Chinese military activity has been detected in the Indian Ocean, according to a report it is now being said that a Chinese Intelligence Facility in Myanmar's Great Coco Island that is just about 55 kilometres from India's Andaman & Nicobar islands has sprung up.

Chinese military facility found near India, says report; Beijing denies construction claims | WION

The Andaman Islands' archipelago has yielded a new species of plant. Indian biologists discovered the marine green algae during a visit to the island in 2019.

Researchers from the Punjab Central University have named the species Acetabularia jalakanyakae. After nearly four decades, a new species of algae has been discovered on the islands.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcanic-eruption-under-sea-creates-new-crescent-shaped-island-in-japan-406290" hreflang="en">Volcanic eruption under sea creates new crescent-shaped island in Japan</a>

According to the scientists, the name "Jalakanyaka" which means mermaid in Sanskrit, is a reference to the story of Little Mermaid by Danish writer Hans Christian Anderson.&nbsp;

The scientists confirmed that they had discovered this species for the first time after nearly two years of the laborious identification process.

Over 18 months, the researchers sequenced the plant DNA and compared its form with that of other plants.

Dr Felix Bast, who led the study, said the newly discovered species is stunning. Its caps appear to be umbrellas of mermaids.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/researchers-calculate-constant-pi-to-a-new-record-628tn-figures-406286" hreflang="en">Researchers calculate&nbsp;constant&nbsp;pi to&nbsp;a&nbsp;new record 62.8tn figures</a>

The plant consists of a single gigantic cell with a nucleus, which is its main characteristic. This discovery was described in an article in the Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands contain some of the world's last healthy coral reefs, as well as a rich diversity of other organisms and algae.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The looming threat of climate change, as well as higher seawater temperatures and acidifying oceans, poses major stress to these ecosystems.

As per Dr Bast, seawater temperatures are rising, leading to a decrease in oxygen concentration in the water, a consequence dangerous to everything that needs oxygen to survive, including this species.

The Andaman Islands' archipelago has yielded a new species of plant. Indian biologists discovered the marine green algae during a visit to the island in 2019. Researchers from the Punjab Central University have named the species Acetabularia jalakanyakae.

The Andaman Islands' archipelago has yielded a new species of plant. Indian biologists discovered the marine green algae during a visit to the island in 2019. Researchers from the Punjab Central University have named the species Acetabularia jalakanyakae. After nearly four decades, a new species of algae has been discovered on the islands. Also read | Volcanic eruption under sea creates new crescent-shaped island in Japan According to the scientists, the name "Jalakanyaka" which means mermaid in Sanskrit, is a reference to the story of Little Mermaid by Danish writer Hans Christian Anderson. The scientists confirmed that they had discovered this species for the first time after nearly two years of the laborious identification process. Over 18 months, the researchers sequenced the plant DNA and compared its form with that of other plants. Dr Felix Bast, who led the study, said the newly discovered species is stunning. Its caps appear to be umbrellas of mermaids. Also read | Researchers calculate constant pi to a new record 62.8tn figures The plant consists of a single gigantic cell with a nucleus, which is its main characteristic. This discovery was described in an article in the Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences. Andaman and Nicobar Islands contain some of the world's last healthy coral reefs, as well as a rich diversity of other organisms and algae. The looming threat of climate change, as well as higher seawater temperatures and acidifying oceans, poses major stress to these ecosystems. As per Dr Bast, seawater temperatures are rising, leading to a decrease in oxygen concentration in the water, a consequence dangerous to everything that needs oxygen to survive, including this species.

A 'mermaid' species of algae discovered on Andaman and Nicobar islands

Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh and few other parts of the country today, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday.

"Heavy to Very Heavy rainfall at isolated places very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim; Heavy rainfall at isolated places over south Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Kutch, Andaman and Nicobar, West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya" NDMA tweeted today.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, hail and gusty winds (40-50kmph) are very likely to be expected in the isolated regions over west Madhya Pradesh and east Rajasthan on Monday.

Heavy to very heavy rains are predicted in the above regions for news three to four days, IMD released in a bulletin today.

In the wake of the severe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-weakens-to-cross-gujarat-coast-by-night-227912">cyclone Vayu</a> recurving again, strong wind speed of the 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph very likely to commence along and off Gujarat coast from the morning and gradually become squally winds speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph towards the afternoon.

The sea condition is likely to be rough to very rough over rest parts of east-central Arabian Sea and rough to very rough along and off Gujarat coast.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the north Arabian Sea, the east-central Arabian Sea and along and off Gujarat coast for next few days.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh and few other parts of the country today, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday.

Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh and few other parts of the country today, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday. "Heavy to Very Heavy rainfall at isolated places very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim; Heavy rainfall at isolated places over south Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Kutch, Andaman and Nicobar, West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya" NDMA tweeted today. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, hail and gusty winds (40-50kmph) are very likely to be expected in the isolated regions over west Madhya Pradesh and east Rajasthan on Monday. Heavy to very heavy rains are predicted in the above regions for news three to four days, IMD released in a bulletin today. In the wake of the severe cyclone Vayu recurving again, strong wind speed of the 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph very likely to commence along and off Gujarat coast from the morning and gradually become squally winds speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph towards the afternoon. The sea condition is likely to be rough to very rough over rest parts of east-central Arabian Sea and rough to very rough along and off Gujarat coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the north Arabian Sea, the east-central Arabian Sea and along and off Gujarat coast for next few days.

Heavy rains predicted for Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh

As cyclone ‘Pabuk’ weakened into a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/orange-alert-for-andaman-due-to-cyclone-pabuk-188503">deep depression on Monday</a>, the Directorate of Shipping Services informed locals and tourists that vessel services will remain suspended at Port Blair on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Passenger vessels plying in between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-pabuk-meteorological-department-warns-fishermen-against-going-to-sea-188427"> Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep</a>, Shaheed Dweep and Baratang will remain suspended due to heavy rains caused by the deep depression.&nbsp;

On the other hand, service of vehicle ferry vessels in the route between Chatham - Bambooflat, Chatham - Dundas Point will also remain suspended on Tuesday. However, harbour ferry services will remain normal subject to the prevailing weather conditions.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, two Port Blair flights were delayed due to bad weather.&nbsp;

Some airlines have even issued advisories that no extra fare will be charged for cancellation of flights due to bad weather.&nbsp;

Vistara airlines in its advisory said, “Flights landing and departing out of Port Blair in between January 5-8 may get impacted by Cyclone Pabuk. We will waive change and cancel fees for all passengers who request it. Only fare difference, if any, will be applicable for date changes.”&nbsp;

On the other hand, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more rains for Andamans over the next 12 hours.&nbsp;

“Rainfall at most places with heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over Andaman Islands during next 12 hours. Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is very likely to prevail over east-central Bay of Bengal, Andaman Islands and adjoining Andaman Sea and southeast Bay of Bengal during next 12 hours. It is likely to become 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph from the morning of January 8th&nbsp;and decrease further thereafter,” said the last weather bulletin on Monday evening.&nbsp;

The weather bulletin issued by the &nbsp;Indian Meteorological Department also asked the fishermen not to venture into deep seas as the sea conditions will remain rough.&nbsp;

“Sea condition is very likely to be rough to very rough over east-central and adjoining south east Bay of Bengal, around Andaman Islands during next 12 hours and will be rough during subsequent 12 hours. Fishermen are advised not to venture into east-central Bay of Bengal, north Andaman Sea and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal during next 24 hours,” said the bulletin.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As cyclone ‘Pabuk’ weakened into a deep depression on Monday, the Directorate of Shipping Services informed locals and tourists that vessel services will remain suspended at Port Blair on Tuesday.

As cyclone ‘Pabuk’ weakened into a deep depression on Monday, the Directorate of Shipping Services informed locals and tourists that vessel services will remain suspended at Port Blair on Tuesday. Passenger vessels plying in between Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Baratang will remain suspended due to heavy rains caused by the deep depression. On the other hand, service of vehicle ferry vessels in the route between Chatham - Bambooflat, Chatham - Dundas Point will also remain suspended on Tuesday. However, harbour ferry services will remain normal subject to the prevailing weather conditions. Earlier in the day, two Port Blair flights were delayed due to bad weather. Some airlines have even issued advisories that no extra fare will be charged for cancellation of flights due to bad weather. Vistara airlines in its advisory said, “Flights landing and departing out of Port Blair in between January 5-8 may get impacted by Cyclone Pabuk. We will waive change and cancel fees for all passengers who request it. Only fare difference, if any, will be applicable for date changes.” On the other hand, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more rains for Andamans over the next 12 hours. “Rainfall at most places with heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over Andaman Islands during next 12 hours. Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is very likely to prevail over east-central Bay of Bengal, Andaman Islands and adjoining Andaman Sea and southeast Bay of Bengal during next 12 hours. It is likely to become 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph from the morning of January 8th and decrease further thereafter,” said the last weather bulletin on Monday evening. The weather bulletin issued by the Indian Meteorological Department also asked the fishermen not to venture into deep seas as the sea conditions will remain rough. “Sea condition is very likely to be rough to very rough over east-central and adjoining south east Bay of Bengal, around Andaman Islands during next 12 hours and will be rough during subsequent 12 hours. Fishermen are advised not to venture into east-central Bay of Bengal, north Andaman Sea and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal during next 24 hours,” said the bulletin.

Cyclone 'Pabuk': Ferry services to remain suspended at Port Blair due to heavy rains