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- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Habitat

Global News

Ready to Live Like Martians? Four Brave Souls Take on Year-Long Mission

The dream of human exploration of Mars is now becoming a reality as a year-long mission prepares volunteers for life on the Red Planet. Four individuals will experience life on Mars, but on Earth, as they begin living in a 3D-printed habitat that simulates the conditions of Mars.  The habitat includes private crew quarters, a kitchen, and dedicated areas for medical, recreation, fitness, work, and crop growth activities. It also has a technical work area and two bathrooms. This analog expedition will aid NASA in comprehending the needs for a habitat on Mars as well as the environmental stresses that the crew may experience, such as resource scarcity, isolation, and equipment breakdown. In order to increase their capacity for exploration, the team will spend time manipulating robotic components remotely, including a roving robot and a helicopter-like drone. This is just the first of three analog missions that will help NASA prepare for human exploration of Mars. The crew will carry out different types of mission activities, including simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, personal hygiene, exercise, meal preparation and consumption, sleep, and crop growth. The goal is to study how crew performance and health changes based on realistic Mars restrictions and the lifestyle of the crew members. The analog mission will begin in June this year, and the team will obtain the most accurate data during the simulation. With each analog mission, NASA is getting closer to sending humans to Mars, and we can only imagine the excitement and challenges that await us on the Red Planet.

28 Mar 2023
Global News

Britain Pledges to Protect Rare Species and Restore Wildlife

The United Kingdom has made a commitment to protecting wildlife and improving the environment. To restore at least 500,000 hectares of natural habitat, the government has identified 70 additional initiatives, including the extension of 25 National Nature Reserves. This action was taken after the government was reprimanded by the nation's nature preservation watchdog for not meeting its environmental goals. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the importance of protecting the natural environment for the country's health, economy, and prosperity. Among the new pledges is the goal of ensuring that everyone lives within a 15-minute walk from a green space or water. The government also plans to restore 400 miles of rivers and establish 3,000 hectares of new woodlands along England's rivers. The creation of new National Nature Reserves and the restoration of wildlife habitats is a significant step towards preserving the country's rarest species, from hedgehogs to red squirrels. The government's commitment to the environment will not only benefit wildlife but also have positive effects on the health and well-being of the country's citizens. This move is a crucial step towards a greener and more sustainable future for Britain. The government's commitment to preserving and restoring the country's natural habitats is a testament to its commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.

9 Feb 2023
Global News

Positive Reads

Exotic Mandarin Duck Sighting in Manipur Delights Birdwatchers and Conservationists

The sighting of the Mandarin duck in Manipur recently spells good news as the duck is considered the world's rarest duck and is primarily found in East Asia. Mandarin ducks are very exotic and ornate birds that dwell in lakes and ponds, especially near trees.   Classified as ‘Least Concern’ in the extinction hierarchy of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Mandarin duck population is on the decline, and experts suggest that it is important to monitor their status in the coming years.  The duck has been sighted in various parts of Manipur over the years, with the most recent sighting in Lamphelpat on February 11, 2023. The duck's rarity and unique appearance make it a subject of interest for bird lovers and environmentalists.  The duck, belonging to the family of Anatidae, was recorded in 1939 in Mayangkhang, Senapati, according to records. The duck was also brought and reared in Manipur Zoological Garden for public exhibit in 2009, but it died in 2010.  This sighting is a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving the natural habitats of endangered species. It is crucial to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts to ensure that endangered species like the Mandarin duck continue to thrive and contribute to the ecosystem.

14 Feb 2023
Positive Reads

Global Inspirations

The Study of Amazon Rainforests Became Very Interesting With the Help of Drones

The study of the dense Amazon forests with its thick vegetation and biodiversity has always been a challenge for researchers due to its inaccessible terrain. Now, the drones that were used for filming movies like Skyfall have been adapted and repurposed to withstand the heat and humidity of the rainforests to study the ecosystems. Powerful ‘Hexacopters’ Life in Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest is a world in itself with several life forms thriving in the rich ecosystem. However, it has been very arduous to study the various habitats of the forest as well as to assess how the forest responds to climate change, deforestation and fire. Scientists would rely on limited data collected form towers, aircraft, and satellites to help them understand the habitat. There is good news now as powerful hexacopters (drones having six blades) that were used for filming thrilling Hollywood scenes have now been specially adapted to study the dense and impenetrable Amazon forest. How Drones Work Instead of filming or taking pictures, scientists fix a one-kilogram chemical-sensing package that acts like an electronic nose sensing the forest. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are set forth from old observation towers near the Amazon. The sensors are able to ascertain from vapours released by plants in drought or flood situations how plants adapt to stressors such as climate change and extreme weather. Scientists are certain that they will be able to learn a lot from research on the Amazon forests with the help of these powerful drones.

6 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

Utrecht Takes an Excellent Initiative to Increase Bee Habitat

When it comes to the reproduction of plants, bee pollination is one of the most essential things which we must keep in mind. And Utrecht, a city in the Netherlands has put in their best to keep its biodiversity intact. Sedum plants are growing on almost 316 bus stops which attract bees. The plants not only help in bee pollination but, also store rainwater and capture fine dust. Great Work Utrecht The bus stops are equipped with energy-efficient LED lights and the roofs are taken care of by the municipal workers there who move in their electric vehicles. It has been said that 55 more electric buses will be introduced by the year-end and by 2028, clean public transport will be launched. Dutch windmills will be providing electricity to charge the busses as reported by Independent. Safeguard the Bee Habitat The beauty of Utrecht has been now enhanced by the sedum plants which are playing a great role in attracting the pollinators of food crops. Recently we came across a great initiative which was taken in Minnesota to safeguard the bee habitat and if every city starts taking step towards increasing its biodiversity, a lot of benefits can come into the picture.

21 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

New superhighway in Nigeria diverted to safeguard Gorilla habitat

Nigerian authorities have decided to divert the  construction of a new superhighway to safeguard the habitat of the gorilla species in Cross River, which is high on the endangered list of animals. Not only gorillas but also chimpanzees, pangolins and  elephants in the buffer zone on each side of the proposed 160-mile highway envisaged originally. There was a danger of thousands of acres of rainforest and wildlife habitat getting destroyed for that road construction plan. Sensing this, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) created a petition and received about 135,000 signatures on it. This approach convinced the Nigerian officials that if superhighway is constructed as  designed, it would definitely adversely affect the populations of gorilla in the Cross River area. A Wildlife Conservation Society  representative informed  that the Cross River State government had agreed to divert the proposed superhighway and it will bypass the concerned habitat of animals in the buffer zone on both the sides, according to reports in the media. This successful  effort by Wildlife Conservation Society in Nigeria to safeguard an endangered species from bearing the brunt of  development also gives confidence to similar movements around the world, including India        

8 May 2017
Global Inspirations

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