Mangroves in South India, Sri Lanka Labeled 'Critically Endangered'
The International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) has listed mangroves in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives as "critically endangered" due to various... The International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) has listed mangroves in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives as "critically endangered" due to various threats such as pollution, siltation, and climate change. The IUCN assessment highlights the importance of mangrove ecosystems in protecting biodiversity, providing local goods and services, and mitigating climate change impacts. In Tamil Nadu, conservation efforts include forming 20 village mangrove committees to promote local involvement and scientific management. Restoration initiatives, such as the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission, are also underway to restore damaged mangrove areas and enhance their ecological and economic value.
Army collaborates with IOCL for green, sustainable transport solutions
The Indian Army has partnered with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation, marked by a Mem... The Indian Army has partnered with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation, marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Army Chief General Manoj Pande and IOCL Chairman Shrikant Madhav Vaidya. This collaboration resulted in the Army receiving a hydrogen fuel cell bus, signaling a significant step towards green transportation. Previously, the Army had signed an MoU with the National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Ltd. to establish green hydrogen-based microgrid power plants along India's northern borders. These initiatives reflect the Army's ongoing commitment to adopting clean energy solutions.
Government extends the tenure of Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande by one month till June 30
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has extended Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande's term until June 30, just before his scheduled retirement on May 31. This is... The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has extended Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande's term until June 30, just before his scheduled retirement on May 31. This is the first such extension since the early 1970s when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi extended Gen. G. G. Bewoor's term. The extension is in accordance with Rule 16A(4) of the Army Rules, 1954, which allows an Army Chief to stay beyond the regular retirement age under certain circumstances. Gen. Pande, who became the 29th Chief of the Army Staff on April 30, 2022, is notable for being the first general from the Corps of Engineers to lead the Indian Army.