Gangetic Dolphin Latest News

The first ever estimate of Gangetic dolphins, the only riverine dolphins in India, has found 6,327 of them in the river Ganga and its tributaries. 

About Gangetic Dolphin

• It is a freshwater species and one of the few river dolphins found in the world.
• It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
• Common Names: Blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin
• Scientific name: Platanista gangetica
• As an indicator of the health of the freshwater ecosystem, the Ganges River Dolphin has been recognized by the government of India as its National Aquatic Animal.

Gangetic Dolphin Features

• A long, thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body, and large flippers are characteristics of the Ganges River dolphin.
• It weighs up to 150 kg. 
• The calves are chocolate brown at birth and become grayish brown in adulthood with a smooth and hairless skin.
• Females are larger than males. The maximum size of a female is 2.67 m and of a male 2.12 m. 
• It feeds majorly on fishes and is usually found in counter-current systems of the main river channel.
• Its eyes lack lens, and as a result, this species is also referred to as the "blind dolphin".
• They have a highly developed bio-sonar system that facilitates them to hunt for fish even in murky waters.
• They emit an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey. The dolphin then registers this image in its mind and subsequently catches hold of its prey.
• Being a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin cannot breathe in the water and must surface every 30-120 seconds. 
• Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as the 'Susu'.

Gangetic Dolphin Conservation Status

• IUCN: Endangered
• Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule-I 
• CITES: Appendix I

Gangetic Dolphin FAQs

Q1. Where is Gangetic Dolphin found in India?

Ans. The distribution range of the Ganges river dolphins in India covers seven states namely, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Q2. Which is the National Aquatic Animal of India?

Ans. Gangetic Dolphin

Q3. What is the IUCN status of Gangetic Dolphin?

Ans. Endangered

Source: TH

Narwhals Latest News

In a first, scientists have studied and captured footage of the iconic narwhals of the Arctic using their tusks to hunt. 

About Narwhals

• It is also known as a narwhale (Monodon monoceros), is a medium-sized toothed whale.
• It has a big horn-like tusk which gives them a very distinctive appearance.

Features of Narwhals

• Narwhals change color as they age. Newborns are a blue-gray, juveniles are blue-black and adults are a mottled gray. Old narwhals are nearly all white.
• The tusk is, in fact, a tooth that grows out of the male's upper jaw and has sensory capability and up to 10 million nerve endings inside.
• It is believed that the tusk plays a role in competition for mates, including mating displays.
• It uses tusks in the wild to investigate, manipulate and influence the behavior of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), including delivering sufficient force with their tusks to stun and possibly kill the fish.
• They exhibited remarkable dexterity, precision and speed of movement of the tusk, and regularly made adjustments to track the moving target. The tusk, especially the tip of the tusk, was used to interrogate and manipulate the target by brief contacts.
• Narwhals are polygynous and mating usually occurs from March to May.
• They give birth to a single calf and they are born tail first. The tusks of males do not grow until they are weaned when they are about one year old.
• Diet: Narwhals feed on Greenland halibut, Arctic and polar cod, squid and shrimp.
• Distribution of Narwhals: They spend their lives in the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway and Russia.
• Threats: Oil and gas development and climate change pose threats to narwhals.
• Conservation Status of Narwhals
  • IUCN: Near Threatened

Narwhals FAQs

Q1. Why are narwhals so rare?

Ans. Narwhals are threatened by climate change, the fishing industry, hunting, and contaminated environments.

Q2. Why are narwhals called unicorns of the sea?

Ans. In medieval times, narwhals were hunted for their tusks, and people would sell them as unicorn horns

Q3. What is the difference between a whale and a narwhal?

Ans. The narwhal is an odontocete or toothed whale, but is different from all other toothed whales in that it has no teeth in its mouth. 

Source: DTH

Cities Coalition for Circularity Latest News

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, recently announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3).

About Cities Coalition for Circularity

• It is a multi-nation alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships.
• It was announced at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific in Jaipur.
• It would act as a catalyst for resource efficiency and a low-carbon economy, strengthening collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to build a sustainable future.

Key Details of the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific

• Theme: Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.
• Venue: Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
• Organized by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (India),United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), and Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
• Supported by: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Japan’s Ministry of Environment, and various other international and regional organizations.
• It will adopt the Jaipur Declaration (2025-2034), a nonpolitical, nonbinding commitment that will guide the next decade of efforts towards resource efficiency and sustainable urban growth.

What is a Circular Economy?

• The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. 
• In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. 
• The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.

Cities Coalition for Circularity FAQs

Q1. What is the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD)?

Ans. It is a research and training institution established in 1971 by an agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Japan.

Q2. What is the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)?

Ans. It is a Japan-based international research institute that focuses on sustainable development and environmental strategies. 

Q3. What is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)?

Ans. It is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, established to promote economic and social development across the Asia-Pacific region. 

Source: TP

Mission 300 Latest News

Recently, the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), along with key partners have launched Mission 300

About Mission 300

• It is an ambitious initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
• It aims to accelerate the pace of electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa while ensuring that the transition to more diversified and cleaner sources of energy meets growing demand, brings economic growth, and creates jobs.
• It is led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, in collaboration with key partners, Rockefeller Foundation, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL), and Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).
• The significant leap will deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity to people, businesses, schools, and hospitals all over the continent.

Key Components of Mission 300

• Expanding the electricity grid and increasing connections in underserved areas.
• Deploying mini-grids and standalone solar solutions to bring power to remote, off-grid communities.
• Local communities are actively involved in the design and implementation of all World Bank Group supported Mission 300 projects

Mission 300 FAQs

Q1. What is the African Development Bank?

Ans. The African Development Bank ( AfDB ) was founded in 1964 with a mission to advance economic development and social progress in Africa

Q2. Which country is Sub-Saharan Africa?

Ans. The Sub-Saharan Africa region contains 53 countries with an estimated total population of 1.03 billion

Source: DN

Ferrihydrite Latest News

A recent study revealed that the red color of Mars could be due to the presence of an iron-containing mineral called ferrihydrite.

About Ferrihydrite 

• It is a poorly crystalline nanomineral buildup of about 20% (FeO4) and 80% (FeO6) polyhedra.
• Formation: It forms by rapid oxidation and hydrolysis, and exists in varying degrees of structure disorder.
• It is one of the initial corrosion products in the oxidation of iron, and is the precursor to the formation of the more stable mineral phases goethite (α-FeO(OH)) and hematite (α-Fe2O3 ). 

Occurrence of Ferrihydrite

• It is widespread in the soluble fraction of soils and weathered rock.
• It precipitates around cold and hot springs, especially those supporting iron-metabolizing bacteria; in acid mine effluent.
• The iron bacteria, especially Gallionella ferruginea, Leptothrix ochracea and Toxothrix trichogenes create ferrihydrite as a waste product of their metabolism.
• It is known to trap water and protect organic molecules and forms rapidly in cool water.
• It forms a significant proportion of soils, especially soils formed under cool, moist conditions and it occurs as a pre-terrestrial weathering product in meteorites.

Ferrihydrite FAQs

Q1. What is the formula for ferrihydrite?

Ans. (Fe3+)2O3·0.5H2O

Q2. What is the formation of ferrihydrite?

Ans. Formation and transformation of ferrihydrite depend on Fe(III) hydrolysis rate, and silicate and Mn(II) concentration.

Q3. What type of rock is goethite?

Ans. Goethite is an iron oxyhydroxide containing ferric iron

Source: DH

Marbled Cat Latest News

The elusive marbled cats have been recently spotted through camera traps at Dehing Patkai National Park in Assam's Tinsukia district. 

About Marbled Cat

• The Indian marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), also known as the marbled cat, is a small wild cat species that is native to South and Southeast Asia.
• It is believed to be closely related to the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the bay cat (Catopuma badia). 

Marbled Cat Distribution

• This species is found in several countries in the region, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos.
• In India, the Indian marbled cat is primarily found in the forests of Northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.

Marbled Cat Features

• It is a small wild cat species that has a distinctive marbled pattern on its fur.
• The fur is brown or gray with black spots and stripes, which helps the cat blend into its forest environment. 
• Males are typically larger than females, with males weighing between 4.5 and 9 kg, while females weigh between 2.5 and 5 kg. Indian marbled cats are known to be excellent climbers and are capable of leaping great distances between trees.
• The species is territorial and marks its territory with urine and scent marking. 
• They are solitary animals that spend most of their time alone.
• Conservation Status: classified as ‘ Near Threatened’ under the IUCN Red List.

Marbled Cat FAQs

Q1. Where is the marbled cat found in India?

Ans. They are primarily spotted in Northeastern states like Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Q2. What is the IUCN status of marbled cat ?

Ans. Near Threatened

Q3. What is the scientific name of Indian marbled cat?

Ans. Pardofelis marmorata

Source: TOI

World Wildlife Day Latest News

The Prime Minister went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh recently, on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day.

About World Wildlife Day

• It is celebrated on March 3 every year to spread awareness about the importance of flora and fauna.
• This day encourages people to support conservation efforts, adopt sustainable practices, and coexist peacefully with nature.
• History:
  • It was established by the United Nations in 2013 after Thailand proposed to dedicate a day to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. 
  • On December 20, 2013, the UN General Assembly officially declared March 3 as World Wildlife Day, with the first celebration taking place in 2014.
  • This date was chosen because, in 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed on the same day. 
  • CITES is a global agreement to ensure that international wildlife trade does not threaten the survival of animal and plant species.
• World Wildlife Day 2025 Theme: Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet

World Wildlife Day FAQs

Q1. When is World Wildlife Day celebrated?

Ans. It is celebrated on March 3 every year 

Q2. What is the theme for World Wildlife Day 2025?

Ans. Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet

Q3. Who started World Wildlife Day?

Ans. On 20 December 2013, the Sixty-eighth session of the United Nations General Asse

Source: HT

Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Madhya Pradesh, with the highest population of wolves, is conducting a study on their ecology at Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary. 

About Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is spread across three districts, i.e., Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur, of Madhya Pradesh.
• It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. 
• It covers nearly 1197 sq.km. area.
• It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
• The entire Sanctuary issituated on a plateau,forming part of the upper Vindhyan range.
• It acts as a corridor for Panna Tiger Reserve and Satpura Tiger Reserve while indirectly connecting Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve via Rani Durgawati Wildlife Sanctuary. 
• The Sanctuary is classified under the Deccan peninsula biogeographic region and forms part of the Ganga and Narmada basins. 
• Drainage: 
  • Three-fourths of the wildlife sanctuary falls in the basin of the Ganges tributary, the Yamuna River, of which the Ken River is a tributary, and one-fourth of the sanctuary falls in the Narmada basin. 
  • The north-flowing Kopra River, Bamner River, Vyarma River, and Bearma River, which are tributaries of the Ken River, are the major rivers of this protected area.
• Vegetation: It is mainly a dry mixed-deciduous forest type.
• Flora: Major trees found are teak, saja, dhawda, sal, tendu (Coromandel ebony), bhirra (East Indian satinwood), and mahua.
• Fauna: The chief faunal elements include Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, Sambhar, Black Buck, Barking deer, Common Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Freshwater Turtles, Spotted Grey Creeper, Cranes, Egrets, Lapwings, etc.

Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1. Where is Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans. It is located in Madhya Pradesh.

Q2. Which is the largest wildlife sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh?

Ans. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary

Q3. What is deciduous forest?

Ans. A deciduous forest is a type of forest dominated by trees that shed their leaves annually, typically in the autumn. 

Source: ETVB

Lake Tanganyika Latest News

Recently, the countries which border Lake Tanganyika Basin have launched a five-year project to assess and address transboundary threats to the biodiversity of this lake basin.

About Lake Tanganyika 

• It is an ancient lake located in East Africa.
• Bordering Countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),Tanzania and Zambia.
• It is extremely long, deepest and is the longest lake in the world, measuring over 400 miles long.
• It occupies the southern end of the Western Rift Valley, and for most of its length the land rises steeply from its shores.
• It is situated on the line dividing the floral regions of eastern and western Africa, and oil palms, which are characteristic of the flora of western Africa, grow along the lake’s shores.
• The largest rivers discharging into the lake are the Malagarasi, the Ruzizi, and the Kalambo.
• Its outlet is the Lukuga River, which flows into the Lualaba River.
• Rice and subsistence crops are grown along the shores, and fishing is of some significance.

Recent Initiative to Protect Biodiversity of Lake Tanganyika

• It is the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)-led initiative and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
• It aims to enhance transboundary cooperation among the four countries bordering Lake Tanganyika.
• It will also promote sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation, and the restoration of degraded landscapes in the basin.
• The initiative will protect core conservation zones in three identified protected areas and promote sustainable natural resource use in protected areas and their buffer zones.

Lake Tanganyika FAQs

Q1. What is special about Lake Tanganyika?

Ans. It the deepest lake in Africa with a maximum depth of 1,470 m and average depth of 580 m, the second deepest lake in the world

Q2. Which four countries share Lake Tanganyika?

Ans. Tanganyika's waters lap Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. 

Source: UN

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Latest News

Recently, the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT) at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials showcased a mobile Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)-based backup power solution for telecom towers using a plug-and-play model.

About Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

• It is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electricity through a series of redox reactions.
• Unlike traditional batteries, which store chemical energy internally, PEM fuel cells require a continuous supply of hydrogen fuel and oxygen (typically from the air) to sustain the chemical reaction and generate electricity. 
• Working Principle: The working principle involves an electrochemical reaction where hydrogen gas is fed into the anode, oxidized to release protons, which then travel through a polymer membrane to the cathode, where they react with oxygen to produce electricity and water.
• They offer an environmentally friendly solution with high power density in a compact size.
• They run on hydrogen fuel, which can be stored and transported for refuelling, and require significantly less maintenance than traditional backup power sources.

Applications of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

• It is an efficient and clean energy solution for powering telecom towers, particularly as a backup during grid outages.
• These fuel cells provide reliable electricity with quick start-up times and operate at relatively low temperatures, making them a viable alternative to diesel generators.
• An innovative hydrogen fuel cell-based backup power solution for telecom towers, developed using a plug-and-play model can support national renewable energy goals while ensuring seamless connectivity for millions and promoting clean energy in the telecom sector.
• Portable power: specific applications include laptops, mobile phones, battery chargers and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell FAQs

Q1. What are the applications of PEMFC fuel cells?

Ans. Portable power: specific applications include laptops, mobile phones, battery chargers and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Q2. What is the mechanism of the proton exchange membrane?

Ans. A proton-exchange membrane (PEM) is a polymeric semipermeable membrane that can conduct or transfer cations (protons), at the same time keeping the reactant separate.

Q3. What is an example of a proton exchange membrane?

Ans. One of the most common and commercially available PEM materials is the fluoropolymer (PFSA) Nafion

Source: PIB