The invasive seaweed known as Kappaphycus alvarezii, notorious for smothering and killing off coral reefs, has recently expanded its reach to the coral reef locales around Valai island in the Gulf of Mannar (GoM). It is also poised to infest new coral colonies within the Marine National Park. The seaweed species has already established a stronghold on the shingle, Kurusadai, and Mulli islands in the Mandapam cluster.
Gulf of Mannar: A Unique Ecosystem
Consisting of a basin of the Indian Ocean nestled between southeastern India and western Sri Lanka, the Gulf of Mannar is bordered to the northeast by Rameswaram island, Adam’s (Rama’s) Bridge (a link of shoals), and Mannar Island. Measuring a width of 80–170 miles (130–275 km) and a length of 100 miles (160 km), the gulf plays host to several rivers, including the Tambraparni in India and the Aruvi from Sri Lanka. It is well-known for its pearl banks and sacred chank, a type of gastropod mollusk.
Marine National Park: A Safe Haven for Marine Life
Established in 1982 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, the Marine National Park spans over an area of approximately 162.89 km2. The Jamnagar coast houses 42 islands, most of which are surrounded by reefs. This park boasts of diverse ecosystems that include coral reefs, mangroves, mudflats, seagrass and seaweeds, estuaries, salty grasslands, marshy areas, rocky shores, and creeks. These environments cater to a rich variety of marine and bird life.
GM Fungus: A Potential Solution to Malaria
Recent research conducted in Western Africa has unveiled that a fungus, when genetically modified to produce spider toxin, can exterminate over 99% of malaria-spreading mosquitoes in just forty-five days. The malleable Metarhizium pingshaense fungus naturally infects Anopheles mosquitoes, the main culprits behind malaria spread, and does not harm beneficial insect species such as honey bees and wasps.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Metarhizium pingshaense | A fungus genetically engineered to neutralize mosquitoes. |
| Toxin | The toxin used is derived from the venom of the Australian Blue Mountains funnel-web spider. |
| Significance | Malaria affects hundreds of millions globally and kills more than 400,000 annually per WHO statistics. This research offers new strategies to combat malaria. |
Government Hikes National Defence Fund Scholarship Assistance
India’s Prime Minister has greenlit changes to the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for children of deceased defence personnel under the National Defence Fund. As part of the revisions, the monthly assistance has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 for boys and from ₹2,250 to ₹3,000 for girls.
National Defence Fund
The National Defence Fund is responsible for managing voluntary donations aimed at enhancing the national defence effort. The fund provides welfare for members of the Armed Forces (including Para Military Forces) and their dependents.
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued warnings regarding the potential public health catastrophe that could result from Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) or e-cigarettes. These devices have been linked to a slew of negative health effects, including DNA damage, carcinogenesis, and various neurological disorders.
Low-cost Indigenous Rubbing Machine
Researchers from the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have developed a low-cost rubbing machine integral to the manufacture of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs). This equipment will drastically reduce the production cost of LCDs, making it an exciting prospect for the Indian tech industry.
PM-KISAN: Support for Farmers
The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). The revised Scheme is now projected to cover around 2 crore additional farmers, boosting the coverage of PM-KISAN to approximately 14.5 crore beneficiaries.
Pension Scheme for Farmers
A new Central Sector Scheme has been approved by the Union Cabinet, which aims to provide pension cover to all Small and Marginal Farmers (SMF) across the country. This voluntary and contributory pension scheme has been designed with an entry age of 18 to 40 years and a provision for a minimum fixed pension of Rs.3,000/- on reaching the age of 60 years.
