Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 18 Jul 2023
- 4 min read
Gambusia Fish Release for Mosquito Control in Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh government's recent release of approximately 10 million Gambusia fish, also known as mosquitofish, into the state's water bodies to combat mosquito-borne diseases has sparked concerns about potential harm to native species and ecosystem balance. The Gambusia fish, native to the southeastern United States, can consume 100 to 300 mosquito larvae per day.
While the fish is widely used as a biological agent to control mosquito larvae, its introduction as an invasive alien species raises questions about its effectiveness and unintended consequences.
International Union for Conservation of Nature declare Gambusia one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. Multiple countries, including India have also listed Gambusia as invasive species.
However, the fish continues to be a prominent part of the country’s malaria control program and the fish continue to be released into freshwater bodies across the country, like Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh.
Read more: International Union for Conservation of Nature, Invasive alien species
Tribute to Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the Last King of Awadh
Kolkata is all set to celebrate the bicentenary year of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last king of Awadh who was deposed by the British and exiled to Metiabruz, a suburb of Kolkata, where he spent his final years.
Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was a fine connoisseur of art, music, dance, poetry and cuisine, and he supported many artists and performers in his court. Although Wajid Ali Shah's pen-name was "Qaisar", he used pseudonym "Akhtarpiya" for his numerous compositions.
CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal
The Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated the 'CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal' in New Delhi, marking a significant step towards addressing the grievances of depositors of the Sahara Group of Cooperative Societies. This dedicated portal aims to streamline the disbursement process of Rs. 5000 Crores, transferred from the "Sahara-SEBI Refund Account" to the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS), as directed by the Supreme Court. Genuine depositors can now conveniently submit their claims through this online platform.
Cooperatives are governed by state jurisdictions, those operating across multiple states are registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act (MSCS) of 2002, with administrative and financial control under the central registrar.
Read more: Cooperative Societies
Russia's Halting of Black Sea Grain Initiative Impacts Global Food Security
The recent halt in the Black Sea Grain Initiative by Russia has raised concerns over global food security. This breakthrough accord, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022, allowed Ukraine to ship grain to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. However, Russia's decision to suspend the deal has disrupted the flow of essential food supplies, particularly in regions where hunger is a growing threat and high food prices have already pushed more people into poverty.
Read more: Black Sea Grain Initiative
