Famous Personalities 19 October 2026
Renowned Fisheries Scientist and KUFOS Founding VC Prof. B. Madhusoodana Kurup Passes Away
Why in the News?
Renowned fisheries scientist and the founding Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (**KUFOS**), **Prof. B. Madhusoodana Kurup**, passed away at the age of 71 in Kochi on October 18, 2026.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Academic & Administrative Roles: He served as the founding VC of KUFOS, VC of Shri Venkateshwara University, and as a UGC Professor at CUSAT for over 18 years.
- Scientific Contributions: He extensively documented inland aquatic biodiversity, discovered **eight new freshwater fish species** in the Western Ghats, and spearheaded major conservation projects like the Kuttanad Water Balance Study.
- Literary Work: He also co-authored an upcoming authoritative book on the Vembanad–Kole Wetlands.
Static GK Facts:
- KUFOS (Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies): India's first fisheries university, located in Panangad, Kochi, Kerala.
- CUSAT (Cochin University of Science and Technology): Located in Kochi, Kerala.
- Western Ghats: A mountain range recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Prof. B. Madhusoodana Kurup, who passed away recently, was the founding Vice-Chancellor of which university?
A: Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS)
Q: How many new freshwater fish species did Prof. Kurup discover in the Western Ghats?
A: Eight (8) new species
Q: Where is the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) located?
A: Kochi, Kerala
Q: Which major study on wetland ecosystems was led by Prof. B. Madhusoodana Kurup?
A: Kuttanad Water Balance Study
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