Sikkim Statehood
Sikkim celebrates 50th anniversary of its Statehood.
- Integration with India: Sikkim became the 22nd state of India on May 16, 1975, through the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act.
- Historical Background: Originally ruled by the Namgyal dynasty, Sikkim was a protectorate of British India and later under India’s oversight post-independence.
- Political Transition: A referendum in 1975 led to the abolition of monarchy and full statehood.
- Strategic Importance: Borders China, Bhutan, Nepal, and is home to Kanchenjunga, India’s highest peak
Pushkar Kumbh
Once-in-a-year festival Pushkar Kumbh is being celebrated in Uttarakhand
- A Hindu religious gathering held in Pushkar, Rajasthan, similar to the Kumbh Mela.
- Spiritual Significance: Devotees take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake, believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation.
- Timing & Occurrence: Celebrated every 12 years, aligning with planetary positions
GRAIL Mission
NASA’s GRAIL Mission created the most detailed map of the Moon’s gravity
- NASA’s Lunar Mission: Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) was launched in 2011 to map the Moon’s gravitational field.
- Twin Spacecraft: Named Ebb and Flow, they measured gravitational variations to study the Moon’s internal structure.
- Key Discoveries: Explained nearside-farside differences, volcanic activity, and crustal thickness variations.
- Ended with a controlled impact on the lunar surface after completing its objectives
Monoliths of Willong Khullen
Concerns have been raised over the lack of research and promotion of the ancient monoliths in Willong Khullen, Senapati district (Manipur).
- Megalithic Site: Located in Manipur, these mysterious stone structures resemble Stonehenge.
- Believed to be burial markers or celestial devices, possibly linked to the Maram tribe.
Mahadei River
A protest erupted in Goa after a report by CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, claimed that Karnataka’s diversion of Mahadei river water would have “less impact” on Goa.
- Geographical Location: A west-flowing river originating in Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, and draining into the Arabian Sea9.
- Interstate Dispute: Goa and Karnataka have long-standing conflicts over water-sharing, leading to the Mahadei Water Disputes Tribunal.
- Kalasa-Banduri Project: Karnataka’s plan to divert water for drinking purposes in Belagavi, Dharwad, and Gadag, opposed by Goa.
- Ecological Importance: Supports biodiversity, including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and is vital for Goa’s water security