Latest news with #Matsya
India.com
2 hours ago
- Science
- India.com
Meet Vasuki Indicus: World's largest snake, 49-foot long, weighs...,; found in...
Meet Vasuki Indicus: World's largest snake, 49-foot long, weighs...,; found in... For almost two decades, dedicated researchers from IIT Roorkee have meticulously studied these remains. Their findings reveal a fascinating connection to Vasuki Naag, the revered mythical serpent famously depicted as a divine ornament around Lord Shiva's neck. This scientific breakthrough not only challenges our previous understanding of the largest snake to ever grace the Earth but also adds an unexpected layer of credibility to ancient Indian scriptures that speak of mighty serpents like Vasuki. A fossil recently discovered in Gujarat has been identified as 'Vasuki Indicus', one of the largest snakes on earth. Its length is said to be between 36 to 50 feet. Researchers believe that it may have weighed up to 1 ton or 1,000 kilograms. This fossil has been named after the snake king Vasuki described in Hindu mythology. For a long time, the Titanoboa was considered the undisputed champion of ancient snakes, believed to be the longest at 42 feet. However, the newly uncovered Vasuki fossil changes everything. At a breathtaking 49 feet, it potentially takes the crown as the largest snake ever unearthed on Earth. The most astonishing fact is that this species managed to adapt and survive through catastrophic events, even those that led to the extinction of dinosaurs. Mythological significance Vasuki Naag is also associated with the Matsya avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to this legend, the Matsya avatar of Lord Vishnu had said to a king Satyavrat, 'At the time of deluge, you tie a boat to my horn with the help of Vasuki Naag, on which you ride along with the Vedas and creatures. This will recreate the universe'. Vasuki Naag is the same Naag that sits around Lord Shiva's neck. It is considered to be Shiva's favorite servant and is also called the king of snakes. During the Samudra Manthan between the Gods and Demons for Amrit, instead of a rope, Vasuki was tied to Mount Meru and Samudra Manthan was done.
Economic Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Billion-dollar catch: India has the potential to create an IPL out of aquaculture
iStock Despite the opening up of foreign direct investment (FDI) in aquaculture, this avenue remains unexploited by established aquaculture and mariculture companies. India's seafood exports at current prices (in value terms) grew by 67.75% to $7.38 billion in 2023-24 from $5 billion in 2013-14. During the same period, the export of frozen shrimps, which are India's flagship seafood product, alone increased by 65.57%—rising from $3.2 billion to $4.88 billion—while the exports of other seafood items together grew just 38%—from $1.8 billion in 2013-14 to $2.5 billion in data suggest that frozen shrimps will remain the flagship product of India's seafood exports for the foreseeable future. The key component that enables quick supply response to market demand is inventory, along with the ability to step up production on short notice. Indian farmed production of P. vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) increased from 1731 tonnes in 2009-10 to 815,745 tonnes in 2021-22. In contrast, the production of farmed P. monodon (black tiger shrimp) declined from 95,919 tonnes to 27,616 tonnes during the same period. This implies that around 8.5 lakh tonnes were available for the market in 2021-22. According to data from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India exported 7.28 lakh tonnes of shrimp in 2021-22 and 7.16 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. Assuming 7 lakh tonnes are exported annually, the domestic market is left with 1 lakh tonne of farmed shrimp for local consumption. It is only the low-count shrimp that remains behind, serving the domestic market. Data also indicates that there has not been any notable increase in production in recent years that could help diversify the export enhancements happen through horizontal expansion in areas where suitably identified land is available. The area under P. monodon has declined to 27,616 per hectare (ha) in 2021-22 from 95,919 ha in 2009-10, while the area under P. vannamei increased to 815,745 ha in 2020-21 from 1,731 ha in 2009-10. In 2020-21, the yield of P. mondon was 0.47 tonnes per ha, while the yield of P. vannamei was 7.52 tonnes per ha. A cursory examination of the data shows that there has not been a remarkable expansion in either area or yield in the recent enhancements in shrimp can happen through the widespread adoption of modern technologies like Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) and Biofloc. It is distressing that Biofloc has not been extensively adopted despite its cost advantage compared to pond culture. Government initiatives like the Prime Minister Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PMMKSSY) could take the lead in training entrepreneurs at various levels in advanced production technologies and financial products through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and PPP the opening up of foreign direct investment (FDI) in aquaculture, this avenue remains unexploited by established aquaculture and mariculture companies across the world. FDI in a sensitive sector, like aquaculture, can happen when the investment climate is favourable. Besides the investment climate, having a critical mass of technically competent personnel to service the sector is essential. The late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs stated that it is the availability of this mass of skilled workers that makes China an MFN (most favoured nation) for investments in any sector. There is an urgent need to rewire fisheries education to meet the requirements and demands of the fisheries and aquaculture production sector. It is heartening to note that 35,000-40,000 tonnes of shrimp are currently being exported to the US market following a pause in the 26% reciprocal tariffs levied by the US. However, it is important for the Indian shrimp sector to explore new opportunities by investing in shrimp farming in Central American countries. This would allow them to benefit from the lower US tariffs and gain a cost advantage in logistics. The increase in the US tariff on Ecuadorian seafood has resulted in a decline, while Chinese seafood exporters to the US are facing significant challenges, benefiting select Southeast Asian countries in the medium term for value-added shrimp and tilapia urban and peri-urban markets are indeed responding to farmed shrimp consumption and must be necessarily serviced. However, it is essential to maintain a competitive edge in the export market by increasing market diversification and penetration, diversifying product composition, and attracting foreign investments for production to ensure a steady influx of foreign exchange. Corporate business houses must be invited and encouraged to take a long look at the potential of aquaculture, take initiative and lead the way. India has the potential to create an IPL out of aquaculture. Play it now. Dr M Krishnan is former Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai; and Dr Badri Narayanan Goplakrishnan is a Visiting Senior Fellow at CSEP, New Delhi. Views are personal. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Billion-dollar catch: India has the potential to create an IPL out of aquaculture
Live Events India's seafood exports at current prices (in value terms) grew by 67.75% to $7.38 billion in 2023-24 from $5 billion in 2013-14. During the same period, the export of frozen shrimps, which are India's flagship seafood product, alone increased by 65.57%—rising from $3.2 billion to $4.88 billion—while the exports of other seafood items together grew just 38%—from $1.8 billion in 2013-14 to $2.5 billion in data suggest that frozen shrimps will remain the flagship product of India's seafood exports for the foreseeable future. The key component that enables quick supply response to market demand is inventory, along with the ability to step up production on short notice. Indian farmed production of P. vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) increased from 1731 tonnes in 2009-10 to 815,745 tonnes in 2021-22. In contrast, the production of farmed P. monodon (black tiger shrimp) declined from 95,919 tonnes to 27,616 tonnes during the same period. This implies that around 8.5 lakh tonnes were available for the market in 2021-22. According to data from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India exported 7.28 lakh tonnes of shrimp in 2021-22 and 7.16 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. Assuming 7 lakh tonnes are exported annually, the domestic market is left with 1 lakh tonne of farmed shrimp for local consumption. It is only the low-count shrimp that remains behind, serving the domestic market. Data also indicates that there has not been any notable increase in production in recent years that could help diversify the export enhancements happen through horizontal expansion in areas where suitably identified land is available. The area under P. monodon has declined to 27,616 per hectare (ha) in 2021-22 from 95,919 ha in 2009-10, while the area under P. vannamei increased to 815,745 ha in 2020-21 from 1,731 ha in 2009-10. In 2020-21, the yield of P. mondon was 0.47 tonnes per ha, while the yield of P. vannamei was 7.52 tonnes per ha. A cursory examination of the data shows that there has not been a remarkable expansion in either area or yield in the recent enhancements in shrimp can happen through the widespread adoption of modern technologies like Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) and Biofloc. It is distressing that Biofloc has not been extensively adopted despite its cost advantage compared to pond culture. Government initiatives like the Prime Minister Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PMMKSSY) could take the lead in training entrepreneurs at various levels in advanced production technologies and financial products through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and PPP the opening up of foreign direct investment (FDI) in aquaculture, this avenue remains unexploited by established aquaculture and mariculture companies across the world. FDI in a sensitive sector, like aquaculture, can happen when the investment climate is favourable. Besides the investment climate, having a critical mass of technically competent personnel to service the sector is essential. The late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs stated that it is the availability of this mass of skilled workers that makes China an MFN (most favoured nation) for investments in any sector. There is an urgent need to rewire fisheries education to meet the requirements and demands of the fisheries and aquaculture production is heartening to note that 35,000-40,000 tonnes of shrimp are currently being exported to the US market following a pause in the 26% reciprocal tariffs levied by the US. However, it is important for the Indian shrimp sector to explore new opportunities by investing in shrimp farming in Central American countries. This would allow them to benefit from the lower US tariffs and gain a cost advantage in logistics. The increase in the US tariff on Ecuadorian seafood has resulted in a decline, while Chinese seafood exporters to the US are facing significant challenges, benefiting select Southeast Asian countries in the medium term for value-added shrimp and tilapia urban and peri-urban markets are indeed responding to farmed shrimp consumption and must be necessarily serviced. However, it is essential to maintain a competitive edge in the export market by increasing market diversification and penetration, diversifying product composition, and attracting foreign investments for production to ensure a steady influx of foreign exchange. Corporate business houses must be invited and encouraged to take a long look at the potential of aquaculture, take initiative and lead the way. India has the potential to create an IPL out of aquaculture. Play it M Krishnan is former Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai; and Dr Badri Narayanan Goplakrishnan is a Visiting Senior Fellow at CSEP, New Delhi. Views are personal.
News18
16-05-2025
- Science
- News18
Inside Samudrayaan: India's Mission To Send 3 Scientists 6,000 Metres Under The Sea
Last Updated: As part of 'Samudrayaan', India will deploy a submersible named Matsya - a 25-tonne titanium-hulled vehicle designed to endure the extreme pressure and cold of the deep ocean. India is preparing to embark on a deep-sea mission of unprecedented scale, one that will send its scientists 6,000 metres beneath the ocean surface – a technological feat achieved by only a handful of nations. The mission, titled Samudrayaan, will mark India's first manned expedition to such depths, placing it in a select global club and expanding its reach from the skies to the seafloor. The announcement was made during a session held at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi on Tuesday, May 13, where Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), outlined the government's plans and timelines. NIOT, which functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is spearheading the mission. As part of Samudrayaan, India will deploy a submersible named Matsya – a 25-tonne titanium-hulled vehicle designed to endure the extreme pressure and cold of the deep ocean. The submersible will carry three crew members into the abyss, where they will collect biological and geological samples, conduct environmental observations, and explore mineral resources critical to future technologies. Next is 'Samudrayaan"This is 'MATSYA 6000' submersible under construction at National Institute of Ocean Technology at Chennai. India's first manned Deep Ocean Mission 'Samudrayaan' plans to send 3 humans in 6-km ocean depth in a submersible, to study the deep sea resources and… — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 11, 2023 The mission is currently in its preparatory phase. A 500-metre test dive is expected by the end of this year, after which the full-depth expedition to 6,000 metres will follow in stages. Each dive is projected to take about four hours for descent and another four for return. 'Samudrayaan is not just a milestone in ocean research; it is a statement of India's technological capacity and long-term vision," Ramakrishnan said at the event. He added that the mission would significantly boost India's ability to study deep-sea biodiversity, climate change impacts, and rare-earth deposits found in the seabed. Matsya, built entirely with indigenous technology, is equipped to navigate one of the harshest environments on the planet – a region of pitch darkness, near-zero temperatures, and pressures over 600 times that at sea level. The data and materials brought back from these missions are expected to inform marine science, pharmaceutical research, and climate modelling. Also unveiled during the session was Samudrajivah, a parallel technological initiative focused on offshore aquaculture. The system uses electronic fish cages capable of operating in nutrient-rich waters away from the coastline. These cages can monitor the growth, health, and habitat of fish populations in real time, offering a scalable solution to enhance India's food security. While Samudrajivah is currently in the demonstration stage, officials say it has the potential to transform India's marine farming sector and reduce dependence on coastal and inland aquaculture zones. The government's dual push – into the deep ocean and sustainable offshore fisheries – signals a strategic expansion of its maritime capabilities. As global competition intensifies over seabed resources and oceanic research frontiers, missions like Samudrayaan represent a shift in India's scientific and geopolitical posture. Though countries like the United States, China, and Russia have already made advances in deep-sea exploration, India's entry into this exclusive space underscores its growing ambitions in both civilian research and marine technology.
Hindustan Times
13-05-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Inflation dips for 7th month to 3.2%, lowest since July 2019
India's first manned deep ocean mission, 'Samudrayaan', is set to launch by the end of 2026, using the submersible 'Matsya' to explore depths of 6,000 metres. The mission aims to advance deep-sea research, assess resources, and promote deep-sea tourism. Additionally, a new technology, 'Samudrajivah', for sustainable fish farming is in demonstration, enhancing food security and supporting the blue economy.
