The Gujarat government is developing a new policy focused on wastewater recycling and reuse to address the growing pressure on drinking water resources. This policy will mandate industries and commercial entities to utilize treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes, offering incentives for such practices. The policy aims to create a legal framework for mandatory wastewater recycling, particularly for water-intensive industries like chemical, chip-making, and textile sectors. This initiative is driven by concerns about water scarcity, which the World Bank predicts could reduce India’s GDP by 6% by 2050. The policy aligns with the NITI Aayog’s Comprehensive Water Management Index, which emphasizes the importance of wastewater reuse and recycling. By promoting sustainable water management, the government aims to improve public health, support agriculture, and bolster economic stability.
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Goa Tourism Department Apologizes for Dolphin Poster Error
Goa’s tourism department has acknowledged and apologized for an error in its promotional posters for the World Travel Mart in London, which featured a bottlenose dolphin instead of the local Indian Ocean humpback dolphin. The department initially claimed the dolphin was a symbolic representation of Goa’s marine life, but after criticism from ecologists and community members, they admitted the oversight and pledged to ensure accuracy in future promotional materials. They expressed gratitude for the feedback and stated their commitment to accurately representing Goa’s natural heritage.
Vice President Dhankhar Lauds Chhattisgarh’s Contributions at State Foundation Day Celebration
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar visited Raipur to attend the closing ceremony of Chhattisgarh’s State Foundation Day celebration. He was warmly welcomed by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and served as the chief guest at the “Rajya Alankaran Samaroh,” where individuals and institutions were honored for their contributions to society. Dhankhar congratulated the honorees, emphasizing the significance of Chhattisgarh’s natural resources, particularly its iron ore and coal, which are vital for India’s industrial growth. He stressed the interconnectedness of the state’s development with the nation’s progress, urging everyone to consider state interests from a national perspective. The three-day celebration, which began on November 4th, included a grand inauguration by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and a foundation day exhibition showcasing government departments and cultural events.
Bihar Kokila Sharda Sinha Laid to Rest with State Honors
Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, known for her soulful Chhath and folk songs, passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday night. She was cremated with full state honors in Patna on Thursday, with hundreds of fans and admirers gathering to bid farewell. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid his respects, and her son, Anshuman Sinha, performed the last rites. Sinha, fondly known as “Bihar Kokila,” was celebrated for her unique blend of classical and folk elements in her renditions, particularly of Chhath and wedding songs. Her passing on the first day of Chhath, a significant festival in Bihar, has deeply resonated with fans. Her musical legacy extends beyond Bihar, reaching parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, and she even graced the soundtrack of the 1990 Bollywood blockbuster “Maine Pyar Kiya” with her rendition of “Kahe tose sajna.”
Uttar Pradesh Extends Ecotourism Season to Boost Tourism and Local Employment
The Uttar Pradesh government is extending the ecotourism season by at least a month to boost tourism and create more employment opportunities for locals. The move comes as the state witnesses a significant increase in tourist numbers at its tiger reserves and national parks. The ecotourism season in Uttar Pradesh typically starts on November 15th, but this year it was opened earlier on November 6th. The government also extended the season’s closure from June 15th to June 25th. The state is focusing on developing Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary to the same standard as Dudhwa and Pilibhit Tiger Reserves, aiming to attract even more tourists. Despite no increase in entry fees for several years, the state has seen a substantial rise in revenue due to the growing number of visitors. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve saw a 54% increase in tourist numbers from 2022-23 to 2023-24, while Pilibhit Tiger Reserve witnessed a near-doubling of visitors during the same period. The increase in tourist numbers at other reserves like Amangarh and Ranipur further highlights the growing popularity of ecotourism in Uttar Pradesh.
National Integration Tour Inspires Arunachal Students
Twenty students from Saint Xavier School in Arunachal Pradesh are embarking on a 10-day national integration tour to Delhi and Chandigarh, organized by the Gajraj Corps under Operation Sadbhavana. The tour aims to broaden the students’ worldview by showcasing India’s rich heritage, achievements, and cultural diversity. Through visits to iconic landmarks, interactions with leaders, and explorations of India’s cultural tapestry, the students will gain firsthand insight into the nation’s growth story, connecting with its past and present. The tour emphasizes instilling national pride, fostering lifelong connections, and shaping future leaders, encouraging the students to embrace their heritage and pursue their aspirations with renewed vigor.
Bhupen Hazarika: A Champion of Assamese Language and Culture
Bhupen Hazarika, a renowned Assamese singer, composer, and filmmaker, played a pivotal role in advocating for the comprehensive study and research of the Assamese language, which recently achieved classical language status. His compositions, like “Koto Jowanor Mrityu Hol” and “Modarore Ful,” showcase his deep understanding of the language, its cultural diversity, traditions, geography, and history. Hazarika’s work, characterized by its linguistic sophistication and scholarly preparation, elevated the Assamese language to new heights, making him a prominent figure in the modern era of Assamese language development.
MahaRERA Scraps Project Grading System Due to Legal Concerns
The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has put its planned project grading system on hold due to legal limitations. The grading system, which was intended to help homebuyers make informed decisions by evaluating projects based on technical, financial, legal, and project overview parameters, was deemed to be outside the scope of the Real Estate Regulatory Act, 2016. Developers had also opposed the system, arguing that it was not authorized by the Act and could lead to malpractices. The decision to halt the grading system comes after the Bombay High Court inquired about the possibility of MahaRERA rating or classifying developers to aid buyers in making informed choices. While MahaRERA had proposed the grading matrix in response to the court’s query, the legal constraints have ultimately forced them to abandon the initiative.
Tiger Translocation: Similipal’s Final Phase and Concerns for Debrigarh
The ongoing tiger translocation project in Similipal Tiger Reserve is nearing completion with the arrival of another female tiger from Tadoba-Andheri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. This final phase aims to introduce a fresh gene pool to the reserve, which currently has 27 tigers but suffers from inbreeding. The translocation project, approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, is a significant step in addressing the genetic diversity concerns within the reserve. While the Similipal project is nearing completion, the translocation plan for Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary faces delays. Meanwhile, the tigress Yamuna, recently brought from Maharashtra, is acclimatizing to her new habitat in a quarantine enclosure. The project is a testament to the efforts to conserve tiger populations and address the challenges of inbreeding, but the recent incidents of human-wildlife conflict, including a fatal tiger attack in Corbett Tiger Reserve and an elephant attack near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, highlight the need for continued vigilance and effective management strategies to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
A Pocket Guide to Telangana’s Avian Diversity
The Hyderabad Birding Pals have released a pocket guide featuring 252 bird species found in Telangana, a valuable resource for bird enthusiasts. The guide categorizes the birds based on their habitat, including wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, and generalist environments. It includes photographs, names, feeding habits, and important bird habitats like the Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary and Pakhal Lake. The guide also highlights the significance of Ameenpur Lake as the state’s only biodiversity heritage site. Beyond identification, the guide offers tips on birdwatching etiquette and details on bird identification techniques. The NGO plans to distribute the guide to students in government schools and colleges, promoting awareness and appreciation for Telangana’s diverse birdlife.