The Gauhati High Court is pressuring the Assam government to expedite the notification of the State Child Protection Policy and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, which are expected by the end of the year. The court has also directed the state to report on the constitution of Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) in each district, highlighting concerns about the lack of proper JJBs in several areas. The delay in implementing these crucial policies has been a source of concern, with the court expressing its dissatisfaction with the government’s progress. The petition filed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, a charitable society, in 2019, brought to light the lack of adequate POCSO court facilities in the state. The court’s intervention underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure the protection and well-being of children in Assam.
09.11.2024
Assam to Explore Wetland Network for Flood Control
The Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, has instructed the Assam government to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on 271 wetlands for flood water diversion by December 2024. This ambitious project, estimated to cost up to Rs 500 crore, aims to mitigate flooding in the state by connecting these wetlands to tributaries of the Brahmaputra River. The project is based on a study by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) which identified the wetlands with potential for flood water storage. The Assam government has already begun work on nine wetlands in seven districts, with a proposed budget of Rs 380.60 crore. However, the Union Home Secretary has emphasized the need for a detailed survey of all 271 wetlands to assess their feasibility for flood control. This project is expected to significantly impact flood management in Assam, particularly by addressing the overflow of tributaries rather than directly managing the Brahmaputra River’s water level.
Khanderi Fort: A Maratha Naval Base Gets a Much-Needed Restoration
The Maharashtra government has allocated Rs 7 crore for the conservation of the Khanderi Fort, a strategically important 17th-century Maratha naval base located in Alibaug. The project will focus on repairing 21 collapsed bastions, fortifying dilapidated walls, and reconstructing a portion of the seaside wall that collapsed in 2009. The fort, declared a state-protected monument and renamed Kanhoji Angre Island, is a significant historical site for its role in Maratha naval history. The conservation plan includes building facilities for visitors and researchers, ensuring accessibility for those interested in learning about the fort’s rich past. The project is divided into five phases, with the first phase prioritizing the repair of over 10 bastions. The conservation efforts aim to preserve the fort’s structure and historical significance, making it a more accessible and informative site for tourists and historians alike. The Khanderi Fort is one of four forts nominated for World Heritage Site status, highlighting its importance in Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
European Honey Buzzard Spotted in Maharashtra for the First Time, Exciting Birders
A rare European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) was spotted on Vetal Tekdi in Pune, marking the first ever sighting of the species in Maharashtra. This discovery has thrilled environmentalists and birders, who are rushing to the hill to catch a glimpse of the bird. The sighting is significant as it is only the second time the species has been recorded in India, and it highlights the importance of Vetal Tekdi as an urban open space and biodiversity hotspot. The bird’s presence in Pune is a testament to the growing diversity of birdlife in the area, and underscores the need for its protection as a natural heritage of the city.
Nagpur Student’s Innovative Blockchain RPG Wins International Hackathon
Mosin Shaikh, a VNIT Nagpur student, and his friend Soham Ghugare from VIT Vellore, secured joint first place in the Cosmoverse Hackathon in Dubai. Their innovative project, Cosmic Quest, a blockchain-based RPG, won them a $5,000 prize and the best user/dev experience award. Cosmic Quest transforms blockchain learning into an engaging game, allowing users to learn by deploying smart contracts and navigating cross-chain operations within the game itself. This unique approach, developed in just three nights, impressed judges and highlights the potential of Web3 for immersive education. Shaikh and Ghugare hope their project will inspire future developments in blockchain education, bridging the gap between theory and practical skills.
Neglect Threatens Ancient Iron Age Menhir in Telangana
An Iron Age menhir, known locally as ‘Niluvu Rayi’, located in Kamasanpalli village of Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, is facing neglect and potential destruction. Believed to have been erected around 1500 BCE as a memorial, possibly for an important individual, the menhir stands as a testament to ancient funerary practices. However, the 8-foot-tall granite structure is leaning eastward and is at risk due to ongoing agricultural activities in the surrounding field. Local farmers have revealed that several Iron Age burial sites, marked by circular boulder formations, have already been cleared during land reclamation. Archaeologist E. Sivanagireddy, who visited the site, expressed concern about the menhir’s condition and highlighted the need for its preservation. This discovery underscores the importance of protecting these ancient sites and ensuring their survival for future generations.
Tamil Nadu to Establish International Dugong Conservation Centre
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is constructing an International Dugong Conservation Centre (IDCC) at Manora, Thanjavur district, to protect the endangered Dugong species and its habitat in the Palk Bay. The center, funded by the TN-SHORE initiative, will serve as a hub for conservation research, knowledge sharing, and community awareness. It will feature a Dugong-shaped main building, a museum, a monitoring lab, a seagrass ecology lab, a tunnel aquarium, and interactive displays. The IDCC will also focus on sustainable livelihoods for the local community through eco-tourism and incorporate water recycling systems and solar power. The project, estimated to cost â¹41 crore, is expected to be completed in two years and will require CRZ clearance from the state government. The center aims to address threats to Dugongs, including boat collisions, entanglement in fishing nets, habitat degradation, and climate change, through conservation strategies such as establishing marine protected areas and raising awareness.
India and Sri Lanka Collaborate on Maritime Security in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar
On November 6, Indian and Sri Lankan naval officers met aboard the SLNS Vijayabahu in the Palk Bay to discuss issues related to maritime security in the region. The meeting, known as the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) meeting, focused on enhancing cooperation to ensure the safety of fishermen, address security concerns in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, and strengthen maritime collaboration between the two nations. Rear Admiral R.K. Dhingra of the Indian Navy and Rear Admiral S.J. Kumara of the Sri Lankan Navy led the discussions, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the shared maritime space.
A Legacy of Empowerment: Kulasekarapattinam’s Journey from Sleepy Village to Hub of Women’s Education
Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal town near Thoothukudi, is known for its Mutharamman Temple and a proposed rocket launchpad. However, its journey to fame began 120 years ago with the establishment of a girls’ school in 1904 by Chettikulam Deivanayagam, known as CD Nayagam. A pioneer in women’s education and a close friend of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, Nayagam’s school, named after his wife Thayammal, adopted unique teaching methods that drew attention from the British government and the Indian Social Reformer. Nayagam’s commitment to empowering women from oppressed classes led him to introduce free meals, a residential school, and communal reservation in admissions. In 1947, he established a teachers’ training institute, Valliammaiar Hindu Teachers’ Training Institute, which empowered generations of women. Despite facing challenges from the proliferation of English medium schools, the schools continue to serve the community, offering Tamil medium education and meals to students from weaker sections.
Kodappana: A Rare Palm Tree Illuminates Kerala’s Landscape
The quaint village of Panamkutty in Idukki, Kerala, is experiencing a unique spectacle as the rare Kodappana trees bloom, attracting tourists on their way to Munnar. The Kodappana, or talipot palm, is a monocarpic species, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime, typically after 40-90 years, and then dies. This magnificent palm boasts the world’s largest inflorescence, with over two crore small flowers, and its massive, umbrella-like leaves can shelter up to 20 people. The Kodappana plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing food for wildlife and serving as a source of starch for communities in the past. Despite its cultural and ecological significance, the Kodappana is classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN due to a lack of population studies. The presence of numerous place names in Kerala, like Panamkutty, Kattappana, and Kudappanakkunnu, reflects the once widespread presence of this remarkable palm, highlighting its enduring impact on the region’s history and environment.