Read Current Affairs
- Botanists have recently identified a new species of flowering plant, Crinum andhricum, in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.
- About Crinum andhricum:
- Crinum andhricum is a newly discovered species of flowering plant.
- It was first recorded in the Eastern Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh.
- The species is named after the state of Andhra Pradesh, where it was originally found.
- It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family.
- This species is the latest addition to India’s Crinum genus, bringing the total number of Crinum species in the country to 16, several of which are endemic to India.
- Features:
- Crinum andhricum is characterized by its distinct features, including wider, oblanceolate perianth lobes (the outer part of the flower), and a higher number of flowers per cluster, with between 12 and 38 flowers per cluster.
- The plant's pedicelled flowers (flowers on stalks) set it apart from other species in the region.
- The flowers are waxy white, blooming between April and June.
- The plant grows on tall stems, reaching up to 100 cm in height, and is adapted to dry, rocky crevices in the Eastern Ghats.
- The leaves are large, elliptical in shape, with smooth, entire margins.
- Due to its limited distribution and the environmental threats it faces, Crinum andhricum has been assigned a preliminary status of ‘Data Deficient’ according to the IUCN guidelines.
- In recent weeks, doctors have reported an uptick in cases of "walking pneumonia," a mild but persistent lung infection that often mimics the symptoms of a common cold.
- About Walking Pneumonia:
- Walking pneumonia is a form of atypical pneumonia, most commonly caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae, although other bacteria and viruses can also be responsible.
- It typically presents with symptoms similar to those of a mild cold or respiratory infection, such as a cough, sore throat, low-grade fever, and fatigue.
- While the infection is usually not severe, the symptoms can last for weeks if left untreated, making it disruptive to daily life.
- Unlike typical pneumonia, which can cause serious lung inflammation and breathing difficulties, walking pneumonia is generally less intense. This allows affected individuals to continue their normal activities, which is how it earned its name in the 1930s.
- It is sometimes referred to as "silent" pneumonia because, in some cases, people may not experience noticeable symptoms despite X-rays showing fluid in the lungs' air sacs.
- Transmission:
- Walking pneumonia is contagious and spreads through airborne droplets from close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, or speaking.
- Treatment:
- The infection is usually manageable with rest, hydration, and, in some cases, antibiotics to target the underlying bacterial cause.
- Experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have stated that the controversial Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh has proven to be a successful initiative by the Government of India.
- About the Wildlife Institute of India (WII):
- The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an autonomous body established in 1982 under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India, to foster the development of wildlife science in the country.
- Location:
- The WII is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and shares its boundaries with the renowned Rajaji National Park.
- It is an internationally recognized institution that offers training programs, academic courses, and advisory services in wildlife research and management.
- Objectives:
- To build scientific knowledge on India’s wildlife resources.
- To train personnel at various levels for the conservation and management of wildlife.
- To conduct research in wildlife management, including developing techniques tailored to Indian conditions.
- To provide expert information and advice on specific wildlife management challenges.
- To collaborate with international organizations in wildlife research, management, and training.
- To develop into a regional hub of international significance for wildlife and natural resource conservation.
- The institute’s research spans several fields, including biodiversity, wildlife policy, endangered species, wildlife management, forensic wildlife research, eco-development, spatial modeling, and the study of the impacts of climate change.
- The WII is governed by a board chaired by the Union Minister, which includes representatives from both central and state governments, as well as from academic institutions.