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Monsoon modelling no ‘blind men and elephant’ story
Though there have been amazing advances in the modelling of weather and climate, no model is perfect. Posted on 08 Mar, 2018 04:53 PM

In a few weeks from now, monsoon forecasts will begin. These forecasts are based on calculations made by computer modelling. There have been amazing advances in the modelling of weather and climate. These include the monsoons, El Niño’s, cyclones, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), winds, currents, and so on. Just as even a new car is not perfect, these models are not perfect.

The current models for monsoon prediction do not always show perfect results due to the intricacies of the monsoon dynamics. (Source: IWP Flickr photos)
Islands float on Delhi lake
Floating wetlands have been constructed on Hauz Khas lake in an attempt to naturally restore it. Posted on 08 Mar, 2018 06:09 AM

Located in the Hauz Khas urban village in the busy metropolis of Delhi is an exquisitely landscaped lush green patch. This deer park, with spotted deer, peacocks and numerous birds, leads to an incredibly beautiful lake. As per a plaque at the site, the lake is a part of the medieval (13th century) city of Delhi Sultanate.

Phytoremediation principle is used to convert Hauz Khas lake into a water purifying wetland ecosystem. (Image: Tarun Nanda)
Study of ancient eclipses can unveil past climate trends
The imprint of perturbations in Earth’s rotation called delta T can be deciphered from records of ancient eclipses: Scientists Posted on 07 Mar, 2018 06:00 AM

For a long time now, historians have been using epigraphy to infer the political and economic aspects of the past. In recent times, astronomers have come to realise that it can also be a potent tool to understand the history of astronomy as well as for inferring minute changes in the motion of Earth. 

Scientists say ancient eclipse records in epigraphical inscriptions can help us understand climate change in historical time scales.
Harappans had knowledge of hydraulic engineering
Researchers have found buried archaeological features at Dholavira, one of the important sites of Harappan civilisation in India. Posted on 07 Mar, 2018 05:47 AM

A team of archaeologists at the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, conducted a survey of an unexplored area of around 12,276 square metre at Dholavira using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technique which helps to scan the ground and reveal objects buried underground.

Researchers at the Dholavira site. (Pic courtesy: ISW)
Uttarakhand bans quarrying in Ganga, its tributaries
Policy matters this week Posted on 06 Mar, 2018 12:14 PM

Uttarakhand bans quarrying in the Ganga and its tributaries post NGT order

The state government plans to ban quarrying in the Ganga. (Picture courtesy: Hindustan Times)
Manhole-cleaning robot completes trial run
News this week Posted on 06 Mar, 2018 11:50 AM

Manhole-cleaning robot Bandicoot successfully completes trial run in Thiruvananthapuram

Team behind Bandicoot. (Picture courtesy: Scroll)
Hot springs harbour microbial diversity
Scientists isolate untapped bacterial cultures from Unkeshwar hot springs on the bank of river Penganga and are studying their metabolic use in enzyme biotechnology and environmental remediation. Posted on 28 Feb, 2018 08:31 PM

Microorganisms can be found in almost every habitat in the environment owing to their capacity to adapt and to survive. Some of them can withstand extremely hot environments such as natural hot springs. Studying such organisms can help in understanding not just why they are so hardy but may also yield new and useful chemicals. 

The team of scientists from the National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM) who are conducting the study at the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. (Pic courtesy: ISW)
Revised draft of CZMP for Chennai released
Policy matters this week Posted on 27 Feb, 2018 02:53 PM

Revised Coastal Zone Management Plan frees up large swathes of coastal land for development

Ennore creek in Chennai (Picture: IWP Flickr)
Tamil Nadu and Kerala squabble over Siruvani waters
News this week Posted on 27 Feb, 2018 02:37 PM

Tamil Nadu objects to Kerala diverting excess water from Siruvani dam

Water flows from the sluices of the Siruvani dam. (Picture courtesy: Deccan Chronicle)
Rajim kumbh: Leave Mahanadi alone
Rajim kumbh mela has left the Mahanadi river crying for attention. Posted on 25 Feb, 2018 07:35 PM

Around 25 lakh pilgrims across the country took a holy dip in the Mahanadi during the Rajim kumbh festival held in Rajim from January 31-February 13, 2018. For this annual religious extravaganza at the confluence of the Mahanadi, Sondur and Pairi rivers in Chhattisgarh, the state government organised various religious events.

The entrance of the CG government's culture and tourism exhibition venue at Rajim kumbh 2018.
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