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- In an unusual event, five bar-tailed godwits were recently observed by a naturalist at Pulicat Lake.
- About the Bar-Tailed Godwit:
- The bar-tailed godwit is a remarkable migratory shorebird, famous for its exceptional stamina during migration.
- Scientific Name: Limosa lapponica
- Habitat:
- Bar-tailed godwits are found across northern Europe and Asia, western Alaska, Africa, the Persian Gulf, India, Southeast Asia, China, and Australia. They breed in the Arctic regions.
- In India, they winter in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Migration Achievement:
- These birds are renowned for setting world records in long-distance, non-stop flight. A notable feat includes a flight of 13,500 km from Alaska to Tasmania in just 11 days, averaging over 50 km/h, and losing almost half of their body weight during the journey.
- Physical Characteristics:
- Bar-tailed godwits are large waders, with females typically larger than males. Their plumage is a mottled brown on the back with a lighter, more uniform buff-colored underside. Their underwings are pale, and they have a long, slightly upturned bill. True to their name, their tail is white with brown barring.
- Conservation Status:
- Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
- The Rengma Naga tribe recently wrapped up a two-day celebration of the Ngada festival combined with the Mini Hornbill Festival at the Tseminyu RSA ground in Nagaland.
- About the Rengma Naga Tribe:
- The Rengma Naga are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group residing in the northeastern Indian states of Nagaland and Assam. According to the 2011 Census of India, the Rengma population in Nagaland is approximately 62,951, while in Assam, it stands around 22,000. The tribe refers to themselves as "Njong" or "Injang."
- The Rengmas belong to the Mongoloid racial group and are believed to have migrated from Southeast Asia, crossing the Yunnan mountain ranges and settling in the upper Burma region, along with other Naga tribes.
- Historically, slavery was practiced among the Rengma, with slaves being known as menugetenyu and itsakesa. However, by the time the British arrived in the region, slavery had largely declined, and there were no Rengmas who were slaves during that period.
- Economy:
- The Rengma tribe is primarily agricultural, practicing both Jhum (shifting) cultivation and wet cultivation for paddy. They also grow seasonal crops and fruits alongside their staple crop of rice.
- Religion:
- Traditionally, the Rengma tribe worshipped supernatural beings, but today, the majority of Rengma people are Christians.
- Festivals:
- The Rengma tribe celebrates several seasonal festivals tied to their agricultural activities. The most important of these is the Ngada festival, which holds great cultural significance for the community.
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has recently approved an investment of Rs 1,750 crores for the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in the Shi Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh.
- About the Tato-I Hydroelectric Project:
- This Rs 1,750 crore project will be situated in Shi Yomi District, Arunachal Pradesh. With an installed capacity of 186 MW (comprising 3 units of 62 MW each), the project is expected to be completed within 50 months. It will generate an estimated 802 million units (MU) of electricity annually.
- The power produced by the Tato-I HEP will enhance the electricity supply in Arunachal Pradesh and help stabilize the national power grid. The project will be developed as a joint venture between the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Arunachal Pradesh government.
- The central government will allocate ₹77.37 crore for infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and transmission lines, along with ₹120.43 crore in financial assistance to support the state's equity share. Arunachal Pradesh will receive 12% of the generated power free of cost, with an additional 1% earmarked for a Local Area Development Fund (LADF).