The Chhattisgarh High Court has reprimanded the state government for the alleged poisoning of a tiger in Guru Ghasidas National Park, highlighting the government’s failure to protect wildlife and forests. The court, acting on a suo motu PIL, expressed concern over the second tiger death in the area within two years and ordered the additional chief secretary to submit an affidavit detailing measures taken to preserve wildlife. The incident coincides with ongoing legal proceedings regarding the delayed notification of the park as a Tiger Reserve, raising further questions about the government’s commitment to conservation. The court’s action underscores the urgency of addressing wildlife protection and the need for effective measures to prevent future poaching incidents.
12.11.2024
Dragon Fruit Takes Root in Bihar: Bhagalpur Farmers Embrace Exotic Crop
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of the Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) in Bhagalpur has successfully cultivated the exotic dragon fruit, paving the way for commercial production in the region. The fruit, known for its vibrant pink color and sweet taste, is already popular in countries like Mexico, Australia, and China. BAU scientists have conducted successful experiments, and by next year, farmers will receive seedlings to begin commercial cultivation. The dragon fruit offers several advantages, including low water requirements, disease resistance, and high market value. The fruit fetches prices between Rs 150 to 200 per kg and has a long shelf life, making it ideal for transportation and storage. With its high nutritional value and potential for high yields, the dragon fruit is poised to become a significant agricultural commodity in Bhagalpur and the eastern region of Bihar.
Bihar Hosts Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024
Bihar, India, is hosting the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024, a prestigious international hockey tournament, for the first time. The event, which runs until November 20, features six teams: defending champion India, Olympic silver medalist China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the tournament at the newly constructed Hockey Stadium in the Bihar Sports University-cum-state sports complex at Rajgir. The event also saw the inauguration of a newly developed athlete track and football ground in the same complex. The tournament is a significant milestone for Bihar, showcasing the state’s commitment to sports development and its ability to host international events. A robust security plan has been implemented to ensure the safety of players, spectators, and visitors, and arrangements have been made for the participating teams to explore the region’s tourist attractions.
Phualguri’s Raas Costume Artisans: A Legacy Under Threat
Despite facing financial hardships, skilled artisans in Phulaguri, Nagaon district, are meticulously crafting elaborate costumes for the upcoming Raas Mahotsav, a festival celebrating Lord Krishna’s divine love. For generations, Phulaguri has been renowned for its exquisite costumes, ornaments, and accessories, essential for Raas performances. However, rising material costs and low profitability have discouraged younger generations from continuing the tradition, leading to a dwindling number of artisans. Despite these challenges, dedicated artisans like Tankeswar Nath remain committed to preserving this cultural heritage, creating costumes for various characters and supporting performers by offering affordable prices. While facing financial constraints, they are determined to ensure the vibrant performances continue, showcasing their dedication to preserving centuries-old traditions.
Manas National Park: A Triumphant Comeback for Tigers in a Post-Conflict Landscape
A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Conservation reveals a remarkable three-fold increase in tiger population density in Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam, India. This surge, observed between 2011 and 2019, is attributed to enhanced conservation efforts by the state forest department and local communities, coupled with increased funding and improved protection infrastructure. The study, conducted by a team led by Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization, highlights the effectiveness of collaborative conservation strategies in post-conflict regions. The study found a 12% yearly growth rate in tiger population, with the number of adult tigers increasing from eight in 2011-2012 to 44 in 2018-2019. This success is attributed to the park’s location within the Transboundary Manas Conservation Area (TraMCA), a vast interconnected forest landscape spanning India and Bhutan, which provides crucial habitat for tigers. The study also emphasizes the importance of thriving tourism revenue, which has bolstered management budgets and contributed to the park’s conservation efforts. While the recovery of tiger populations in Manas is a significant achievement, the study also acknowledges ongoing challenges such as poaching and habitat loss, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and management to ensure the long-term sustainability of tiger populations in the region.
Ojaswini Saraswat Claims Fourth National Golf Title in Pune
Jaipur’s Ojaswini Saraswat, representing Rajasthan, has won her fourth national golf title at the IGU Maharashtra Ladies & Junior Girls Golf Championship in Pune. She secured the victory with rounds of 73, 69, and 75, overcoming a two-stroke deficit on the first day and even a controversial two-stroke penalty on the final day. This win marks her third national title this year, following a second-place finish in her previous tournament after recovering from dengue. Ojaswini credits her coach, Laurence Brotheridge, and her family for their support, and her dedication to training and practice at the Rambagh Golf Club in Jaipur is evident in her consistent success.
Kalyan Rural Assembly Seat: A Triangular Contest Amidst Infrastructure Woes
The fight for the Kalyan Rural assembly constituency, the only seat held by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in the state, has become a three-way battle between the MNS, Shiv Sena, and Shiv Sena (UBT). The constituency, marked by rapid urbanization and a diverse population, faces challenges related to inadequate infrastructure, despite ongoing projects like road concreting and the Kalyan Taloja Metro. Delayed projects like the Palava junction flyover and the Airoli-Katai elevated flyover are causing traffic congestion. The state government’s promise of growth centers in villages to create employment opportunities for youth has also seen limited progress. Incumbent MNS MLA Pramod Patil claims credit for completed projects, while former MLA Bhoir emphasizes his contributions during his tenure. The BJP, initially supporting Patil, is now campaigning for Shiv Sena candidate Rajesh More due to the alliance. Shrikant Shinde, the Lok Sabha MP, is also actively campaigning for More, highlighting his work in the area.
Persian Manuscripts: A Window into India’s Past
A two-day conference at the English and Foreign Languages University in Hyderabad shed light on the rich history and cultural significance of Persian manuscripts in India. The conference, organized in collaboration with the University of St Andrews, UK, highlighted the role of these manuscripts in Indian historiography and culture. Presentations by scholars like Malini Roy of the British Library revealed the complex history of these manuscripts, showcasing how they were acquired through patronage, trade, and even looting. The conference showcased examples like a portrait of Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah commissioned in Awadh and a painting of Jama Masjid commissioned by Colonel Antoine Polier, demonstrating the evolving interest in architectural artwork in India. Researchers like Sunil Sharma and Jake Benson presented evidence of how manuscripts of Amir Khusrau ended up in various royal collections across India and subsequently dispersed to western countries, including a cache looted from the Awadh royal library in 1858. The conference provided a platform for exploring the fascinating journey of these manuscripts and their enduring impact on our understanding of Indian history and culture.
Celebrating Six-Legged Tigers: Zooreach Honors Tiger Beetles and Dr. David Pearson
The Zoo Outreach Organisation (Zooreach) celebrated World Tiger Beetle Day with a virtual event honoring renowned entomologist Dr. David Pearson. The day, celebrated on Dr. Pearson’s birthday, aimed to raise awareness about these colorful predators and their importance in the ecosystem. Zooreach, along with the South Asian Invertebrate Specialist Group, organized the event to highlight the diversity of tiger beetles in India, which boasts the third highest number of species globally. The event included a talk by Dr. Pearson about his research and a discussion on the conservation efforts needed to protect these fascinating insects. Zooreach emphasized the crucial role tiger beetles play in managing insect populations, including those considered pests to crops. The organization also highlighted the discovery of rare tiger beetle species in Tamil Nadu, underscoring the need for continued research and conservation efforts to protect these “six-legged tigers.”
Anaikarai to Host Crocodile Conservation Centre to Mitigate Human-Crocodile Conflict in Kollidam
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is establishing a Crocodile Conservation Centre at Anaikarai near Kumbakonam to address the growing human-crocodile conflict in the Kollidam River. The â¹2.5 crore project aims to mitigate conflicts, educate local communities about crocodile conservation and human safety, and conduct research on the Mugger crocodile population and its habitat. The centre will include a nature park, a watch tower, and GI chain link mesh fencing in vulnerable areas. The project will also involve awareness campaigns through meetings, street plays, and other publicity modes to educate communities about safe practices and the importance of crocodile conservation. The initiative comes in response to increasing reports of crocodiles preying on livestock and occasionally attacking humans, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to managing the conflict and ensuring the safety of both humans and crocodiles.