SACRED GROVES INDIA
Great civilisations: Built on trade, but wary of traders
China ranked people in four groups: scholar, farmer, artisan, merchant. Shi, nong, gong, shang. The idea is old, found in the Guanzi. The scholar governs. Farmer grows food. Artisan makes things. The merchant makes nothing. He buys low, sells high and keeps the difference. So, he goes to the bottom. The first Han emperor, Gaozu, took this seriously. Sima Qian tells us he banned merchants from wearing silk and from riding in carriages. He taxed them hard. Made them look poor, even if they were rich. Then the state ran short of money.
"Yoga has been a part of Odisha's culture": PM Modi appeals for mass participation on International Yoga Day
"International Yoga Day is also being celebrated tomorrow, June 21st... Yoga has been a part of Odisha's culture. From the land of Odisha, I appeal to the people of the entire country and the entire world, all of you should participate in Yoga Day in large numbers," PM Modi said.
'India not for beginners': Internet erupts with videos of devotees parading with snakes around their necks during Nag Panchami mela
A unique spectacle unfolded in Bihar's Samastipur district during the annual Nag Panchami fair. Devotees, ranging from young boys to elderly men, paraded with live snakes draped around their bodies, treating them as divine symbols. The century-old festival, drawing crowds from across the Mithila region, centers on the worship of Mata Vishhari, the local snake goddess.
Revere and conserve
Sacred trees thrive due to reverence. The Gurusheng tree in Arunachal Pradesh grew from Dalai Lama's stick. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Sri Lanka is another example. Buddhist temples in China shelter endangered trees. Religious sites in eastern China are refuges for old trees. Sacred groves in India also protect revered trees. Conservation happens through respect.
Sacred and protected
In a groundbreaking move, the city of Linhares, Brazil, has granted legal personhood to ocean waves, recognizing their intrinsic right to exist, regenerate, and be restored. This law aims to protect the waves at the mouth of the Doce River from pollution and ensure their natural formation.
Who are former PM Manmohan Singh's daughters: Know their professions, education and achievements
Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 13th Prime Minister, was a highly respected economist known for his leadership during India’s 1991 economic liberalization and his tenure from 2004 to 2014. His calm and scholarly approach earned global admiration, despite political challenges. Beyond his public service, his daughters—Upinder Singh, a renowned historian, Amrit Singh, a prominent human rights lawyer, and Daman Singh, an accomplished writer—have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
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India's green energy wind drive hits desert herders hard
Whirring wind turbines in India's Thar desert supply critical green energy for the world's most populous nation, but those living in their shadows say it comes at their expense. - 'Paying the price' - The deserts around Jaisalmer district in Rajasthan are dotted with hundreds of turbines, one of India's largest onshore wind farms.
‘No iron, no steel’: Architects relied on ancient Indian know-how to make Ram Mandir earthquake-proof for 2,500 years
As the entire nation looks forward to the consecration of the sacred Ram Mandir in Ayodhya tomorrow, here is a sneak peek into how the iconic temple was reconstructed.
Sacred groves and Sarna
In Chota Nagpur, Sal tree groves are treated as sacred groves, called Jaher Than or Jaher Ghar. Sacred worship is carried out by the community, with participation of village priests, pujaris and devotees. The sacred grove could also include other trees like mahua, neem and banyan trees.
Thar Desert turns green after unseasonal rains; greenery lures vibrant butterflies to Jaisalmer
Early rainfall and pre-monsoon activities have transformed the Thar Desert of Jaisalmer district into a lush green landscape, attracting a variety of butterfly species. According to local nature enthusiasts, around 45 species of butterflies are currently thriving in the district. The timely rainfall has enabled local grasses and shrubs to flourish, providing ample breeding grounds for butterflies and moths to breed successfully in greater numbers.
Meghalaya to host G20 nations' meet on space in April, governor BD Mishra
"As part of the G20 programme, Shillong will be hosting the Space-20 program on April 17-18," Mishra said, addressing the Republic Day parade at the Polo Ground here.
Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges vying for tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site
Meghalaya's Jingkieng Jri (Living Root Bridge) are trailblazers that not only highlight the symbiotic relationship between Nature and human culture to a global audience, but more so, it focuses on the need to adopt a balanced approach between economy and ecology, something which the state Government has been working tirelessly in the past few years.
When Hindus converted without much fuss, cuss or trouble
Miracle as a motif for persuasive religious conversion has a long history in India. From Tamil bhakti saint-poets in South India to Sufi saints and their karamat or miraculous feats, voluntary religious conversions are well-recorded across different religions.
Sacred Groves CIC in talks for 10-year investment for restoration of forest lands near Kaziranga
A meeting was held by India's representative of the environment conservation oriented social enterprise set up with the objective of conserving the planet’s natural habitats all over the world, Dr. Arvind Kumar Jha, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and (DG), Social Forestry, Maharashtra with Assam Environment and Forest Minister, Parimal Suklabaidya at the latter's office chamber here on Saturday evening.
New plant species found in south Maharashtra named for Sharad Pawar
The species has been named 'Argyreia sharadchandrajii' in recognition of Pawar's contribution as Union agriculture minister, said researchers Dr Pramod R Lawand and Dr Vinod B Shimpale.
Remembering the contribution of Courtesans
Rich and single women well versed in fine arts held a position in ancient times, but in modern literature, they have been described as prostitutes.
There’s more to Ayappa than most Hindus know
Even as Sabarimala has now become a flashpoint for Hindu identity, older layers of the Ayyappa legend, his tribal/hunter-gatherer origins and his worldly, non-ascetic self, have been buried.
COP 21: PM Narendra Modi pulls up rich nations on climate change
PM Modi asked the developed nations to fulfil their duty to shoulder the greater burden of the fight against climate change.
PM Modi's message for developed nations ahead of Paris climate conference
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Paris for the climate summit, has written an article in the Financial Times ahead of the beginning of COP21. In the article, the PM has emphasised on collective global commitment balancing responsibilities and capabilities with aspirations and needs.
Meghalaya's orchids under threat, need sanctuaries: Experts
Meghalaya should consider declaring at least 20 forests as 'biotype sanctuaries' if it has to conserve the exotic species which are facing habitat loss and human exploitation.
Environment ministry to declare 'inviolate' parts of forests soon
Minister of Environment & Forests Prakash Javadekar told ET that “the whole issue is under examination of the ministry.”
Himalayan vulture makes a comeback in the Aravalis
The Himalayan griffon vulture, a threatened species was recently spotted in the Aravalis along Gurgaon-Faridabad highway, near Mangar Bani sacred grove.
Plan a quick getaway to Kerela's Poovar Island or Himachal's peaceful Tabo Monastery
ET-Travel suggests you take a casual day off at work to make the most of an extended weekend in coming months. Here's where you can head to.
New Great Indian Bustard habitat found in Jaisalmer, conservation hopes soar
A flock of 24 GIBs was recently spotted in the grasslands of Salkha area, 45 km from Jaisalmer district. Of them, 21 were males and three females.
Mangerbani forest needs to be protected: Documentary filmmaker Ishani Dutta
At a recent screening of her film, The Lost Forest, Ishani K Dutta speaks to The Times of India about her concerns for environment protection and the efforts to safeguard it.
Maharashtra loses many bat colonies
Several bat colonies in the state have ceased to exist due to development, renovation in old structures or by pest control.
Biodiversity conservation gets a push
The state forest department has developed a plan for conservation of the rich biodiversity outside the protected forest areas, that is, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Cosmic Coils
An awesome nine-hooded serpent carved on a single sheet of limestone dominates the ruins of the Buddhist Stupa unearthed at Kanaganahalli in Karnataka. This is the Naga Muchilinda, who protected the Buddha under his hood for seven days and nights during torrential rains that occurred soon after the Master’s enlightenment.....
Paris looks irresistible from top of Eiffel tower
Paris is more fascinating than even the cliches declare. It seems strange Paris is recognised around the world by Eifferl tower but one look at it as it lights up makes you realise what the fascination is about.
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