Wildlife scientists from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have recently satellite- collared a dhole, the Indian wild dog, for the first time.
The satellite transmitter will help to study the habits of the endangered species.
Dhole is native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand.
It is included in CITES – Appendix II (2013) and are legally protected in the countries where they occur.
It is listed as “Endangered” under IUCN red list of Threatened species.
Upgradation of Monuments by ASI
Ministry of Culture has proposed upgradation of 7 monuments in Tamil Nadu.
The Archaeological Survey of India will carry out the upgradation of infrastructural and tourist-friendly facilities.
The idea is to create good quality infrastructure.
Monuments include
The Shore Temple in Mamallapuram,
Vellore Fort,
Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur,
Kailasanathar Temple in Kancheepuram,
Sittannavasal Caves in Pudukottai,
Gingee Fort in Villupuram and
Moovar Koil in Kodumbalur.
Advanced SAFAR
Ministry of Earth Sciences has recently unveiled the most advanced System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) in New Delhi.
The system, first of its kind in the country, was developed indigenously in by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune and operationalized by IMD.
It will also measure sun’s UV-Index, PM1 and Mercury in addition to monitoring and forecasting regular air quality.
In addition to regular air quality parameters like PM2.5, PM10, Sulfur Dioxide, Ozone, Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, the system will also monitor the existence of Benzene, Toluene and Xylene.
Based on UVI, skin advisories will be issued on display.
Global Slavery Index
It is published by the Australia-based human rights group Walk Free Foundation.
It includes data on three key variables
1. Prevalence of modern slavery in each country,
2. Vulnerability,
3. Government responses to modern slavery.
Modern slavery refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot leave because of threats, violence, coercion and abuse of power or deception.
The report estimates most victims of modern slavery live in Asia.
North Korea has the highest prevalence of modern slavery globally, with one in 10 of the population, or 2.6 million people, victims of modern slavery.
The 10 countries with the largest number of absolute numbers of people in modern slavery include India, China, Pakistan, North Korea, Nigeria, Iran, Indonesia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Russia and the Philippines.
Delhi Dialogue
India hosted the 10th edition of the Delhi Dialogue (DD X) under the theme “Strengthening India-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation” in New Delhi.
Delhi Dialogue is a premier annual event to discuss politico-security, the economic and socio-cultural engagement between India and ASEAN.
It was the first major event to be organised after the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit.
It was organised in partnership with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).
India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit was held earlier this year, marking 25 years of India-ASEAN ties.
The Delhi Declaration was released after the summit.
