Horseshoe crabs, which are among the oldest living entities on earth and hold significant medicinal value, seem to be vanishing from their customary spawning habitats. This unfortunate development is attributable to harmful fishing techniques being used along the Chandipur and Balaramgadi coast in Odisha’s Balasore district.
There are two species of Horseshoe crabs native to India – the coastal horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas), and the mangrove horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda). Notably, the majority of these animals are concentrated in Odisha. While neither species has been added to the IUCN red list, they are part of Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Medical Importance of Horseshoe Crabs
The significance of the horseshoe crab goes beyond biodiversity, as its blood is vital for the development of rapid diagnostic reagents. These crabs play a key role in the testing of all injectable medicines. Additionally, Scientists have developed a molecule from the reagent obtained from the horseshoe crab, that may prove helpful in treating pre-eclampsia, a condition affecting pregnant women.
It’s worth noting that Horseshoe crabs have existed for nearly 450 million years without undergoing any morphological changes, a feat attributed to their robust immune system.
India’s Tourism Development Plan at SCO Meet
In the recent tourism ministers’ conference, India suggested an action plan to designate 2023 as the year of tourism development within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) region. This plan, approved by the member nations, involves promoting the SCO’s tourism brand, showcasing the cultural heritage of member states, sharing information and digital technologies in tourism, and fostering mutual cooperation in medical and health tourism.
The city of Kashi was declared as the first tourism and cultural capital of SCO. The meeting also established an Action Plan for the ‘Year of Tourism Development in the SCO Space in 2023’. SCO is a critical international organization that aims to maintain peace, stability, and security in the region.
President’s Colour Awarded to INS Dronacharya
Signifying its exceptional service, INS Dronacharya was honored with the President’s Colour, the highest award given to a military unit in India. This emblem, also known as ‘Nishaan,’ is worn by all unit officers on the left sleeve of their uniform.
Traditionally, four types of symbols are associated with Colours —Standards, Guidons, Colours and Banners. Notably, the Indian Navy was the first to be awarded the President’s Colour by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1951. INS Dronacharya, located in Kochi, Kerala, is a distinguished gunnery school responsible for various training aspects.
Research, Education and Training Outreach (REACHOUT) Scheme
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is implementing a comprehensive scheme called REACHOUT aimed at capacity building. This scheme includes sub-schemes such as R&D in Earth System Science (RDESS), International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean), and Program for Development of Skilled manpower in Earth System Sciences (DESK).
The primary goals of these sub-schemes are to support various R&D activities in different sectors of Earth System Sciences, create valuable collaborations with international organizations for knowledge exchange, and develop skilled manpower in Earth Sciences.
