India launches 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica

India has successfully launched the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica with the arrival of the first batch of its contingent at the southern white continent. The first batch comprising of 23 scientists and support staff reached the Indian Antarctic Station Maitri last week.  The 41st expedition has two major programmes. The first programme encompasses geological exploration of the Amery ice-shelf at Bharati Station. The second programme involves reconnaissance surveys and preparatory work for drilling of 500 metres of ice core near Maitri. It will help in understanding the Antarctic climate.The Indian Antarctic programme, which began in 1981, has completed 40 Scientific Expeditions so far. India has built three Permanent Research Base Stations in Antarctica, named Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri and Bharati. 

-Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday participated in Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in Bengaluru. Speaking on the occasion, he recalled the contributions of tribal leaders like Birsa Munda in the fight against British rule in India. He commended the decision of the Central Government for declaring the Birth Anniversary of the great tribal leader Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. This occasion, he noted, must be used to highlight the valiant stories of tribal freedom fighters like Rani Durgavati, Rani Gaidinliu, Baba Tailka Majhi, Komaram Bheem, Alluri Sitaramaraju among others. He said that we need to remember that the Tribal communities such as Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis and Mizos contributed to India’s freedom struggle in a big way. The day must also be commemorated in recognising the need to preserve tribal cultural heritage, practices, rights, traditions, cuisines, health, education and livelihood. The Vice President noted with pride that our tribal communities produce innovative handicraft products which are eco friendly and sustainable. He stressed that we must encourage these eco-friendly products like bamboo bottles, jute bags, bamboo baskets, mats, containers and lanterns. He added that we all need to support our artisans and tribal craftsmen and women in a big way and promote entrepreneurship among the tribal youth.

-In a massive drug bust, Mumbai Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 1,127-kilogram consignment of Marijuana (Ganja) from Naigaon Taluka of Maharashtra's Nanded district. NCB Officer Sameer Wankhede on Monday informed that the consignment was brought from Andhra Pradesh to Maharashtra. He said, this consignment was to be delivered at Jalgaon and for onward distribution to other parts of Maharashtra, but it was intercepted and seized in Nanded. The drugs were recovered from a truck loaded with iron and steel. The drugs were reportedly hidden inside gunny bags. According to preliminary information, two persons have been arrested in connection with the case and a truck and a vehicle have been seized. In a statement, the agency said that the massive seizure of Marijuana (Ganja) is one of the highest quantity seizures done by NCB, Mumbai. Follow-up operation is going on to nab the receiver. 

-In Kerala, the southern districts of the state are experiencing heavy downpour. However, the slight decrease in the severity of the rains in some areas brought relief for the local populace. Heavy rains continue to batter Kuttanad, as many regions are flooded. Authorities had declared holiday for all educational institutions in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta district for Tuesday As heavy rains continues, the water level in Mullaperiyar dam is approaching its maximum storage capacity. The shutters of the dam are expected to be opened soon. People on the banks of Periyar are urged to be alert.  Met Department predicts heavy rains in the State for the next two days. Fisherfolks are warned from venturing into the sea on the Kerala-Lakshadweep coast. 

-Eminent Hindi writer Mannu Bhandari passed away at a private hospital in Gurugram on Monday. She was 90. Mannu Bhandari was suffering from age-related ailments and was admitted to the hospital for the past one week. She was the wife of late Hindi fiction writer Rajendra Yadav. Mannu Bhandari was known for her novels 'Aapki Banti' and 'Mahabhoj'. Her famous novel 'Yahi Sach Hai' was adapted into a Hindi movie 'Rajnigandha' in 1974.