MADHYA PRADESH

Madhya Pradesh: WII starts survey of Kuno sanctuary

Experts from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have initiated a detailed survey of Kuno wildlife sanctuary for implementation of the Cheetah project. The study would last in a month or may take more time, say sources.

WII had in its earlier report concluded that cheetahs can be reintroduced at all the surveyed sites in Madhya Pradesh with appropriate ‘investments’ — some more than others — and management. Kuno National Park is “ready” for immediate reintroduction, with the least investment needed, WII had observed.

It was also chosen for the Gir lion translocation earlier. Some sites have the potential to achieve the full range of objectives for the cheetah reintroduction project, says a technical note by the experts.

Kuno and Gandhi Sagar-Chittorgarh-Bhainsrodgarh wildlife sanctuary (WLS) in Rajasthan, with parts of Mukundara tiger reserve landscape, adequately meet the criteria for introduction. The Gandhi Sagar-Bhainsrodgarh landscape requires concurrence by the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and investment in terms of prey supplementation and protection, it says.

INTERNATIONAL

Russia Launched First Arctic-monitoring Satellite

The Russian Space agency, Roscosmos, has successfully launched its first ever Arctic-monitoring satellite that will monitor the Arctic’s climate and environment.

The space agency blasted off the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket which is also carrying the Arktika-M satellite on board.

The rocket was blasted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on February 28, 2021. The Arktika-M spacecraft was launched to orbit later.

The development of this satellite system in the highly elliptical orbits is required to collect the information in order to solve the operational meteorology problems as well as the hydrology problems.

The satellite will also monitor the climate and environment of the Arctic region.

Arktika-M satellite will also transmit the overview images of Earth’s northern polar region and the adjoining areas every 15-30 minutes.

MoU Signed Between India and Fiji

The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between India and Fiji in the fields of Agriculture and related sectors. Highlights: The memorandum of understanding requires the exchange of scientists, experts, technology transfer, infrastructure development for agricultural development, holding workshops and seminars, forming joint ventures, promoting agricultural product marketing and value-added investment, promoting direct agricultural trade, research programs, etc. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be valid for five years.

MoU signed between India and France

The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding on Renewable Energy Cooperation between India and France. Highlights:

The MoU was signed in January 2021.  The purpose of the memorandum of understanding is to lay a foundation for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of new energy and renewable energy on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity.

It covers technologies related to solar energy, wind energy, hydrogen energy and biomass energy.

MoU requires exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel, exchange of scientific and technical information and data, organization