Info Nuggets
Secret sitting in House
India's parliamentary rules allow for secret sittings in the Lok Sabha, but this provision has never been officially invoked. A secret sitting is a closed-door session where discussions are held confidentially, without public or media access. The Constitution of India doesn't directly mention secret sittings, but it empowers Parliament to frame its own rules under Article 118. The Leader of the House can request a secret sitting, which must be approved and scheduled by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Similar provisions exist for the Rajya Sabha under Rule 266.
Hmar and Zomi tribes
Hmar and Zomi tribal leaders in Manipur have agreed to cooperate to restore peace in Churachandpur after recent clashes. The Hmar and Zomi tribes are part of the larger Chin-Kuki-Mizo ethnic group, with unique cultural practices, languages, and traditions. They inhabit regions across Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, and Nagaland. The agreement aims to promote communal harmony and restore stability in the region.
Kamba Ramayan
The Ministry of Culture has launched an initiative to preserve and promote Kamba Ramayana recitals in Tamil Nadu. Kamba Ramayana, composed by Tamil poet Kambar in the 12th century CE, is a celebrated Tamil epic based on the Sanskrit Valmiki Ramayana. It is renowned for its poetic excellence and spiritual interpretations unique to Tamil culture. The initiative aims to revive the traditional recitation of Kamba Ramayana, which combines Tamil folk elements with deep philosophical and spiritual symbolism.
Wular Lake
Wular Lake, India's largest freshwater lake in Jammu & Kashmir, is facing shrinkage and siltation, posing serious flood risks to the Kashmir Valley. Located in Bandipore district, the lake is fed by Jhelum River and plays a crucial role in the region's hydrology. It is a vital natural flood absorption basin, hosting rich biodiversity, and contributes significantly to the region's fish production. The lake was declared a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.
