India-Oman Collaboration on Shark and Ray Research in Arabian Sea
In a significant move to bolster research and conservation efforts concerning sharks and rays in the Arabian Sea, India and Oman are set to embark on a joint initiative. This collaboration aims to enhance understanding, promote conservation, and facilitate capacity building in elasmobranch research, with a particular focus on the Arabian Sea region.
An upcoming workshop, to be hosted at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), will mark the commencement of this collaborative endeavor. This workshop, jointly organized by CMFRI and Oman's Marine Science and Fisheries Centre, will serve as the platform for initiating collaborative research activities and enhancing expertise in elasmobranch research.
May 10, 2024
CUSAT Researchers Discover New Marine Tardigrade Species; Name it after Chandrayaan Mission
Researchers from the Department of Marine Biology, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) have discovered a new species of marine tardigrade, colloquially known as water bears -- a phylum of eight-legged segmented micro-animals.
This microscopic creature has been named as Batillipes chandrayaani, a homage to the Chandrayaan-3, the first-ever successful lunar south pole landing mission hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2023.
This newly described species was found in the intertidal beach sediments of Mandapam coast, Tamil Nadu.
The present species is similar in size to other tardigrades, measuring around 0.15 millimeters (mm) in length and 0.04 mm in width characterised by four pairs of legs.
This novel species was discovered by Vishnudattan N.K, research scholar and senior Prof Dr S Bijoy Nandan, Department of Marine Biology as a part of an extensive marine biodiversity survey conducted along the Tamil Nadu coast.
May 09, 2024
India Surpasses Japan as 3rd Largest Solar Power Generator in 2023
India's remarkable surge in solar energy deployment propelled it past Japan, securing its position as the world's third-largest solar power generator in 2023. Solar energy continued its unprecedented growth streak, outpacing coal in global electricity generation for the 19th consecutive year.
In 2015, India ranked ninth in solar energy deployment, but by 2023, it produced 5.8% of its electricity from solar, up from 0.5% in 2015. This significant increase underscores India's commitment to clean energy and its pivotal role in mitigating climate change.
Ember's report highlights that solar energy witnessed a remarkable increase globally, with 2023's solar generation exceeding six times that of 2015. The top four solar growth countries, including India, accounted for 75% of this growth, emphasizing the widespread adoption of solar power worldwide.
Scientists Unveil World's Deepest Blue Hole in Mexico
Researchers revealed the Taam Ja' Blue Hole in Mexico's Chetumal Bay as the deepest known blue hole on Earth, descending to a staggering depth of 1,380 feet. Surpassing the previous record-holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, by 480 feet, this abyss presents a tantalizing opportunity for scientific exploration and the potential discovery of new marine life.
Initial depth readings of the Taam Ja' Blue Hole, taken in 2021, left much to conjecture, reaching only 900 feet with echo-sounders. However, a recent dive equipped with advanced technology, including a state-of-the-art CTD profiler, provided deeper insights into its dimensions. Despite their best efforts, researchers were unable to reach the bottom, encountering possible obstacles like underwater ledges or strong currents at 1,380 feet. This enigmatic depth raises questions about the structure and potential interconnectedness of underground cave systems within the blue hole.
May 03, 2024
Oldest Evidence of Earth's Magnetic Field Found in Rocks
Geologists from MIT and Oxford University discovered the oldest evidence of Earth's magnetic field in 3.7 billion-year-old rocks from Greenland's Isua Supracrustal Belt. This finding suggests Earth's conditions may have been habitable earlier than thought, with a stable magnetic shield playing a crucial role. The magnetic field protects the planet from harmful solar radiation and cosmic rays, sustains the atmosphere, and allows liquid water essential for life. By analyzing the magnetic properties and orientation of iron-oxide minerals, researchers determined the ancient field's strength, extending the known existence of Earth's magnetic field by 200 million years.
India to Host Delegation from Kenya, Discuss Cheetah Sourcing
India is likely to host a delegation of Kenyan officials later this month to explore the possibility of sourcing cheetahs from the east African country for the next phase of Project Cheetah.
The Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was chosen as the second site for reintroduction of cheetahs last year (2023).
The authorities will host the Kenyan delegation to primarily discuss their willingness to translocate cheetahs to India, the terms of such a translocation, including the number of cheetahs they are willing to part with. As part of Project Cheetah, India plans to introduce eight to 14 cheetahs annually for five years, subject to availability.
May 01, 2024
Kathmandu Tops List for 'Unhealthy Air' Worldwide: Urgent Mask-Wearing Advisory Issued
In Nepal, the Ministry of Health and Population has urged people to wear masks given the increase in air pollution in Kathmandu valley. The air quality in Kathmandu was at the top of the list of cities with 'unhealthy air' in the world. According to IQAir, an organisation that measures the real-time pollution of 101 cities in the world, Kathmandu was found to be the most polluted city in the world.
In terms of pollution, Kathmandu, New Delhi, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Hanoi in Vietnam, Bangkok in Thailand and Dhaka in Bangladesh are ranked first, second, third, fourth and fifth respectively. People are advised not to come out of their homes unnecessarily, not to travel and to stay away from highly polluted areas.
Meteorite Impact Formed Luna Crater in Gujarat
A recent geochemical analysis has confirmed that the Luna crater, located in the Banni Plains grassland of Gujarat, India, was formed by a meteorite impact approximately 6,900 years ago. The crater, named after its proximity to the village of Luna, measures 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) in width and has an outer rim that rises about 6 meters (20 feet) above the crater floor.
Scientists in India had suspected the crater's extraterrestrial origin but lacked confirmation until February 2024
The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on NASA's Landsat 8 satellite captured a detailed image of the crater on February 24, 2024
Geochemical analysis revealed characteristic signatures of a meteorite impact, including rare minerals formed under extreme temperatures and pressures, as well as high concentrations of iridium.
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