Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 14 Mar 2023

Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR)

Researchers from Tamil Nadu have spotted a rare moth species for the first time in India in the buffer zone of Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) after it was last sighted 127 years ago in Sri Lanka in 1893.

Mimeusemia ceylonica is a moth species belonging to the subfamily Agaristinae and family Noctuidae.

KMTR was created in 1988 by combining the existing and contiguous Kalakkad and Mundanthurai wildlife sanctuaries. Kalakkad – Mundanthurai was declared as the first Tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu. It occupies the southern part of the Western Ghats and consists of wet evergreen forests; it is the catchment area of 14 rivers. It is also part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. Apart from tigers, the forest is home to Sambar, spotted deer, elephants, leopards, wild dogs, etc., and a large number of bird species, reptiles, etc.

Read More: Tiger Reserves of Tamil Nadu

Multilateral Exercise La Perouse

The third edition of the multilateral exercise La Perouse is scheduled to be conducted in the Indian Ocean Region from 13 to 14 March 2023. This edition will witness participation of personnel, ships and integral helicopters of Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, Royal Navy and the United States Navy.

The biennial exercise La Perouse is conducted by the French Navy and is aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness and optimising maritime coordination amongst the participating navies in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Indigenously built guided missile frigate INS Sahyadri and fleet tanker INS Jyoti will be participating in this edition of the exercise. Participation of Indian Navy in the exercise showcases the high levels of synergy, coordination and inter-operability between the friendly navies, and their commitment to a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

Read More: Indo-Pacific Region

Oscars

Recently, the Naatu Naatu song has been awarded the academy award for best original song in a motion picture at the 95^th oscars. This is the first Indian song and the second Indian-language song to win this award. The Elephant Whisperer won an award for the best documentary short film.

Standing 13 1/2 inch tall and dressed in gold, the Oscars statuette is one of the most recognised trophies in the world. Officially named the Academy Award of Merit, the statuette is better known as Oscar, and the nickname was officially adopted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1939.

Dragon Fruit

Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a roadmap is being prepared for the cultivation of dragon fruit in the identified potential area to increase the production of exotic and niche area fruits. The target for area expansion under MIDH for Kamalam is 50,000 ha. in 5 years.

Kamalam or Dragon Fruit widely known as Pitaya, has its origin in Southern Mexico, Central America and South America. It is widely cultivated in South-East Asia, India, US, The Caribbean Islands, Australia throughout the tropical and sub-tropical world. It is also known as “Wondrous Fruit of the 21^st century”.

It grows on the Hylocereus cactus, also known as the Honolulu queen. At the moment, In India, the cultivation of Kamalam Fruit is limited and farmers of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Island, Mizoram and Nagaland have taken up its cultivation.

It goes by many names, including pitaya, pitahaya, and strawberry pear. The two most common types have bright red skin with green scales that resemble a dragon. The most widely available variety has white pulp with black seeds, though a less common type with red pulp and black seeds exists as well. The fruit is considered good for diabetic patients, low in calories and high in nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium and zinc.

Read More: Dragon Fruit, CoE Under MIDH