In News:

The Fulani, one of Africa’s largest and most dispersed ethnic communities, trace their ancestry to the ‘Green Sahara’ period (12,000–5,000 years ago), according to recent genetic and anthropological research. This period, when the Sahara was a fertile, habitable landscape, marks the early development of African pastoralism.

The Fulani population is estimated at 40 million, spread across West and Central Africa, from Senegal and Guinea in the west to Lake Chad in the east. They are particularly concentrated in Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and Niger, and inhabit the Sahel-Savannah belt, straddling arid and semi-arid regions.

Nomadic Lifestyle and Social Structure

Traditionally known for their nomadic pastoralism, the Fulani have maintained a unique socio-cultural identity despite centuries of migration and contact with other African populations. Their society is internally diverse, divided into three main groups:

• Makiyaya: Nomadic herders
• FulaninSoro: Town dwellers
• Bararo: Forest dwellers, with strong ties to ancestral rituals and nature-based belief systems

Fulani communities are largely egalitarian, with a deep emphasis on kinship, family structure, and communal responsibility. Polygamy is widely practiced, and marriage ceremonies are elaborate, often involving intricate rituals and festive celebrations.

Women’s Role and Cultural Expression

Fulani women are recognized for their weaving, artisanal craftsmanship, and particularly their hairstyles, which are often elaborately styled and adorned with beads and cowrie shells—symbols of both identity and aesthetic tradition.

Linguistic and Religious Identity

The Fulani speak Fula (also called Fulfulde or Pulaar), a language belonging to the Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Though largely Muslim, many retain spiritual connections with nature-based traditions, particularly among the Bararo groups.

Genetic Heritage and Historical Significance

A recent multinational study led by Uppsala University and Charles University analyzed biological and anthropological data from 460 Fulani individuals across 18 locations in seven African countries. It confirmed a complex genetic history, shaped by:

• Ancient North African ancestry, particularly linked to populations akin to modern-day Berbers of Morocco
• Historical interactions with West, Central, and East African communities
• A shared ancestral genetic component, likely rooted in early pastoral communities of the Green Sahara era

The research underscores that despite their high mobility and limited archaeological footprint, the Fulani have preserved a distinct genetic and cultural identity for millennia.

In News:

A landmark deep-sea fishing expedition by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) has led to the discovery of previously underexploited fishing grounds in the Arabian Sea, offering significant promise for India’s marine resource sustainability, food security, and fishermen’s livelihoods.

Key Highlights of the Expedition

• Conducted by: Fishery Survey of India (FSI), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
• Supported by: Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY)
• Geographic Scope: Waters between Kollam (Kerala) and Goa, at depths of 300–540 meters
• Location: Approx. 100–120 nautical miles off India’s western coast
• Catch Rate: Average Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) recorded at 150–300 kg/hr
• Timing: No significant difference observed in catches between day and night

Marine Biodiversity of the New Grounds

The discovered ecosystem harbors rich and diverse marine life, including:

• Commercially Important Crustaceans:
  • Humpback nylon shrimp
  • Arabian red shrimp
  • Deep sea mud shrimp
  • Deepwater spiny lobster
  • Deep sea squat lobster
• Cephalopods:
  • Opisthoteuthis species
  • Octopoteuthissicula
• Diverse Deep-Sea Fishes:
  • Froghead eel, Rosy cod, Snake mackerel, Sackfish
  • Royal escolar, Bandfishes, Duckbill flathead
  • Splendid alfonsino, Myctiophids, Shadow driftfish
  • Spinyjawgreeneye, Shortfin neoscopelid, Stargazers
• Elasmobranchs (Cartilaginous Fishes):
  • Sicklefin chimaera, Pygmy ribbontail catshark
  • Bramble shark, Indian swellshark, Travancore skate

Significance for India’s Fisheries Sector

• Reduces Pressure on Coastal Fisheries: Coastal resources are under stress from overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. Deep-sea grounds offer a sustainable alternative.
• Supports Blue Economy Goals: Enhances India’s capacity to sustainably exploit its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Economic Benefits: Aligns with the government’s goal of doubling fishermen’s income and generating employment in marine-based livelihoods.
• Scientific Value: Contributes to marine biodiversity documentation and ecosystem-based fisheries management.

In News:

India is set to host the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) from February 12–14, 2025, at the ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi.

Key Highlights

• This triennial international event—organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Fisheries (DoF), and AFS Indian Branch (AFSIB)—is themed "Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific".
• It aims to promote sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven development in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
• Previous Indian Host: India is hosting the AFAF for the second time, the first being the 8th AFAF in Kochi (2007).
• Legacy: AFAF, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has been a leading platform for fostering global cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture since its inception.

India's Role and Significance

• India ranks second globally in total fish production and aquaculture output, underlining its emerging leadership in the blue economy.
• The forum presents a strategic opportunity to:
  • Showcase India’s technological and policy advancements.
  • Strengthen international collaborations.
  • Promote sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive aquaculture systems.

Forum Structure and Thematic Sessions

The event will feature 20+ technical sessions and keynote presentations by international experts, focusing on priority areas such as:

• Sustainable Fisheries Management:Emphasis on responsible fishing, biodiversity preservation, and efficient resource utilization.
• Climate Change and Fisheries:Addressing climate impacts on aquatic ecosystems and developing adaptive strategies.
• Smart Aquaculture & Technology:Integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain to enhance fish farming efficiency and monitoring.
• Fish Genetics & Biotechnology:Innovations for disease resistance, improved yields, and genetic advancements.
• Post-Harvest and Value Addition:Improving fish quality, market access, and export competitiveness through better processing techniques.

In News:

The recent discovery of the Crocodile Catfish (Bagariussuchus) in the Bahini River near Basistha, Guwahati, Assam, has garnered attention from conservationists and ecologists alike. As one of the largest freshwater catfish species in Asia, its presence in Indian waters raises both scientific interest and ecological concerns.

Taxonomy and Distribution

• Scientific Name: Bagariussuchus
• Family: Sisoridae – the largest family of Asian catfishes, widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia.
• Common Names: Asian Giant River Catfish, Crocodile Goonch Catfish, Giant Devil Catfish
• Geographical Range: Native to countries including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Habitat and Morphological Features

• Natural Habitat: Prefers fast-flowing rivers, deep pools, turbulent rapids, and areas with rocky or gravelly substrates.
• Often found among boulders, submerged roots, and debris, thriving in cool, oxygen-rich waters.
• Physical Description:
  • Long, cylindrical body with a broad head and wide mouth.
  • Typicallydark brown to black, with irregular patches or spots for camouflage.
  • Dorsal fin is elongated, stretching along most of the back.
• Size: Can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh over 50 kilograms, though smaller specimens (~70 cm) are also observed.

Behaviour and Ecology

• Feeding Habits: A carnivorous predator, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates.
• Known for its voracious appetite, capable of consuming prey nearly its own size.
• Most active during evening or nighttime, making it a nocturnal feeder.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are generally slimmer and may exhibit slightly brighter coloration than females.

Ecological Concerns

• The discovery of the Crocodile Catfish in a non-native region like the Bahini River raises concerns about its invasive potential.
• It can threaten native aquatic biodiversity by preying on indigenous species and disturbing the ecological balance.
• Overfeeding and rapid proliferation can degrade water quality and disrupt food chains.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (NT): This status reflects concerns about habitat degradation, overfishing, and ecological displacement, which may impact population stability across its range.

In News:

The International Energy Agency (IEA), in its report “India Gas Market Report: Outlook to 2030”, has highlighted the transformative potential of natural gas in India’s energy transition.

As India aims to raise the share of natural gas in its primary energy mix from ~6% to 15% by 2030, the report outlines a roadmap for achieving this goal through policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, and market liberalization.

Current Status and Future Outlook

• Demand Growth: India's natural gas consumption is projected to increase by 60%, reaching 103 billion cubic meters (bcm) by 2030. The City Gas Distribution (CGD) sector, which supplies gas to households, transport, and industries, will drive this growth.
• Domestic Production: India produced 35 bcm in 2023, with the Krishna-Godavari deepwater fields contributing a quarter. Production is expected to reach just under 38 bcm by 2030, a modest 8% increase.
• Import Dependency: With domestic supply growth lagging behind demand, LNG imports are expected to more than double, from ~30 bcm in 2023 to around 65 bcm by 2030. India is already the fourth-largest LNG importer globally.

Infrastructure Expansion

India’s natural gas infrastructure has undergone rapid growth:

• Since 2019, the number of CNG stations quadrupled and residential gas connections more than doubled.
• The gas transmission pipeline network expanded by 40%, with another 50% expansion expected by 2030.
• CGD infrastructure is poised for a further boom, supporting increased consumption in urban areas.

Sectoral Trends

• Industry: Heavy industry and manufacturing are expected to add 15 bcm to gas demand by 2030.
• Refining: Gas use in refineries will rise by over 4 bcm as more refineries get connected.
• Transport: Greater CNG adoption, if incentivized, could significantly reduce vehicular emissions.

Challenges Hindering Growth

• Price Distortion: Prices from legacy fields are capped (e.g., USD 6.5–10 per MMBtu), limiting true market-based discovery.
• Monopoly in Transport & Marketing: GAIL’s dominance in both gas marketing and pipeline ownership creates potential conflicts of interest.
• Storage Limitations: India lacks underground gas storage (UGS) and has limited LNG storage capacity, affecting supply security.
• Policy and Regulatory Gaps: Inadequate third-party access and fragmented pricing/taxation systems reduce investor confidence.

Policy Recommendations by IEA

• Gas Pricing Freedom:
  • Implement full pricing freedom, in line with Kirit Parekh Committee (2022) recommendations.
  • Initially lift ceilings on high-cost deepwater and ultra-deepwater projects.
  • Allow producers to sell more output on platforms like the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX).
• Unbundling Supply and Transmission:
  • Establish independent gas transmission system operators (TSOs).
  • Legally separate marketing from pipeline operations to ensure fair, non-discriminatory access.
  • Standardize Gas Sales Agreements (GSAs) and Gas Transmission Agreements (GTAs).
• Infrastructure and Market Development:
  • Ensure transparent, regulated third-party access to pipelines.
  • Develop strategic gas reserves and expand LNG terminal capacity.
  • Improve data transparency on pipeline capacities and tariffs.
• Tax and Regulatory Reforms:
  • Harmonize taxes across fuels to create a level playing field.
  • Rationalize GST on CNG vehicles and revise import duties on natural gas.
  • Offer tax benefits to natural gas similar to electric vehicles to promote adoption.
• Secure Long-Term LNG Contracts:
  • With legacy contracts expiring post-2028, proactive procurement is essential to avoid spot market volatility.