GSI Marks 176 Years of Geoscience Excellence

Mar 04, 2026 | 579 Views

The Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office of the Ministry of Mines, celebrated its 176th Foundation Day at its Bandlaguda–Nagole office on March 4, 2026. Established in 1851 by Thomas Oldham, GSI is the world’s second-oldest geological survey organization and has played a pioneering role in coal discovery for railways and in advancing geoscientific research in India. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp in the presence of former Director General M. Sridhar, Additional Director General V.V. Mogal, senior retired officers, and representatives from leading geoscience institutions. Speakers highlighted GSI’s historic contributions and its continued commitment to mineral exploration, scientific innovation, and national development. Officials emphasized the organization’s strengthened focus on critical and strategic minerals essential for energy security and economic growth, particularly in the context of evolving global geopolitics. The program included the felicitation of former leaders for their service, the release of 176 tricolour balloons symbolizing the milestone year, and educational exhibits at the Dr. William King Geological Museum to promote geoscience awareness among school students. GSI also reiterated its role in landslide studies, natural hazard assessment, and the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate mineral exploration, aligning its mission with India’s long-term development vision.

Avula Chandrasekhar Felicitated as AP Launches Hanuman Wildlife Initiative

Mar 04, 2026 | 592 Views

Senior forest officer Avula Chandrasekhar, CEO of the Andhra Pradesh Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Board, received a prestigious award during World Wildlife Day celebrations held in Mangalagiri on March 3. The honor was presented by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan at a formal event attended by Forest and Environment officials. The program highlighted this year’s World Wildlife Day theme declared by the United Nations, focusing on medicinal and aromatic plants and their role in promoting health, heritage, and livelihoods. On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister launched the “Hanuman” Foundation project aimed at reducing human–wildlife conflict across the state. The initiative includes GPS tracking systems, 100 rescue vehicles for the Forest Department, 19 emergency response teams, and seven treatment and rehabilitation centers. He stated that the project is designed to prevent crop and life losses caused by wildlife and ensure swift response and compensation. Financial relief has been provided to victims of wildlife attacks, and measures such as bringing trained kumki elephants from Karnataka have been implemented to manage wild elephant movement. The event was attended by senior forest officials and other dignitaries who were also recognized for their contributions to wildlife conservation.

Case Converter: A Handy Capitalization Tool to change the wrong case in seconds.

Mar 04, 2026 | 605 Views

During the Andhra Pradesh Budget Session on Wednesday, Handlooms and Textiles Minister S. Savitha responded to questions raised by members in the Legislative Council, outlining the government’s focus on backward class (BC) communities. She stated that between 2014 and 2019, special priority was given to Vadderas, Rajakas, fishermen, and other BC groups under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. She highlighted the launch of the Adarana and Adarana 2.0 schemes during that period and announced that the upcoming Adarana 3.0 will extend focused support to Vadderas, including a proposal for 15% reservation in mining leases and a 50% concession in seigniorage fees, which are currently under review by the Finance Department. The Minister further detailed welfare measures for fishermen, including increasing financial assistance during the fishing ban period from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, benefiting around 1.20 lakh families. Additional support includes insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh in case of accidental death, a ₹9 per litre diesel subsidy for fishing boats, dedicated residential schools for fishermen’s children, and ₹30 crore allocated for boat repairs. She also noted plans to provide modern washing machines and equipment to Rajakas under Adarana 3.0, and mentioned that the inclusion of certain communities in the SC and ST lists is under examination, with final approval resting with the Central Government.

YS Jagan Graces Wedding Ceremony in Araku Valley

Mar 04, 2026 | 707 Views

On March 4, 2026, in Araku, ASR district, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy attended the wedding ceremony of the son of Araku MLA Regam Matsyalingam. The event was held at the Radha Krishna Temple in Tungalaguda village, located in the scenic Araku Valley region. During the ceremony, YS Jagan conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the newly married couple, Ashwini and Chanakya, and blessed them for a happy and prosperous life ahead. The occasion was marked by traditional rituals and the presence of local leaders, well-wishers, and family members.

Iran Names Interim Supreme Leader Amid Leadership Transition

Mar 02, 2026 | 498 Views

Iran’s clerical establishment has announced the appointment of senior religious figure Ali Reza Arafi as the interim Supreme Leader following reports of the death of the longstanding Supreme Leader. Under Iran’s constitution, when the office of Supreme Leader becomes vacant, a temporary leadership council takes charge until a permanent successor is chosen. Arafi has been named as the highest-ranking member of this interim council, which also includes the head of the judiciary and a representative from the Guardian Council, as well as the chairman of the Assembly of Experts. This temporary leadership arrangement is intended to ensure continuity of governance while constitutional procedures are followed to select the next Supreme Leader. The transitional council is tasked with managing state affairs during this period of change, in line with the nation’s legal framework. International reactions and developments are still evolving as the country navigates this significant leadership transition.