Banni Festival
Three persons had lost their lives in the traditional Banni festival.
- State – Andhra Pradesh (Devaragattu, Kurnool)
- A traditional stick-fighting festival, celebrated on the night of Vijayadasami.
- Location – Mala Malleswara Swamy Temple (situated at border of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka).
- It celebrates the victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati over demon Mani and Mallasura.
Gudavi Bird Sanctuary
Several birds die at Gudavi bird sanctuary.
- Location – Shimoga District, Karnataka.
- Main bird species – White ibis, Egrets, Cormorants, Snake birds (Darters), Spoon bills, Herons and Ducks.
Pliosaur
Fossils of a 170-million-year-old ancient marine reptile from Age of Dinosaurs have been identified as oldest-known megapredatory Pliosaur.
- A group of ocean-dwelling reptiles with short necks and massive skulls.
- Oldest large-bodied pliosaur – Lorrainosaurus
Betelgeuse star
By using MATISSE (Multi Aperture mid-Infrared Spectroscopic Experiment) instrument, Scientists found that dimming of Betelgeuse star was due to a burst of dust, in form of silicon monoxide, coming from star.
- Other Names – Alpha Orionis (‘Thiruvathirai’ or ‘Ardra’ in Indian astronomy)
- 2nd brightest star in Orion constellation
- A supergiant star, distinctly red in colour, 7,500 to 14,000 times brighter than Sun.
- Distance from Earth – 643 light years