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Recently, an expert panel of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recommended granting environmental clearance (EC) to the Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh. The project site falls within a known habitat of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, raising conservation concerns. About the White-Bellied Heron The White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) is a large heron species and is considered the second largest l

Microlensing

A recent scientific study has successfully used gravitational microlensing to determine the mass of a rogue planet, that is, a planet not orbiting any star. This highlights the importance of microlensing in detecting and studying otherwise invisible celestial objects. What is Microlensing? Microlensing is a phenomenon in which the light from a distant background star is bent and magnified by the gravitational field of a foreground object as it passes across the observer’s line of

Thadou Tribe

The public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has recently sought inputs from the Programme Head of All India Radio (AIR), Imphal, regarding the recruitment of staff to resume live radio broadcasts in the Thadou language and other major dialects of Manipur. This initiative aims to promote linguistic inclusion, preserve indigenous tribal languages, and strengthen cultural representation through public broadcasting in the border state. About the Thadou Tribe The Thadou are an indigenous tribal c

RQ-170 Sentinel

A rare U.S. Air Force RQ-170 “Sentinel” stealth surveillance drone was recently observed returning to Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in eastern Puerto Rico. This sighting occurred after the United States conducted overnight military strikes against targets in Venezuela. The movement of the drone suggests its role in intelligence and surveillance support during the operation. About the RQ-170 Sentinel The RQ-170 Sentinel is an American high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned a

Typhoid

The city of Gandhinagar is currently witnessing a surge in typhoid cases, which has been linked to contaminated drinking water. This outbreak has exposed serious deficiencies in the city’s newly laid water supply system, particularly with respect to water quality monitoring and sanitation safeguards. About Typhoid Typhoid is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It primarily affects populations living in areas with inadequate access to safe d