Prelims 20-05-2024
Sailfin Catfish
Why in news?
- Recently, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) found that the sailfin catfishhas spread to nearly 60% in the water bodies of Eastern Ghats using eDNA method.
What is eDNA?
- eDNA refers to the genetic material obtained from environmental samples such as soil, water, or air. It is used to detect and identify species present in a particular environment.
About Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys Spp.)
- It is native fish species of South America, and has established stable populations in various freshwater ecosystems outside their native range due to its invasive nature.
- It was once introduced in Eastern Ghats of Indiafor its unique appearance and its ability to clean algal growth in tanks and aquaria, but its population has grown exponentially.
- The rapid growth of this species and their ability to live for more than 10 years, makes them a significant concern for biodiversity.
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Exercise SHAKTI
Why in news?
- The 7th edition of India- France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced at Umroi, in Meghalaya.
About
- Exercise “Shakti” is a biennialevent conducted alternatively in India and France.
- The last edition took place in France in
- Indian contingent comprising 90 personnelis being represented primarily by a Battalion of the RAJPUT Regiment besides personnel from other arms and services.
Other exercises between India and France
- Exercise Garuda:Indian Air Force & French Air Force
- Exercise Varuna:Indian Navy & French Navy
- Exercise Desert Knight:It is conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF), French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force.
Sea Anemone
Why in news?
- Sea anemone bleaching has been observed for the first time in the Lakshadweep group of islands .
About Sea Anemones
- They are a group of predatory marine invertebrates of the order Actiniaria. They are an aquatic animal marked by soft bodies and an ability to sting.
- They are named after theAnemone, a terrestrial flowering plant because of their colourful appearance.
- They are usually brightly coloured, adopting shades of white, green, blue, orange, red or mauve, often contributing to the spectacular walls of invertebrates populating reefs.
- Behaviour: These animals fix themselves to reefs and other structures by the muscular disc at the base of the body.
- They are
- Habitat: Anemones usually attach themselves to rocks and underwater structures, although some species burrow into mud or sand.
- Threats: Bleaching is making sea anemone more susceptible to diseases and increases mortality.
- Theloss of symbiotic algae deprives sea anemones of their primary energy source, compromising their long-term survival.
- Protective Measures: There is an urgent need for comprehensive conservation efforts in the Lakshadweep.
- Mitigating climate change through global emissions reductions is paramount to curbing rising sea temperature, which is noticed to be 33°C in the Agatti island, where mass bleaching of anemone has been documented.