24 Feb 2025 Daily Current Affairs
for UPSC IAS, CDS, CAPF AC Exams.
1. Fishery Survey of India (FSI)
A deep-sea fishing expedition by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) recently revealed several highly productive, potentially untouched fishing grounds in the Arabian Sea.
About Fishery Survey of India (FSI):
- The FSI, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, is the nodal fishery institute in India.
- Primary Responsibility: Survey and assessment of fishery resources in the Indian exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and adjoining areas for their optimum utilization and sustainable development.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- History:
- It was established in the year 1946 as Deep Sea Fishing Station with the objective of augmenting food supply through the development of deep-sea fishing.
- It graduated to the status of a survey institute in the year 1974 under the name Exploratory Fisheries Project, with bases known as Offshore Fishing Stations in all the maritime states.
- The objectives of exploratory fishing and charting of fishing grounds, training of fishing operatives, and testing commercial possibilities of deep-sea fishing were assigned to it.
- In 1983 it was reorganized and upgraded as a national institute, the FSI.
- It was recognised as a Science & Technology Institute in the year 1988.
2. What is Vancomycin?
A study led by the University of Birmingham recently found that vancomycin, a commonly used antibiotic for diarrhea, could effectively treat a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) linked to autoimmune liver disease.
About Vancomycin:
- It is a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat severe but susceptible bacterial infections such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
- It is commonly used to treat infections in the bloodstream, skin and soft tissues, heart valves (endocarditis), bones, joints, and certain intestinal infections like difficile-associated diarrhea.
- However, it may cause some serious side effects, including damage to hearing and kidneys. These side effects may be more likely to occur in elderly patients.
- Vancomycin will not work for colds, flu or other viral infections.
● Mechanism of Action of Vancomycin:
- It works by interfering with the bacterial cell wall synthesis.
- Bacterial cells have a rigid outer layer called the cell wall, which provides structural support and protects the cell from bursting.
- Vancomycin binds to specific components in the cell wall, preventing the formation of a stable cell wall structure.
- As a result, the bacterial cell becomes weak and more susceptible to damage, leading to its death.
3. Bailey Bridge
A suspension Bailey bridge over the Teesta river at Sangkalang in the Mangan district of north Sikkim collapsed recently.
About Bailey Bridge:
- A Bailey bridge is a portable, prefabricated truss bridge, capable of supporting vehicular traffic.
- It was conceptualized and designed by Sir Donald Bailey, UK in 1941 and used extensively since World War II.
- The characteristics of the Bailey bridge were standardization and simplicity of panels, readiness of assembly in the field, capacity for additional strengthening by doubling or tripling the truss girders, and adaptability to long spans with the aid of pontoons.
- Bailey bridge assembly covers a small area, which can avoid the situation that large hoisting equipment cannot enter the construction site.
- It is limited by its structure and bearing capacity, and the standard length should not exceed 60 meters. Therefore, it is generally used in terrains that span rivers, valleys, and spans that are not very large.
4. Crocodile Catfish
The recent discovery of the Crocodile Catfish in the Bahini River, located in the Basistha locality of Guwahati, has raised alarm over potential ecological disruptions.
About Crocodile Catfish:
- Crocodile Catfish, commonly known as the Asian giant river catfish, crocodile goonch catfish, or the giant devil catfish, is a species of catfish that belongs to the family Sisoridae.
- It is one of the largest freshwater catfish species in Asia.
- Scientific name: Bagarius suchus
- Distribution: It is native to freshwater habitats in South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand.
- Habitat:
- It is typically found in large rivers and deep pools with slow to moderate currents.
- They are often associated with rocky and gravelly substrates in their natural habitats.
- Appearance:
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- It can reach impressive lengths of up to 1.5 meters or more and can weigh over 50 kilograms.
- It has a long, cylindrical body with a broad head and a wide mouth.
- Its body is typically dark brown or black, and it may have irregular patches or spots on its body.
- The dorsal fin is long and extends almost the entire length of the back.
- Behaviour:
- It is a carnivorous predator. It primarily feeds on other fish and various aquatic organisms.
- It is known for its voracious appetite and can consume prey that is relatively large compared to its own size.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
5. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
The state government's move to build a village for tribals in the buffer zone of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has raised questions over their safety, besides concerns over fueling wildlife conflicts.
About Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary:
- It is nestled in the Western Ghats in the Kodagu district of Karnataka.
- It covers an area of about 181 sq.km.
- The sanctuary gets its name from the highest point, the Brahmagiri peak, which is 1607 m in height.
- Rivers: The Lakshmana Tirtha River originates in the sanctuary and is a tributary of the Cauvery River.
- Terrain: The area is generally of undulating terrain with several steep valleys and hillocks.
- Flora:
- The primary vegetation of the sanctuary includes evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shoal forest patches in grasslands, and bamboos.
- It is surrounded by coffee and cardamom plantations.
- Fauna:
- It is the home of the lion-tailed macaque, which is a rare and endangered species.
- Tiger, elephants, bonnet macaque, common langur, barking deer, mouse deer, Malabar giant squirrel, giant flying squirrel, and Indian Gaur are the big mammals commonly found here.
Source : Concerns raised over proposal to build tribal village close to Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary