Sri Lankan golden backed frog has been rediscovered after 200 years in India at Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
- It lies in Kuppam and Palmaner Ranges of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.
- It is the only sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh known for harboring Asian elephants.
- Kaundinya and Kaigal tributaries of Palar River flow through it.
- Fauna: Birds (Partidges, Quails etc.), Mammals (Indian Elephant, Panther, Sloth bear, Wild boar, Nilgai, Hyena, Jackal) etc.
- Forest: Dry Deciduous forests with thorny scrub.
The Consumer Affairs Ministry seeks public feedback on draft regulations for Doppler radar equipment used for measuring vehicle speeds.
- Doppler radar uses the Doppler effect to gather velocity data.
About Doppler effect
- It refers to the change in wave frequency during the relative motion between a wave source and its observer.
- First proposed by Johann Christian Doppler in 1842.
- The phenomenon is observed in sound waves and electromagnetic waves.
- Application: Astrophysics, by police to check overspeeding of vehicles, etc.
A rare hemi-parasitic terrestrial plant (Phtheirospermum lushaiorum) has been found in Phawngpui National Park of Mizoram.
- Lushaiorum is named after “Lushai” tribe of Mizoram.
About Lushai tribe
- Tribe under Kuki-Chin group of tribes.
- Commonly known as Mizos and racially they are known to be under Mongoloid origin.
- Main occupations are Jhum and orange Cultivation.
- Lusai are known as Head Hunter community.
- Popular Dance is Bamboo Dance (Cheraw-dance).
- Basic unit of Lushai (Mizo) society is a patrilocal joint family with patrilineal descent and inheritance rules.
The Manipur Government has collaborated with different organizations to protect the Manipuri Pony, also known as Meitei Sagol.
About Meitei Sagol
- They are one of seven recognised horse and pony breeds of India.
- Others: Marwari Horse, Kathiawari Horse, Zanskari Pony,Spiti Pony, Bhutia Pony and Kachhi-Sindhi Horse.
- They are of short height, however, known for their unique stamina, agility, intelligence, speed, etc.
- Regarded as the original polo pony as modern polo is derived from the traditional Sagol Kangjei of Manipur.
- Threat: Shrinkage of wetlands, lack of polo grounds, etc.
According to a study, baobab trees endemic to Madagascar reached Africa and Australia around 12 million years ago.
About Baobab tree
- Long-lived deciduous, small to large trees from 20 to 100 ft tall with broad trunks and compact tops.
- Massive root systems slow down soil erosion and enable nutrient recycling.
- Also known as upside-down tree, because in dry season they are devoid of leaves, and their bare grey and gnarled branches resemble roots.
- Fiber from the bark is used to make rope, baskets, cloth, musical instrument strings, and waterproof hats.
According to a new study Venus is losing water much faster than previously thought.
About Venus
- Venus is the nearest to earth and 2nd from the Sun.
- It is the brightest planet in the night sky.
- It has no satellite of its own.
- Its atmosphere consists mainly of carbon dioxide, with clouds of sulfuric acid droplets.
- Unlike others, Venus and Uranus rotate from east to west.
- Venus, along with Mercury, Earth and Mars are called the inner planets (Terrestrial planets).
The Supreme Court has set aside the furlough extension of double murder convict.
About Furlough
- The furlough system is defined by The Prisons Act of 1894.
- It is given in cases of long-term imprisonment.
- A prisoner’s sentence is considered to be remitted during his furlough time.
- Every State has formulated its own set of rules/guidelines for getting furlough.
ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister and Hamas leaders.
About ICC
- ICC is a permanent international court established to investigate, prosecute and try individuals accused of committing crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crime of aggression.
- Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
- Established by Rome Statute of ICC in 1998.
- Membership: 124 countries are States Parties to Rome Statute of ICC. India is not a member.
- There are 18 judges who serve 9-year, non-renewable terms.
- ICC does not replace national criminal justice systems; rather, it complements them.
