The Visakhapatnam Declaration on e-Governance marks a significant step in the development of digital governance in India, emphasizing inclusive, transparent, and citizen-centric practices. Adopted at the 28th National Conference on e-Governance held in Visakhapatnam, this declaration outlines a forward-looking approach to integrate technology into government processes while ensuring that it benefits all citizens equally.
National Vision: The declaration underscores the goal of promoting inclusive and citizen-focused governance. It aligns with the principle of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance," aiming for a streamlined and efficient administrative process.
Technology-Driven Governance: The use of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, GIS, IoT, and Data Analytics is encouraged to deliver real-time, multilingual, and sector-specific services. Examples include platforms like Digital India BHASHINI, Digi Yatra, and NADRES V2.
Replicating Successful Models: The declaration advocates for the nationwide adoption of successful digital models, such as:
SAMPADA 2.0 (Madhya Pradesh): Agricultural value chain integration.
eKhata (Bengaluru): Digital property records.
Rohini Gram Panchayat (Maharashtra): Local governance digitalization.
Drone Analytics Monitoring System (NHAI): Real-time project tracking.
Grassroots and Inclusive Development: Extending digital services to remote areas like North-East and Ladakh under the NeSDA framework. The emphasis is on digital literacy programs for women and youth to ensure no one is left behind.
Cybersecurity and Resilience: Strengthening digital security using Zero-Trust architecture, Post-quantum encryption, and AI-based monitoring to safeguard government systems, particularly in sensitive areas like defense and transportation.
Agriculture and Sustainability: The National Agri Stack is highlighted to support farmers’ access to credit, advisories, and markets, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Collaboration and Regional Innovation: Public-private partnerships are encouraged for scalable digital solutions, with Visakhapatnam being proposed as an emerging IT and innovation hub.
e-Governance refers to the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by the government to enhance public service delivery, exchange information, and engage with citizens. The goal is to make governance more accessible, efficient, and transparent.
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) identified key e-Governance models to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government services. These models promote effective communication and service delivery across different stakeholders, including government departments, citizens, businesses, and employees.
Purpose: Strengthens coordination and data sharing between different departments and levels of government to streamline operations and reduce redundancy.
Description: G2G models facilitate communication and collaboration between various governmental entities. This ensures better integration of government services and promotes data sharing, making governance more cohesive and efficient.
Examples:
Khajane Project (Karnataka): This is a computerization of state treasury operations that ensures smooth management of state finances, enhancing transparency and accountability in financial transactions.
SmartGov (Andhra Pradesh): This platform automates workflows and knowledge management within the state secretariat, ensuring quick processing of government functions and documents.
Purpose: Provides quick, convenient, and transparent public services directly to citizens through digital platforms.
Description: G2C models focus on delivering essential services and information directly to citizens, often through digital platforms. These systems aim to enhance public access to services, reduce corruption, and improve the overall user experience.
Examples:
DigiLocker: A cloud-based storage service where citizens can securely store government-issued documents (e.g., driving licenses, educational certificates) and access them easily.
CoWIN App: A digital platform for vaccination services where citizens can book vaccination slots, track vaccination progress, and obtain certificates.
UPI (Unified Payments Interface): A real-time digital payment system that allows citizens to transfer funds and make payments seamlessly.
e-Mitra (Rajasthan): A one-stop center for delivering a variety of government services to citizens, such as bill payments, certificates, and more.
Gyandoot (Madhya Pradesh): A rural e-service network connecting panchayats to provide services like agricultural information, government schemes, and other local services.
Purpose: Simplifies interaction between government and businesses, promoting ease of doing business by offering digital services that streamline compliance and business operations.
Description: G2B platforms provide businesses with efficient access to government services, from compliance filing to obtaining necessary certifications. These models aim to reduce bureaucratic barriers and simplify administrative procedures for businesses.
Examples:
MCA21 (Ministry of Corporate Affairs): This online system allows businesses to register companies, file compliance documents, and access corporate data. It has significantly reduced the complexity and time involved in doing business.
Purpose: Focuses on the capacity building, training, and efficient management of government employees to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to perform their duties effectively.
Description: G2E models are geared towards empowering government employees with training resources, digital tools, and knowledge management systems that enhance their productivity and help them stay up to date with administrative changes.
Examples:
iGOT Platform: An online learning and training platform for civil servants that helps in strengthening their digital skills and governance knowledge, ensuring better performance in their respective roles.
Improved Service Delivery: Digital platforms like DigiLocker have enabled citizens to securely access important documents such as driving licenses, educational certificates, and more.
Enhanced Industry-Government Interaction: Digital platforms simplify regulatory procedures, improving coordination between businesses and the government.
De-bureaucratization: E-Governance reduces the reliance on intermediaries, connecting citizens directly to government services, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Reduction in Corruption: Online monitoring and direct digital transactions curb corruption. For example, Aadhaar-based MGNREGA wage payments ensure funds reach genuine workers.
Flattening of Hierarchies: ICT enables participation at multiple levels of administration, promoting collaboration and reducing rigid hierarchies.
Plugging Leakages: The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has helped save billions by ensuring funds reach the intended beneficiaries without intermediaries.
Administrative Automation: Digitization makes administration faster and more transparent. For instance, Saharsa district in Bihar became the first paperless district.
Trust Deficit: Data breaches and misuse of information create mistrust among citizens, impacting their confidence in digital services.
Digital Divide: A sharp gap in access to technology exists between urban and rural populations, as only 17% of rural households have internet access compared to 44% in urban areas.
Digital Literacy: Only 38% of households in India are digitally literate, limiting effective usage of online services, particularly in rural areas.
Language Barriers: Since only about 10% of the population is fluent in English, expanding digital services in regional languages is crucial for inclusivity.
High Implementation Costs: E-Governance initiatives require substantial investment in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and maintenance, making cost efficiency a challenge.
Privacy and Security Risks: Cyberattacks, like the CoWIN data breach, have exposed vulnerabilities in government databases, highlighting the need for robust security frameworks.
Interoperability Issues: Lack of standardized data formats and frameworks slows down integration and decision-making between government departments.
National e-Governance Plan (NeGP): Launched in 2006, the NeGP aims to ensure access to government services via a unified digital interface.
Digital India Programme: Initiated in 2015, this transformative program aims to make India a digitally empowered society and economy through projects like BharatNet, DigiLocker, and MyGov.
BharatNet Project: The world's largest rural broadband initiative connects over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats with high-speed fiber internet, helping bridge the digital divide.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Ensures direct delivery of welfare benefits to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, reducing corruption and inefficiencies.
UMANG and MyGov: UMANG integrates 1,000+ government services into one app, while MyGov promotes citizen participation through crowdsourced ideas and consultations.
E-Courts and E-Office Initiatives: These initiatives have digitized judicial and administrative processes for faster and more transparent service delivery.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection: The National Cybersecurity Strategy and Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 provide a framework to secure digital platforms and citizen data.
The Visakhapatnam Declaration on e-Governance sets a forward-thinking vision for India’s digital transformation, ensuring that technology benefits all citizens, including those in remote areas. While significant progress has been made, challenges like the digital divide, cybersecurity, and ensuring accessibility for all remain. Through continued efforts, India can build a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient governance framework that delivers real value to its citizens
In Medak, near the Edupayala temple, a dramatic rescue operation took place after two youths from Kukatpally were swept away by the swollen Manjeera River.
The Manjeera River is a key tributary of the Godavari River. It flows through several states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.
Origin: The river originates in the Balaghat range of hills near Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra, at an altitude of about 823 meters (2,700 feet).
Path: It passes through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, with the final stretch forming the boundary between Maharashtra to the west and Telangana to the east.
Confluence: It eventually drains into the Godavari River at Basara, near Nizamabad, Telangana.
Total Length: The river spans a total length of 724 kilometers.
Catchment Area: The catchment area of the Manjeera River is approximately 30,844 square kilometers.
Some notable tributaries that feed the Manjeera include:
Haldi (Haridra)
Lendi
Nalla
Manyad
Terna
Tawarja
Gharni
Several important water projects have been developed along the Manjeera River to provide irrigation and drinking water to the region:
Singur Dam / Singur Reservoir:
This project is located in the Medak district of Telangana and serves as a key source of irrigation and drinking water for the surrounding areas.
Nizam Sagar Project:
Another significant project on the river, providing irrigation water to a large portion of the Nizamabad region in Telangana.
The Manjeera River plays a crucial role in sustaining the agricultural needs of the Telangana and surrounding regions, especially during the dry seasons.
At the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. This initiative aims to overhaul India's technical training landscape and create a robust skill development infrastructure.
The PM-SETU scheme is a centrally sponsored program with an investment of Rs 60,000 crore. It focuses on transforming 1,000 Government ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes) across India into modern, industry-aligned institutions.
Hub-and-Spoke Model:
The scheme will follow a hub-and-spoke model. This will involve:
200 Hub ITIs: Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovation centres, incubation units, training facilities, and placement services.
800 Spoke ITIs: These will serve as outreach centres, ensuring broader access to skill development across the country.
Industry-Aligned Training:
The scheme will:
Introduce new, demand-driven courses that are in line with industry needs.
Revamp existing courses with the help of industry partnerships.
Establish Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with Anchor Industry Partners to manage and monitor the clusters and ensure that training remains outcome-oriented.
Diplomas, Short-Term & Executive Programs:
PM-SETU will provide pathways for:
Long-term diplomas.
Short-term certification courses.
Executive programs for skill upgradation.
Centers of Excellence (CoEs):
The scheme will also focus on strengthening 5 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) as Centers of Excellence. These institutes will develop global partnerships and enhance skill training:
Bhubaneswar (Odisha)
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
Hyderabad (Telangana)
Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
Ludhiana (Punjab)
Global Co-financing Support:
The initiative is backed by financial support from global institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
First Phase:
The initial phase of the scheme will focus on Patna and Darbhanga ITIs.
Boost to Skill Development:
By upgrading ITIs and aligning their courses with industry standards, the scheme will enhance employability and fill the skill gap in various sectors across India.
Industry Collaboration:
Collaborating with industries will ensure that the training provided is not only relevant but also directly linked to real-world job opportunities.
Job Creation:
The upgraded ITIs, with their new infrastructure and specialized courses, are expected to provide skill-based training to thousands of youth, ultimately contributing to job creation and reducing unemployment.
Global Recognition:
Strengthening the Centers of Excellence with global partnerships will raise the standards of training, ensuring that Indian workers are skilled to meet international standards.
The Production Gap Report 2025 reveals a troubling trend: many countries are planning to increase fossil fuel production well beyond the levels needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C as per the Paris Agreement. Despite commitments to climate goals, fossil fuel production is on track to significantly outpace what is necessary to prevent catastrophic climate change.
The Production Gap Report is a comprehensive analysis published by several organizations, including the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Climate Analytics, and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), and is backed by the United Nations (UN). The report tracks the discrepancy between the fossil fuel production planned by governments and what is actually required to meet global climate targets.
The 2025 edition of the report marks the fifth iteration since its first release in 2019 and builds on findings from the 2023 report.
Rising Coal Demand:
Coal continues to be the most misaligned fossil fuel in terms of global climate targets. Projected coal production in 2030 will be 500% higher than what is needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
India’s Coal Gasification Mission, launched in 2020, targets the gasification of 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030, further exacerbating the global coal production gap.
Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into syngas, which can be used for power generation but still contributes significantly to emissions.
Increase in Fossil Fuel Production:
Planned fossil fuel production for 2030 will exceed levels required for a 1.5°C pathway by over 120%, and by 77% for a 2°C pathway.
Governments are planning higher coal production to 2035, gas production to 2050, and oil production also extending to 2050. This signifies a long-term reliance on fossil fuels, undermining climate goals.
In 2023, Rs 726 billion were spent on oil and gas subsidies in India, with plans to increase the share of natural gas in the energy mix from 6.2% to 15% by 2030.
Major Contributors to Fossil Fuel Emissions:
In 2022, China, the US, and Russia together accounted for over half of global extraction-based emissions from fossil fuels.
20 major producers contribute to around 80% of global fossil fuel production.
17 of these 20 major producers plan to increase at least one type of fossil fuel by 2030.
Limited Alignment with Climate Targets:
Only 6 countries are aligning their fossil fuel production with net-zero targets as of 2025, up from 4 in 2023.
Countries such as China, India, US, and Germany are still planning to produce more fossil fuels than what is compatible with climate goals.
India faces a delicate balancing act in transitioning to renewable energy while managing its fossil fuel sector. The GRIDS framework outlines potential steps:
G - Grid Infrastructure Modernization:
Invest in energy storage solutions like batteries and pumped hydro.
Create green energy corridors to store and transmit solar and wind power efficiently, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
R - Reskill Workers:
Reskill workers in coal-dependent regions such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
Repurpose mining areas for renewable energy projects like solar parks, creating socially responsible job opportunities.
I - Increase Energy Efficiency:
Implement strict energy efficiency standards across industries and residential sectors.
Promote demand response programs to manage energy use during peak times, reducing the pressure on fossil fuels.
Support schemes like the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme, aimed at improving energy efficiency in industrial sectors.
D - Develop Natural Gas as a Bridge Fuel:
Increase the share of natural gas from 6.2% to 15% by 2030 as a cleaner alternative to coal.
Use flexible gas plants that emit 50% less CO? than coal to support the transition to renewables.
S - Sustainability through Policy Integration:
Align fossil fuel reduction targets with renewable energy goals using policies such as carbon pricing, renewable subsidies, and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
India has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the adoption of clean energy:
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles (FAME): Promoting electric mobility to reduce oil consumption and air pollution.
National Green Hydrogen Mission: Boosting the production and use of green hydrogen as a clean energy source.
Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Expanding renewable energy infrastructure to improve the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Encouraging energy efficiency in industries by rewarding reductions in energy consumption.
National Policy on Biofuels: Promoting biofuels to replace fossil fuels in sectors like transportation.
The Production Gap Report 2025 highlights a dangerous contradiction in global climate policy. Despite pledging to combat climate change, countries continue to expand fossil fuel production, prioritizing short-term energy security and economic growth over long-term climate goals. This growing gap between production plans and climate targets poses a significant threat to the goals of the Paris Agreement and exacerbates the risks of catastrophic global warming.
The Coral Triangle, often referred to as the ‘Amazon of the Seas’, is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet. Spanning over 10 million square kilometers, it is home to a wealth of marine life, including over three-quarters of the world’s coral species, a third of all reef fish, and six of the seven marine turtle species. This critical area is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also crucial for the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on its resources for food and income.
Countries Involved: The Coral Triangle encompasses the following countries:
Indonesia
Malaysia
Papua New Guinea
Singapore
The Philippines
Timor-Leste
The Solomon Islands
These countries collectively form a region that supports an incredibly rich array of marine life, including vast mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.
Biodiversity Significance:
Marine Life: The Coral Triangle contains the highest diversity of coral species and reef fish in the world. It is home to roughly 30% of the world's coral reefs.
Ecosystem Services: The region sustains the livelihoods and food security of more than 120 million people, providing essential ecosystem services such as coastal protection, fisheries, and carbon sequestration.
Despite its immense biodiversity and importance, the Coral Triangle faces several threats, primarily driven by human activity and climate change:
Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures due to global warming are causing coral bleaching, a phenomenon that weakens coral reefs, making them more vulnerable to disease and death.
Destructive Fishing Practices: Blast fishing, cyanide fishing, and overfishing are depleting fish stocks and damaging the fragile coral reefs.
Pollution: Plastic waste, oil spills, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage are polluting the waters, further stressing the coral ecosystems.
Carbon Emissions: Ocean acidification, caused by increasing carbon dioxide levels, is affecting the ability of corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, weakening the reefs.
In a significant step to protect the Coral Triangle’s marine biodiversity, The Philippines is set to host Southeast Asia’s first coral larvae cryobank. This initiative links research institutions in the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand to create a network of cryobanks across the region. The cryobank aims to preserve coral larvae and genetic material from a variety of coral species found within the Coral Triangle.
The establishment of these cryobanks is crucial for coral restoration efforts, as they will:
Store genetic material of healthy coral species for future restoration projects.
Help in studying coral resilience to climate change and other environmental stressors.
Enable regeneration of coral reefs in areas affected by bleaching or damage.
By collecting and preserving coral larvae and genetic material, the cryobank can serve as a genetic reservoir, enabling the recovery of coral species that may be at risk of extinction or loss due to environmental changes.
Corals are sessile animals, meaning they remain fixed in one location throughout their life. They live in colonies made up of hundreds or even thousands of genetically identical polyps (individual coral animals). These polyps share a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, tiny single-celled algae that live within their tissues. Through photosynthesis, these algae provide the corals with nutrients and food, while the coral provides the algae with protection and access to sunlight.
Corals also catch food from the surrounding water using their tentacle-like appendages, which sweep food into their mouths. This mutualistic relationship allows coral reefs to thrive and support a wide range of marine species.
Protecting the Coral Triangle is not just about preserving biodiversity but also ensuring the survival of communities that depend on the sea.
Nurseries for fish: They provide shelter and food for the juvenile stages of many fish species, which eventually support local fisheries.
Coastal protection: Healthy coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting coastal areas from the impact of storms, waves, and erosion.
Economic Benefits: The tourism industry in the Coral Triangle, including scuba diving and marine recreation, is worth billions of dollars annually, providing significant income to local communities.
The launch of the coral larvae cryobank marks a promising step in safeguarding the future of the Coral Triangle and its invaluable marine ecosystems. However, effective conservation will require regional cooperation, investment in sustainable fishing practices, and global efforts to combat climate change.
Recently, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) has been spreading rapidly among children in Delhi and neighboring Haryana, prompting both health experts and schools to issue advisories to the public. The highly contagious viral infection is typically seen in children but can also affect adults in rare cases.
HFMD is caused by several types of viruses, most commonly the Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. The disease is highly contagious and tends to spread rapidly among children, particularly in settings like daycare centers, schools, and other places where children are in close contact.
Name: The disease is named for the characteristic blister-like rash that forms on the hands, feet, and mouth. However, the rash can also appear on other parts of the body, such as the chest, back, buttocks, and genitals.
Age Group Affected: Infants and children under 5 are most likely to contract HFMD. While uncommon in adults, it is still possible for adults to get infected.
Transmission: HFMD is highly contagious and spreads through:
Unwashed hands
Feces
Saliva
Mucus from the nose
Fluid from the blisters
The disease spreads quickly in settings where children are in close contact, such as schools and daycare centers.
Difference from Foot-and-Mouth Disease: HFMD should not be confused with foot-and-mouth disease (also known as hoof-and-mouth disease), which affects cattle, sheep, and swine. The two diseases are caused by different viruses and do not affect each other (humans do not get the animal disease, and animals do not get the human disease).
The symptoms of HFMD typically appear 3 to 7 days after exposure to the virus and can include:
Fever: Often the first sign of infection.
Sore Throat: Common along with fever.
Painful Mouth Sores: These can blister and are typically found inside the cheeks, gums, and tongue.
Rash: Typically seen on the hands and feet, but can also spread to other areas of the body like the chest, arms, and buttocks.
Loss of Appetite: Due to the painful mouth sores.
Most children and adults recover without complications. Complications from HFMD are rare but can include viral infections or dehydration due to difficulty swallowing.
There is no specific cure for HFMD, and no vaccine currently exists to prevent the disease. Treatment typically focuses on symptom management:
Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease the pain from mouth sores and fever.
Fluids: It is important to stay hydrated, especially since children may refuse to drink due to painful mouth sores.
Topical treatments: Some soothing ointments can help relieve the pain of the rash.
Most people recover on their own within 7 to 10 days with minimal medical treatment. However, children under 2 years of age may take a little longer to clear the virus from their system.
Although there is no vaccine for HFMD, some preventive measures can help reduce the risk of infection:
Good hygiene: Regular handwashing, especially after using the bathroom or before eating, can significantly reduce the spread of the virus.
Avoiding close contact: Infected individuals should stay home from school or daycare until they have recovered to prevent spreading the infection to others.
Disinfecting surfaces: Regularly disinfecting toys, doorknobs, and common areas can also help prevent transmission.
HFMD is a contagious viral infection that spreads quickly among children but is usually self-limiting with proper care and hygiene. Though complications are rare, it’s important to monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if needed, especially for infants and young children.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently issued 84 Quality Control Orders (QCOs), based on recommendations from various ministries and departments. These orders are aimed at ensuring that products meet quality standards, reinforcing BIS's role in regulating and promoting product safety and quality across various sectors in India.
BIS is the National Standard Body of India, established under the BIS Act, 2016. It plays a key role in setting the framework for product quality and safety in the country.
Harmonious Development: BIS was created to oversee the standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods.
Ensuring Quality and Safety: Its primary mission is to ensure that products in the Indian market adhere to prescribed quality standards, thereby protecting consumers from hazardous goods.
BIS is the successor to the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), which was established in 1947 to manage quality control and efficiency in the rapidly industrializing India.
BIS represents India in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), facilitating India’s involvement in global standardization efforts.
BIS operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution.
The BIS headquarters is located in New Delhi, with regional and branch offices spread across India.
BIS performs a wide range of functions that contribute to the development and safety of goods and services across India:
Quality Control and Safety
BIS ensures that goods available in the market meet quality standards, safeguarding consumer interests.
Consumer Protection
Through its certification and testing services, BIS minimizes health hazards to consumers by regulating the quality of products in the market.
Promoting Exports
BIS helps promote exports by ensuring that Indian products meet international standards, making them more competitive in the global market.
Standardization
The organization plays a critical role in standardizing products across industries, from agriculture to electronics, ensuring consistency and quality.
Certification and Licensing
BIS provides product certification schemes under which it grants licenses to manufacturers across a wide variety of industrial sectors. These licenses assure consumers that the products they buy are of acceptable quality.
In recent years, BIS has issued 84 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) in response to the recommendations made by various government ministries and departments. These QCOs are part of efforts to regulate the quality of products being manufactured and sold in India, thereby improving consumer safety and ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
These QCOs primarily target:
Enforcement of Quality Standards: Ensuring that manufacturers adhere to specific standards for their products.
Safety Compliance: Ensuring consumer safety by mandating that all products meet safety norms before they enter the market.
The Bureau of Indian Standards plays a vital role in the development of India’s economy by ensuring product quality and safety. With its broad-ranging certification schemes and the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs), BIS continues to drive India’s competitive edge in both domestic and international markets.
As part of the Wildlife Week celebrations, Delhi's Forest and Wildlife Department recently announced six days of daily bird walks at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant ecological area located on the Southern Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli hill range, straddling the Delhi-Haryana border.
Area: 32.71 square kilometers
The sanctuary spans across Southern Delhi and the northern parts of Faridabad and Gurugram districts in Haryana.
It forms part of the North Aravalli Leopard Wildlife Corridor, which extends from Sariska National Park in Rajasthan, through Haryana, and connects to the Delhi Ridge.
The sanctuary merges with the Indo-Gangetic Plain, making it an important biodiversity hotspot.
Asola Bhatti holds substantial biodiversity significance, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. It is part of the Southern Ridge, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance in the region.
The sanctuary's vegetation is categorized under the Northern Tropical Thorn Forests type (Champion & Seth, 1968).
It has xerophytic plants with adaptations such as thorny appendages, wax-coated, succulent, and tomentose leaves to withstand the dry conditions.
Some notable trees include Neem, Peepal, and Jamun, and the area also boasts a large collection of medicinal plants.
The sanctuary is home to several species of mammals, including the Nilgai (Blue Bull), Indian Porcupine, Indian Hare, and Indian Grey Mongoose.
Over 200 species of birds can be found here, including iconic species such as:
Indian Peafowl (Peacock)
Red Junglefowl
Indian Grey Hornbill
The bird walks organized during Wildlife Week provide an opportunity for nature enthusiasts to explore and learn about the rich avian diversity of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary’s ecological importance is amplified by its role in the North Aravalli Leopard Corridor, making it an essential part of the broader conservation efforts in the region.
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a vital natural reserve that contributes significantly to the biodiversity of the Delhi Ridge and the Aravalli Range. The sanctuary not only supports a wide array of flora and fauna but also plays a key role in larger wildlife corridors, ensuring the migration and survival of species like leopards and other mammals.
The Tikhir tribe is an indigenous Naga community in Nagaland, and their recent appeal to the Nagaland Director General of Police regarding the inclusion of aspirants from their tribe in the Nagaland Police constable recruitment reflects their ongoing efforts for greater representation and recognition.
Language: The Tikhir people speak Naga Yimchungru, a language belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family. This linguistic connection links them to many other Naga tribes.
Religious Practices: With the arrival of Christian missionaries in the region, the majority of the Tikhir people converted to Christianity. However, they still retain some aspects of their indigenous folk beliefs alongside Christianity.
Headhunting: Historically, the Tikhir tribe was known for headhunting, which was seen as a prestigious act. In traditional Tikhir society, a man's status and respect were linked to the number of enemies he had killed. Although headhunting is no longer practiced, it remains a part of their cultural history.
The Tikhir tribe is primarily an agricultural community, and their livelihood depends heavily on farming. This self-sustained lifestyle has been central to their culture and survival.
As a smaller tribe within the larger Naga community, the Tikhir people have historically faced challenges of marginalization and harassment by larger Naga tribes. This struggle has led to their advocacy for inclusion and equal representation.
The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) has been actively working to ensure the tribe's inclusion in various governmental processes and recruitment opportunities, such as the Nagaland Police constable recruitment. This particular effort highlights their desire for greater representation and recognition in state institutions.
The Tsonglaknyi Festival is the main festival of the Tikhir tribe, observed annually from October 9th to 12th. The festival is a cultural celebration and is centered around the sanctification of the shield, symbolizing strength and protection. This festival plays a crucial role in preserving the tribe's traditions and fostering a sense of unity.
The Tikhir tribe, though small in numbers, is rich in culture and history. Their efforts for greater recognition and representation in modern Indian society are essential steps towards ensuring their preservation and inclusion in the broader political and social landscape of Nagaland.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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