Established by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Vayoshreshtha Sammans is a national award bestowed upon senior citizens and organizations who have significantly contributed to the welfare of elderly individuals, particularly those in need. This award has been a part of the International Day of Older Persons celebrations since its inception in 2005, spearheading the recognition of such services.
International Day of Older Persons
On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly appointed the 1st of October as the ‘International Day of Older Persons’. Each year, this day is dedicated to highlighting the unique needs and obstacles encountered by older individuals. The chosen theme for 2018’s celebration was “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions”.
Saturn’s Moon Titan: The Solar System’s Second Stable Liquid Surface
Scientific studies utilizing data from the Cassini spacecraft have uncovered lakes of liquid Methane on Saturn’s moon, Titan. This discovery distinguishes Titan as the sole planetary body in our solar system besides Earth to possess a stable liquid surface.
Saturn: A Brief Overview
Saturn ranks second to Jupiter as the largest planet in our Solar System. Known as a Jovian planet, Saturn is entirely composed of gas. Among Uranus and Neptune, Saturn stands out as the only planet adorned with rings. Currently, Saturn boasts 53 confirmed moons, with Titan being the largest and second largest moon in the Solar System after Jupiter’s Ganymede.
| Launched | Oct. 15, 1997 |
|---|---|
| End of Mission | Sept. 15, 2017 |
| Significance | Cassini orbited and studied Saturn and its moons in detail. The mission also landed the Huygens probe on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, in January 2005. |
Grafting Technology: A Revolution in Agriculture
The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has developed a grafting technology designed to enhance the yield of Brinjal. This technique involves joining the cut stem of two distinct plants – one possessing a root and the other without – in such a way that they grow as a single entity. The resultant plant exhibits the characteristics of both parent plants, promoting growth by facilitating nutrient uptake and fostering resistance to soil-related diseases with suitable rootstocks. Grafting has proven useful in various types of plants including roses, apples, and avocados.
Home Expo India 2019
The 8th edition of HOME EXPO INDIA 2019 was launched at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, under the auspices of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). Recognized as the primary export promotion body for Indian handicrafts, EPCH’s agenda is to stimulate trade in the sector while projecting India as a reliable supplier on the global market.
Notre-Dame de Paris: An Icon of French Gothic Architecture
Notre-Dame de Paris, a medieval cathedral located on an island in the Seine River in Paris, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and considered a paramount example of French Gothic architecture. Its construction commenced in 1160 and culminated by 1260. In 1804, this historical site witnessed the coronation of Napoleon I as Emperor of France. It safeguards the Holy Crown of Thorns, one of the most sacred Holy relics, and additional relics pertaining to the crucifixion of Jesus, such as a fragment of the cross and one of the nails.