The indigenous Tiwa tribes, also known as Lalungs, inhabit the terrains of the Assam and Meghalaya states in India. The term “Tiwa” translates to “people who were lifted from below”. This tribe is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe within the province of Assam. Every April, the Tiwa community celebrates the Khelchawa festival, marking the end of their harvest season. The hill-dwelling Tiwa villagers indulge in Jhum cultivation, horticulture, vegetable farming, and other crops suitable for the local environment. Their communication is predominantly through a Tibeto Burman language.
Cell-based Meat: A New Era in Nutrition
The Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), collaborating with the National Research Centre on Meat (NRCM), has initiated research aimed at producing meat through cellular agriculture. This innovative method involves sourcing cells from animals and cultivating these into meat, often termed as cell-based meat, clean meat or ahimsa meat(non-violence meat). This technology could have massive implications, as it holds potential to address concerns related to food security, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare while being nutritionally equivalent to traditional animal meat.
Emperor Penguin: An Endangered Species
Recent research conducted by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has highlighted alarming statistics regarding the Emperor Penguin colony in Halley Bay, Antarctica. This colony, which is the second largest in the world, has endured a catastrophic breeding failure. Over three years, almost all chicks born in the colony died, attributed to the shrinking sea ice. Emperor Penguins, endemic to Antarctica, are currently classified with near threatened status on the IUCN. In recognition of these aquatic, flightless birds, World Penguin Day is observed every year on the 25th of April.
| Species | Status | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Emperor Penguin | Near-threatened | Antarctica |
| Galapagos Penguin | Endangered | North of the equator |
Mission DELHI: A Pilot Project for Heart Health
Positioned at the forefront of cardiac health, The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) launched Mission DELHI (Delhi Emergency Life Heart-Attack Initiative). The project, currently in its pilot phase, caters to people within a three-kilometer radius of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The initiative’s primary focus is to reduce mortality from ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), a serious type of heart attack caused by total blockage of one of the heart’s major arteries. The mission aims to expedite the delivery of clot-busting medicine to STEMI patients.
RBI’s Green Signal to Foreign Investors for Municipal Bonds
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has eased guidelines for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), now allowing them to invest in Municipal Bonds under defined limits. These bonds are released by urban local bodies to gather funds for specific projects, mainly infrastructure-focused undertakings. This development could help omnipresent organizations to raise funds directly without relying on state grants or bodies like the World Bank.
Yakshagana: Karnataka’s Traditional Theatre
Originating from India’s Karnataka state, Yakshagana is a rare and unique traditional theatre form with over five centuries of recorded history. A stimulating fusion of music, dance, speech, and costumes, Yakshagana combines operative and dramatic elements and focuses on moral education and mass entertainment. Stories performed are primarily drawn from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata, and other epics from Hindu, Jain, and ancient Indic traditions.
Bhakti Movement: Crusade Towards Equality and Devotion
The Bhakti movement, which began around the 6th and 7th centuries AD, gained immense popularity through the verses of Alvars and Nayanars, the Vaishnavite and Shaivite poets. The Bhakti poets emphasized surrender to God and questioned societal norms such as caste discrimination and sectarian zealotry.
Special 301 Report and Its Implications for India
Recently, the United States added India to its Priority Watch List pertaining to alleged violations of intellectual property rights. The Special 301 report released by the Office of The United States Trade Representative lists countries presenting significant IP rights-related concerns. Being placed on this list may lead to the US initiating dispute settlement procedures at the World Trade Organization or eliminating tariff preferences, impacting bilateral trade relations.
