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.

Telangana Cyber Security Bureau Empowers Senior Citizens Against Online Scams

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has concluded a week-long cyber awareness campaign aimed at protecting senior citizens from online scams and cyber threats. The campaign involved workshops and awareness sessions conducted across the state, reaching out to senior citizens through community outreach programs and dedicated WhatsApp groups. Participants were educated on identifying and defending against common scams like digital arrest scams, trading/investment fraud, and emergency deception scams. The campaign also included the launch of videos and posters specifically designed for senior citizens to enhance their cyber awareness. The TGCSB plans to continue the campaign through targeted online groups and WhatsApp groups for senior citizen associations across the state, with over 2,000 members currently enrolled.

Tamil Scholar M. Selvarasan to Receive Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi Semmozhi Tamil Award

Tamil scholar M. Selvarasan, formerly with the Tamil Department of the University of Madras, will be awarded the prestigious Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi Semmozhi Tamil Award for 2024 in Chennai on Friday, November 8th. The award, presented by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the Secretariat, recognizes Selvarasan’s contributions to Tamil language and literature. The award includes a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, a citation plaque, and a bronze replica of the late leader and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

Kerala Government Updates High Court on Hema Committee Report Investigation

The Kerala government has informed the High Court that the preliminary inquiry into cases arising from the Hema Committee report, which investigated sexual harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry, is progressing well and will be completed by the end of December. The court has appointed an amicus curiae to gather perspectives from stakeholders in the entertainment industry to inform the government’s drafting of legislation addressing issues faced by women working in the field. While 26 FIRs have been registered, five survivors have declined to proceed with their cases, and three survivors have disputed statements attributed to them. The SIT is working to gather evidence and connect with the actual survivors in these cases.

Karnataka Sahitya Academy Honors Literary Luminaries

The Karnataka Sahitya Academy has announced its prestigious awards for 2022, recognizing outstanding contributions to Kannada literature. Agrahara Krishnamurthy, along with writers R.K. Hudgi, Ramzan Darga, Indira Hegade, and Tumbadi Ramaiah, received the honorary award for their significant service to the field. The Sahityashree award was bestowed upon ten other writers, including Banjagere Jayaprakash, Rumi Harish, and M.G. Manjunatha, for their exceptional work in creative and non-creative literature. The academy also recognized one individual for their efforts in promoting Kannada literature. This year’s awards highlight the diverse talents and contributions of Kannada writers, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of the literary landscape.

Combating Child Marriage in Karnataka: Incentives, Collaboration, and Persistent Challenges

The Karnataka government has launched a multi-pronged approach to combat child marriage, including a ₹50,000 reward for gram panchayats that eliminate or significantly reduce child marriage cases. This initiative, coupled with the appointment of 59,000 Child Marriage Prohibition Officers and collaboration with seven government departments and NGOs, aims to address the issue at the grassroots level. Despite these efforts, child marriage persists due to factors like poverty, superstition, economic challenges, migration, and lack of legal awareness. While the government has successfully prevented numerous child marriages, data reveals a significant number of cases still occur, particularly in districts like Mysuru, Chitradurga, and Shivamogga. The government remains committed to eradicating this social evil, but challenges like poor inter-departmental coordination and deep-rooted societal factors continue to hinder progress.

Waqf Board Claims Ownership of Bidar Fort Monuments, Sparking Controversy

The Karnataka Board of Waqfs has declared 17 monuments within the historic Bidar Fort as its property, including the renowned 16-pillar mosque and tombs of Bahmani rulers. This claim, however, has been met with skepticism from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been the custodian of the fort for decades. The controversy comes amidst ongoing disputes in Vijayapura district, where farmers allege that their lands have been wrongly marked as Waqf properties. The Waqf Board has withdrawn notices issued to individuals in Vijayapura, citing the need for a fair and legal process. Meanwhile, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 will visit Hubballi and Vijayapura to hear from farmers affected by the Waqf Board’s actions. The controversy has sparked concerns about the potential for land grabbing and the need for a transparent and equitable approach to resolving land disputes.