New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to all those who were part of the events of 1857, that ignited a spirit of patriotism and contributed to the weakening of colonial rule, for their outstanding courage."On this day in 1857 began the historic First War of Independence, which ignited a spirit of patriotism among our fellow citizens and contributed to the weakening of colonial rule," Modi said in a tweet."I pay homage to all those who were a part of the events of 1857 for their outstanding courage," he said—PTI

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to all those who were part of the events of 1857, that ignited a spirit of patriotism and contributed to the weakening of colonial rule, for their outstanding courage.

PM hails outstanding courage of 1857 revolt heroes

 The skeletons of 282 Indian soldiers who participated in India's First War of Independence in 1857 were found during the excavation near Amritsar, said Dr JS Sehrawat, Assistant Professor, Dept Anthropology, Punjab University.

Skeletons of 282 Indian soldiers found during excavation in Amritsar

Dehradun (The Hawk): Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Dehradun in commemoration of the 75th year of India’s Independence (Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav), organized a one day webinar on the topic ‘Understanding domain of IPR: A wholesome Perspective’. Dr. Renu Singh, IFS, Director &amp; Vice Chancellor, Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Dehradun was the chief guest.&nbsp;The programme was inaugurated with an introductory note by Dr. A. K. Tripathi, Registrar and Scientist –G, FRIDU, Dehradun. The inaugural speech was given by the chief guest, Dr. Renu Singh, Director &amp; Vice Chancellor, FRI, (Deemed to be University), Dehradun. She welcomed all the participants and emphasized on importance of Patents in research and welfare of people. Dr. Vineet Kumar, Scientist –G who was Coordinating this event, has given the introduction of invited speaker, Prof. Dr. Umesh V. Banakar, Banakar Consulting Services, Westfield, IN, USA and also explained about the outcome of this webinar.Afterwards, Prof. Dr. V. Banakar highlighted the various issues related with domain of IPR such as identifying, acquiring, preserving and protecting intellectual rights in modern day world, particularly during translating research investigation to the invention with terms and terminology and further taking it to market where it might face validity and challenges.&nbsp;Later on, Prof. V. Banakar expressed his views on current scenario and put forward his ideas regarding the solution for protection of IPR copyright, patents, inventions etc. All participants in the webinar had enthusiastic interaction with Prof. V. Bankar and raised their queries regarding IPRs issues which were satisfactorily answered by him. At least 60+ scientists, research scholars and students from FRI (Deemed to be University) have participated in the webinar.&nbsp;The programme ended with vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Vipin Parkash, Scientist –F &amp; Programme Coordinator (Forestry), FRI (Deemed to be University), Dehradun.&nbsp;Some Glimpses of Webinar<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1ZO5vriu4MDNbkL72Z8DTfIOCZa02RvCl3CSKJcgkhPrYWI6sGCbbg5Hw2Y8BE5pDbHWMiZvCudENzuBrtiWry1BW2bxS_BNQk62MJpzoCl3tEnsax5YWQtIhCz7gerQIRzMPhh0J5RP3LgofQ"> <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/NdvmB18IaYMvf7-f23VboEzjA-robauIQPjjbruLSGfP6PbLZdP_XtTLpPmUMIgHYoHXRn4nPq0s4lce1AUTsNiaxa-nEV-P574rQTA8Pk63bZYm5ygn0nVaW7oMbMxpxcPpEZWe3FTMJ-gXQQ"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/S-WEYGb59Arc80-0TrH1jIg437hZmTlts_EUt8i2YmAgYhrjWcHZj83W6D-1B0xgttTrFj58yh5WpoFAsG7NmqUNHLpck6aCw_yOFPiXmNskIDOwQ4O-nWwpwwD6Tx62Hj8ff4lNAqyYIry8Tg"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/hGzvCLG3HY4zBBnen84F99_spRYGGmFHvSlBU19gUU946E2QLLINpS2OxF1FD9hBTUTqJ_uaxAYlIw8Jc-aQCMGpqCSd8vCw5OQawhO89I14v7rLEDdvZn0jr74vnUd28dencZLoMN1XtHuOxA">

Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Dehradun in commemoration of the 75th year of India’s Independence (Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav), organized a one day webinar on the topic ‘Understanding domain of IPR: A wholesome Perspective’. Dr. Renu Singh, IFS, Director & Vice Chancellor, Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Dehradun was the chief guest. 

One-day Webinar on “INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS” organized by FRI

Lucknow: For the first time, schools, colleges, universities, government, non-government offices and most importantly, markets will remain open on Independence Day.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that this Independence Day will be celebrated as a special event this year in each district as it is the 75th year of Independence. hief Secretary D.S. Mishra said that a special sanitation drive would be carried out, as is done during the festival of Diwali, and this should be made into a national public movement."Programmes should be held at places linked with freedom fighters. Each day of the week during the Independence Day week should have a different programme. Independence Day celebrations should not be reduced to just an official programme. People should participate in it. People from all walks of life like social organisations, public representatives, NCC and NSO cadets, trade organisations should be linked with it," he said. —IANS

For the first time, schools, colleges, universities, government, non-government offices and most importantly, markets will remain open on Independence Day.

No Holiday In UP On I-Day This Year

New Delhi (The Hawk):&nbsp;&nbsp;Addressing the young IAS officers of 2020 batch, undergoing three months' stint as Assistant Secretaries in Central government before going to their respective State cadres, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science &amp; Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today reminded them of their destined role in 2047 when India celebrates 100 years of independence. With age on their side, only they have will have that opportunity and privilege, he said.Dr Jitendra Singh said, in order to make the Government citizen centric, it is important that we use technology to bring in meaningful exchanges and definite improvements in national governance. He said, today’s citizen aspires to have a voice in the processes of policy formulation and policy implementation.Dr Jitendra Singh noted that the initiative of mandatory stint of Assistant Secretaries with the central Ministries / Departments was a huge experiment introduced at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 has paid off extremely well to the benefit of the Government of India. He said, the Assistant Secretaries are expected to give their inputs for improvement in various Flagship Programmes in different Ministries/Departments of Government of India. This not only gives them an opportunity to demonstrate their skill and talent but also an opportunity to make a presentation before the Prime Minister of India, which is an opportunity that might have eluded their senior batches.Dr Jitendra Singh said, he was informed that this batch of 175 officers has 108officers with engineering background and many officers with background in medicine, management, law and Arts have also joined. He emphasised that it would be very much admirable if they utilise their educational background to showcase how the Ministries/Departments can innovate, use new ideas and deliver high quality outputs directly to citizen with complete elimination of middlemen and leakages. The Minister also hoped that the technocrats will be able to do justice to the flagship programmes of the government in sectors like Health, Agriculture, Sanitation, Education, Skills and Mobility to name a few, which are technology based and technology driven.Dr Jitendra Singh said, as the expectations and aspirations of citizens from the administration and governance are on the rise, information technology, internet, mobile technology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning etc. can bring dramatic changes in the lives of the people and they can help the administration to establish a direct contact with the people. He said, the required improvement in citizen services and speedy resolution of grievances related to them can be brought about by utilising technology in an effective manner.Dr Jitendra Singh exhorted the young bureaucrats to remain grounded and added that their attitude to the common citizen who comes to the doorstep of the Government is going to be one of the most important factors in shaping citizen’s satisfaction from Government Services. Once the attitude is supportive and full of empathy, the attitude of those who are working with civil servants is bound to change and therefore they should strive for being the role model in this Attitude Changing Mission, the Minister added.Dr Jitendra Singh also advised the young officers to adopt a very respectful attitude towards public representatives and listen to them patiently and promptly examine their suggestions in the light of policy framework. He said, wherever feasible or desirable, we may have to seek approvals from the higher ups to serve the cause of citizens. He said, the public representatives be it an MLA or MP or Ward Councillor or Members of Panchayat Societies are elected by people and can provide the officers a lot of insights into what citizens require and how can Government provide effective doorstep services to citizens. The Minister emphasised that young officers in charge of Districts or Tehsils or any Department must ensure that no citizen who needs your intervention or support is turned away from your office empty handed.Dr Jitendra Singh summed that like other years, the officers posted as Assistant Secretaries for the 2020 batch are being given the opportunity to contribute to the major programmes of the Government of India and they are getting posted to different Ministries and are being allocated work relating to the flagship programme. He said, the officers will be required to give suggestions and ideas to improve the delivery of these programmes both qualitatively and quantitatively. During this period, your special focus should be on the States and Districts where implementation of these programmes is slow to take off, the Minister added.Dr Jitendra Singh urged the officers to examine the status of the programmes, ideas and suggestions that were initiated by the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 batches of Assistant Secretaries and ensure that their ideas and suggestions are also taken to the logical conclusion. He said, through this programme, officers are getting an awesome opportunity to gain insight into Policy making with the senior most and most experienced officers at the beginning of the career, which is going to be very useful, relevant and enlightening for all of the officers. It will also help one to understand how policy review and analysis takes place at the highest levels and how decisions are taken before you join the field postings, the Minister concluded.

Addressing the young IAS officers of 2020 batch, undergoing three months' stint as Assistant Secretaries in Central government before going to their respective State cadres, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today reminded them of their destined role in 2047 when India celebrates 100 years of independence. With age on their side, only they have will have that opportunity and privilege, he said.

Dr Jitendra Reminds Young IAS Officers Their Destined Role In 2047 When India Celebrates 100 Years Of Independence 

New Delhi (The Hawk): Ministry of Culture, Government of India is celebrating India’s 75th year of Independence as Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. On this occasion, National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi is organizing a festival “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav- 22nd Bharat Rang Mahotsav, 2022 (Azadi Segment)” to remember and pay tribute to our freedom fighters, under “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav 2022” from 16th July to 14th August 2022. The opening ceremony of the festival was inaugurated by&nbsp;Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture, Govt. of India Sh. Arjun Ram Meghwal. Ms. Malini Awasthi, Padma Shree Awardee, Renowned Indian folk Singer and Sh. Arvind Kumar and Director, Ministry of Culture, were among those who were present on the occasion.Addressing on the&nbsp;occasion , Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that there are many unsung heroes of freedom struggle who have actively participated in the freedom movement, yet have been unable to become a part of our&nbsp;history of freedom struggle. Giving an example ,&nbsp;he also mentioned that in the year 1913 in Maangarh, the tribes of that region have been brutally tortured and killed but it is not a well highlighted incident. The theatre activists and the National School of Drama should come forward to prepare plays based on those incidents switch should be performed across the country to make the citizens aware of such heroes and bring out their stories of bravery and courage, he added.Ms. Malini Awasthi in her address mentioned the various folk songs that were being sung across large part of India in the praise of the freedom fighters. Many of such songs were banned by the British Government but folk artists kept on singing them and thus taking the stories of unsung heros to the next generation. Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Director, National School of Drama, presided over the festival.The opening ceremony followed by the performance of the play “Aranyadhipati Tantia Mama” Directed by Sh. Bansi Kaul.

Ministry of Culture, Government of India is celebrating India’s 75th year of Independence as Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Meghwal Opens The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav—22nd Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2022 

Quetta:&nbsp;Allah Nizar Baloch, head of the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), has said that the world must realise now that Balochs struggle for independence is rightful and just.The gold medalist doctor-turned-resistance leader's statement comes as Balochistan is engulfed in anger over murder of at least nine forcibly disappeared persons in, what victim families are calling, a fake encounter by Pakistani security forces, Balochistan Post reported.In a statement, Allah Nizar said that after Baloch nation's burial of bodies of extra-judicially killed missing persons, the world must realise that Baloch's struggle for independence is just, Balochistan Post reported."Be it politicians or intellectuals, if they turn a blind eye [on situation of Balochistan] then they are answerable to their conscience," he saidPaying obeisance to Baloch women protesting against the incident he said: "Salute to the mothers and sisters who have stood against the tyranny."Earlier, Allah Nizar had said that no power on earth can deny Baloch to wage a defensive war.He also questioned silence of West with regards to conditions in Balochistan and said: "Where is the civilized world UN, US and world powers that have conditioned their foreign policy with upholding human rights?"Referring to the Ziarat incident he said the "recent massacre of nine Baloch in Balochistan is reenactment of Bosnia all over again".However, the families of the accused denied the allegations saying that those killed by Pakistan army in a "fake encounter" were already forcibly disappeared by the Pakistani law enforcement agencies.According to the victim families they had registered them in the list of Baloch missing persons and they have been protesting for their release or fair trial since they were allegedly abducted by the agencies, Balochistan Post reported. —IANS

Allah Nizar Baloch, head of the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), has said that the world must realise now that Balochs struggle for independence is rightful and just.

 Baloch struggle for independence is rightful, just: BLF chief

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended greetings to the government and people of Maldives on the occasion of the country's Independence Day today, as he reaffirmed the Neighborhood First policy and special partnership between India and the Maldives.Taking to Twitter, he extended his greetings to Maldivian FM, Abdulla Shahid and said: "Warm greetings to FM @abdulla_shahid and the Government and people of the Maldives on their Independence Day." "We re-affirm our Neighborhood First policy and our special partnership," Jaishankar said.Notably, India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity and enjoy close, cordial and multi-dimensional relations. India was among the first to recognise the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.Despite its small size, the Maldives is currently being wooed by a number of developed and developing countries due to the Strategic Importance of the Geographic Location of the Maldives with respect to key International Shipping Lanes (ISLs).The Indian Ocean is a key highway for global trade and energy flows. The Maldives is geographically positioned like a 'toll gate' between the western Indian Ocean chokepoints of the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Hormuz on the one hand, and the eastern Indian Ocean chokepoint of the Strait of Malacca on the other. It is extremely important for India's strength in the blue economy through sustainable management and utilisation of marine resources.In 2016, an Action Plan between India and the Maldives was signed for "defence cooperation" to enhance the "shared strategic and security interests of the two countries in the Indian Ocean region".While the recent 'India-First Policy' of the Maldives and India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy' are intuitively complementary, the challenge lies in implementing these policies with cultural, geo-economics, and geostrategic sensitivity. Meanwhile, in another tweet, the EAM also extended his greetings to Liberia's Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and the Government and people of Liberia on their National Day which is also commemorated on July 26. —ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended greetings to the government and people of Maldives on the occasion of the country's Independence Day today, as he reaffirmed the Neighborhood First policy and special partnership between India and the Maldives.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar Greets People Of Maldives On Their Independence Day

Lucknow:&nbsp;Lucknow will light up like never before to mark the country's 75th Independence Day on August 15. As part of an initiative by the district administration and traders, more than 75 markets in Lucknow will be decked up with tricolour lights and 75,000 national flags during celebrations to mark the occasion. District Magistrate Suryapal Gangwar said the administration wanted to involve people from all sections of the society in the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Independence. "The Tricolour would be placed on all residential and business establishments. We want to deck up main markets including Hazratganj, Aminabad, Alambagh, Charbagh, Chowk and Bhootnath. We have spoken to the traders of 75 markets and they have promised to cooperate with us on the occasion," he said. Members of the Lucknow Vyapar Mandal will decorate markets, organise cultural programmes, sapling plantations and other events at the marketplace while the administration will ensure cleanliness and repair of broken roads and drains. This was decided in a meeting of the divisional commissioner and the district magistrate with traders on Wednesday evening. Lucknow Vyapar Mandal senior general secretary Amarnath Mishra said: "Traders will put up more than 75,000 flags and decorate markets with tricolour lights. Traders will also honour sanitation workers who help us in keeping the market clean. They will also distribute food and sweets at orphanages, old age homes and hospitals." "In Hazratganj, traders have agreed to put up uniform signages. The market will be decorated with uniform lights," said Vinod Punjabi, a member of Hazratganj Traders' Association. Sanjay Gupta, president, Uttar Pradesh Adarsh Vyapar Mandal, said: "There are over two lakh traders and dependents in the city, and they all will cooperate with the district administration. We will install LED screens and ensure maximum participation of people in the programme."—IANS

Lucknow will light up like never before to mark the country's 75th Independence Day on August 15.


Lucknow to light up for 75th Independence Day

New Delhi (The Hawk): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated a photo exhibition of freedom fighters and great men of freedom struggle organized by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at Central Bus Station (Ganeshpeth) in Nagpur.
&nbsp;Shri Gadkari honored the freedom fighters and their families present on the occasion.
To celebrate 75 years of Independence "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" MoRTH is organizing Exhibitions at 75 Bus Stations across the country to commemorate the people of India who have been instrumental in the glorious journey of Independent India. These Exhibitions will portray the freedom struggle and the brave men and women who contributed in making India independent sacrificing their lives. These will also highlight the making of constitution and contributions of all our leaders, men and women from all walks of life .

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated  a photo exhibition of freedom fighters and great men of freedom struggle organized by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at Central Bus Station (Ganeshpeth) in Nagpur.

Gadkari Inaugurates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Exhibition Marking 75 Years Of Indian Independence 

New Delhi (The Hawk): India adds 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites to make total 75 Ramsar sites covering an area of 13,26,677 ha in the country in the 75th year of Independence.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The 11 new sites include: Four (4) sites in Tamil Nadu, Three (3) in Odisha, Two (2) in Jammu &amp; Kashmir and One (1) each in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Designation of these sites would help in conservation and management of wetlands and wise use of their resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;
India is one of the Contracting Parties to Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India signed it on 1st Feb 1982. During 1982 to 2013, a total of 26 sites were added to the list of Ramsar sites, however, during 2014 to 2022, the country has added 49 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites.&nbsp;&nbsp;
During this year itself (2022) a total of 28 sites have been declared as Ramsar sites. Based on the date of designation mentioned on Ramsar Certificate, the number is 19 for this year (2022) and 14 for previous year (2021).&nbsp;
Tamil Nadu has maximum no. of Ramsar sites (14 nos), followed by UP which has 10 nos. of Ramsar sites.&nbsp;&nbsp;
1. Tampara Lake:
Tampara Lake is among the most prominent freshwater lakes in the State of Odisha situated in Ganjam district. The depression on the ground gradually filled with rainwater from catchment flow and was called “Tamp” by the British and subsequently termed “Tampra” by the locals. The wetland supports at least 60 species of birds, 46 species of fishes, at least 48 species of phytoplanktons, and more than seven species of terrestrial plants and macrophytes. The wetland is an important habitat for vulnerable species such as Cyprinus carpio, common pochard (Aythya ferina), and river tern (Sterna aurantia). With an estimated average fish yield of 12 tonnes per year, the wetland is an important source of livelihood for the local communities. Along with fishes the wetland also provides provisioning services like water for agriculture, and domestic use and is a well-known tourism and recreation site.
2. Hirakud Reservoir
Hirakud Reservoir, the largest earthen dam in Odisha started operating in 1957. The reservoir to support a range of floral and faunal species, including several of high conservation significance. Out of the known 54 species of fish from the reservoir, one has been classed as being endangered, six near threatened and 21 fish species of economic importance. Fisheries presently yield a catch of around 480 MT of fish annually and is the mainstay of livelihoods of 7,000 fisher households. Similarly, over 130 bird species have been recorded at this site, out of which 20 species are of high conservation significance. The reservoir is a source of water for producing around 300 MW of hydropower and irrigating 436,000 ha of cultural command area. The wetland also provides important hydrological services by moderating floods in the Mahanadi delta, the ecological and socio-economic hub of the east coast of India. Hirakud reservoir supports abundant tourism, and forms an integral part of the high touristic value sites located around Sambalpur with over 30,000 tourists annually visiting the site.
3. Ansupa Lake&nbsp;
Ansupa Lake is the largest freshwater lake of Odisha situated in Banki sub-division of Cuttack district and has its fame from time immemorial for its scenic beauty, biodiversity, and natural resources. The wetland is an oxbow lake formed by River Mahanadi and is spread over an area of 231 ha. The wetland is home to at least 194 species of birds, 61 species of fishes and 26 species of mammals in addition to 244 species of macrophytes. The wetland provides a safe habitat to at least three threatened bird species- Rynchops albicollis (EN), Sterna acuticauda (EN) and Sterna aurantia (VU) and three threatened fish species- Clarias magur (Clariidae) (EN), Cyprinus carpio (Cyprinidae) (VU) and Wallago attu (VU). Ansupa lake sustains the freshwater demands of the surrounding areas and also supports the livelihood of the local communities through fisheries and agriculture. The wetland has immense recreational and tourism potential as it is a major wintering ground for migratory birds and is also known for its scenic beauty.&nbsp;&nbsp;
4. Yashwant Sagar
Yashwant Sagar is one of the two Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the Indore region as well as one of the most important birding sites in Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. Presently it is mainly used for water supply to the city of Indore and is also being used for fish culture on a commercial scale. Yashwant Sagar reservoir comes under the jurisdiction of Indore City Municipal Corporation. Indore which has bagged the title of one of the cleanest cities in India is also often known as center of economic growth of Madhya Pradesh. The catchment area of this wetland is predominantly agriculture. Yashwant Sagar is considered to be a stronghold of the vulnerable Sarus Crane in central India. The lake backwaters have plenty of shallow areas, conducive for waders and other waterfowl. As the water level recedes, many islands serve as roosting sites for waterfowl. Due to its vast shallow reed beds, the wetland is considered heaven to a large number of winter migratory birds.
5. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary
Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, locally known as "Chitrangudi Kanmoli" is located in Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. The wetland is a protected area since 1989 and declared as Bird Sanctuary, coming under the jurisdiction of Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Ramanathapuram division. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary is an ideal habitat for winter migratory birds. Around 50 birds belonging to 30 families have been reported from the site. Out of these 47 are water birds and 3 terrestrial birds. Notable waterbirds spotted from the site area spot-billed pelican, little egret, grey heron, large egret, open billed stork, purple, and pond herons. Chitrangudi is surrounded by agricultural fields, where different crops are grown throughout the year. The wetland also supports a number of fishes, amphibians, molluscs, aquatic insects, and their larvae forming good food sources for arriving waterbirds. Groundwater is extracted for irrigation around and within the wetland for agricultural purposes.&nbsp;
6. Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex
Suchindrum Theroor Wetland complex is part of the Suchindrum-Theroor Manakudi Conservation Reserve. It is declared an Important Bird Area and lies at the southern tip of the Central Asian flyway of migratory birds. It was formed for birds' nesting purposes and it attracts thousands of birds every year. The total population dependent upon Theroor is about 10,500 and 75% of the population’s livelihood hinges on agriculture which in turn is dependent upon the water released from the Theroor tank. This is a man-made, inland Tank and is perennial. Copper plate inscriptions from the 9th century mention Pasumkulam, Venchikulam, Nedumarthukulam, Perumkulam, Elemchikulam and Konadunkulam. Around 250 species of birds have been recorded in the area, of which 53 are migratory, 12 endemic, and 4 threatened.

7. Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary

&nbsp;

Vaduvur bird sanctuary spreads over an area of 112.638 ha, is a large human-made irrigation tank and shelter for migratory birds as it provides a suitable environment for food, shelter, and breeding ground. While these irrigation tanks have socio-economic and cultural significance, very little is known of their ecological importance. These tanks have the potential to harbor good populations of resident and wintering water birds but no studies have been done to confirm this. Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii occurred in most of the surveyed tanks. Large concentrations of wintering waterfowl such as Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope, Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Garganey Anas querquedula were recorded in tanks. Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary has a diverse habitat including a number of inlets and surrounding irrigated agricultural fields which provides good nesting and foraging habitats for birds. Thus, the site provides support to the species listed above during critical stages of their life-cycle.

8. Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary

&nbsp;

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is a Protected area near Mudukulathur Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu. India, declared in 1989. It is notable as a nesting site for several migratory heron species that roost in the prominent growth of babul trees there. The breeding population of migratory waterbirds arrive here between October and February and include: painted stork, white ibis, black ibis, little egret, great egret. The site qualifies as an IBA as the threatened Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis breeds here. The wetland exhibits rich biodiversity including many globally near-threatened species like Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Oriental white Ibis and Painted Stork and also commonly occurring shore and water birds like greenshank, plovers, stilts and forest birds like bee-eaters, bulbuls, cuckoos, starlings, barbets, etc. They act as breeding, nesting, roosting, foraging, and stopover sites for the birdsThe wetland supports IUCN RedList vulnerable avian species like Sterna aurantia (River Tern).

9. Thane Creek

&nbsp;

Thane Creek is located in Maharashtra, India. There are several sources of fresh water to the creek, of which Ulhas River is the largest, followed by many drainage channels from various suburban areas of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai &amp; Thane. It has been declared as Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary. Thane creek is fringed by mangroves on both banks &amp; comprises around 20% of the total Indian mangrove species. The mangrove forest acts as a natural shelter belt &amp; protects the land from cyclones, tidal surges, seawater seepage &amp; intrusions. The mangrove serves as a nursery for several fishes &amp; sustains the local fishery. The area is an important part of the wetland complex of the Central Asian Flyway of the birds and has been categorized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Other than 202 avifaunal species, the creek also houses 18 species of fishes, crustaceans &amp; molluscs, 59 species of butterflies, 67 species of Insects, and 35 species of phytoplankton, and 24 species of zooplankton &amp; 23 species of Benthos.&nbsp;

10. Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve



&nbsp;

Hygam Wetland falls within the River Jhelum basin and plays a significant role as a flood absorption basin, biodiversity conservation site, eco-tourism site, and livelihood security for the local communities. The wetland is located in the Baramulla district. It serves as an abode to many residents and migratory bird species. It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Consequent to the high rate of siltation, Hygam Wetland has lost its wetland characteristics to a large extent and in many places changed its profile into a landmass. This has resulted in further loss of habitat conditions to offer a suitable site for visiting migratory birds (Winter/ Summer migrants) and for resident birds as well. Hygam Wetland provides a plethora of ecosystem services, these include fish and fiber, water supply, water purification, climate regulation, flood regulation, and recreational opportunities. The livelihoods of people living in, and adjoining the fringes of wetlands depend partially or entirely on wetland ecosystem services.

11. Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve

&nbsp;

Shallabug Wetland Conservation Reserve is located in the District Srinagar, UT of J&amp;K. Large areas of the wetland dry up between September and March. The area has extensive reedbeds of Phragmites communis and Typha angustata, and rich growth of Nymphaea candida and N. stellata on open water. It serves as an abode to more than four lakh resident and migratory birds of at least 21 species. Shallabugh Wetland plays a major role in the natural control, amelioration or prevention of flooding, It is also important for seasonal water retention for wetlands or other areas of conservation importance downstream. The wetland is important for the recharge of aquifers. A major natural floodplain system. Shallabugh Wetland provides plethora of ecosystem services, these include fish and fiber, water supply, water purification, climate regulation, flood regulation, recreational opportunities. The wetland serves as an important breeding ground for many species of waterbirds

India adds 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites to make total 75 Ramsar sites covering an area of 13,26,677 ha in the country in the 75th year of Independence.  

75 Ramsar Sites In 75th Year Of Independence-I 

Chennai: The Coimbatore City corporation will inaugurate 75 Miyawaki forests on August 15 as part of the 75th Independence day celebrations.
The Miyawaki forests will be inaugurated across the five zones in the city. The corporation is envisaging establishing 104 Miyawaki forests in the 100 wards of the corporation but as part of the 75th Independence day celebrations, 75 of them will be inaugurated on Monday.
Under the Clean and Green cities initiative, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) announced a project of 104 Miyawaki forests and green parks in the 100 wards of the city and in nurseries across 5 zones in the corporation.
CCMC has requested social organizations, NGOs, environmental organisations, and residence associations who are willing to establish and maintain the Miyawaki forests in the area.
The Corporation said that it has received expression of interest from certain NGOs for the green project.
According to Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) officials, the Environmental Foundation of India will maintain 25 Miyawaki forests while 75 will be established and maintained by DHI Green Foundation. The remaining four will be established and maintained by Kovai Kulangal Pathukappu Amaippu.
The DHI Green foundation office-bearers told IANS that they will be planting native tree species and herbal and medicinal plant varieties including Savukku, Maghizham, Vembu, Naval, and Mahogany.
The Miyawaki forests will be watered using the drip irrigation method with the water provided by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC).&nbsp;
—IANS

The Coimbatore City corporation will inaugurate 75 Miyawaki forests on August 15 as part of the 75th Independence day celebrations.

 75 Miyawaki forests to be inaugurated in Coimbatore on Independence day

Chandigarh: Ahead of Independence Day, the Punjab Police on Sunday claimed to have busted a Pakistan ISI-backed terror module and arrested four persons. Three hand grenades, one IED (improvised explosive device), two pistols and 40 cartridges were recovered, it added. The operation was carried out jointly by the Punjab Police and the Delhi Police. Ahead of #IndependenceDay, Punjab Police foils major terror threat and busts Pak-ISI backed terror module, with help of Delhi Police. 4 module members associated with Canada-based Arsh Dalla &amp; Australia-based Gurjant Singh arrested, the Punjab Police tweeted. Three hand-grenades (P-86), 1 IED &amp; 2-9mm pistols along with 40 live cartridges have been recovered, it said in another tweet. Tight security arrangements have been made across Punjab ahead of Independence Day.&nbsp;
—PTI

Ahead of Independence Day, the Punjab Police on Sunday claimed to have busted a Pakistan ISI-backed terror module and arrested four persons.

Terror module busted in Punjab ahead of Independence Day

New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation officers probing the coal scam case and tasked with internal vigilance are among the 30 sleuths of the premier agency awarded police medals on the 76th Independence Day, officials said Sunday. The awards were announced on the eve of Independence Day. Six officers received the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS) while 24 were honoured with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS), the CBI said in a statement. Additional SP Alok Kumar, who is part of the Special Unit of Mumbai tasked with preventing corruption within the agency, received the PPMDS, it said. The other five officers who received the PPMDS are Deputy SPs Atul Hajela, Tejprakash Devrani and T.Sridharan, Sub-Inspector (SI) Gurmeet Singh, and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Narpat Singh. Deputy Inspector General Keshav Ram, who investigated the coal scam, and Additional Legal Advisor Vijay Kumar Sharma, who successfully built a foolproof case in the matter, were awarded the PMMS. Other CBI officers who received the medal include Superintendent of Police Sandeep Kumar Sharma; Additional SPs Suresh Kumar, Bhartendar Sharma and Bharat Bhushan Bhatt; Deputy SPs Karan Singh Rana, Subhash Pandey, Gulshan Mohan Rathi, T.Selvakumar, Shri Bhagwan, and Manoj Kumar; Inspector Vijay Yadav; SIs Shibani Saha, Shashikant Rajaram Rajapure; ASIs Bishram Singh and Sham Singh; Head Constables Krishan Lal, Rajesh Babu Chauhan, Durga Singh and Tej Pal Singh; Constables Siby, P G and Ram Singh Dhami; and Stenographer Dinesh Singh Pundir, the statement said.&nbsp;
—PTI

Central Bureau of Investigation officers probing the coal scam case and tasked with internal vigilance are among the 30 sleuths of the premier agency awarded police medals on the 76th Independence Day, officials said Sunday.

30 CBI sleuths get police medals on Independence Day

New Delhi: As India is about to mark its 75th year of Independence in a couple of days, Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti has sent a video message from space wishing the country on this special occasion.
The message from Cristoforetti, who is a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut and onboard the International Space Station (ISS), also wished success to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the 'Gaganyaan' programme.
The video was shared by ISRO's official Twitter handle. "Thank you @NASA, @esa, and all the partners of the International Space Station @Space_Station for the wishes on #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav," it said along with Cristoforetti's video message.
The 1-minute 13 seconds long video shows her wearing a red T-shirt as she extends best wishes to the agency.
In it, Cristoforetti said, "On the behalf of ESA, NASA, and all international partners, I would like to wish the best of luck to ISRO as it works on the Gaganyaan programme and gets ready to send humans into space. Expanding our partnership with ISRO and exploring the universe together is a goal for all of us for future space explorations."
She also spoke about NASA and the ISRO's joint Earth-observing mission and added that the International Space Agency is expanding its partnership with ISRO for future space explorations.
The 'Gaganyaan' programme is India's maiden human space mission which is scheduled to take place in 2023. —ANI

As India is about to mark its 75th year of Independence in a couple of days, Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti has sent a video message from space wishing the country on this special occasion.

Astronaut Shares Independence Day Wish For India From Space

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the nation on the 75th anniversary of Independence Day.
The Prime Minister tweeted, "Wishing the countrymen a very Happy Independence Day. Jai Hind!" Narendra Modi, who took over as the country's Prime Minister in 2014, is addressing the countrymen from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the ninth consecutive time.&nbsp;
—IANS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the nation on the 75th anniversary of Independence Day.

 PM Modi greets citizens on Independence Day

New Delhi: As India celebrates the 75th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm, police in the national capital have made stringent security arrangements, especially at the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his address to the nation.&nbsp;
The police have installed over 1,000 high-resolution CCTV cameras in the vicinity of the Red Fort to prevent any threat.
Notably, the city is currently under a heavy security cover after the intelligence agencies received inputs of a possible terror attack in the wake of Independence Day.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has issued five fresh alerts, warning of a possible terror strike in Delhi and several cities.
The law enforcement agencies have been warned that terrorists could use IEDs during the flag hoisting ceremony on August 15 at the Red Fort.
A lot of drones might enter several cities including Delhi from the Pakistan border through Punjab. This was learnt during the questioning of terrorists who were arrested in the recent past.
A few terrorists had even claimed that a lot of drones had entered India through Punjab.
Subsequently, to counter any threat from sub-conventional aerial platforms and manned or unmanned flying objects, including drones, the Defence Research and Development Organisation has installed an anti-drone system near Red Fort.
A DRDO official said the system has the capacity to detect and deactivate multiple drones at the same time within a radius of around 4 km with the help of a jammer that has been installed just next to it.
With the changes in technology, the terrorists may attack the Red Fort through flying objects which could be in the form of flying kites. Due to this, it has been suggested to put a complete ban on flying objects near Red Fort.&nbsp;
Delhi Police, keeping in view all such threats, has taken adequate measures on ground to prevent any such incident.
“Kite catchers have been deployed with equipment on strategic locations who will prevent any kind of Kite, Balloon or Chinese lanterns from reaching the function area,” a senior Delhi Police official told IANS.
Besides this, roof tops and window watchers on windows have been deployed who will keep a vigil and will inform the kite catchers staff, if any kite is noticed. Two rounds of training and briefing have been organised for them.
“Announcements are being made from religious places for motivating the general public not to use any kind of Chinese manjha and avoid kite flying during programme timings on August 13 and 15,” the official said.
He further informed that one Beat Constable has been deployed in each beat to prevent kite flying at the time of function on August 15.
Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are flying objects which have a varied span of dimensions — few centimetres to few meters, and payloads starting from few grams to few kilograms. The trend of using small drones to execute different tasks has increased over the last few years.
At the same time, the threat caused by drones to the society, public security and personal privacy is also becoming increasingly high. From the security point of view, drones allow an attacker to reach any target in any location without risk to personnel, and there is an ever-expanding domain of usage, ranging from weapon carriers to espionage tools.
To mitigate and negate the impact of drones, the Counter-Drone system comes into place which can detect, track and identify airborne drones using multiple sensors, transfer the information to associated systems and enable counter techniques to deny them the intended operation (soft kill) or destroy them (hard kill).
The detection of drones is conducted with the help of Radars and Radio Frequency based detection systems. The identification is done with the help of Electro Optic sensor and COMINT.
The soft kill is carried out with RF jamming and Anti GNSS technologies, and Hard kill with the help of Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
The police since August 14 night could be seen intensively checking all the vehicles coming towards the Red Fort area.
Apart from the stringent security apparatus, the security personnel also maintained the Covid-induced protocol at the Red Fort premises.
The people who came to attend the function were given masks and sanitizers even as the sitting arrangements were made in the way that there was a distance of at least 3 feet between two chairs.
—IANS

As India celebrates the 75th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm, police in the national capital have made stringent security arrangements, especially at the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his address to the nation. 

 I-Day: With 1,000 high res cameras, anti-drone system, Red Fort turns into impregnable fortress

New Delhi: Alphabet and shopping mode Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday extended wishes to Indians on the occasion of the country’s 75th Independence Day with a shopping mode Google Doodle.&nbsp;
The Doodle, illustrated by Kerala-based guest artist Neethi, celebrates India’s 75th Independence Day by showcasing the age-old tradition of flying kites.&nbsp;
“Happy Independence Day, India! We’re commemorating 75 years with a special #GoogleDoodle celebrating family, community and the colourful kites that float in the skies every August 15,” the Indian-American CEO wrote on Twitter.
“One of our fondest memories,A the age-old tradition of kite-flying, has been integral to the Indian Independence Day festivities,” Neethi said in a statement
“The artwork (Doodle) depicts the culture around kites- from the craft of creating bright beautiful kites to the cheerful experience of a community coming together.”
She stated that “soaring kites” is also symbolic of “the great heights we have achieved” as a nation.
Neethi noted that “kites are also an outlet for artistic expression- many of them carry trendy motifs or even social messages”.
“I have drawn kites depicting our national colours, a message of love and commemorating the 75 years of Indian independence. They fly as high as skyscrapers, birds and I’d like to believe the sun!”
India officially became a democratic country, ending nearly two hundred years of British rule on August 15, 1947.
The lengthy struggle for freedom resulted in the birth of the largest democracy in the world. Heroic freedom fighters, such as Mahatma Gandhi, led the country’s independence movement through civil disobedience and non-violent protests.
On August 15, 1947, the Indian national flag was raised for the first time at the Red Fort in Delhi.
The biggest annual celebration takes place at the Red Fort in Delhi, where the Prime Minister raises the saffron, white and green national flag in synchronisation with a 21-gun salute. After the Prime Minister delivers his televised speech, a patriotic parade honours members of the Indian armed forces and police.
People also celebrate by flying kites — a longstanding symbol of independence.
Indian revolutionaries once flew kites with slogans to protest British rule. Since then, recreational and competitive kite flying have become one of Independence Day’s most popular traditions.&nbsp;
—IANS

Alphabet and shopping mode Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday extended wishes to Indians on the occasion of the country’s 75th Independence Day with a shopping mode Google  Doodle. 

 Sundar Pichai wishes India on I-Day with Google Doodle

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday used his Independence Day speech to state that the very existence of the nation is centered around the principles of federalism.
He was the chief guest at the impressive parade that was held as part of the 75th anniversary of Independence. Vijayan took the salute at the parade held here next door to his office at the Central Stadium.
Incidentally, Vijayan of late has been critical of the Centre and when it came to clearing of certain proposals, he reminded the Centre of federalism.
And, on Monday again he used his address on Independence Day to advocate for federalism.
"The existence of the nation is centered around the principles of federalism. A strong Centre and happy states besides the local self government institutions turning into local governments is the foundation of federalism. Taking good care of the economy is also part of federalism and when there are enough funds available for taking forward development, then only the benefits of federalism will reach the people," said Vijayan, clearly making his intent clear.
While Vijayan took the salute here, his cabinet colleagues did the same at the 13 other district headquarters of the state, where similar parades were also held.
Meanwhile across the states, colourful parades and flag hoisting were held at educational institutions, and various other organisations.&nbsp;
—IANS

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday used his Independence Day speech to state that the very existence of the nation is centered around the principles of federalism.

 Pinarayi Vijayan talks about 'federalism' in his I-Day speech

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday made some important announcements for the state employees during his Independence Day address here.
He announced the decision to increase the dearness allowance of the state government employees by three per cent to make it at par with the Central government with effect from January 1, 2022.
Approximately 9.38 lakh state employees, panchayat service and other government employees and pensioners are likely to get this benefit.
Patel said in his Independence Day speech that 71 lakh NFSA card holders of 250 talukas of the state will be given one kg grams per card per month at a concessional rate. The scope will be increased from the presently benefitted 50 talukas.
The existing eligibility criteria for inclusion under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) currently has an income limit of Rs 10,000 per month which will be increased to Rs 15,000.
He said that to promote green energy in the state, electric buses with zero air pollution will be put into operation on iconic routes like Dwarka, Ambaji, and Statue of Unity. He also announced that 1,200 new BS-6 compliant buses will be put into service for which Rs 367 crore has been earmarked.
He also said that ATMs will be placed at 50 bus stations in the state for the convenience of citizens.
Water quality testing of the estuaries of the rivers flowing into the Gulf of Khambhat will be done with modern equipment like Real Time Coastal Water Monitoring System under Encore Project with the assistance of World Bank.
Patel also allocated Rs 3 crore for a 50-bed district level hospital with trauma center facility in Ektanagar-Kevadia Colony.&nbsp;
—IANS

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday made some important announcements for the state employees during his Independence Day address here.

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