Born on September 26, 1907, in the Jullundur Doab district of Punjab, Shaheed Bhagat Singh remains a key figure in India’s history of independence. He was a prominent member of the Hindustan Republican Association, which was later rechristened as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). Singh also established the militant youth organization known as the Naujawan Bharat Sabha.
In response to Lala Lajpat Rai’s death, Singh and his comrades mistakenly killed Police Officer J.P. Saunders, a mishap that led to their involvement in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. Singh was arrested again, convicted, and hanged on March 23, 1931, for Saunders’ murder and for a bombing protest at the Central Legislative Assembly. This date is now commemorated as ‘Martyrs’ Day’ in his honor. Singh’s significant contributions include his works “Why I Am an Atheist: An Autobiographical Discourse” and “The Jail Notebook and Other Writings.”
The Bolson Tortoise: An Effort towards Conservation
North America’s largest and rarest tortoise species, the Bolson Tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus), is now being protected by determined biologists. These tortoises are unique for spending around 85% of their time in earthen burrows. Their natural habitat is a semi-hot desert climate with winter temperatures averaging at 2.8°C while summer temperatures can reach up to 36.3°C.
Their plastron exhibits a yellowish base color, while the carapace ranges from darker shades of straw yellow to brown. Despite these intriguing characteristics, the Bolson tortoise is considered vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. They are also listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Leander Paes: First Asian Man Nominated to the International Hall of Fame
Leander Paes, a renowned player with multiple Grand Slam victories to his name, is the first Asian man nominated for the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) in the player category for the Class of 2024. This nomination follows Chinese player Li Na’s nomination in 2019 and the nomination of former Indian player Vijay Amritraj in the contributor category.
Paes’ illustrious career includes winning 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, and he has held the title of world No.1 in doubles. The ITHF, located in Newport, Rhode Island, United States, is an esteemed institution and museum that celebrates the history, accomplishments, and contributions of notable individuals and organizations to tennis.
‘Travel for Life’: A Global Program by Ministry of Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism of the Government of India has initiated a global program called ‘Travel for LiFE’ on World Tourism Day 2023 (27th September). This program is a component of Mission LiFE and is designed to foster sustainable tourism. The initiative collaborates with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation(UNWTO), and the United Nations Environment Program(UNEP).
‘Travel for LiFE’ entails two key verticals: Travel for LiFE for Cleanliness, and Travel for LiFE for Rural Tourism. Its mission aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to economic growth, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action, and life below water.
Last Modified: February 22, 2024