National Green Tribunal Request 01

 Samudrayaan Project

The Samudrayaan Project, part of the Deep Ocean Mission, has been allocated Rs 600 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26.

About the Samudrayaan Project:

• Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences
• Objective: To develop a self-propelled manned submersible capable of carrying three people to a depth of 6,000 meters for deep ocean exploration.
• Operational Endurance: 12 hours under normal conditions, and 96 hours in case of an emergency.
• Timeline: 2020-2021 to 2025-2026

Significance:

• Exploration: Focuses on biodiversity assessment and the exploration of mineral resources such as manganese, cobalt, copper, nickel, and other deep-sea deposits, contributing to the Blue Economy.
• Research: Aims to study chemosynthetic biodiversity in hydrothermal vents and methane seeps.

Invasive Fish Species
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested a response from the Centre regarding two invasive fish species being used as biological agents to control mosquitoes. Both species are classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are tolerant of brackish water, high salinity, and varying temperatures.

About Gambusia Affinis (Western Mosquitofish):

• Range: Found in the Mississippi River basin, extending from central Indiana and Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico.
• Characteristics:
  • Prefers freshwater and can survive in low oxygen conditions.
  • Viviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
  • It is listed among the 100 "worst invasive alien species" by IUCN.

About Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy, Millionfish, and Rainbow Fish):

• Range: Native to northern South America and the Caribbean islands.
• Characteristics: Found in the shallow edges of pools and streams.

Tags : UPSC 2025 current affairs preparation, UPSC current affairs January 2025, UPSC 2025 daily current affairs, Best sources for UPSC current affairs 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs for prelims, UPSC 2025 current affairs for mains, Important current affairs for UPSC 2025, UPSC current affairs strategy 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs notes, UPSC current affairs PDF 2025, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 preparation, UPSC 2025 current affairs online classes, UPSC current affairs quiz 2025, How to study current affairs for UPSC 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs magazines, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 prelims and mains, Current affairs updates for UPSC 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs analysis, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 PDF download, UPSC 2025 current affairs important topics,