What is the News? – UPSC Current Affairs 2024

The news is about the discovery of a new tardigrade species, which is named Batillipes chandrayaani. This species is named after the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission. This new species discovered off the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu by researchers at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat).

What is Batillipes Chandrayaani? – Batillipes Chandrayaani UPSC

Batillipes Chandrayaani is a tiny creature that lives in the water. It’s a new type of tardigrade, which is a microscopic animal also known as a “water bear.” This specific tardigrade was found near the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu, India.

Significance of discovery

The discovery of Batillipes Chandrayaani holds significance for several reasons:

1. Scientific Contribution: It adds to our understanding of biodiversity, particularly in marine ecosystems, by identifying a new species of tardigrade.
2. Research Implications: The discovery contributes to ongoing research in marine biology and taxonomy, aiding scientists in studying the diversity and distribution of tardigrades.
3. Cultural Connection: Naming the species after the Chandrayaan-3 mission celebrates India’s achievements in space exploration and highlights the interdisciplinary nature of scientific discovery.
4. Environmental Awareness: Understanding and documenting new species underscores the importance of conservation efforts to protect fragile marine habitats where organisms like Batillipes Chandrayaani reside.
5. Educational Value: The discovery provides a valuable learning opportunity for students and the public, fostering curiosity and interest in science and the natural world.

Key points about this discovery

These are the key points about this new discovery:

1. New Species: Batillipes Chandrayaani is a newly discovered species of tardigrade, a microscopic animal commonly known as a “water bear.”
2. Location: It was found off the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu, India, specifically in intertidal beach sediments at Mandapam.
3. Naming: The species is named after the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, reflecting its connection to India’s space exploration efforts.
4. Discovery Team: The discovery was made by researchers at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) in collaboration with other institutions.
5. Taxonomic Classification: Batillipes Chandrayaani belongs to the genus Batillipes and is the 39th species described under this genus.
6. Morphology: It measures about 0.15 millimeters in length and 0.04 millimeters in width, with a trapezoid-shaped head and four pairs of legs.
7. Gender Similarity: Both male and female Batillipes Chandrayaani specimens exhibit similar morphology and size characteristics.
8. Rarity: This discovery marks the third marine tardigrade species scientifically described from Indian waters and the second from the east coast.
9. Research Publication: Details of the discovery, including its taxonomy and characteristics, were published in the journal Zootaxa.
10. Scientific Value: The discovery contributes to the understanding of marine biodiversity in Indian waters and highlights the importance of further research in this field.