A study titled “Hotspots of human impact on threatened terrestrial vertebrates”, published in the journal PLOS Biology, has reported human impacts on species occur across 84% of the earth’s surface. The study has mapped distribution of human activities in areas occupied by known 5,457 terrestrial birds, mammals, and amphibians. The human activities taken into account… Continue reading India’s biodiversity-rich zones also ‘hotspots’ of human impacts
Category: Daily Factly articles
DGCA bars Boeing 737 MAX 8 after global alarm
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has decided to ground Boeing 737 Max 8 planes till appropriate modifications and safety measures are taken. Several other countries have also decided ground the Boeing 737 Max 8 planes. The decision comes in the backdrop of the recent Ethopian Airlines crash. On 10 March 2019, A 737 MAX… Continue reading DGCA bars Boeing 737 MAX 8 after global alarm
IIP growth slows to 1.7%, retail inflation rises to 2.57%
According to data released by Central Statistics Office (CSO), the retail inflation for the month of February has increased to 2.57% as against 2.05% in January. Retail inflation is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). It reflects changes in the retail prices of specified goods and services over a time period which are traded… Continue reading IIP growth slows to 1.7%, retail inflation rises to 2.57%
‘Polls, BS VI may hit bus sales’
Daimler Buses India, a unit of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has expressed concern about the growth of bus sector in India. It has stated that Lok Sabha election 2019 and Bharat Stage (BS) VI emission standards would have a detrimental impact on the bus sector. The Indian government has decided to skip BS-V and… Continue reading ‘Polls, BS VI may hit bus sales’
Arecanut gets its first GI tag for ‘Sirsi Supari’
Registrar of Geographical Indications, Government of India has accorded a GI tag to ‘Sirsi Supari’. It is an arecanut cultivated in Yellapura, Siddapura and Sirsi taluks of Karnataka. The Totagars’ Cooperative Sale Society (TSS) Ltd, a Sirsi-based agri-cooperative, is the registered proprietor of the GI ‘Sirsi Supari’. Recently, Erode turmeric (Tamil Nadu) and Marayur jaggery… Continue reading Arecanut gets its first GI tag for ‘Sirsi Supari’
Wood snake, last seen in 1878, rediscovered by scientists
A survey conducted in the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary has rediscovered Xylophis indicus, species of wood snake. It is endemic to the Meghamalai forests and the Periyar Tiger Reserve landscape. The species of the wood snake was last spotted and documented in 1878 by Colonel Richard Henry Beddome, a British military officer and naturalist. The Meghamalai… Continue reading Wood snake, last seen in 1878, rediscovered by scientists
Green panel orders inspection Yamuna floodplain in Agra
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Director of Namami Gange and the Director General of National Institute of Hydrology to inspect and submit a report on the Yamuna floodplain in Agra. The inspection is to be done to ascertain the demarcation of river floodplain in Agra and the construction on it. At previous… Continue reading Green panel orders inspection Yamuna floodplain in Agra
‘India ranks 11th in gold holding’
A recent report by World Gold Council has ranked India 11th in terms of gold holding. India’s current gold holding is 607 tonnes. Gold holding is a central banks’ total holding of gold as a percentage of their foreign exchange reserves. India is the largest consumer of gold. USA has ranked first in gold holding followed… Continue reading ‘India ranks 11th in gold holding’
Plastic in crosshairs at environment forum
During the 4th session of The UN Environment Assembly has advocated for international commitments from member states to significantly reduce plastic production. The 4th session is being held at Nairobi, Kenya from 11-15 March, 2019. The theme for the session is “Innovative Solutions for Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Consumption and Production”. The United Nations Environment… Continue reading Plastic in crosshairs at environment forum
WHO strategy to fight flu pandemics
The World Health Organization has released a Global Influenza Strategy for 2019-2030. It aims at protecting people across the world from influenza. Influenza or flu is a contagious disease caused by influenza viruses. According to WHO, influenza is one of the world’s greatest public health challenges. The objectives of the strategy are a) prevent seasonal… Continue reading WHO strategy to fight flu pandemics
