3 Bathinda sisters defy odds to clear UGC-NET
The three cleared the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test in different subjects.
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News18
an hour ago
- News18
No hidden chamber in Puri Jagannath temples Ratna Bhandar: ASI
Last Updated: Puri, Jul 29 (PTI) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Tuesday said there is no hidden chamber in the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath temple in Puri. The ASI has recently completed the restoration and repair of the Ratna Bhandar. In a post on X, detailing the restoration works, it said, '..there were no hidden spaces (in Ratna Bhadar)." The ASI said it was confirmed on the basis of a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey. It said the Ratna Bhandar, or treasury, comprises two parts — 'Bhitara' Ratnabhandara and 'Bahara' Bhandara, which are separated by an iron gate, locked from the outside. 'After inspecting both the chambers, it was decided to take up a GPR survey to identify if there are any hidden chambers or shelves inside the walls or under the floor," it said. 'The report of the #GPR survey conducted in September 2024 confirmed that there were no hidden spaces. Following the report, conservation began on 17 December 2024. It started with scaffolding in both Bhitara and Bahara Bhandara," it added. The Ratna Bhandar is attached to the northern entrance of the Jagamohana or assembly hall of the temple, the ASI said. Constructed from khondalite stone, Ratna Bhandar was intended to house the valuables of the Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shree Sudarshana, it said. The conservation work was carried out at the Ratna Bhandar in two phases, from December 17, 2024, to April 28, 2025, and from June 28 to July 7. As part of it, the ASI team undertook de-plastering of the inner ceiling, corbels, niches, walls, and outer facade to assess the structure. 'Damaged stones and loose joints were discovered. Joints were sealed, followed by chemical cleaning, both inside and outside," it said. The damaged stone pieces were replaced with new khondalite blocks matching the original profiles. All corbel stones were examined and replaced as needed, it added. The rust-damaged wrought iron beams in the niches were also replaced with stainless steel box beams, and grouting was done in various locations, the agency said. Ratna Bhandar's flooring was also replaced with granite stone over a cushioned sandstone base, ensuring slope for drainage and smooth door operation. The inner iron grill gate was also chemically cleaned and repainted with golden preservative paint, it said. The inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was opened after 46 years on July 14 last year for the repair work, and inventory. PTI AAM AAM SOM view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 16:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Print
an hour ago
- The Print
Tiger population in Kaziranga increases by 27 to reach 148: Report
Of the 148 adult tigers, identified in the three divisions of the forest, 83 are females, 55 males, and 10 with undetermined gender. This growth is particularly notable due to the first-time sampling in the Biswanath Wildlife Division, where 27 recorded tigers have contributed to the overall increase, said the report titled 'Status of Tigers in Kaziranga, 2024'. Guwahati, Jul 29 (PTI) Tiger population in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam has increased by 27 to reach a total of 148, according to a report released on the occasion of International Tiger Day on Tuesday. In the core Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, the population grew from 104 to 115 in 2024, while the Nagaon Wildlife Division maintained a stable count of six tigers. Methodology for the tiger count included the deployment of remotely triggered camera traps in accordance with the Phase IV Protocol of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India, which follows a statistically robust mark-recapture framework to estimate tiger abundance and density. Paired camera traps were systematically placed across 1,307.49 sq km areas within three divisions of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve between December 2023 and April 2024, using a structured grid-based design to ensure comprehensive spatial coverage, the report stated. Based on the report and data published by various sources, it can be inferred that Kaziranga, with a population of 18.65 tigers per sq km, is now ranked as a reserve with the third highest density of tigers in the world, after Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Corbett National Park with 19.83 and 19.56, respectively, an official pointed out. Key drivers of this encouraging rise in tiger population are habitat expansion and protection, she said. An additional area of 200 sq km, including 12.82 sq km of encroachment-free area, has been added in recent years under Burhachapori-Laokhowa sanctuaries, bringing more habitat to the Tiger Reserve, the official said. This strategic extension has significantly expanded the landscape available to tigers, allowing for increased movement, breeding, and dispersal opportunities across divisions. In addition, the enhanced use of technology has revolutionised wildlife monitoring and protection. Along with camera traps, tools such as Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status(M-STrIPES ), drones, and infrared-based electronic surveillance systems (Electronic Eye), are now integral to daily operations. 'These technological advancements have greatly improved anti-poaching measures, movement tracking, and habitat monitoring, leading to greater safety and better data,' the official said. The integration of advanced technologies with meticulous efforts of the forest frontline staff, including 113 trained Van Durgas, the female frontline staff of the Tiger Reserve and the active support of civil society organisations and local communities have significantly helped in filling up data gaps, she said. 'We also recognise the responsibility this milestone brings. It is crucial to continue investing in conservation initiatives, strengthen community involvement, and promote awareness about the importance of biodiversity,' the official added. PTI DG DG BDC This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Over 50 pc tiger deaths since 2021 occurred outside tiger reserves: Govt data
New Delhi, Jul 29 (PTI) More than half of the tiger deaths in India between 2021 and so far in 2025 have occurred outside protected reserves, with Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh accounting for the highest numbers, government data shows. According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), 667 tigers died during this period and 341, or 51 per cent, of the deaths occurred outside tiger reserves. The year-wise data shows 129 tiger deaths in 2021, 122 in 2022, 182 in 2023, 126 in 2024 and 108 so far in 2025. The number of deaths outside reserves was 64 in 2021, 52 in 2022, 100 in 2023, 65 in 2024 and it is 60 in 2025 so far. Maharashtra reported the highest number of 111 tiger deaths outside reserves, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 90. In 2021, Maharashtra recorded 23 such deaths, Madhya Pradesh 18, Kerala five and Telangana four. In 2022, Maharashtra saw 18 deaths, Madhya Pradesh 12, and Kerala and Uttarakhand four each. In 2023, 34 tigers died outside reserves in Maharashtra, 13 in Madhya Pradesh, 11 each in Kerala and Uttarakhand, and six in Karnataka. In 2024, Madhya Pradesh logged 24 such deaths, while Maharashtra reported 16. This year, 20 tigers have so far died outside reserves in Maharashtra, 13 in Madhya Pradesh, eight in Kerala and seven in Karnataka. The NTCA data also shows that 1,519 tigers died between 2012 and 2024, and 634, or 42 per cent, of the deaths occurred outside reserves. Currently, about 30 per cent of India's estimated 3,682 tigers live outside notified tiger reserves. To address the growing human-tiger conflict in these areas, the government plans to soon launch the Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) project, which will cover 80 forest divisions across 17 states. According to the latest tiger-population estimation conducted in 2022, there were around 785 tigers in Madhya Pradesh, 563 in Karnataka, 560 in Uttarakhand, 444 in Maharashtra, 306 in Tamil Nadu, 229 in Assam, 213 in Kerala and 205 in Uttar Pradesh. PTI GVS RC view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
