The Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs recently launched the 5th Khelo India Youth Games 2022 in Madhya Pradesh. Positioned at the Tatya Tope Nagar Stadium (Bhopal), the event is anticipated to witness engagement from about 6000 players countrywide. Athletes will compete for over 900 medals spanning 27 sports events. This year, sports like kayaking, canoeing, canoe slalom, and fencing will debut. ‘Hindustan Ka Dil Dhadka Do’ serves as the theme for this year’s edition.
Origin and Purpose of Khelo India Youth Games
Established in 2018 as Khelo India School Games, the Khelo India Youth Games’ primary objective is to identify and nurture local sporting talent. The initiative fosters their growth and preparation for national and international sports events. India has raised its sports budget to Rs. 2000 crores, with an additional funding commitment of Rs. 3200 crores pledged over the next five years towards Khelo India.
The End of the Boeing 747 Era
After a glorious run of over five decades, the era of Boeing’s 747, the original “Jumbo Jet” has concluded. Designed in the late 1960s to cater to mass travel demand, the iconic jet also played significant roles globally, symbolizing both war and peace.
Historic Win for India’s U19 Women’s Cricket Team at T20 World Cup
On 29th January 2023, the Indian Under-19 women’s cricket team made history by being the first champions of the ICC U-19 T20 Women’s World Cup. Captained by Shafali Verma, the win stands out as the Indian women’s team’s first World Cup title victory. Previously, the senior Indian women’s team reached the T20 and 50 over World Cup finals. The Indian team triumphed over the England women’s team by 7 wickets with 36 balls remaining in the final. Following this impressive win, the BCCI General Secretary announced a reward of Rs. 5,00,00,000.
Discovery of Oldest Known Caecilian Fossil
US paleontologists have unearthed the first-ever caecilian fossil from the Triassic-era (250-200 MYA) filling an 87-million-year gap in caecilians’ historical record. Named Funcusvermis gilmorei, these are the oldest-found caecilian fossils and push the small mammal’s record back about 35 million years. Before this find, only ten caecilian fossil occurrences were known, dating back to the early Jurassic period (~183 MYA). Today, caecilians are limbless amphibians with cylindrical bodies and compact, bullet-shaped heads that enable them to burrow underground.
The Triassic Period marks the Mesozoic Era’s onset, synonymous with major shifts including continental distribution and life evolution. The period began with a single supercontinent – Pangea. However, increases in plate tectonic activity by the end of the Triassic led to its split.