1. Zombie Fungus
Science and Technology
Overview:
Recently, wildlife researcher Chris Ketola shared a video showcasing a tarantula infected by a zombie fungus.
About Zombie Fungus:
The zombie fungus, scientifically known as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, completely drains its host of nutrients while filling the host’s body with spores, enabling the fungus to reproduce. It takes control of the host’s mind and motor functions before consuming its body. Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that mainly targets invertebrates, particularly insects like ants and spiders. It is primarily found in tropical regions and commonly infects carpenter ants.
Key Facts about Tarantulas:
- Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders belonging to the family Theraphosidae.
- There are over 900 species of tarantulas, found worldwide except Antarctica.
- They move slowly but are skilled nocturnal predators.
- Adult tarantulas typically measure about five inches (13 cm) in length, with a leg span of up to 11 inches (28 cm).
2. Saora Tribe
Overview:
Recently, the Saora tribal community in Gajapati district, Odisha, was granted habitat rights over their ancestral lands, making Odisha the state with the highest number of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) receiving such rights.
About Saora Tribe:
The Saora is one of Odisha’s ancient tribes, referenced in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. They are also called Savaras, Sabaras, Sora, and other variations. While Odisha is their main region, some also live in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam.
- Language: They speak Sora, a Munda language, and are one of the few tribes in India with a script for their language, Sorang Sompeng.
- Physical Features: The Saoras belong to the Proto-Australoid racial group, common among the aboriginal communities of Central and Southern India.
- Religion: They have a complex religious belief system, worshiping multiple gods and spirits who they believe control their daily lives.
- Unique Traditions: Their distinctive art practices, religious customs, and tattooing tradition, called ‘Tantangbo’, are notable.
The Saoras are divided into two main economic groups:
- Plains Saoras (Sudha Saora): Engage in wet cultivation or wage labor.
- Hill Saoras (Lanjia Saora): Practice shifting and terraced farming on hillsides.
Settlement: Saora villages are scattered and often marked with megaliths commemorating deceased kin. Village guardian deities like Kitungsum are placed at the village entrance. Their houses are typically one-roomed, thatched dwellings with red mud walls.
3. Thanjavur Veena
Overview:
The Thanjavur Veena is the first musical instrument in India to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
About Thanjavur Veena:
The Thanjavur Veena is an Indian musical instrument known for its unique construction. It comes in two varieties: the “Ekantha Veena” carved from a single block of wood, and the “Sada Veena,” which is carved in three sections (resonator, neck, and head). The instrument has 24 fixed frets, allowing all ragas to be played. The wood used is from the jackfruit tree, which undergoes multiple tests before being used. It takes about 15–20 days to complete the instrument, as the wood is intricately carved, shaped, and assembled.
Types:
There are four main types of veena:
- Rudra Veena and Vichitra Veena are prominent in Hindustani classical music.
- Saraswati Veena and Chitra Veena are used in Carnatic classical music.
Thanjavur is the exclusive place where the Saraswati Veena is made, named after the goddess of learning, Saraswati, who is often depicted with a veena.
4. Digital Bus Initiative
Overview:
The Digital Bus Initiative has impacted over 300,000 beneficiaries across several Indian states.
About Digital Bus Initiative:
This initiative is a collaboration between the National Digital India Mission and the NIIT Foundation, launched in 2017 to bring technology to remote areas, foster innovation, and ensure equal opportunities in the digital age.
Objectives:
- Bridge the digital divide in remote regions
- Connect communities to government programs
- Foster interest in learning
- Encourage a multidisciplinary approach to education
- Promote collaborative learning and interpersonal skill development
- Raise awareness of technology in rural areas
- Provide equal opportunities for rural youth
Features of the Buses:
These solar-powered, 5G-enabled buses serve as fully equipped classrooms with computers, Internet, and video capabilities. Pre-installed e-courses, available for free, cover fundamental skills such as using email and the Internet. Additionally, career programs help beneficiaries find employment opportunities in nearby cities or towns.