Odisha's Forest, Environment and Climate Change department began a three-day dolphin census at Gahirmatha marine sanctuary and Bhitarkanika National Park. Nine teams of forest officials and wildlife experts will count and study dolphins using binoculars, GPS, maps, and cameras. Five different species of dolphins have been previously sighted in these areas.
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Domestic flights in India were the most packed globally in 2024, with an 86.4% passenger load factor. Despite supply chain constraints and grounded aircraft due to engine issues, India recorded its highest ever domestic air travellers at 163 million. Globally, overall air travel demand and efficiency reached record levels.
The Court of the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities has fined 155 establishments, including central ministries and private firms, Rs 10,000 each for not meeting digital accessibility standards. Establishments must deposit the fines in the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities and face higher penalties if they fail to comply after February 28.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged Tamil Nadu to implement the three-language formula to ensure educational equality. Following this Tamil Nadu CM Stalin claimed that the BJP was using the NEP not to improve education but to secretly push Hindi. The three-language formula is a policy that encourages students in India to learn three languages: their mother tongue, Hindi, and English.
All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide agitation against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, starting with protests in Patna and Vijayawada. AIMPLB spokesperson SQR Ilyas expressed gratitude for the widespread support against the bill. Protests and rallies are planned across several major cities, with broad participation from political parties and minority communities.
The Travancore Devaswom Board has temporarily suspended issuing special passes for devotees arriving via the forest route to Sabarimala. This measure aims to reduce wait times for darshan among those using the virtual queue system. The suspension follows a significant increase in the number of devotees taking the forest path. No special passes will be issued until further notice.
Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for questioning the importance of the Maha Kumbh holy dip. Shah accused Congress leadership of consistently disrespecting Sanatan Dharma and suggested that Kharge's remarks were a diversion from the party's poor track record in uplifting the needy.
Congress MLAs in Rajasthan assembly have decided to camp inside the House with blankets and mattresses in protest over the suspension of six of its members. The assembly had earlier witnessed chaos after a minister's remark sparked outrage among Congress legislators, leading to repeated adjournments.
Trinamool Congress MP Ritabrata Banerjee emphasized in Rajya Sabha the need for the West Bengal government's consultation before finalizing the Teesta water-sharing deal with Bangladesh and renewing the Ganga water treaty. Highlighting the potential impact on local livelihoods and political atmospheres, he conveyed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's concerns, stressing the state's stake in the agreements and their significant implications.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking a hands-on approach to solving the ethnic violence issue in Manipur, aiming for a long-term solution. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju highlighted the government's focused efforts and mentioned Home Minister Amit Shah's extended stay in the state to appeal for peace.
Tensions rose in Etah's Mirhachi area after vandals damaged an idol of Lord Shani Dev in Datei village, marking the second such incident within a week. Police ensured a substantial presence and launched an investigation, while local residents were urged to remain peaceful.