News: Research showed that marine conditions in the North Pacific have significantly reduced suitable habitat for Japanese chum salmon over the past 25 years. About Japanese Chum Salmon Japanese chum salmon is a migratory fish species of Chum salmon. They are commonly known as “shirozake” in Japan. Distribution: They are the most widely distributed of… Continue reading Japanese Chum Salmon
Tag: down to earth
Cassava Brown Streak Disease
News: Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) is threatening cassava, a key staple crop for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. About Cassava Brown Streak Disease It is a viral disease that causes loss of cassava root (tuber) production and quality. Caused by: It is caused by two types of viruses: Cassava Brown Streak Virus (CBSV) and… Continue reading Cassava Brown Streak Disease
Striped Hyena
News: Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have proposed adding the Striped Hyena to Appendix I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ahead of CMS COP15 in Campo Grande. About Striped Hyena Striped Hyena is one of four species in the Hyaenidae family. The other three species of Hyaenidae family… Continue reading Striped Hyena
Ruddy Shelduck
News: For over 20 years, residents of Mudh village in Ladakh have been protecting the Ruddy shelduck that visits Ladakh during breeding season. About Ruddy Shelduck The Ruddy shelduck is a large and brightly colored waterfowl known for its orange-brown body and loud, honking call. They are also called the Brahminy duck. Scientific name: Tadorna… Continue reading Ruddy Shelduck
Ichhamati and Jalangi Rivers
News: Government of West Bengal signed an MoU with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the State Mission for Clean Ganga to develop the Ichhamati and Jalangi river basins. About Ichhamati River Ichamati river is a trans-boundary river flowing through India and Bangladesh. Course of river: It originates as a distributary of the Mathabhanga… Continue reading Ichhamati and Jalangi Rivers
Rapti River
News: The NGT has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to amend official records and restore the Suav’s classification from a “drain” to a “river” in revenue records and the gazetteer, warning that non-compliance may lead to legal punishment. About Rapti River Origin: It rises south of a prominent E-W ridgeline midway between the western Dhaulagiri Himalaya… Continue reading Rapti River
Gentoo penguin
News: Gentoo penguin have become the first bird species confirmed with H5 avian influenza on an Australian territory, after testing positive on Heard Island. About Gentoo penguin The Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) belongs to the genus Pygoscelis. They are closely related to the Adélie penguin and Chinstrap penguin. Distribution-They are mainly found along the coasts of… Continue reading Gentoo penguin
ISA launches global AI-for-Energy mission
Source: The post “ISA launches global AI-for-Energy mission” has been created, based on “International Solar Alliance launches global AI-for-Energy mission to accelerate clean power in 120+ countries” published in “Down to earth” on 21 February 2026. ISA launches global AI-for-Energy mission. UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3- Science and technology Context: The International Solar Alliance launched a… Continue reading ISA launches global AI-for-Energy mission
Panama Disease
News: Scientist from The University of Queensland identified a genomic region that provides resistance to Fusarium wilt Subtropical Race 4 (STR4). About Panama Disease Panama disease, also called banana wilt, is a destructive plant disease that affects banana crops. Caused by: Soil-dwelling fungus (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense), especially its virulent Tropical Race 4 (TR4) strains.… Continue reading Panama Disease
Cheer Pheasant
News: There has been rapid decline of cheer pheasant populations in Himalayan grasslands across northern Pakistan, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Nepal. About Cheer Pheasant The cheer pheasant is a ground-dwelling bird, known for its loud and distinctive calls. Family: It belongs to the pheasant family Phasianidae. Scientific name: Catreus wallichii Habitat: It prefers steep rocky slopes… Continue reading Cheer Pheasant
