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Country’s first mangrove pitta bird census undertaken in Bhitarkanika, Odisha. Mangrove pitta birds are a nearly threatened species found in a few pockets of eastern India, including Bhitarkanika in Odisha and the Sundarbans in West Bengal. The census was carried out by point count method, either by walking in the forest or using country boats in the creeks. A …

India will host an international summit on Buddhism in New Delhi. Delegates from 30 countries will participate with the exception of China and also Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. The maiden conference being organised by the Union Culture Ministry and the International Buddhist Confederation will discuss contemporary global issues through a Buddhist perspective. The delegates include prominent scholars, monks, diplomats and members of Buddhist …

It is said that he arrived at the location of the shrine after reaching India in 52 AD. Devotees believe he performed a miracle and left a footprint on the hilltop. Who was Saint Thomas? In Christian mythology, it is believed that when Jesus Christ set out to preach his beliefs and message, he …

The scope of reviewing the laws placed under 9th schedule is limited. After the first amendment, the major landmark case in which the question of immunity granted to parliament was presented before the court was the case of Shankari Prasad. It was asked that whether Article 31B read with schedule 9 was unconstitutional by excluding the scope of judicial …

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister wrote to Prime Minister seeking the inclusion of two amendment Bills allowing for higher quota in jobs and educational institutions, in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. The Ninth Schedule includes a list of Central and State laws which cannot be challenged in courts. In Chhattisgarh’s case, the two amendment Bills that …

The Anthropocene epoch – This is the name some scientists have proposed for a new period in history characterised by the influence of one species on the planet’s geology, ecosystems and even its fate — none other than Homo sapiens.  Key details: The North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) have a long …

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister inaugurated the Shar Nyima Tsho Sum Namyig Lhakhang (Gonpa) at Gyangkhar village. Key details: Gyangkhar village is located at Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Gonpa has a great historical importance for for the people of Shar Nyima Tsho Sum. The 11- 12th century Gonpa was on the verge of collapse but was renovated. The sacred place …

Union Home Minister Amit Shah conferred the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award on veteran social worker Appasaheb Dharmadhikari. Who is Appasaheb Dharmadhikari? Also known as Dattatreya Narayan Dharmadhikari, he was born in the village of Revdanda in Raigad district on May 14, 1946. He is dedicated towards what he calls “social awakening”. To spread this message, regular congregations or Shri …

Traditional healing system faces challenges of being lost and slid into oblivion What is traditional healing? Traditional healing refers to the health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs that incorporate healing and wellness. These practices include using ceremonies, plant, animal or mineral-based medicines, energetic therapies and physical or hands-on techniques. Traditional healing practice is holistic and aims at the overall well-being of the …

·        Kaziranga National Park is located in the state of Assam. ·        The park hosts two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses. Rhino population: According to the census held in March 2018 the rhino population in Kaziranga National Park is 2,613. Conservation status: ·        It is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in 1985. ·        Kaziranga National Park …