Celebrating 100 Years of Rashtra Sewa

RASHTRIYA SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH (RSS)

Introduction: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is one of the largest voluntary organisations in the world. It was founded in 1925 to promote social unity, discipline, and service to the nation. Over the years, the RSS has grown into a major cultural and social force in India, inspiring millions of volunteers to work for society.

Foundation and History: The RSS was founded on 27 September 1925, which was the day of Vijayadashami (Dussehra), in Nagpur, Maharashtra by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. At that time, India was under British rule, and there was a need to instill patriotism, unity, and self-confidence among the people. Hedgewar’s vision was to create an organisation that would train individuals to dedicate themselves to the service of the country.

Organisation and Activities: The basic unit of the RSS is called a Shakha (meaning "branch"). In a Shakha, members, known as Swayamsevaks, gather regularly for physical training, group games, patriotic songs, discussions, and social service activities. The aim is to build discipline, leadership, and teamwork.

The RSS does not have a formal membership system—anyone attending Shakhas and contributing to activities becomes part of it.

Ideals and Principles - The RSS emphasises:

● Discipline and Character-building

● Selfless Service (Sewa) to society

● Nationalism and Patriotism

● Unity beyond caste, language, or region

● Preservation of Indian culture and traditions

Social Work and Contributions: The RSS and its volunteers are known for their social service. They have actively participated in relief work during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisation also runs schools, hostels, and service projects in rural and tribal areas, focusing on education, health, and social welfare.

Influence and Legacy: Over time, the RSS has influenced many social, cultural, and political movements in India. Several organisations, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), have connections with the RSS.

Its impact on Indian society is significant, as it continues to inspire volunteers to dedicate themselves to the nation’s service.

Importance on Dussehra: The day of Dussehra (Vijayadashami) holds special importance for the RSS because it was on this day that the organisation was founded in 1925. Dussehra symbolises the victory of good over evil, truth over falsehood, and righteousness over injustice. For the RSS, this day represents the beginning of its mission to build a strong and united India through discipline, service, and cultural values.

Every year on Dussehra, the RSS holds its annual Vijayadashami address, where the Sarsanghchalak (chief of RSS) shares the organisation’s vision, achievements, and future goals. This tradition highlights how the ideals of courage, unity, and service—central to Dussehra—remain guiding principles for the RSS even today.

Centenary Celebration – 100 Years of RSS: This year, 2025, marks a historic moment for the RSS as it completes 100 years since its foundation. The centenary celebrations are not just an occasion to look back at its long journey, but also to renew its commitment to the ideals of nationalism, social service, and cultural pride. For millions of Swayamsevaks, this Dussehra is especially significant because it celebrates a century of dedication to the nation and sets the vision for the next hundred years.

Conclusion: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is not just an organisation but a movement devoted to the values of unity, service, and patriotism. By promoting discipline and social service, it has played an important role in India’s cultural and social development. Its foundation on Dussehra gives it symbolic strength, and in 2025, its centenary celebration makes this day even more meaningful, reminding us that the spirit of service and victory of good are timeless values for every generation.

Towards a Data-Driven World

A CAREER AS A DATA SCIENTIST 

Have you ever wondered how Netflix suggests movies you’ll love, how Google Maps tells you the fastest route, or how Instagram shows you posts that match your interests?

The answer is data science. Data scientists are like detectives who search through huge amounts of information to find patterns and solutions. Their work helps companies make smart decisions.

What do Data Scientists do?

A data scientist’s job is exciting but challenging. Here’s what they usually do:

● Collect data from different sources like apps, websites, surveys, or social media.

● Clean the data (because real-world data is often messy!).

● Ask the right questions — for example: Why are customers leaving a shop? How can we improve a delivery system?

● Use statistics, mathematics, and computer programs to find answers.

● Build models that can predict future trends.

Explain their findings to managers, engineers, and even non-technical people in simple words.

● Work with different teams like marketing, operations, and customer service.

In short, they turn raw data into useful knowledge.

Where are they needed?

Everywhere! 🌍

■ Healthcare → predicting diseases and improving treatment.

■ Sports → improving player performance and team strategy.

■ Finance → detecting fraud and managing risks.

■ E-commerce → recommending products you’ll like.

■ Education, manufacturing, telecom, transport… the list goes on.

If you’re curious, enjoy problem-solving, and love learning, data science can open endless doors.

How do you become a Data Scientist?

1. Education

First, study Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science at school.

In college, take a degree in Math, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, or Engineering.

2. Learn Programming

Languages like Python, R, SQL, and Java are must-knows.

Practice with small projects and competitions (like Kaggle).

3. Higher Studies / Courses

Postgraduate courses in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, or Business Analytics are helpful.

Subjects you’ll study: data visualisation, cloud computing, machine learning, database systems, and more.

4. Keep Practising

Build your own projects: analysing cricket scores, predicting exam marks, or studying YouTube trends.

This helps you gain confidence and stand out.

Skills you need

✔ Strong maths and problem-solving skills

✔ Good communication (to explain tough ideas simply)

✔ Creativity and curiosity to ask the right questions

✔ Patience and persistence (because not every experiment works!)

✔ Team spirit and time-management

✔ Attention to detail

Where can you study in India?

☆Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata – famous for statistics courses.

☆IITs – Kanpur, Bombay, Roorkee, Kharagpur, Bangalore (Mathematics, Computing, and Data Science programmes).

☆Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad and Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai – offer Business Analytics courses.

☆IISERs – BS-MS programmes with a focus on science and data.

Many online platforms and short-term bootcamps also offer training.

How much can you earn? 💰

¤ Freshers (0–2 years): ₹6–10 lakhs per year

¤ Mid-level (3–5 years): ₹10–20 lakhs per year

¤ Senior experts (6–10+ years): ₹20–35 lakhs or more

Top cities for data science jobs in India are Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai.

Job Options

With data skills, you can become:

◇ Data Scientist

◇ Data Analyst

◇ Machine Learning Engineer

◇ Big Data Engineer

◇ AI Specialist

◇ Data Architect

Final word

Data science is one of the most exciting careers of the 21st century. It’s not just about numbers — it’s about solving real-life problems, helping people, and shaping the future.

If you enjoy maths, computers, and puzzles, and if you’re curious about “why” and “how” things happen, this field could be your perfect match!

✨ Remember: Data is the new oil, and data scientists are the engineers who refine it.

Our National Flag

 THE TIRANGA 

The national flag of India, fondly called the Tiranga or Tricolour, is a proud emblem of our nation’s unity, freedom, and sovereignty. It reflects the spirit of sacrifice, peace, and progress, and occupies a sacred place in the hearts of every Indian.

The journey of the Indian National Flag: The Tiranga we know today was not created overnight. It evolved through many designs during the freedom struggle, each representing the political aspirations and dreams of the people of India.

🇮🇳 Early Flags(1906–1917)

● 1906 – The Calcutta Flag 

Designers: Sachindra Prasad Bose and Sukumar Mitra.

Where hoisted: Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Design: Three horizontal stripes – green (top) with eight half-open white lotuses, yellow (middle) with “Vande Mataram” written in Devanagari script, and red (bottom) with a white sun and a crescent moon.

Significance: The first unofficial national flag symbolising unity against colonial rule.

● 1907 – The Berlin Committee Flag

Proposed by: Madam Bhikaji Cama and Indian revolutionaries in Europe.

Designed by: Hemchandra Kanungo.

Design: Similar to the 1906 version but with seven stars on the top stripe representing the Saptarishi (seven sages).

Event: Unfurled at the 2nd International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany.

● 1917 – The Home Rule Flag

Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.

Design: Nine alternating horizontal stripes (five red and four green) with seven white stars in the shape of the Saptarishi. A Union Jack was placed in the top-left corner, and a crescent moon and star were on the top right.

Significance: Represented the demand for self-governance within the British Empire.

🇮🇳 The Swaraj Flag (1921–1931)

● 1921 – Gandhi’s Swaraj Flag

Event: All India Congress Committee session at Bezwada (now Vijayawada).

Designer: Pingali Venkayya, modified by Mahatma Gandhi.

Design: Red and green stripes representing Hindus and Muslims, with a white stripe added for other communities. A Charkha (spinning wheel) was placed in the centre to symbolise self-reliance and Swadeshi.

Significance: Became a unifying symbol of the freedom movement.

● 1931 – The Tricolour with Charkha

Adopted by: Indian National Congress.

Design: Saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom, with a blue Charkha in the centre.

Note: It was clarified that the colours had no communal association—Saffron stood for courage and sacrifice, White for truth and peace, and Green for prosperity.

Significance: Direct forerunner of the current national flag.

🇮🇳 The Current Tiranga (1947 – Present)

On 22 July 1947, just before India’s independence, the Constituent Assembly adopted the current form of the national flag.

Design Changes: The Charkha in the centre was replaced with the Ashoka Chakra—a navy-blue wheel with 24 spokes, taken from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

Symbolism:

Saffron: Strength and courage.

White: Peace and truth.

Green: Fertility, growth, and auspiciousness.

Ashoka Chakra: Eternal movement, progress, and the principle of Dharma (righteousness).

The Tiranga was officially hoisted for the first time as the national flag of independent India on 15 August 1947. Since then, it has been a constant reminder of our nation’s unity, sovereignty, and heritage.

Respect for the Tiranga: The Flag Code of India prescribes rules for displaying and handling the national flag. It must always be hoisted with dignity, never touch the ground or water, and be treated as a sacred national symbol.

Conclusion: The evolution of the Tiranga is not just a story of changing designs—it is the story of India’s awakening, sacrifices, and unity in diversity. From the early flags of 1906 to the majestic Tricolour of today, each version carried the hopes of millions. The present Tiranga is a symbol of our identity and a constant inspiration to uphold the values of courage, truth, peace, and progress.

Nature’s Fury Unleashed

🔥WILDFIRES🔥

Every year, wildfires burn millions of acres of forests, grasslands, and even human settlements around the world. They are powerful, fast-spreading fires that can cause widespread destruction—but they also play a natural role in some ecosystems. So, what exactly are wildfires, and why do they happen?

What Is a Wildfire?

A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that rapidly spreads across vegetation, such as forests, grasslands, or brush (refers to wild, dense vegetation made up of small trees, bushes, or shrubs). Unlike controlled fires that are planned and managed, wildfires spread quickly and unpredictably, especially under dry and windy conditions.

Causes of Wildfires: Wildfires can be caused by both natural factors and human activities.

✅ Natural Causes:

Lightning: A major natural cause, especially in dry areas.

Volcanic eruptions: Lava and hot ash can ignite fires.

Spontaneous combustion: Rare but possible when dry vegetation and gases interact.

❌ Human Causes: Campfires left unattended, burning of waste or agricultural fields, discarded cigarette butts, sparks from vehicles or power lines, arson (deliberate setting of fire). More than 80% of wildfires worldwide are triggered by human activity.

How Wildfires Spread: Wildfires need three elements to burn, known as the fire triangle:

1. Fuel (dry leaves, grass, trees)

2. Oxygen (from the air)

3. Heat (from a spark or flame)

When these three elements are present, the fire can grow rapidly. Wind plays a key role in spreading fires by blowing embers to new areas.

Effects of Wildfires

🔴 Negative Effects: Loss of life and property, destruction of wildlife habitats

Air pollution: Smoke from wildfires can cause breathing problems and spread over large distances.

Climate change: Burning forests release large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

🟢 Some Positive Effects:

Renewal of forests: Some trees like pinecones need fire to release seeds.

Clearing dead vegetation: Helps new plants grow.

Nutrient recycling: Ash returns minerals to the soil.

🧯 Prevention and Safety: While wildfires can’t always be prevented, many can be avoided through responsible behavior:

Never leave a campfire unattended.

Avoid burning dry waste during hot, dry weather.

Report any fire immediately to local authorities.

Create firebreaks (clear areas without vegetation) in high-risk zones.

Governments and forest departments use controlled burns to reduce fuel buildup.

In wildfire-prone areas, early warning systems, satellite monitoring, and community awareness are essential to save lives and property.

Wildfires and Climate Change: Climate change is making wildfires more frequent and intense. Rising temperatures, longer dry seasons, and frequent droughts mean forests and grasslands are becoming more flammable.

Countries like the USA (California), Australia, Greece, and Canada have faced devastating wildfires in recent years, displacing thousands and costing billions in damage.

🌱 Our Role

Even small steps can make a big difference:

Plant more trees and protect forests.

Avoid littering and polluting forest areas.

Educate others about wildfire safety.

Wildfires remind us that while nature is powerful, it is also fragile. We must act responsibly and work together to protect our environment and reduce the risk of such disasters.

"Let’s be aware. Let’s be safe. Let’s protect our forests before the flames do."

Honouring India's Bravehearts

🇮🇳 KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS 🇮🇳

🌄 What is Kargil Vijay Diwas?

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 26th July every year to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. It is a day to remember the bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism of Indian soldiers who fought in extreme conditions to defend the nation's borders.

🪖 What was the Kargil War?

The Kargil War took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani soldiers and militants secretly occupied high-altitude Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC).

The Indian Army launched Operation Vijay to drive them out.

After nearly 60 days of intense fighting in tough mountainous terrain, the Indian forces successfully regained all the occupied posts.

🎖️ Significance: To honour the victory of Indian Armed Forces in the Kargil War of 1999

⚔️ Key Facts about the War:

Over 500 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

The war was fought at heights of 16,000 to 18,000 feet, in freezing temperatures.

The operation was a great military success for India.

The Indian Air Force also played a crucial role through Operation Safed Sagar.

🇮🇳 How is Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebrated?

Events are held at war memorials, especially at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.

Tributes are paid to the martyrs and war heroes.

Patriotic songs, speeches, and parades are organized in schools, colleges, and military establishments.

Citizens share messages of respect and gratitude on social media.

🕊️ Why is it Important?

Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just a day of celebration — it is a reminder of the courage and selfless service of our armed forces. It teaches us to:

Respect our soldiers

Value national security

Be proud of India’s strength and unity

🌟 Famous Heroes of Kargil

Captain Vikram Batra (PVC – Param Vir Chakra)

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav (PVC)

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar (PVC)

Lt. Manoj Kumar Pandey (PVC)

These brave soldiers are remembered for their fearless acts of valour.

📝 Conclusion

Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of India’s pride and resilience. It reminds us that freedom comes at a cost, and we must always honour those who protect it. Let us salute our heroes and carry their spirit forward with unity, courage, and patriotism.

A global salute to the pride of Maharashtra and India

🏰 The Forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO

In a moment of great pride for India, UNESCO has officially declared the forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as World Heritage Sites. This historic recognition not only honours the architectural brilliance of these forts but also celebrates the legacy of a great visionary—Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire.

🌍 What is a World Heritage Site?

A World Heritage Site is a place recognised by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) as having special cultural, historical, or natural significance. Such sites are considered treasures of the world and are protected for future generations.

🛕 The forts that earned global recognition 

The recognised forts are part of a group titled “The Forts of Shivaji”, showcasing hill forts, sea forts, and forest forts that formed the backbone of Shivaji Maharaj’s military strategy. These forts were included in India’s tentative list in 2021 and have now been officially inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

🔹 List of recognised forts:

1) Raigad Fort, Raigad: Capital of the Maratha Empire, Shivaji Maharaj’s Samadhi

2) Rajgad Fort, Pune: First capital, strategic hill fort

3) Torna Fort, Pune: First fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj

4) Pratapgad Fort, Satara: Site of the famous Afzal Khan encounter

5) Sindhudurg Fort, Sindhudurg: Naval sea fort built on an island

6) Lohagad Fort, Lonavala: Powerful hill fort, connected to history

7) Rajmachi Fort, Pune: Twin forts with forest surroundings

8) Salher Fort, Nashik: Site of the great battle with Mughals

9) Khanderi Fort, Alibag: Sea fort used to guard western coastline

10) Kulaba (Alibag) Fort, Alibag: Sea fort with temples, well-planned layout

11) Lingana Fort Near Raigad: Steep, rock-cut fort used as prison

12) Korigad Fort, Lonavala: Fort with lake on top, well-preserved walls

Why these forts are special 

These forts are not only strong stone structures—they are living monuments that tell stories of courage, strategy, and self-rule (Swarajya).

🛡️ Built with the terrain in mind, not luxury or size.

⚓ Included sea forts, which showcased Shivaji Maharaj's naval strength.

🌄Represented the Maratha spirit of independence and defense.

📜 Places of historic events, coronations, and decisive battles.

🌐 What this means for India

This recognition by UNESCO puts the Maratha forts on the global map. It acknowledges the vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a master of fort architecture and strategy, and it will help:

✅ Boost historical awareness among youth

✅ Encourage tourism and preservation

✅ Inspire pride in India’s cultural heritage

🎉 A moment of pride for Maharashtra and the nation

With this international honour, the world now salutes Shivaji Maharaj's timeless wisdom, bravery, and leadership. These forts, once silent guardians of Swarajya, will now speak to the whole world as symbols of India’s strength, resilience, and glory.

📝 Conclusion

The declaration of Shivaji Maharaj’s forts as UNESCO World Heritage Sites is not just an honour—it is a tribute to a legendary king who built a nation not just with swords, but with values, courage, and dreams.

Let us take inspiration from this moment and vow to protect, preserve, and promote our great cultural legacy.

A Powerful Group of Emerging Nations

🌍 BRICS

In today’s world, countries often come together to solve common problems, grow their economies, and help one another. One such important group is BRICS, made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. These five countries are among the fastest-growing and most influential nations in the world.

🏁 How Did BRICS Begin?

The idea of BRICS started in 2001, when an economist named Jim O’Neill noticed that the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China were growing quickly and could play a bigger role in the global economy. These countries first met officially in 2009 as the BRIC group.

In 2010, South Africa joined the group, turning BRIC into BRICS.

🌐 Who Are the BRICS Countries?

Here are the five members of BRICS:

🇧🇷 Brazil

Capital: Brasília

Region: South America

🇷🇺 Russia

Capital: Moscow

Region: Europe/Asia

🇮🇳 India

Capital: New Delhi

Region: Asia

🇨🇳 China

Capital: Beijing

Region: Asia

🇿🇦 South Africa

Capital: Pretoria

Region: Africa

These countries are spread across different continents but share common goals.

🎯 What Does BRICS Aim to Do?

BRICS works to:

🌱 Support economic growth and development.

💬 Encourage peace and cooperation among nations.

🌎 Make the world more balanced, not dominated by a few powerful countries.

💰 Promote fair trade and investments.

🏦 Reform international financial bodies like the IMF and World Bank so they treat all countries more fairly.

🏗️ Key BRICS Projects

1. New Development Bank (NDB)

BRICS created its own bank in 2014 to fund major projects like roads, schools, and clean energy in developing countries.

2. Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)

This is a financial safety net. If a BRICS country faces an economic crisis, other members can help it recover.

3. Annual Summits

Leaders of BRICS countries meet every year to discuss new ideas, share plans, and solve problems together.

🌟 Why is BRICS Important?

BRICS countries:

Represent over 40% of the world’s population.

Contribute about one-fourth of the global economy.

Are rich in natural resources, talent, and technology.

Show that developing countries can lead and make a difference.

🧠 Fun Fact:

The New Development Bank has also included countries outside BRICS in some projects, showing that the group wants to work with other developing nations too!

📝 Conclusion

BRICS is more than just a group of five countries. It is a powerful partnership that believes in working together for a better future. As responsible citizens, it's important for us to know how international groups like BRICS help shape the world we live in.

The Man Who Gave India Its National Flag

🇮🇳 PINGALI VENKAYYA 

When we salute the Tricolour, we honour the sacrifices and dreams of countless freedom fighters. But do you know who designed this symbol of our unity and pride? It was a remarkable patriot named Pingali Venkayya.

🧒 Early Life

Pingali Venkayya was born on 2 August 1876 in a small village called Bhatlapenumarru, near Machilipatnam in present-day Andhra Pradesh. From a young age, he showed great interest in languages, science, and agriculture. He was a brilliant student and a true patriot.

🇮🇳 The Idea of a National Flag

During the British rule, India had no national flag of its own. Venkayya believed that a free country must have its own identity, and a flag was a powerful symbol of that identity.

In 1921, he met Mahatma Gandhi at a Congress session in Vijayawada and showed him a flag he had designed. Gandhiji was impressed by the idea and appreciated his effort.

🎨 The Original Design

The first flag designed by Venkayya had:

Red to represent Hindus

Green to represent Muslims

A spinning wheel (charkha) in the centre to represent self-reliance and the Swadeshi movement

Later, to include all religions and communities, the flag was modified:

White was added for peace and truth

Saffron (instead of red) symbolised courage and sacrifice

Green stood for faith and fertility

The Ashoka Chakra (wheel of law) replaced the spinning wheel

This design was adopted as the official flag of independent India on 22 July 1947.

🌾 A Man of Many Talents

Venkayya was not just a flag designer. He was:

A freedom fighter

A linguist who knew many languages

An agriculturist and geologist

A strong supporter of the Swadeshi movement

A devoted follower of Mahatma Gandhi

🕊️ A Forgotten Hero

Despite his great contribution, Pingali Venkayya lived a simple and humble life. Sadly, he was not properly recognised during his lifetime and died in poverty on 4 July 1963.

However, in recent years, the nation has started to remember and honour him.

🏅 Honours and Recognition

In 2022, the Government of India released a postal stamp in his memory.

He was remembered with honour during the 75th Independence Day celebrations (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav).

He is now rightly known as the “Flag Man of India.”

🙏 Conclusion

Pingali Venkayya’s life reminds us that even one person can make a big difference. He gave us a symbol of unity, freedom, and pride that we hold close to our hearts. Every time we see the Tiranga flutter in the sky, we should remember the man who designed it—with love for his motherland.

A Natural Paradise in Assam

MANAS NATIONAL PARK 🐅

A paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, the Manas National Park in Assam is a unique biodiversity hotspot. It holds multiple prestigious titles: A National Park, A Project Tiger Reserve, An Elephant Reserve, A Biosphere Reserve, A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is one of the richest wildlife areas in India, known for its spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, and important conservation value.

🌿 Location and Geography: Manas National Park lies in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, on the border with Bhutan. It is 41 km north of Barpeta Road township and 175 km northwest of Guwahati. It is bounded on the north by the Royal Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan and on the south by the North Kamrup region. It is flanked on the east and west by forest reserves.

The park lies on a wide alluvial terrace below the outer Himalayan foothills. The Manas River, which gives the park its name, flows through the west, later splitting into the Beki and Bholkaduba rivers before joining the Brahmaputra River.

🏞️ Scenic Beauty and Habitat Types: Manas offers a majestic wilderness experience with:

Forested hills in the backdrop, serene grasslands and tropical evergreen forests, the swirling Manas River and its tributaries.

The park features three main types of vegetation:

1. Sub-Himalayan alluvial semi-evergreen forests

2. East Himalayan mixed moist and dry deciduous forests

3. Alluvial grasslands

🐘 Biodiversity and Wildlife: Manas is part of the Transboundary Manas Conservation Area, which spans 6,763.89 sq. km across Assam and southeastern Bhutan. This region is home to many rare and endangered species, making it one of the most significant remaining natural areas in the region.

🌟 Highlights:

India’s Big Five: 🐅 Royal Bengal Tiger, 🐘 Asiatic Elephant, 🦏 Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, 🐃 Asiatic Water Buffalo, 🦬 Gaur

Other Wildlife: 5 species of deer, around 40 other mammals, 36 types of reptiles, 476 species of birds

🦜 Rare and Endangered Species: Bengal Florican (largest population in the world!), Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Assam Roofed Turtle

🐍 Notable Reptiles: Indian Rock Python, Gharial, Banded Krait, Common Monitor Lizard

🐦 Rare Birds: Pied Harrier, Greater Adjutant Stork, Swamp Francolin, Slender-billed Vulture, Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Spotted Eagle

🏛️ History and Legal Protection

📜 Historical Timeline:

Before 1928: A hunting reserve for the royal families, known as North Kamrup Wildlife Sanctuary

1st December 1928: Declared Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

1973: Became a Project Tiger Reserve

1985: Included in UNESCO's World Heritage List

1990: Upgraded to a National Park

🛡️ Governing Laws:

Indian Forest Act, 1927 / Assam Forest Regulation, 1891

Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

❓Did You Know?

Manas has the largest population of Bengal Florican in the world.

It’s a great place to spot the Great Hornbill.

The park is one of India’s most diverse natural habitats.

🧭 Natural Wonders of India

Manas is not just a protected area; it's a living treasure trove of biodiversity, scenic beauty, and conservation success. A visit to this World Heritage site is a journey into the heart of wild India.

Your Gateway to the world

PASSPORTS 

When we talk about travelling to another country, one document that is absolutely essential is a passport. It is not just a travel document—it is your identity and your permission to go beyond the borders of your nation. Let's explore what a passport is, why it is important, and the different types of passports issued in India.

📘 What is a Passport?

A passport is an official document issued by a government that certifies a person's identity and citizenship. It allows the person to travel internationally and serves as a request to foreign governments to allow the traveller to enter and pass through their country safely.

A standard passport contains: 

Your full name 

Date and place of birth

Photograph

Nationality

Passport number 

Signature

The issuing country and authority. 

Modern passports may also include biometric data like fingerprints or a digital photo for added security.

🌍 Why Do We Need a Passport?

Passports are essential for many reasons:

1. International Travel

To go to another country, you must carry a valid passport. It acts as your global identity card, and border officers use it to confirm that you are legally allowed to enter or exit a country.

2. Proof of Identity and Nationality

It shows that you are a citizen of your country and provides proof of your identity when you are abroad.

3. Visa Application

Many countries require a visa for entry, and you can only apply for a visa if you have a valid passport.

4. Safety and Embassy Help

If you are in trouble while overseas, such as losing your belongings or facing an emergency, your country’s embassy will help you only if you show your passport.

5. Essential for Official Work

People working for the government or representing India abroad also need passports to carry out official duties.

📑 Types of Passports in India

In India, the Ministry of External Affairs issues several types of passports based on the person’s purpose of travel and their role in the government.

Here are the main types:

🟦 1. Ordinary Passport (Type P – Personal)

Colour: Navy Blue

Issued To: General citizens

Purpose: Personal travel for tourism, education, business, work, etc.

Validity: Usually 10 years for adults, 5 years for children

Pages: 36 or 60 (depending on how often you travel)

This is the most commonly used passport by Indian citizens.

⚪ 2. Official Passport (Type S – Service)

Colour: White

Issued To: Government employees travelling abroad for official work

Purpose: Government-related duties or missions

Issued With: Proper approval from the concerned ministry

This passport is not meant for personal travel.

🟥 3. Diplomatic Passport (Type D)

Colour: Maroon (Dark Red)

Issued To: Diplomats, IFS officers, high-ranking officials, and MPs

Purpose: For diplomatic duties and international representation

Benefits: Offers diplomatic immunity and faster processing at airports

This passport comes with special privileges abroad.

🟨 4. Emergency Certificate (EC)

Colour/Form: A temporary paper document (not a booklet)

Issued To: Indians stranded abroad who have lost their passport or it has been stolen

Purpose: One-time travel back to India

Issued By: Indian embassies or consulates

🟫 5. Certificate of Identity

Issued To: Stateless persons or those with unclear nationality residing in India

Purpose: Allows international travel when a regular passport cannot be issued

Colour: Varies

This is a rare type of travel document.

✈️ Conclusion

A passport is more than just a travel booklet. It is your international identity and an essential key to exploring the world. In India, whether you are a student, a tourist, a government official, or a diplomat, there is a specific type of passport made just for your needs.

So, if you ever dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, studying in the USA, or working in Dubai, your journey begins with just one thing—your passport!

A Sky-High Marvel That Connects Hearts and Valleys

CHENAB RAILWAY BRIDGE

“Some bridges don’t just connect land. They connect dreams, determination, and destiny.”

One such awe-inspiring structure now stands proudly over the mighty Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir — the Chenab Railway Bridge. It’s not just any bridge; it’s the world’s highest railway arch bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it’s capturing the imagination of people across India and beyond.

What Makes This Bridge So Special?

🏆 World Record Holder

Soaring 359 meters above the riverbed (that’s 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower!), this steel arch bridge is now the highest railway bridge in the world. It connects the villages of Bakkal and Kauri in Reasi district and forms a vital link in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

🚂 Part of a Bigger Vision – The USBRL Project

The USBRL is a game-changing railway project designed to connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail — a long-awaited dream now becoming a reality. The project includes:

272 km of track

36 tunnels (totaling 119 km)

943 bridges

And at the heart of it all is the Chenab Bridge, the crown jewel.

🔧A Marvel of Modern Engineering

Building this bridge wasn’t easy. Engineers battled rugged Himalayan terrain, freezing winters, and steep cliffs. Yet, they accomplished what once seemed impossible.

Here are some mind-blowing facts:

Length: 1,315 meters (4,314 feet)

Steel used: 28,660 metric tonnes

Concrete used: 66,000 cubic meters

Bolts and cables: Stretched over 84 km

Design: A two-ribbed steel arch with prefabricated trusses

Safety: Blast-proof (thanks to DRDO), earthquake-resistant (up to magnitude 8), and can withstand winds up to 266 km/h

And yes — it’s built to last 120 years!

🛠️ Construction Challenges? 

From transporting materials to working at dangerous heights, the project demanded precision, patience, and persistence. Cranes had to operate on narrow slopes, and workers faced constant risks in extreme weather. Despite all that, the arch was successfully joined in April 2021, the deck was completed in 2022, and the first train trial ran in March 2024.

💼 More Than a Bridge – A Gateway to Growth

The Chenab Bridge isn’t just about trains; it’s about transformation.

Here's how:

Strategic Importance: Ends a 70-year wait for direct train service to Kashmir

Economic Growth: Boosts trade and connectivity

Tourism: PM Modi said it could become as popular as the Eiffel Tower!

Jobs: Increases employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir

To celebrate this engineering wonder, a museum, amphitheater, and viewpoint park have also been built near the bridge site.

🎓 Why Students Should Know About It

This bridge is a living textbook — a real-world example of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in action. It shows that with the right vision and teamwork, no mountain is too high.

Whether you're a budding engineer, a geography enthusiast, or just curious about the world, the Chenab Bridge is a story of innovation, inspiration, and Indian ingenuity.

🏁 In Conclusion

The Chenab Railway Bridge stands as a symbol of India’s engineering courage and a promise of progress. It proves that when we dream big and build boldly, we create structures that not only stand tall — but also make the nation proud 🛤️✨