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.