15-November-2023: ICAR Discovers Two New Species of Seer Fish in Indian Waters, ICAR-CTCRI, IISR Collaborate to Unveil Groundbreaking Biocapsules, PRADAN

15 November 2023

• ICAR Discovers Two New Species of Seer Fish in Indian Waters

  ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) researchers have found two new species of the top-demanding seer fish species in Indian waters. They discovered one species named Arabian sparrow seer fish (Scomberomorus avirostrus) as entirely new to science and resurrected the other, Russell’s spotted seer fish (Scomberomorus leopardus) which was previously a synonym of the spotted seer fish.According to the findings by a team of taxonomists led by Dr E M Abdussamad, Principal Scientist of ICAR-CMFRI, the spotted seer fish (Scomberomorus guttatus) that was once considered a single species, is a complex of three distinct species. These include the newly discovered seer fish, the resurrected seer fish, and the existing spotted seer fish. With this finding, the total number of top-demanding seer fish species in Indian waters rose to six from the  existing four species.

• ICAR-CTCRI, IISR Collaborate to Unveil Groundbreaking Biocapsules for Agricultural Advancement

  CTCRI researchers identified these three new bioagents: Trichoderma, known for its dual role as a biocontrol agent and facilitator of plant growth; the endophyte, a benign microorganism residing within plants, promoting growth and curbing various plant diseases; and the PGPR, exhibiting efficacy in enhancing nutrient absorption, producing phytohormones, and managing plant pathogens. Each Trichoderma capsule weighing 1 gram contains around 100 billion colony forming units (CFU), allowing for easy mixing with 100 litres of water for soil application. The biocapsule technology streamlines precise microbial delivery, boasts a low production cost, ease of handling and storage, and an extended shelf life. R. Dinesh, IISR director and one of the encapsulation technology inventors, emphasized its adaptability to room temperature storage.

• Axis Bank Foundation and PRADAN Collaborate to Convene Samagam 2023, Focusing on ‘Localising SDGs: Perspectives, Policy and Practice’

  Samagam is an annual event organised by PRADAN to provide a platform for CSOs and development sector agencies to come together and explore ideas for strengthening Sustainable Development Goals. The event emphasises the need to have dialogues and collaborations amongst the Samaaj-Sarkar-Bazaar stakeholders, to address socio-economic problems in India. NITI Aayog and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Foundation have also extended their support to Samagam 2023. While keeping the national and international SDG 2030 commitments in mind, this year will highlight the need for localizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), how they can be implemented and the challenges and experiences of localizing SDGs.

• Identifying Purity of Saffron, Conducting Foolproof Tests

  Fake saffron has been sold everywhere in the country nowadays. Unfortunately, its high value has led to adulteration practices, making it crucial for consumers to discern pure saffron from its counterfeit counterparts. Understanding the nuances and conducting simple yet effective purity tests can safeguard the authenticity of this prized spice. Genuine saffron threads exhibit a rich, deep red color with slightly darker ends and a lighter orange hue at the thicker base. The uniformity of color and absence of browning or other unnatural pigments are indicative of purity.