Haryana

• 17 Jan 2025

World’s Most Powerful Hydrogen Train Engine

Why in News? 

Recently, the Union Railway Minister announced that India has achieved a significant milestone in green energy leadership by developing the world’s most powerful hydrogen-powered train engine. 

• The hydrogen-powered train engine will undergo its first trial run on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. 

 Key Points 

• Key Features of India’s Hydrogen Train Engine: 
  • Power Output: 1,200 horsepower, surpassing global counterparts. 
  • Technology: Fully developed using indigenous expertise. 
  • Green Milestone: Marks a significant step in India’s transition to hydrogen-powered transportation. 
• Global Leadership: 
  • Only four countries—Germany, France, Sweden, and China—currently operate hydrogen-powered trains,delivering a power output of 500-600 horsepower. 
  • India's indigenously developed hydrogen engine surpasses these with a power output of 1,200 horsepower, the highest in its category. 
• Indigenous Development: 
  • The engine was developed entirely by indigenous expertise, showcasing the country’s innovation in clean energy solutions. 
  • This achievement is a step toward India leading major economies in green energy-driven growth. 

 Green Energy 

• Green energy is defined as energy derived from renewable sources. It is also known as clean, sustainable, or renewable energy. 
• Green energy generation emits no dangerous greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, resulting in little or no environmental impact. 
• Solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, low-impact hydroelectricity, and certain qualified biomass sources are all key green energy sources. 

Falcated Duck

Why in News? 

Recently, a rare bird species, the Falcated Duck was spotted by bird watchers and nature enthusiasts at Sultanpur National Park in Gurugram. 

 

Key Points 

• Falcated Duck: 
  • The Falcated Teal (Mareca falcata), also known as the Falcated Duck, is a dabbling duck. 
  • Distribution: 
    • Found from eastern Siberia and Mongolia to northern Japan. 
    • Wintering grounds include Southeast Asia and eastern India. 
    • Rare sightings have also been recorded in America, Poland, and Thailand. 
  • Habitat: 
    • Prefers freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes surrounded by forests. 
  • Breeding: 
    • The breeding season lasts from May to early July. 
    • Nests are built on the ground near water, typically in tall grass or brush. 
  • Diet: 
    • Primarily herbivorous, feeding on vegetable matter, seeds, rice, and aquatic plants. 
    • Occasionally consumes small invertebrates and soft-shelled mollusks. 
  • Threats: 
    • Hunting is a major threat, driven by demand for their meat and feathers. 
  • Conservation Status: 
    • Listed as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

 Sultanpur National Park   

• About:   
  • Sultanpur National Park is a bird paradise for bird watchers. It is famous for its migratory as well as resident birds.   
    • Migratory birds start arriving in the park in September. Birds use the park as a resting place till the following March-April.   
    • During summer and monsoon months the park is inhabited by many local bird species.   
  • In April 1971, the Sultanpur Jheel inside the park (an area of 1.21 sq. Km.) was accorded Sanctuary status under section 8 of the Punjab Wildlife Preservation Act, 1959.   
  • The status of the park was upgraded to National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in July 1991.   
• Location:   
  • It is situated in Gurgaon district of Haryana. The distance of the park is around 50 Km from Delhi and 15km from Gurgaon.   
• Important Fauna at the Park:   
  • Mammals: Blackbuck, Nilgai, Hog deer, Sambar, Leopard etc.   
  • Birds: Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane etc.