[Newsbits] 10-23.07.2024: RAMSES Mission, U-WIN Portal & more

The IUCN’s recent Red List update highlights the urgent need to protect various lizard and cactus species. The Ibiza wall lizard, now classified as threatened, faces significant threats from invasive species like the horseshoe whip snake and human-induced problems. Similarly, the Gran Canaria giant lizard and skink populations have plummeted due to the California kingsnake. Illegal trade, especially of ornamental cacti like Copiapoa, exacerbated by social media, has led to 82% of these species being critically endangered. Proposed solutions include stringent laws, habitat management, international cooperation, public education, and greenhouse cultivation to mitigate these declines.

India and Russia have set an ambitious goal of achieving $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, as announced during the 22nd annual summit between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key agreements include boosting trade and investments in Russia’s Far East, enhancing technological and financial integration, and collaborating on energy and resources. Efforts will focus on developing strategic corridors like the Vladivostok-Chennai and the International North-South Transport Corridor, and leveraging the Northern Sea Route for better Eurasian connectivity. Despite challenges such as sanctions and trade imbalances, the partnership aims to strengthen mutual economic and strategic interests.

The High Seas Treaty, officially known as the Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), aims to protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable use of ocean resources. Covering 64% of the world’s oceans, the treaty addresses issues like resource depletion, species loss, and ocean pollution. It mandates the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), fair distribution of benefits from marine genetic resources, and mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). The treaty requires ratification by at least 60 countries to become international law. As of now, 91 countries have signed it, with 8 ratifications submitted. The treaty is crucial for long-term ecological balance and international cooperation on ocean conservation.

LHS 1140 b is an exoplanet 48 light-years away in the constellation Cetus, initially thought to be a mini-Neptune with a thick hydrogen-rich atmosphere. New data from the James Webb Space Telescope suggests it may be a super-Earth with a rocky or water-rich surface and a nitrogen-rich atmosphere. Located in its star’s habitable zone, LHS 1140 b has potential for liquid water, with models indicating it could be a “snowball” planet with a central ocean at 20°C. This discovery, led by the Université de Montréal, highlights the planet’s suitability for further habitability studies.

Summary: Bangladesh recently joined the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) as its fifth member during the 8th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) level meeting, enhancing regional security collaboration in the Indian Ocean. The CSC, originally formed in 2020 by India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, and later joined by Mauritius, focuses on addressing maritime security challenges. The CSC has evolved to include high-level dialogues and practical measures, expanding its focus areas to cybercrime, trafficking, and disaster response. The recent meeting reviewed the CSC’s Roadmap for 2023–2024, highlighting actions and strategic goals for regional stability. The CSC’s secretariat is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka.