Our natural world contains timeless examples of adaptation and survival techniques. One such wonder is the Short-beaked Echidnas residing in the Dryandra woodland of Western Australia. Despite the scorching summer temperatures, these creatures have developed unique ways to keep cool. From military advancements to geological discoveries and presidential feats, this article sheds light on multiple intriguing topics.
Beating the Heat: The Short-Beaked Echidnas’ Strategy
Unlike dogs that pant or humans who sweat to regulate body temperature, short-beaked echidnas have a distinctive method. They modulate their body heat using their two-inch-long spines: slicking them back for warmth and raising them to let heat escape. Hollow logs serve as resting places where the air temperature can reach above 40°C. One surprising adaptation has been their proclivity to blow snot bubbles. Since their snouts, covered in electroreceptors for detecting underground prey, function effectively only when moist, these mucus balloons’ evaporation cools down blood vessels in the snout, thereby reducing overall body temperature.
‘Ex KAVACH’: An Inter-Fleet Military Exercise
The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) recently concluded a significant joint military endeavour named ‘Ex KAVACH.’ Spanning over two months, the exercise involved assets from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Its primary focus was to enhance interoperability and operational synergy among these forces, fine-tuning their joint warfare capabilities. Various operations, such as amphibious landing, air-landed activities, heliborne actions and rapid insertion of Special Forces in remote islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, were embraced during the exercise.
Unlocking Nature’s Treasures: Rare-Earth Elements in Andhra Pradesh
In a progressive geological discovery, scientists at the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) found rare-earth elements (REEs) in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. The group consists of 17 chemical elements that are crucial in creating permanent magnets used in contemporary electronic devices like smartphones, computers, and jet aircraft. Such advancements have unprecedented implications in both scientific and economic contexts.
A Presidential Aerial Journey: President Murmu’s Flight in Sukhoi-30 MKI
In a notable feat, President Droupadi Murmu took a 30-minute aerial journey in the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft from Tezpur Air Force Station, Assam. She becomes the third president and second woman president to partake in such activity, representing her active engagement with India’s armed forces as the Supreme Commander. The multirole combat aircraft, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and licensed by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is among the most advanced fighters in the Indian Air Force (IAF), used for air supremacy, air-to-ground attacks, and air-to-air refuelling missions. This high-profile sortie symbolizes the progressive integration and recognition of women’s role in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
