Info Nuggets

Northern, Southern lights

Auroras, also known as polar lights, are spectacular displays of coloured light in the sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions. There are two types: aurora borealis (northern lights) and aurora australis (southern lights). Auroras occur when energy from the Sun collides with oxygen and nitrogen in Earth's upper atmosphere, emitting photons and creating beautiful displays. The colour depends on the gas excited by electrons and their energy level, resulting in green, red, blue, and purple hues. Auroras can affect communication and power lines.

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India’s first zoo to preserve DNA

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling has become India's first zoo to preserve DNA samples of Himalayan wildlife. The "frozen zoo" initiative aims to create a genetic bank to aid future conservation efforts. The zoo, established in 1958, is known for its ex-situ conservation and captive breeding programs. The DNA cryogenic conservation project, launched in 2023, has collected 60 DNA samples so far from species like red pandas and snow leopards. These samples are stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C for future research and conservation.

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Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to strengthen India's disaster response. Key features include disaster management plans by NDMA and SDMA, expanded functions for risk assessments and technical guidance, and urban disaster management authorities. The bill also empowers states to form disaster response forces. While it addresses climate change and institutional strengthening, concerns remain around centralization, overlap with state powers, and omission of climate-induced disasters. Effective implementation requires balancing federal powers and addressing emerging disaster risks.

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Third Battle of Panipat

The Third Battle of Panipat, fought on January 14, 1761, was a pivotal event in Indian history, showcasing the bravery of the Maratha Empire. The battle took place near Panipat, Haryana, between the Maratha Empire, led by Sadashivrao Bhau and Vishwasrao, and the Afghan forces, led by Ahmad Shah Abdali, supported by the Rohilla Afghans and Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh. The battle was sparked by the Maratha expansion, conflict over Punjab, and the formation of an anti-Maratha coalition. Despite initial Maratha victories, including the capture of Delhi in August 1760, Abdali's forces ultimately emerged victorious, leading to a brutal massacre of nearly 40,000 captured Maratha soldiers. The defeat halted Maratha advances in North India, weakening their political influence for over a decade. However, under Peshwa Madhavrao, the Marathas launched a successful comeback campaign in 1771, restoring their dominance in North India. The Third Battle of Panipat remains a symbol of Maratha bravery, with the Maharashtra government planning to build memorials in Agra and Panipat to honour their valour.