Mosquitofish

A new study has revealed that two species of mosquitofish (Gambusia) have invaded various ecosystems across India.

Gambusia fish – An insectivorous fish that is found mostly in fresh and brackish, and occasionally marine waters and has a high breeding capacity.
When released into freshwater system, they feed on mosquito larvae and thus act as biocontrol agent to control mosquitoes.
Commonly used Gambusia species includes
- Gambusia affinis
- Gambusia holbrooki (eastern mosquito fish)

Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulate) is also deployed as a mosquito predator.

Native to – U.S.A
Reasons for its spread - High breeding capacity, robust adaptability and high tolerance for fluctuating environmental conditions.
Impact – They displace and prey on native fauna, leading to the extinction of native fish, amphibians, and various freshwater communities.
In India – Gambusia was 1^st introduced during British rule in 1928 for mosquito control and now inhabits all around India.
Actions taken – Multiple countries, including India have listed Gambusia as invasive species.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stopped recommending Gambusia as a mosquito control agent in 1982.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared Gambusia as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world.

Source:

Join Our Telegram

Southern Annular Mode (SAM)

Production Gap Report 2023

Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

Recently, Prime Minister announced Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana under which 1 crore households will get rooftop solar power systems. India’s Status of Current Solar Capacity India currently stands at 4th place globally in solar power capacity. As per Ministry of New an

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)- NGO

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) registration of two prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI) have been cancelled this month. What is FCRA? Key provisions of FCRA, 2010 Key aspects Description

Voice clone-AI

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

Voice clone fraud has been on the rise in India. AI voice cloning – It is the process of creating a synthetic replica of a person’s voice through machine learning and speech synthesis technology.It is called as voice deepfakesor audio deepfakes. Objective – To achieve a high level of na

Science communication- how to promote

06 Feb, 24
SHARE

Steps taken by India to promote Science Communication Publications and Information Directorate (PID) - An organisation under Council of Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) established in 1951 for publishing and disseminating scientific information in India. National science magazines- The PI

Universal Basic Income (UBI)- Analysis

05 Feb, 24
SHARE

Universal Basic Income (UBI) can strengthen welfare architecture and unlock the nation’s latent demographic potential. UBI - It is an income support mechanism typically intended to reach all or a very large portion of the population regardless of their earnings or employment status. Objective- To provide enough to co