Ancient algae play a role in building a healthy marine ecosystem: Study

News: A study of a microscopic ancient marine algae (Coccolithophores) has found that there is a decrease in the concentration of oceanic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the southern Indian ocean. Facts: Coccolithophores: They are single-celled algae living in the upper layers of the world’s oceans.  Significance:  They play a key role in marine ecosystems as… Continue reading Ancient algae play a role in building a healthy marine ecosystem: Study

Odisha starts project to conserve Bhitarkanika fishing cats

News: Odisha Government has started a two-year conservation project for Fishing Cats in Bhitarkanika National Park. Facts: Fishing Cat: They are a medium-sized wildcat found in South and Southeast Asia. Habitat: In India, fishing cats are mainly found in the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, on the foothills of the Himalayas along the Ganga and… Continue reading Odisha starts project to conserve Bhitarkanika fishing cats

Illegal wildlife trade a global threat: FATF report

News: Financial Action Task Force(FATF) has released a report titled “Money Laundering and the Illegal Wildlife Trade” report. Facts: This is the first ever report of the Financial Action Task Force(FATF) on Illegal Wildlife Trade(IWT). Aim: To provide guidance to countries on measures they can take to combat money laundering from the illegal wildlife trade.… Continue reading Illegal wildlife trade a global threat: FATF report

Even Golden Langurs suffer forced abortion, infanticide

News: Golden Langurs found in the state of Assam is suffering from forced abortion and infanticide. Facts: Golden langur: It is an Old World monkey found in western Assam, India and in Bhutan. Vegetation: Moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests as well as some riverine areas and savannas. IUCN Red list: Endangered CITES: Appendix I… Continue reading Even Golden Langurs suffer forced abortion, infanticide

World Crocodile Day

News: World Crocodile Day is being celebrated on the 17th June. Facts: Crocodile species found in India: Mugger or Marsh Crocodile:  Habitat: It is a freshwater crocodile native to southern Iran to the Indian subcontinent.It is extinct in Bhutan and Myanmar. IUCN Status: Vulnerable CITES: Appendix I Threats: a) Habitat destruction b) Entanglement and drowning… Continue reading World Crocodile Day

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

News: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is being observed on June 17. Facts: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought has been observed since 1995. Aim: To spread awareness among people about the cooperation required to combat desertification and the effects of drought. Theme: Food. Feed. Fibre. – the links between consumption and… Continue reading World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Climate report predicts hotter, rainier days

News: The first ever “Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region” report has been published by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences(MoES).  Facts: The report is based on the climate forecasting model developed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM),Pune. Key Highlights: Average surface air temperatures over India could rise by up to… Continue reading Climate report predicts hotter, rainier days

The pangolin: can the protection upgrade by China curb its trafficking?

News: China has accorded the pangolin the highest level of protection and removed the scales of the Pangolin from its list of approved traditional medicines. Facts: Pangolin: They are scaly anteater mammals of the order Pholidota.They have large, protective keratin scales covering their skin and they are the only known mammals with this feature. Habitat:… Continue reading The pangolin: can the protection upgrade by China curb its trafficking?

Russia oil leak: What is permafrost, and why does its thawing pose risk to the world?

News: The principal reason that led to the 20,000-tonne oil leak at an Arctic region power plant in Russia is being recognised is the sinking of ground surface due to permafrost thaw. Facts: Permafrost: It is a ground that remains completely frozen at 0 degrees Celsius or below for at least two years.It is defined… Continue reading Russia oil leak: What is permafrost, and why does its thawing pose risk to the world?

Lonar Lake Turned Pink Overnight In Maharashtra

News: Maharashtra’s Lonar lake has changed its colour to pink prompting scientists to investigate the possible cause. Facts: Lonar Lake: It is a notified National Geo Heritage Monument located at Lonar, Maharashtra. Formation: The lake is believed to have been formed when a meteorite crashed into Earth around 50,000 years ago. The lake sits inside… Continue reading Lonar Lake Turned Pink Overnight In Maharashtra

Blog
Academy
Community