Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Hindustan Times Context: A new species of toad, called Bufoides bhupathyi, has been discovered in the Dampa tiger reserve of Mizoram, India. This marks the third species in a genus found in the north-eastern region of India. The previous two species, Bufoides meghalayanus and Bufoides kempi, were found in …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Business Line Context: Trinity Saioo, the 2021 Padma Shri winner known as the “Turmeric Trinity,” who was recognized for her work in promoting Lakadong turmeric cultivation in Meghalaya, is now focusing on promoting the unique “Makhir” ginger of the state. Makhir ginger is known for its distinct pungency and …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Business Line Context: The annual rubber conference of the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) took place in Guwahati. Issues faced in Rubber Industry: Mechanization in rubber plantations, sustainable agricultural practices, supply chain strengthening, and value addition for rubber wood to ensure the sustainability of rubber farming. …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TOI Context: Two Olive Ridley turtles, fitted with satellite transmitters, have embarked on remarkable journeys in search of food after laying eggs on Sindhudurg district beaches in Maharashtra. One has covered an impressive 5,000 kilometres from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. And the fellow turtle with …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Reuters Context: The deaths of 120 river dolphins in a tributary of the Amazon River are believed to be linked to a severe drought and high temperatures. Low river levels during the drought have led to water temperatures that are harmful to the dolphins.
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: DTE Context: Scientists have discovered a new fish species called Badis limaakumi in the Milak River in Nagaland, India. This species, named after Limaakum, an assistant professor and head of the zoology department at Fazl Ali College, Nagaland, is unique in that it can change its colour similar …
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Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: IE Context: The state government of Gujarat in India has imposed a ban on the plantation of Conocarpus trees in both forest and non-forest areas due to their adverse impacts on the environment and human health. The decision to ban Conocarpus comes after research reports highlighted its adverse effects, …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: In Munnar, a popular tourist destination in India, balsams (genus Impatiens) are currently in full bloom, providing a delightful visual spectacle. Balsams are sometimes referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to their tendency to burst and distribute mature seeds upon touch. Balsams are considered significant indicator species for climate …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: DTE Context: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deep-sea marine fish in Digha Mohana, West Bengal, named Pterygotrigla intermedica, commonly known as gurnards or sea-robins. This fish belongs to the Triglidae family and is characterized by its vibrant orange color. It …
Continue reading “Pterygotrigla intermedica – New Fish Species”
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Economic Times Context: Red fire ants, known scientifically as Solenopsis invicta and originating from South America, have invaded Europe. These invasive ants are ranked as the world’s fifth-costliest species to combat. Their painful stings can cause pustules, allergies, and even fatal anaphylactic shock. The researchers believe that climate change …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: The Rubber Board, is undertaking a project to increase the area under natural rubber cultivation in the northeastern states of India, excluding Sikkim but including West Bengal
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: WION Context: Scientists in China have uncovered fossils of a peculiar, bird-like dinosaur named Fujianvenator prodigiosus, which lived around 148 to 150 million years ago in southeast China. This dinosaur had long legs and arms resembling wings, with an unusual anatomy suggesting it may have been a fast runner …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India has highlighted 172 incidents of seizures involving the red sand boa (Eryx johnii) between 2016 and 2021 in India. The report aims to shed light on the illegal trade of red sand boas, particularly online, to raise awareness and …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: Primatologists have proposed a solution to address the division caused by a 1.65-km long railway track within the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in eastern Assam, dedicated to the western hoolock gibbon. The sanctuary, home to about 125 hoolock gibbons, is facing habitat fragmentation due to the track’s …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: The Wire Context: The Lucknow-based CSIR-NBRI (National Botanical Research Institute) has reportedly developed a new variety of lotus flowers called ‘Namoh 108,’ characterized by having 108 petals. The name “Namoh 108” is a combination of the religious significance of the ‘lotus flower’ and the digit ‘108,’ which holds importance in …
Source: IE Context: A newly discovered snake species has been named Tachymenoides harrisonfordi in honour of the actor Harrison Ford. This recognition is due to Ford’s environmental advocacy. The snake, measuring 16 inches in length, is yellowish-brown with black blotches, a black belly, and a vertical streak over its copper-coloured eye. Harrison …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: The Print Context: The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has issued its first-ever extinction alert for the critically endangered vaquita porpoise, the world’s smallest porpoise native to Mexico’s Gulf of California. The vaquita’s population has dwindled to just nine or ten individuals due to illegal gill net fishing, which aims …
Source: TOI Context: Scientists from IIT-Roorkee and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have discovered the fossil remains of a new dinosaur species in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, naming it ‘Tharosaurus indicus’. This long-necked, plant-eating dinosaur belongs to the dicraeosaurid group. The name “Tharosaurus indicus” is derived from the Thar desert, where the fossils were unearthed, …
Source: TH Context: Scientists have described a new contender for the heaviest animal ever to live, named Perucetus colossus or “the colossal whale from Peru.” Fossils of this ancient giant were discovered in the Ica desert in Peru, and researchers estimate that it lived around 39 million years ago. This prehistoric whale weighed …
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Source: TH Context: The Western Tragopan, Himachal Pradesh’s state bird, has been facing habitat loss, but efforts at a conservation breeding centre, have resulted in a gradual increase in the bird’s population. About Western Tragopan: IUCN Status: Vulnerable; CITES– Appendix I. The bird’s distribution ranges from North Pakistan to India, including Himachal Pradesh …
