EDITORIALS & ARTICLES
21st May 2021
Coelacanth Fish
Recently, the Coelacanth Fish has been found alive in the Indian Ocean.
- A report by Mongabay states that the deep sea fish hunters were responsible for the appearances of the coelacanth over the decades.
- It is an extremely rare species of fish.
- It is a prehistoric fish species dating back hundreds of millions years ago
- The first living coelacanth was caught in 1938, when a group of fishers set gill-nets off the southwest coast of Madagascar in deeper waters.
- The increasing demand for shark fins and oil have prompted hunters to fish in deeper waters, leading to the discovery of the rare species on the coasts off South Africa, Tanzania, and the Comoros Islands.
- The species lives in undersea canyons at depths between 100 and 500 metres.
- It is scientifically called the Latimeria Chalumnae.
- It is considered to be among the early steps of the fish’s evolution to terrestrial four-legged animals.
- It is origin can be traced back to 420 million years.
- It is now listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- The advent of deep-set gillnets, or jarifa, for catching sharks, resulted in an explosion of coelacanth captures in Madagascar and other countries in the Western Indian Ocean.
Unique Characteristics of Coelacanth Fish
- Coelacanths are elusive, deep-sea creatures, living in depths up to 2,300 feet below the surface.
- The most striking feature of this "living fossil" is its paired lobe fins that extend away from its body like legs and move in an alternating pattern, like a trotting horse.
- Its unique characteristics include a hinged joint in the skull which allows the fish to widen its mouth for large prey.
- Its oil-filled tube, called a notochord, serves as a backbone and thick scales common only to extinct fish.
Subsidy on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)
Recently, the central government has announced a 140% increase in the subsidy on di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), from Rs 511 to Rs 1,200 per 50-kg bag.
Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)
- It is the second most commonly used fertiliser in India after urea.
- The farmers normally apply this fertiliser just before or at the beginning of sowing, as it is high in phosphorus that stimulates root development.
- It is the preferred source of Phosphorous (P) for farmers which is similar to urea, which is their preferred nitrogenous fertiliser containing 46% N.
- The inputs required to produce one ton of DAP fertilizer are approximately 1.5 to 2 tons of phosphate rock, 0.4 tons of sulfur (S) to dissolve the rock, and 0.2 tons of ammonia.
- DAP also acts as a fire retardant.
Importance of DAP in farming
- Its relatively high nutrient content and excellent physical properties make it a popular choice in farming and other industries.
- The high nutrient content of DAP helps reduce handling, freight and application costs.
- It is an excellent source of P and nitrogen (N) for plant nutrition.
- The ammonium present in DAP is an excellent N source and will be gradually converted to nitrate by soil bacteria, resulting in a subsequent drop in pH.
Mylab Coviself Self-Testing Kit
Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved the Mylab Coviself for home use.
What is Mylab Coviself?
- It is the country’s first Covid-19 self-testing kit.
- It implies that anyone can collect their own nasal sample and test it for SARS-CoV-2.
- It has been developed by MyLab Discovery Solutions, a Pune-based molecular company.
- It uses a rapid antigen test, in which a nasal swab sample is tested for the virus and gives results within 15 minutes.
Significance of self-test kits
- The RT-PCR test, considered the gold standard for Covid-19 testing, takes 3-4 days to give results, delaying hospitalisation and treatment.
- The self-test kits can potentially be a game-changer in Covid-19 management in India.
- It can cut queues in laboratories, reduce costs, and dissipate the burden on existing manpower for sample collection from homes.
- It provide quick results (within 15 minutes), leading to prompt treatment and isolation.
- The easy-to-use test combines with MyLab’s AI-powered mobile app so that a user can know his/her positive status, submit the result to ICMR directly for traceability, and know what to do next in either result.
Pros and Cons of self-test kits
Pros
- A person testing himself at home rather than visiting a hospital or lab, or calling a technician at home, reduces the risk of transmission to others.
- Swab collection in this case is fairly simple and quick, and reduces overall testing expenditure and the stress of booking appointment in labs.
- Self-testing will reduce the burden on laboratories that are currently working 24 hours up to full capacity with manpower that is already saturated.
Cons
- The reliability of results remains a major concern.
- The likelihood of the sample not being collected correctly, or the swab stick getting contaminated, is high.
- The rapid antigen tests come with a high chance of false negatives.
- If a Covid-infected person is asymptomatic and tests negative, the test may give a false sense of security.
- A person can feed a wrong address and details on the mobile app, making it impossible for health workers to carry out contact tracing.
Foul-Smelling Corpse Flower
Recently, over a thousand people queued up outside an abandoned gas station in San Francisco’s Bay Area to catch a glimpse of the extremely rare and aptly named ‘corpse flower’.
Corpse Flower
- It is known for its putrid smell, which is often compared to that of rotting flesh.
- It is a flowering plant, which is native to the rainforests of Sumatra in Indonesia.
- The scientific name of the rare plant, Amorphophallus titanum, quite literally translates to giant, misshapen phallus
- The plant is native to Indonesia but its saplings have been cultivated in zoos, botanical gardens and greenhouses around the world over the years.
- In about a decade, the ‘corpse flower’ can grow to be up to 10 feet tall and unveil two of its key components:
- A deep red skirt-like petal known as the spathe and
- A yellow rod-like ‘spadix’
- The crucial component of the plant is the ‘corm’, a fleshy underground plant stem which acts as a storage organ where the corpse plant’s energy is stored.
- The corpse flower is known to be one of the world’s largest ‘unbranched inflorescence’ or a stalk bearing a cluster of flowers.
- The plant emits the distinct smell only when it is in bloom, which happens once every 10 years or so and only for a brief period of time.
What is behind the corpse flower’s putrid stench?
- The corpse flower has its distinct smell for a reason.
- It is also known as a Carrion flower, or a flower that emits a heady odour in order to attract pollinating insects in the wild such as scavenging flies and beetles.
- The main odorant which gave the flower its distinct smell was dimethyl trisulfide, the same compound that is emitted from cancerous wounds, microorganisms and some vegetables.
- The stench is also caused by chemicals like dimethyl disulfide and methyl thiolacetate, which are responsible for the garlic and cheese-like odour.
- The flowers of the plant are pollinated by scavenging insects, which are drawn to it due to its odour.
Why is corpse flower so rare?
- The plant population appears to be dwindling in its native land of Sumatra due to deforestation for crops and lumber.
- It was listed as an endangered plant in 2018 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- It is not easy to preserve the corpse flower outside its natural habitat.
- It requires a very specific level of heat and humidity to thrive.
- The lack of genetic variety leads to inbreeding, which means closely related plants are bred with one another.
- The seeds of the plant, known as recalcitrant seeds, are not easy to store either.
Investment in Sovereign Gold Bonds
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a plan to sell sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) in six phases.
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme
- It is to be issued by Reserve Bank of India on behalf of the Government of India.
- The Bonds will be denominated in multiples of gram(s) of gold with a basic unit of 1 gram.
- The tenor of the Bond will be for a period of 8 years with exit option after 5th year to be exercised on the next interest payment dates.
- The Gold Bonds will be issued as Government of India Stock under GS Act, 2006.
- The investors will be compensated at a fixed rate of 2.50 percent per annum payable semi-annually on the nominal value.
What will investors get on redemption?
- The investors gain from appreciation in gold prices as redemption of bonds will be based on the then prevailing prices.
- If gold prices treble after eight years, the investor will get the higher prices plus the 2.5% interest.
- The investor does not lose in terms of the units of gold which he has paid for if gold prices fall.
- On maturity, the gold bonds will be redeemed in Indian rupees and the redemption price will be based on a simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity of the previous 3 business days from the date of repayment.
- Although the tenure of the bond is 8 years, early encashment/redemption of the bond is allowed after the fifth year, on coupon payment dates.
- The bond will be tradable on exchanges, if held in demat form and it can also be transferred to any other eligible investor.
Reasons for investments in gold bonds over physical gold
- The quantity of gold the investor pays for is protected, since he receives the ongoing market price at the time of redemption/premature redemption.
- The bonds offer a superior alternative to physical gold.
- The risks and costs of storage are eliminated.
- The investors are assured of the market value at the time of maturity, and periodical interest.
- The bonds are free from issues like jewellery making charges and purity.
- The bonds are held in RBI books or in demat form, eliminating the risk of loss of scrip etc.
What are the minimum and maximum limits for investment?
- The bonds are issued in denominations of 1 gram of gold and in multiples thereof.
- The minimum investment will be 1 gram, with a maximum limit of subscription of 4 kg for individuals, 4 kg for Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and 20 kg for trusts and similar entities notified by the government from time to time per fiscal year.
Gold Bonds for collateral use
- They can be used as collateral for loans from banks, financial Institutions and non-banking financial companies (NBFC).
- The loan-to-value ratio will be the same as applicable to ordinary gold loans prescribed by RBI from time to time.
- Granting loans against SGBs would be subject to the decision of the bank/financing agency, and cannot be inferred as a matter of right.
Tax implications of Sovereign Gold Bond
- The interest on the bonds will be taxable as per the provisions of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961).
- The capital gains tax arising on redemption of SGB to an individual has been exempted.
- The indexation benefits will be provided to long-term capital gains arising to any person on transfer of bonds.
- TDS is not applicable on the bonds, but it is the responsibility of the holder to comply with tax laws.
RT-PCR test kit ViraGen
Recently, the Cipla Limited has launched a Covid-19 test kit called ‘ViraGen’.
ViraGen
- It is a polymerase chain reaction (Covid-19 RT-PCR) test for Covid-19 in India.
- The commercialisation of test kit ‘ViraGen’ is announced by Cipla in partnership with Ubio Biotechnology Systems Pvt. Ltd.
- It is a real-time detection kit approved by the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research).
- It is based on multiplex PCR technology.
- It helps to identify and detect SARS CoV-2 N Gene and ORF Lab Gene with the sensitivity of 98.6% and the specificity of 98.8% as compared to a standard ICMR test.
- It is designed for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in the upper and lower respiratory specimens from individuals suspected of COVID-19.
- It is used for qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 will be manufactured by Ubio Biotechnology Systems.
Kharif Strategy 2021
Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has announced the Kharif Strategy 2021.
Key Highlights of Kharif Strategy 2021
- It will bring an additional 6.37 lakh hectare area under oilseeds and is likely to produce 120.26 lakh quintals of oilseeds and edible oil amounting to 24.36 lakh quintals.
- The area and productivity enhancement has been formulated for soybean and groundnut with a focus on high yielding varieties of seeds to be provided free of cost under the National Food Security Mission (Oil Seeds and Oil Palm) Mission.
- Distribution of soybean seeds for intercropping for 41 districts in the 6 states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana and Chhattisgarh costing Rs76.03 crore and covering 1,47,500 ha.
- Distribution of soybean seeds for high potential districts in 73 districts of the 8 states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka, UP, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat costing Rs 104 crore and 3,90,000 ha.
- Distribution of mini kits in 90 districts of the 9 states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, UP and Bihar costing Rs 40 crore.
- The area to be covered will be 1,006,636 ha and the number of mini-kits will be 8,16,435.
- The soybean seeds to be distributed will be having a yield of not less than 20 Qtl/ha.
- The distribution of seeds for intercropping and high potential districts will be through the state seed agencies and the seeds for the mini-kits will be through the Central seed producing agencies.
- Distribution of 74,000 Groundnut seed mini kits in the 7 states of Gujarat, AP, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu covering costing Rs 13.03 crore for seeds not less than 22 Qtl/ha.
Significance of Kharif Strategy 2021
- It is a multi-pronged strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of oilseeds.
- It is an ambitious plan for the free distribution of high yielding varieties of seeds to the farmers for the Kharif season 2021.
- It will put emphasis on enhancing the productivity of oilseeds by increasing the availability of high yielding varieties of seeds for the farmers to use on their fields.
- It is a detailed plan for both area expansion and productivity enhancement for Tur, Moong and Urad.
National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm
- The Mission has two submissions i.e. Mini Mission I of Oil Seeds & Mini Mission II of Oil Palm.
- Its main objective is to increase the production and productivity of oil crops.
- The MM I includes conventional oil seeds crops like Rape & Mustard, Sesamum, Ground nut, etc. while MM II includes Oil Palm.
- It has the objective to augment the availability of edible oils and reduce the import of edible oils by increasing the production and productivity of oilseeds and oil palm.
- It is a multi-pronged mission which includes:
- Increasing the seed replacement ratio with focus on varietal replacement;
- Increasing irrigation coverage;
- Nutrient management;
- Intercropping with cereals/pulses/sugarcane;
- Productivity improvement and adoption of proven and climate-resilient technologies; and
- Area expansion through diversification of low yielding food grains
INS Rajput to be decommissioned
Recently, the Ministry of Defence has announced that the INS Rajput will be decommissioned after 41 years of service.
INS Rajput
- It is the first destroyer of the Indian Navy commissioned in 1980.
- It is the lead ship of the Kashin-class destroyers built by the erstwhile USSR.
- It was constructed in the 61 Communards Shipyard in Nikolaev (present-day Ukraine) under her original Russian name ‘Nadezhny’ meaning ‘Hope’.
- The ship had the motto “Raj Karega Rajput’’, and participated in several operations aimed at keeping the nation secure.
- The Operations include Operation Aman off Sri Lanka to assist IPKF, Operation Pawan for patrolling duties off the coast of Sri Lanka, Operation Cactus to resolve hostage situation off the Maldives, and Operation Crowsnest off Lakshadweep.
- It was also the first Indian Naval Ship to be affiliated with an Indian Army regiment i.e. the Rajput Regiment.
Six Indian sites added to tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Recently, the Ministry of Culture has announced that six Indian sites have been added to the tentative list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites.
- The six sites are namely Satpura Tiger Reserve, Iconic riverfront of the historic city of Varanasi, Megalithic site of Hire Benkal, Maratha Military Architecture in Maharashtra, Bhedaghat-Lametaghat in Narmada Valley- Jabalpur, and temples of Kanchipuram.
Satpura Tiger Reserve
- It is located in Madhya Pradesh.
- It is home to 26 species of the Himalayan region including reptiles, and 42 species of Nilgiri areas.
- It is the largest tiger-occupied forest and also has the largest tiger population.
- One of the criteria on which the national park made it to the tentative list includes:
- Its beautiful silence where one can even hear the snoring of the beers and roaring of the tigers clearly with such stunning exceptional visual delights.
- Its location adds on to its aesthetic and incredible values.
Ghats of Varanasi
- The Ganges riverfront of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has been vying for the UNESCO tag for several years now.
- Varanasi’s riverfront mainly falls into the second category of cultural properties, i.e. groups of buildings, groups of separate or connected buildings.
- The Ganga River with its riverfront ghats also fulfill the criteria of Cultural Landscapes as designated in Article 1 of the Convention.
Megalithic site of Hire Benkal
- The 2,800-years-old megalithic site of Hire Benkal is located in Karnataka.
- It has made it to the tentative list owing to the fact that it is one of the largest prehistoric megalithic settlements where some funerary monuments are still intact.
Maratha Military Architecture in Maharashtra
- There are 12 forts in Maharashtra dating back to the era of the 17th-century Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji.
- They are namely Shivneri (the birthplace of Shivaji); Raigad (the capital fort rebuilt for the coronation of the Maratha king), Torna (the first fort of the Maratha empire), Rajgad, Salher-Mulher, Panhala, Pratapgad, Lohagad, Sindhudurg, Padmadurga (Kasa), Vijaydurg and Kolaba.
- The theme for the serial nomination of these forts is ‘Maratha Military Architecture in Maharashtra and Guerrilla Warfare’.
Bhedaghat-Lametaghat in Narmada Valley- Jabalpur
- It is an iconic site from Madhya Pradesh.
- Bhedaghat, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of India, is a town in the Jabalpur district.
- It is known for its marble rocks and their various morphological forms on either side of the Narmada River which flows through the gorge.
- It has also been observed that the magical marble mountains assume different colours and even shapes of animals and other living forms as one moves through them.
- Several dinosaur fossils have been found in the Narmada valley, particularly in Bhedaghat-Lametghat area of Jabalpur.
- In 1828, the first Dinosaur fossil was collected from Lameta Bed by William Sleeman.
Temples of Kanchipuram
- It is located in Tamil Nadu.
- It is dotted with ancient temples that are architectural marvels and a visual treat.
- It is situated on the banks of River Vegavathi.
- It once had 1,000 temples, of which only 126 (108 Shaiva and 18 Vaishnava) now remain.
- Its rich legacy has been the endowment of the Pallava dynasty, which made the region its capital between the 6th and 7th centuries.
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