Latest news with #Mohapatra
Time of India
4 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Monsoon likely to reach state in 2-3 days: IMD
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Southwest monsoon is likely to reach Odisha in the next two to three days, director general of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, said on Tuesday. "Usually, monsoon arrives in Odisha around June 12. A low-pressure area, which formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast on Tuesday, will help monsoon advance into the state. Besides, the presence of another low pressure over the Arabian Sea and active large-scale processes are making the conditions favourable for the advancement of monsoon," Mohapatra said. Releasing the updated long-range forecast for southwest monsoon and temperature outlook, Mohapatra said Odisha is also likely to receive above-normal rainfall between June and Sept. Odisha receives 1,150 mm of average rainfall annually. Under the influence of the low-pressure area, which is likely to intensify and move northwards in the next 48 hours, coastal districts including Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Jajpur are expected to get heavy to moderate rainfall in the next two days. Widespread rainfall will continue across the state until June 1, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 50-60 kmph, the IMD bulletin said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Investi in Azioni Italia fino a 2€ BG SAXO Scopri di più Undo Most parts of Odisha recorded moderate to heavy rainfall, with Burla recording 90 mm in the last 24 hours till 8:30 am on Tuesday. Maximum temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius was recorded in Boudh on Tuesday. Bhubaneswar recorded 32.2C on Tuesday. The special relief commissioner (SRC) has directed all departments and district administrations to remain prepared for any eventuality. Authorities have been asked to keep the administrative machinery on standby and have advised the public to stay informed and take shelter during thunderstorms to avoid lightning-related incidents. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from May 28 to 31, as squally weather with wind speeds of 30-50 kmph is expected over the central and north Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha coast. Those already out at sea have been instructed to return to the coast by Tuesday night. Farmers in several districts reported damage to standing paddy crops due to heavy rainfall.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
2 new fish species discovered
Berhampur: The researchers in Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Gopalpur and Marine Biology Regional Centre, Chennai have discovered two deep sea new fish species - Coloconger scholesi and Ophichthus erabo - from Kollam in Kerala. Anil Mohapatra, a senior scientist at ZSI, said the Coloconger scholesi belongs to a rarely reported eel genus, Coloconger, which, until now, had only one species (Coloconger raniceps) recorded from the Indian waters. "The discovery of this species marks a significant addition to the ichthyofaunal diversity of the region," Mohaaptra, who is in charge in ZSI's Estuarine Biology Regional Centre, Gopalpur, said. He added, "In the fresh condition, the body of the specimen appears uniformly blackish brown. Even after preservation, the coloration remains consistent and the fins retain a black hue. The tongue, palatine region, peritoneum and stomach are also black. The tube-like cephalic sensory canals and lateral line pores are distinctly black as well." About the Ophichthus erabo, he explained that this kind of Blotched Snake-Eel was first recorded from the Indian coast. Previously, it was not documented in Indian marine ichthyofaunal diversity. The species is distinguishable from its congener Ophichthus polyophthalmus by the presence of numerous dark brown semicircular blotches on the body. These blotches are denser and smaller on the head, becoming larger along the trunk and tail. The research was conducted by a team of scientists and scholars, including Mohapatra. Detailed descriptions of the Coloconger scholesi species have been published in the latest edition of Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom and Ophichthus erabo in National Academy Science Letters. "This discovery not only enriches the ichthyological database of India but also significantly contributes to understanding the true distribution and biodiversity of deep-sea fishes in the Indian Ocean region, " said Mohapatra.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
IMD retains ‘above normal' rainfall outlook for monsoon
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has retained its April forecast for 'above normal' rainfall from June-September. It expects the country to see about 92 cm rainfall (106% of the long period average) during this southwest monsoon season, slightly higher than the 91.3 cm (105% of the average) rainfall that it had forecast in April. Except the northeast and northwestern parts of the country, most of India will receive 'above normal' rainfall. In June alone, the country is likely to receive at least 8% more than its average quota of 16.7 cm. The monsoon came early this year, reaching Kerala on May 24, a week ahead of its normal onset date of June 1. Not since the monsoon of 2009 has its arrival been this early. Moreover, the monsoon also advanced to Mumbai early, breaking a 35-year old record by reaching the city on May 26, two weeks ahead of the norm. The seasonal rains also advanced faster than usual to many parts of Karnataka, Goa, and central Maharashtra. At a press conference on Tuesday (May 27, 2025), IMD officials said that a confluence of factors had played a role in 'advancing the monsoon', including a pre-cyclonic circulation and optimal temperatures in the Tibetan plateau, along with a couple of other global factors. Slowdown likely While more rain is expected for the next four days in parts of Odisha and central India, the monsoon 'wouldn't continue to speed' indefinitely, according to officials. 'We cannot say that the monsoon will continue to speed towards Delhi and northern India. There will be a slowdown,' said IMD Director General M. Mohapatra. The normal date for the monsoon's arrival in Delhi is the last week of June. Even if the rains do not arrive early, however, the overall strong monsoon means that heatwaves are unlikely to ravage the capital region in June, Mr. Mohapatra added. Advisories from the Maharashtra government have also warned farmers to wait for a few days before commencing sowing. A swathe of central India, Odisha, and parts of Rajasthan — called the 'core zone', as its agriculture is almost entirely rain-fed — is also likely to receive 6% more rain than normal. No El Nino The main factor favouring a good monsoon is the absence of an El Nino, which is associated with a warming of the Central Equatorial Pacific Ocean, and is also associated with weak monsoon rainfall about 60% of the years when it is in effect. If the IMD's forecast proves accurate, this would be the second sucessive year of 'above normal' monsoon rainfall. Last year, India received 8% more than the historical average from June to September. While all IMD forecasts have a 4% margin of error, its prediction for this year's southwest monsoon could mean enough water for the kharif crop, and improve storage in the country's reservoirs. However, it can also mean episodes of intense rain and translate to devastating floods in parts of the country.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
CureBay raises USD 21 million to expand national footprint
BHUBANESWAR: CureBay, an Odisha-based hybrid healthcare platform, has raised USD 21 million to strengthen its in-house technology stack and expand its footprint to new states. The fresh raise of CureBay under its series B round funding from Bertelsmann India Investment is a significant milestone for the startup to build infrastructure for rural health by driving equity, access and innovations across under-served geographies in the country, officials said. They said the latest capital infusion will be utilised for strengthening of CureBay's in-house proprietary technology stack and expansion to lead the equitable healthcare movement in the country. The startup operates 150 plus eClinics across Odisha and Chhattisgarh and has served around 5.5 lakh patients by utilising its AI and data capabilities for improving predictive care and operational efficiency. It is planning to expand its footprint to new states including Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Its investment plan also includes upgrading proprietary algorithms and rural-first workflow automation tools that can one day be adapted for global healthcare. CureBay founder and CEO Priyadarshi Mohapatra said the fundraiser is a mandate to build India's trust infrastructure for rural health. 'The capital will help us scale technology, talent, and reach to bring dignified, affordable healthcare to the last mile,' Mohapatra added. Bertelsmann India Investments MD Pankaj Makkar said their investment reflects Bertelsmann India's strong commitment to supporting mission-driven companies that are transforming India.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
553 tagged turtles returned to Rushikulya in three years: Scientist
1 2 Berhampur: Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district is emerging as a major rookery for Olive Ridley turtles due to active participation of local people in the protection and conservation of these endangered sea turtles, said wildlife experts at a meeting organised by Khallikote forest range at Purunabandh to mark World Turtle Day on Friday. Senior scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Anil Mohapatra said 553 turtles returned to the rookery for nesting in the last three years, with 365 of them this year. He said around 12,000 female turtles were tagged by the ZSI and forest department during the 2021-23 period at the Rushikulya rookery to monitor their movement. "We recaptured over 553 of them at the same site so far. This indicates that they prefer to visit the rookery for mass nesting. The reason being safety and strict protection measures," he added. Mohapatra said a record number of baby Olive Ridley turtles also emerged from the pits and moved towards the sea with the help of forest staff and local volunteers. Around 9 lakh Olive Ridley turtles visited the beach for mass nesting in two phases this year. While 6,98,698 Olive Ridleys laid eggs on the beach in their first phase of mass nesting from Feb 16 to 23 in the five-km stretch from Podampeta to Bateswar, over 2.05 lakh turtles laid eggs in the same stretch in the second phase of mass nesting from March 22 to 27, said Dibya Shankar Behera, assistant conservator of forest (ACF), in-charge of Khallikote range. "It's high time the govt takes immediate steps to expedite the proposal for setting up a turtle research centre near the rookery," said Rabindra Nath Sahu, secretary of Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee, an organisation working on the conservation and protection of the Olive Ridleys. The forest department identified around 3.5 acres of govt land near Purunabandh for establishment of the proposed centre, sources said. Shankar Naryan Bez, co-ordinator of the district eco-club, lauded the community participation in the protection and conservation of the Olive Ridley turtles. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
