1.Red-eared slider
- The red-eared slider is a semi-aquatic turtle commonly found in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers.
- It gets its name from the distinct red stripe found behind each eye.
- The species is native to the southern United States, especially around the Mississippi River region.
- Red-eared sliders are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and small animals like insects, fish, and aquatic vegetation.
- They are known for basking in the sun on rocks or logs and quickly sliding into the water when disturbed—hence the name "slider."
- These turtles can live for 20 to 30 years with proper care, especially in captivity.
- They are commonly sold as pets, but many are later released into the wild, where they become an invasive species in non-native habitats.
- Due to their impact on local ecosystems, many countries restrict the sale or release of red-eared sliders.
- They require clean water, UVB lighting, and a balanced diet to stay healthy in captivity.
- The scientific name of the red-eared slider is Trachemys scripta elegans.
2. Biochar
- Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by burning organic matter (like wood, crop waste, or manure) in a low-oxygen environment, a process called pyrolysis.
- It is used mainly as a soil amendment to improve soil health, water retention, and crop productivity.
- Biochar is highly porous, which helps retain nutrients and moisture in the soil.
- It improves soil structure, enhances microbial activity, and reduces soil acidity.
- Biochar can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years.
- It is considered a tool for climate change mitigation due to its ability to store carbon and improve agricultural resilience.
- Feedstocks for making biochar include crop residues, forestry waste, animal manure, and organic municipal waste.
- When applied properly, biochar can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and improve nutrient use efficiency.
- It can also help in waste management by turning agricultural and organic waste into a valuable product.
- Biochar is recognized in sustainable farming, carbon credit markets, and climate-smart agriculture practices.
3. Sylheti
- Sylheti is an Eastern Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in the Sylhet region of northeastern Bangladesh
- It is also spoken by large communities in the Indian states of Assam and Tripura, as well as in the Sylheti diaspora, especially in the United Kingdom.
- Sylheti is often considered a dialect of Bengali, but many linguists and speakers view it as a separate language due to its distinct grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
- It has several phonetic differences from Standard Bengali, including a more nasal and tonal sound.