DU scientists discover frog in Assam, name it after Northeast

 

Topic Important for: General Studies- 3 I Biodiversity, Environment

Context:

DU scientists have discovered the new variety of frog Assam in north east. 

About:

A team of scientists from Delhi University and the Wildlife Institute of India along with researchers from Indonesia and the US have discovered a new species.

 

The frog belongs to the microhylid genus Micryletta, a group of narrow-mouthed frogs that is primarily and widely distributed in Southeast Asia.

 

They discovered was based on specimens collected from a “degraded forest area in Cachar district of Assam.

 

According to the current estimates the actual number of frog species in Northeast India is much higher than present.

Special feature /character of Frog:

 

• The frog has reddish-brown colouration on back, prominent dark streaks
• It shape of the snout and absence of web on its feet.
• The new species are widely distributed in Northeast India, particularly the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot region that lies south of River Brahmaputra.
• Micryletta aishani is currently endemic to Northeast India
• The new species has been named ‘aishani’
• The frog is commonly known as “paddy frogs”.
• The frog is well being present in neighbouring regions of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

 

Source Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/du-scientists-discover-frog-in-assam-name-it-after-northeast-5776052/

Centre to work with States on water access

 

Topic Important for: General Studies- 3 I Conservation, environmental pollution. 

Context:

The central government aims to provide piped drinking water to all households by 2024.

Background:

• Water is a state subject.
• As per Indian constitution, the state government has the power to make laws for the water resources of that state. Under Entry 17 of the state list.

 About: 

The central government has formed the new Ministry of Jal Shakti (amalgamates the ministry of water resources, river development and Ganga Rejuvenation with the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

 

The new ministry will increase piped water coverage from the existing low 18 per cent to 100 per cent coverage by 2024.

Water policy timeline in India

 

Some important facts:

 

• According to UNICEF study the groundwater is 12.7 times less likely to be contaminated in ODF villages than non-ODF villages.
• The studies show that 84% of rural homes have no access to piped water while more than 70% of the country’s water is contaminated.
• A second phase of Swachh Bharat will play a key to reducing contamination, as the UNICEF study suggests.

 

Challenges: 

 

• The availability of tap water differs from Stats to states and region to region.
• Centre-state and inter-state cooperation are the some of the key levers to help address the crisis.
• Long term measures are required for the development of water assets.
• The country has the largest human and livestock population.

 

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-to-work-with-states-on-water-access/article27826864.ece

 

 

New agency to develop space warfare weapon systems

 

Topic Important for: General Studies- 3 I Achievements of Indians in science & technology 

 

Context:

 

The central government has approved the setting up of the Defence Space Research Agency (DSRO).

 

About: 

 

• The Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister has cleared the setting up of the Defence Space Research Agency (DSRO).
• The committee has been assigned with the task of creating space warfare weapon systems and technologies.

 

India had carried out the Anti Satellite Test (ASAT) which demonstrated its capability to shoot down satellites. India has also joined an elite club of four nations with similar capability. The test also helped the country develop deterrence capability against adversaries.

 

Advantages of Defence Space Research Agency (DSRO) 

 

• To enhance the capabilities of the armed forces to fight wars in space.
• The agency is well equipped to develop sophisticated weapon systems and technologies.
• The DSA has been created to help the country fight wars in the space
• The agency will work in close coordination with the tri-services integrated Defence staff officers.
• It would be providing the research and development support to the Defence Space Agency (DSA).

 

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/new-agency-to-develop-space-warfare-weapon-systems/article27821742.ece