World Wildlife Day

News: The World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on 3rd March. Facts: Background: In 2013, the UNGA decided to proclaim 3 March, the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. 2020 Theme: “Sustaining all life on Earth”. Additional Information: CITES:… Continue reading World Wildlife Day

Eurasian otter found in Chilika Lake

News:Researchers conducting a study in Odisha’s Chilika Lake have found the presence of fishing cats and Smooth-coated otters. Eurasian otters have also been spotted for the first time. Facts: Fishing cat: Geographic Range: South and Southeast Asia  IUCN Status: Vulnerable Smooth-coated Otter:  Geographic range: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia IUCN Status: Vulnerable Eurasian Otter: Geographic… Continue reading Eurasian otter found in Chilika Lake

Water crisis looms large in Himalayan regions, finds study

News: According to a survey, published in the journal Water Policy, eight towns in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region of Bangladesh, Nepal, India and Pakistan were nearly 20%-70% deficient in their water supply. Facts: Key takeaways: Major Challenges faced: changing water budgets, increasing demand for water and water scarcity. Reasons for water crisis: poor water… Continue reading Water crisis looms large in Himalayan regions, finds study

India is host to 457 migratory fauna, shows latest CMS list

News: Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) for the first time compiled the list of migratory species of India under the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS). Facts: Globally, more than 650 species are listed under the CMS appendices The total number of migratory fauna from India is 457 species with birds comprising 83% (380 species) of… Continue reading India is host to 457 migratory fauna, shows latest CMS list

Renewable Energy Management Centers(REMCs)

News:Union Power Minister has launched 11 Renewable Energy Management Centers (REMCs). Facts: About REMC: Renewable energy management centres(REMCs) are load forecasting Centres equipped with Artificial Intelligence based Renewable Energy(RE) forecasting tools. They will mainly perform three functions a) forecasting of renewable energy from each plant b) scheduling of renewable energy to customers and c) tracking… Continue reading Renewable Energy Management Centers(REMCs)

Coming up: New set of targets to protect the natural world

News: The Convention on Biological Diversity is set to identify ‘Global Biodiversity Framework’ of targets for the coming decade to 2030. These targets will replace the Aichi targets and will also lead towards the longer 2050 goal: Living in harmony with nature. Facts: Aichi Biodiversity Targets:  These were included in the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity… Continue reading Coming up: New set of targets to protect the natural world

The cause and concerns over red snow in Antarctica

News: Recently, snow around Ukraine’s Vernadsky Research Base, located off the coast of Antarctica’s northernmost peninsula, has started to take on a red tinge Facts: Cause:  The red tint in the snow is caused by the microscopic Chlamydomonas nivalis algae which produce the tinted sunscreen to keep themselves warm. Concern: As the snow becomes darker… Continue reading The cause and concerns over red snow in Antarctica

Henneguya salminicola

News:Recently,Scientists have discovered an animal Henneguya Salminicola which does not need oxygen to produce the energy needed for its survival. Facts: About: Henneguya salminicola is a parasite that lives in the Salmon muscle cells of fish. It relies on anaerobic respiration through which cells extract energy without using oxygen. It also does not not have… Continue reading Henneguya salminicola

International Conference on Ensemble Methods in Modelling and Data Assimilation(EMMDA)

News:An International conference on Ensemble Methods in Modelling and Data Assimilation(EMMDA) is being organised by the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting(NCMRWF). Facts: About the conference: The Conference provides a platform for discussions and deliberations on the present status, future prospects and optimum use of Ensemble Prediction System(EPS). About Ensemble Prediction System(EPS): Ensemble Prediction Systems(EPS)… Continue reading International Conference on Ensemble Methods in Modelling and Data Assimilation(EMMDA)

Incois launches three ocean-based services

News:The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services(INCOIS) has launched three ocean-based specialised products/services. Facts: Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System(SVAS): It is an innovative impact-based advisory and forecast service system for small vessels operating in Indian coastal waters. It will warn users about potential zones where vessel overturning can take place,10 days in… Continue reading Incois launches three ocean-based services

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