Is India Winning the War Against Pollution? The fight for cleaner air and water intensifies as the nation grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change. From the devastating floods in Assam to the alarming rise in air pollution levels in Delhi, environmental challenges demand urgent action. This week saw crucial discussions on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy sources at the India Climate Change Conference, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling deforestation and promoting biodiversity conservation. But are these efforts enough? Experts warn of looming water scarcity and the need for stricter regulations on industrial emissions. The future of India's environment hangs in the balance, demanding collective responsibility and innovative solutions. Explore Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and the latest updates on environmental policies, climate activism, and the ongoing struggle for a sustainable India. Discover how you can contribute to a greener tomorrow.
NEW DELHI, Sep 15: The famous Meghalayan Age Caves or Krem Mawmluh in Sohra, rich in speleological features and home to living ecosystems, are among the seven new natural sites included in India's tentative list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Meghalayan Age Caves are geological sites that provided the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the current geological age, the Meghalayan Age. This age, beginning around 4,200 years ago, was defined by the evidence of a major, worldwide mega-drought recorded in the caves' stalagmites and their oxygen isotope ratios. The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has recognized Krem Mawmluh as one of the first 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites globally for its significance in marking this new geological epoch. The scientific name for the current geological age is derived from Meghalaya, where the primary evidence was discovered. The only other site on the list from the region is the Naga Hill Ophiolite in Nagaland's Kiphire - a rare, exposed section of ancient oceanic lithosphere that was emplaced onto continental crust during the India-Myanmar collision. This ophiolite belt provides crucial insights into plate tectonics by preserving a relatively complete sequence of Mesozoic to Cenozoic rocks, including ultramafic mantle rocks, mafic volcanic rocks, and marine sediments like cherts containing radiolarians. The list, even if tentative in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, underscores India's commitment to safeguarding its unique geological and ecological treasures for future generations. The newly added sites span across diverse landscapes of the country, each reflecting distinct natural and geological heritage. The other five sites on the list are -- Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, which are a striking example of volcanic basalt formations; Geological Heritage of St. Mary's Island Cluster, Karnataka, which are known for its hexagonal basaltic rock formations; Natural Heritage of Erra Matti Dibbalu, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh which is famous for its red sand dunes formed by natural processes; Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh which is a biodiversity hotspot with deep spiritual connections; and Natural Heritage of Varkala, Kerala which is noted for its coastal cliffs and unique geological settings. With these inclusions, India's tentative list now boasts 69 properties -- 49under the Cultural category, 3 under the Mixed category and 17 under the Natural category. Officials highlighted that the addition of these new sites demonstrates India's firm dedication to conservation. The tentative list plays a critical role, as it is a mandatory prerequisite before any site is considered for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO applauded the Archaeological Survey of India for its role in preparing the submissions. By expanding its heritage portfolio, India moves closer to having more of its natural wonders recognised globally, reinforcing its position as a nation rich in culture and natural beauty. India has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including four in the Northeast -- Kaziranga National Park (natural, Assam), Manas National Park (natural, Assam), Khangchendzonga National Park (mixed, Sikkim) and Charaideo Moidams. There was a demand to include the world-famous living root bridges of Meghalaya in the UNSECO Heritage list.
GURGAON: The investigation into the murder of a 25-year-old former international tennis player, allegedly by her father, has revealed a sudden deterioration in their relationship. The apparent reason was a disagreement over the academy she ran near their house, but the roots clearly run deeper. The father, who claims to have spent Rs 2 crore on his daughter's tennis career, told interrogators he was troubled by questions about her "character" that some of his associates had raised.Deepak Yadav, who shot Radhika at their house Thursday morning, had allegedly been insisting for two weeks on her ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed delight over the inclusion of the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' in the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking the country's 44th property to receive this prestigious recognition. India is currently a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the term 2021-25. Taking to X, PM Modi said, "Every Indian is elated with this recognition. These 'Maratha Military Landscapes' include 12 majestic forts, 11 of which are in Maharashtra and 1 is in Tamil Nadu." Highlighting the significance of the Maratha Empire, ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 12 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday extended his congratulations to the followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj following the recognition of 12 forts associated with the Maratha king as UNESCO World Heritage sites. 'I congratulate the followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on this historic achievement. I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for nominating these forts for UNESCO recognition. I am confident that these forts will now attract more tourists, and our glorious history will be known across the globe, ...Read More >
Mumbai: The whole of Maharashtra and India rejoiced on Friday as 12 majestic forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (11 in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu) were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While PM Modi and other senior leaders welcomed the announcement, MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday urged the government to act responsibly and ensure strict conservation measures. Last evening, UNESCO announced that it has accorded the status of World Heritage Sites to 12 forts built by Maharashtra's beloved and greatest King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, naming it 'Maratha Mili ...Read More >
Gingee Fort is fortified with high walls, deep moats, and hidden passageways ShowQuick Read Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed The fort is located in Viluppuram district and spans three rocky hills with strong fortificationsIts origins date to the 9th century with additions by Cholas, Vijayanagara, Marathas, Mughals, French, BritishRajaram Chhatrapati used Gingee Fort as a key Maratha resistance outpost during the 17th-century siege Did our AI summary help? Let us know. Chennai: Ta ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tim Curtis, Director, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, has underscored the importance of adopting an 'ethics-by-design' approach to AI development, noting that true inclusivity requires not just functionality but the integration of core ethical values from the outset. He also reaffirmed UNESCO's support for India's vision of an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, transparent, and grounded in trust. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY and CEO, IndiaAI Mission, highlighted India's balanced, pro-innovation approach to AI aimed at building AI in India ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 10 (ANI): In a strong message to private nursing colleges, the Karnataka government has announced that there will be no fee hike for nursing courses this academic year, reiterating its commitment to protecting students from economically weaker sections. Karnataka Medical Education and Skill Development Minister Sharanaprakash Patil made this clear during a meeting with the Association of Nursing Colleges held at Vikasa Soudha on Thursday. Also Read | Patna Murder Case: Days After Industrialist Gopal Khemka's Killing, Sand Trader Shot Dead by Unidentified A ...Read More >
India added another feather to its cultural cap as the Maratha Military Landscapes of India have been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The announcement was made on July 12 during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, marking a major milestone in recognising the Maratha Empire's military ingenuity and fortification architecture.This inclusion brings India's tally of UNESCO-recognised heritage sites to 44, spanning cultural, historical, and natural import ...Read More >
Guwahati/Morigaon, Jun 6 (PTI) The flood situation in Assam continued to be critical with over 5.6 lakh people reeling under the deluge in 16 districts, an official bulletin said on Friday. The toll in this year's floods and landslides stands at 21, with two more deaths reported on Thursday. Also Read | Thane Shocker: Wife Booked for Hurling Hot Oil on Autorickshaw Driver During Fight Over Domestic Issues in Kalyan. Wildlife has also been affected with nearly 70 per cent of the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district facing inundation, an official said. The Regional Meteorological ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 8 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, instead of introspecting on the defeat in the 2024 state assembly polls, has been repudiating the mandate given by the people because they rejected him. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha is preparing his excuses for future defeats in the upcoming assembly elections, including Bihar, Fadnavis said in his articles published in the Indian Express and Marathi daily Loksatta. On Saturday, Gandhi, in an article published in several newspapers and in posts on X, claimed the 2024 Maharas ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a move towards achieving end-to-end digitalisation of the coal exploration value chain, the government on Tuesday said it is set to launch the Exploration Module on the Single Window Clearance System web portal. To be launched through Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) by Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy on July 4, this module will allow allottees to submit their exploration proposals online, which will then be processed and approved by the ministry through the integrated system. The module covers the entire process of Explorat ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 14 (ANI): Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for "politicising" the inclusion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 12 forts in UNESCO's World Heritage List. UBT's Rajya Sabha MP said that while inclusion of the forts is a cause for the celebration for the whole of Maharashtra, the BJP should have also released a joint statement along with the other political parties to celebrate Maratha history. Also Read | Double Murder Shocks Delhi: 2 Best Friends Die After Stabbing Each Other in Khyala, Police Pro ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 8 (PTI) Since 2018, 15 sites across eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa have earned a UNESCO tag, and four new nominations from African countries will be examined at the ongoing session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Paris, Director General of the UN organisation, Audrey Azoulay, said. The spirit of the World Heritage Convention is also to reflect the "diversity and equal dignity of cultures" throughout the world. Yet, 27 States Parties still have no sites inscribed, she said in her address at the opening ceremony of the 47th session of the WHC on Monday. "As you k ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 11 (PTI) 'Maratha Military Landscapes', representing extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers, was on Friday inscribed on the coveted UNESCO World Heritage List, the UN body announced in a post on X. The decision was taken during the ongoing 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) being held in Paris. "New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Maratha Military Landscapes of India, #India," UENSCO said. The nomination for UNESCO tag was for the 2024-25 cycle. Its 12 components are - Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohga ...Read More >
India now has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These were the first The World Heritage Committee met for the first time in 1978, marking the beginning of identifying global sites of "outstanding universal value". The inaugural session marked the beginning of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, an initial list of 12 sites across seven countries, including the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, the historic centre of Quito, Ethiopia's Simien National Park, and Senegal's Island of Gorée. To make it to the list, a site must meet at least one of ten detailed selection criteria. These criteria rang ...Read More >
Guwahati: The flood situation across Assam continues to be critical, with over 5.6 lakh people in 16 districts reeling under the severe flood, an official bulletin confirmed on Friday. The cumulative death toll from this year's floods and landslides has now climbed to 21, following two more fatalities reported on Thursday. Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge! The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) bulletin stated that floodwaters are currently submerging 57 revenue circles and 1,406 villages, impacting a total of 5,61,644 individuals ...Read More >
Amarnath Yatra: Over 1.28 lakh perform pilgrimage, fresh batch of 7,307 leaves for Kashmir Srinagar: Over 1.28 lakh pilgrims performed the ongoing Amarnath Yatra during the last seven days as another batch of 7,307 pilgrims left for Kashmir from Jammu on Thursday. The batch of 7,307 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley. "First escorted convoy of 137 vehicles carrying 3,081 Yatris left at 3.15 a.m. for Baltal base camp while the second escorted convoy of 147 vehicles carrying 4,226 Yatris left at 3.58 a.m. for Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp," officials sa ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said that the UNESCO's move to grant World Heritage Site status to 12 forts, including 11 from Maharashtra and one from Tamil Nadu is a matter of great pride for the entire Maharashtra and the country. In a statement, CM Fadnavis said: "Eleven forts in Maharashtra including Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad , Salher, Sindhudurg, Swarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi and Gingee fort in Tamil Nadu have been declared as World Heritage Sites. These forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 10 (ANI): In a strong message to private nursing colleges, the Karnataka government has announced that there will be no fee hike for nursing courses this academic year, reiterating its commitment to protecting students from economically weaker sections. Karnataka Medical Education and Skill Development Minister Sharanaprakash Patil made this clear during a meeting with the Association of Nursing Colleges held at Vikasa Soudha on Thursday. The government will not allow any fee increase. Most nursing students come from rural and economically disadvantaged ba ...Read More >
Jammu, Jul 11 (PTI) The Indian Army has launched Operation Shiva as part of a multi-tier security setup to secure the ongoing Amarnath Yatra deploying 8,500 troops and a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) grid on the twin routes to the cave shrine, an official on Friday said. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine commenced on July 3 from the valley via twin tracks -- the traditional 48-kilometre-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 9. Also Read | Bihar ...Read More >
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh IT and Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh on Friday hailed the successful implementation of the state-wide 'Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) 2.0' programme. Expressing gratitude to all stakeholders, he credited the collective efforts of government and private schools, colleges, education officials, staff, headmasters, teachers, students, parents, donors, alumni, public representatives, and officers from various departments for making the event a success. ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 14 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, with other leaders of the Mahayuti alliance celebrated the inclusion of 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, India official nomination for 2024-25 cycle, Maratha Military Landscapes of India got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India 44th property to receive this recognition. Speaking about the inclusion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj forts ...Read More >
Guwahati, November 27 (IANS): Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday underscored the northeastern region's legacy, cultural diversity, and natural wealth emphasising its rich cuisine, crafts and biodiversity while inaugurating the 12th edition of the four-day long International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Assam's Kaziranga. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that the ITM is a remarkable opportunity for the northeast India to showcase its rich culture and diversity to the world, adding that the event also offers a platform for people from across the g ...Read More >
Guwahati: VL Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, underscored that the Geological Survey of India has identified over 36,000 square kilometres in the Northeast India as having mineral potential, translating to nearly 3,000 prospective mines. He highlighted that Assam has now firmly entered the national auction map, signalling a new era for mineral development. The 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers' Conclave was inaugurated in Guwahati, Assam on Friday. He called for expanding exploration and research, including leveraging Artificial Intelligence in mineral discovery. Notably, ...Read More >
Puri: Despite travel uncertainties due to recent conflicts in some parts of the world, people from Europe and elsewhere have reached Puri to witness the annual Ratha Yatra of the sibling deities.As non-Hindus are not allowed inside the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, the Ratha Yatra provides a rare opportunity for devotees across the world to see the deities in their full glory atop their majestic wooden chariots."Back home, we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear. But here, I found peace. I came because this is my only chance to see Lord Jagannath. He comes out for the whole world. This is v ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday announced the provisional attachment of assets worth approximately ₹131.45 crore in Spain, including a luxury yacht and immovable properties, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). These assets belong to Pavel Prozorov, a Spanish national and the alleged mastermind behind the unauthorised forex trading platform OctaFX. The attached assets comprise a commercial Italian-model luxury yacht cruising in the Western Mediterranean, a minijet boat, a luxury car, and two residential properties in Spain. The ED's probe was launched ...Read More >
Chennai, July 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed joy over the inclusion of Gingee Fort in the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Taking to social media, CM Stalin wrote: "Delighted that #GingeeFort, famously known as the 'Troy of the East', has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India. This majestic hill fortress now joins Tamil Nadu's proud list of #UNESCO sites including the Great Living Chola Temples, the monuments at Māmallapuram, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the Western Ghats. A p ...Read More >
Lucknow, Jul 17 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh's capital city has secured the third position in the category of urban spaces with population exceeding 10 lakh, while Prayagraj was adjudged the Cleanest Ganga City in the ninth edition of the Swachh Survekshan. Lucknow also became the first city in the state to achieve a 7-star Garbage Free City rating in the 2024-25 survey. Gorakhpur achieved double success, ranking third in the Safai Mitra Surakshit Sheher category and fourth among cities with a population between 3 to 10 lakh. Agra has been recognised as the Emerging Clean City of Uttar Pradesh, securi ...Read More >
Madhya Pradesh has received the "Best Tourism State of the Year" award at the Travel and Tourism Conclave in New Delhi. The state's tourism department has been recognized for its efforts in improving infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, and promoting its cultural and natural attractions, aiming to establish it as a leading global tourist destination. Read less Great news for Madhya Pradesh! The beautiful destination has been honored with the prestigious "Best Tourism State of the Year" award at the Travel and Tourism Conclave and Awards in New Delhi. This is an impressive award in the tou ...Read More >