Phytoplankton Balloon to Six Times Their Size to Navigate Ocean Depths Sub :Env SEC: Ecosystem Why in News A recent discovery has shed light on how single-celled phytoplankton—specifically the bioluminescent species Pyrocystis noctiluca—can inflate to six times their original size to reach the ocean’s surface. This phenomenon helps explain the long-standing mystery of […]

    Declaration on water security, Global Family Farming Forum take centre stage at WFF Sub :Env SEC: Int Conventions Context: FAO’s World Food Forum (WFF) held in Rome from October 14-18. The theme of the WFF: “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow.” On the sidelines of this, High-level Rome Water Dialogue, also […]

    Company uses mining dust to enhance carbon capture Sub: Env SEC: Climate Change Context: Alt Carbon, a Darjeeling-based company, is pioneering a surprising climate-friendly solution using dust from mining and has already secured $500,000 in investments from carbon-credit companies. The company’s approach is based on the geo-chemical process called rock weathering, which accelerates […]

    Oceans on the Brink: Challenges in Meeting the 30% Protection Target by 2030 Sub :Env Sec: Climate change Why in News At the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in 2022, world leaders pledged to protect 30% of the Earth’s oceans by 2030. However, the latest reports reveal that despite oceans covering over 70% […]

    Antelope like Blackbuck and Gazelle like Chinkara are not ‘deer’; know the difference Sub : Env Sec: Species in news  Context: There is frequent confusion between antelope and deer in Indian media. Despite their similar appearances, the two belong to distinct taxonomic families. Taxonomy: Both deer and antelope are part of the Kingdom […]

    Fungi may get its own taxonomical kingdom named ‘funga’ for conservation purposes Sub : Env Sec: Species in news  Context: Fungi May Get Their Own Taxonomical Kingdom: ‘Funga’ Proposal for Recognition: Chile and the United Kingdom are preparing a proposal to establish a new taxonomical kingdom, “Funga,” for fungi (mushrooms, moulds, yeast, lichen, […]

    Farmed salmon is endangering access to local fishes for poorer communities, warns study Sub : Env Sec: Species in news  Context: Impact of Farmed Salmon Demand on Coastal Communities and Fisheries Study published in Science Advances, October 16, 2024. Key Findings: The increasing demand for farmed salmon is impacting global coastal communities by […]

    Long live the King Cobra(s): Scientists recategorize world’s longest venomous snakes into 4 distinct species, with one from the Western Ghats Sub: Envi Sec: Species  Context: The king cobra, previously considered one species, has been reclassified into four distinct species across various regions: Mainland Asia, Maritime Southeast Asia, The Western Ghats of India, […]

    Reckless disregard Sub : Env Sec: Species in news Context: India is set to expand seaweed cultivation along its coastline by promoting Kappaphycus alvarezii, a known invasive species that has smothered coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar over the past two decades. About Kappaphycus alvarezii: Kappaphycus alvarezii is a known invasive species […]