is usually due to a non-cancerous tumour in the pituitary gland (called Cushing’s disease).
• Signs and Symptoms:
  • Weight gain especially around the abdomen and face and develop fat buildup between the shoulders.
  • The skin becomes thin and bruises easily. Wounds may heal slowly. Wide purple stretch marks can appear on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, or arms.
  • Acne and increased facial or body hair (especially in women) can also occur.
  • Women may notice irregular or absent periods, while men may experience reduced libido or fertility issues.
  • Many people develop high blood pressure and high blood sugar, and some develop diabetes.
  • Bone loss can lead to osteoporosis and fractures.
  • Anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, sleeps problems and memory problems.
• Risks: Women are more commonly affected than men in naturally occurring (endogenous) cases, especially between ages 30 and 50.
• Treatment:
  • Treatment depends on the cause and aims to bring cortisol levels back to normal.
  • If steroid medicines are the cause, doctors slowly reduce the dose under supervision.
  • If a tumour is causing excess cortisol, surgery is usually the first treatment.

About New Earthworm Species:

Moniligaster girishi:

• It is endemic to Western Ghats and belongs to the family Moniligastridae.
• It is named after P. Girish Kumar, a scientist at the Zoological Survey of India’s Western Ghats Regional Centre, Kozhikode.
• It was collected from the tropical wet evergreen forest.
• Characteristics of Moniligaster girishi:
• It is of the gravelyi species-group.
• It is distinguished by a single undivided spermathecal atrial gland on each side of the anterior body, particularly by the condition of its prostate and prostatic capsule.
• It has a smooth, tubular capsule at one end that flattens into a strap-like shape.

About Drawida reynoldsi

• It was collected from the montane grassland.
• It is named after John Warren Reynolds, an eminent Canadian earthworm specialist.
• It belongs to the robusta species-group characterised by glandular prostates and bilobed spermathecal atria.

Key Facts about Earthworms

• They are terrestrial worms of the class Oligochaeta (phylum Annelida)—in particular, members of the genus Lumbricus. 
• Earthworms are harmless, often beneficial residents of the soil.
• Benefits:
• They breakdown dead and decaying organic matter into rich humus soil, thereby supporting plant growth.
• Earthworm releases waste from their bodies called castings. Castings contain many nutrients that the plant can use.
• They also dig tiny channels and make holes that aerate soil and improve drainage.

About Karbi Anglong Ginger:

• It is grown as an important cash crop in Singhasan Hills of Karbi Anglong district of Assam.
• It is cultivated using the age-old system of Jhum and Tila cultivation.
• Properties of Karbi Anglong Ginger:
  • It is one of the most aromatic and flavourful varieties of ginger in India.
  • It is renowned for its bold flavour, rich pungency, and high oil content.
  • It is known for its pungent aroma and medicinal properties.
  • The ginger has a distinct earthy flavour with a hint of spiciness that makes it perfect for cooking.
• It received the Geographical Indication tag in 2015.

Key Facts about Geographical Indication tag

• It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• It is used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
• This GI tag is valid for 10 years following which it can be renewed.