SNIPPETS 12 FEBRUARY 2026

Corruption Perceptions Index: Released by: Transparency International+ Evaluates 182 countries based on perceived public sector corruption, using a scale from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean) + Least Corrupt nations: Denmark, Finland and Singapore+ Most Corrupt nations: South Sudan, Somalia and Venezuela+ Performance of India: Rank improved from 96 (2024) to 91 (2025).

Mangrove clam (Geloina erosa): An ecologically important bivalve (mud/mangrove clam) found in mangrove and estuarine ecosystems of South and Southeast Asia+ locally called “Kandal Kakka” in northern Kerala+ Habitat:Organic-rich muddy substrates of intertidal mangrove zones+ Tolerates a wide salinity range (brackish to near-freshwater)+ Deep-burrowing, semi-infaunal species+ The ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has successfully achieved induced breeding of the mangrove clam under captive conditions

Vishwamitri River: A non-perennial river located in Vadodara, Gujarat+ It is situated between two major perennial rivers, namely the Mahi and the Narmada+ Origin – It starts from the Pavagadh hills in Gujarat+ It empties into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat+ the Gujarat Forest Department conducted a Mugger crocodile census in Vadodara’s Vishwamitri River after flood-mitigation works

Giant Phantom Jellyfish: Observed off the coast of Argentina 250 metres below the South Atlantic surface+ Habitat – Midnight zone, deep-sea layer up to 13,000 feet, living in extreme, low-food conditions+ One of the largest jellyfish species+ It is a rare deep-sea species rarely seen alive, and is elusive in nature.