Sampriti XI Exercise (GS Paper 3, Defence)
Why in news?
- India and Bangladesh commenced the 11th edition of annual joint military exercise, SAMPRITI recently in Umroi, Meghalaya.
About SAMPRITI:
- This exercise, alternatingly organised by both countries, signifies strong bilateral defence cooperation initiatives.
- With its inception in Jorhat, Assam in 2009, the exercise has witnessed ten successful editions till 2022.
Key Highlights:
- SAMPRITI-XI, scheduled for 14 days, will engage approximately 350 personnel from both sides. The exercise underscores the importance of enhancing interoperability between the two armies, sharing tactical drills, and promoting best practices.
- Centered on the conduct of Sub-Conventional Operations as per Chapter VII of the UN mandate, SAMPRITI-XI will include a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX), culminating in a Validation Exercise.
- 20 Officers from each contingent will participate in the CPX, focusing on decision-making after thorough deliberations. This will be followed by FTX wherein grassroots-level operations will be validated.
- The FTX will include a series of joint tactical drills for counter-terrorist operations such as hostage rescue, crowd control measures, and use of helicopters in counter-terrorist operations.
- The Validation Exercise will be conducted on 14th and 15th October 2023 in Darranga Field Firing Range, Assam. During the course of the exercise, the participants will also get to witness the prowess of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Equipment Display.
Way Forward:
- SAMPRITI-XI promises to further enhance defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh, fostering deeper bilateral relations, cultural understanding, and mutual benefits from shared experiences in Sub Conventional Operations.
Newly discovered fish can change its colour like a chameleon
(GS Paper 3, Environment)
Why in news?
- Scientists have recently discovered a new fish species from the Milak River, Nagaland.
- The newly discovered species Badis limaakumi has been named after Limaakum, assistant professor and head of the zoology department at Fazl Ali College, Nagaland.
Key characteristics:
- The new species discovered in the state’s Mokokchung district has a distinct opercular blotch at the base of its opercular spine (a bone series that serves as a facial support structure and a protective covering for the gills).
- The spots on the sides and cleithrum (a membrane bone) and more lateral line scales are absent in this species.
- It belongs to the family of Badidae, a small freshwater fish found in streams with slow or moderate water flow.
- Apart from channels of rivers, the edible fish are found in ditches and stagnant water bodies across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand and Myanmar. There are 26 recognised fish species in this family.
- Limaakum found the fish during the project Integrated Taxonomic Studies on The Fishes Found in The Rivers of Nagaland.
Species of Badis:
- Badis assamensis and B. blosyrus can be distinguished from B. limaakumi by the presence of two rows of irregular blackish blotches on the sides, which are absent in B. limaakumi. Along with B. assamensis, B limaakumi is also one of the largest species in the genus, attaining a size of 66.8 mm SL, Jayasimhan added.
- The new fish species differs from other members of the Badis badis SG (B. badis, B. kanabos, B. chittagongis, B. ferrarisi, B. soraya, B. rhabdotus, B. pallidus, B. dibruensis, B. tuivaiei and B. kaladanensis) due to its larger size and other physical characterises.
- Fourteen species of Badis; six from the Brahmaputra in West Bengal and B. badis found in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan; seven species from Brahmaputra and Kaladan river and one species B. britzi from Sharavati river of the Western Ghats were already been identified. The new fish species adds the number to 15.
- Fish from the Badis family are also known as chameleon fish for their ability to change colour. This helps them blend with the surroundings when under stress.
Way Forward:
- The research noted rivers in Nagaland are poorly explored compared to other Northeastern states. Discoveries highlight the need to increase efforts to identify more unknown fish species.
Centre establishes National Turmeric Board, expected to reach $1 bn by 2030
(GS Paper 3, Economy)
Why in news?
- The Government of India has officially announced the establishment of the National Turmeric Board.
- This dedicated body will concentrate on developing and expanding turmeric and its related products within the country.
Objective:
- It will play a pivotal role in leading efforts related to turmeric, fostering collaboration with entities such as the Spices Board and other government agencies.
- Its primary objectives include enhancing awareness and consumption of turmeric globally, exploring new international markets to boost exports, encouraging research and development of innovative turmeric products, and promoting traditional knowledge for value-added turmeric items.
- It will empower turmeric growers through capacity building, skill development, and ensuring adherence to quality and food safety standards.
Composition:
- The newly formed National Turmeric Board will consist of representatives from the Ministry of Ayush, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the Union Government, senior State Government representatives from three states (on rotation basis), select national/state institutions involved in research, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters, and have a secretary to be appointed by the Department of Commerce.
- The Centre will appoint the chairperson of the board.
Status of India:
- India, being the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric worldwide, possesses a strong foothold in the global turmeric market.
- In the year 2022-23, India cultivated turmeric across 324,000 hectares, yielding over 1.1 million tonnes, contributing to over 75 per cent of the global turmeric production.
- More than 30 diverse varieties of turmeric are cultivated across 20 states in the country. Key turmeric-producing states include Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- India presently commands 62 per cent share of the global turmeric trade. In the financial year 2022-23, the country exported around 153,400 tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at $207.45 million through over 380 exporters.
- Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia are among the prominent markets for Indian turmeric.
Way Forward:
- The Centre expects turmeric exports to reach $1 Billion by 2030, and establish India as the leading global turmeric exporter.
