VIPNET NEWS—VIGYAN PRASAR NETWORK of SCIENCE CLUBS JUNE 2021 VOL 2 NO 4 5 EDITOR in CHIEF: Nakul Parashar

VIPNET NEWS—VIGYAN PRASAR NETWORK OF SCIENCE CLUBS JUNE 2021 VOL 2 NO 4 5 EDITOR IN CHIEF: Nakul Parashar

EDITOR: Arvind C. Ranade EDITORIAL PRODUCTION: Arvind C. Ranade Bipro Kumar Sen

EDITORIAL: Sumita Mukherjee

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Amrut Mahotsav: Vigyan Prasar, A-50, Institutional Area, Sector-62, 75 years of Independenc Noida-201 309, U.P, India

Tel: +91-0120 2404430 n 15 August 2021, India will of India, now have joined hands to gener- be celebrating its 75th year of ate various resources in the form of books, Fax No: +91-0120-2404437 Independence. This is the most booklets, posters, exhibits, short films, ra- E-MAIL: opportune moment to take a dio program etc. to let the new generation [email protected] stock of our achievement in the last 75 know about the untold facets of India’s years; especially in terms of economy, Independence struggle. It will be a part WEBSITE: agriculture, industry, trading, import and of the celebration for 75 years of India’s http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in exports, health, etc. You may be wonder- Independence as Amrut Mahotsav. It will ing why I have not mentioned science and start from 15 August 2021 and continue technology! However, we must not forget till 15 August 2022. During this period all that no sector has ever progressed and will the material generated will be taken to the progress without the use of Science and nuke and corner of the country. The associ- Technology. Science is at the forefront of ation begun with the Saturday Lecture Vigyan Prasar is not the nation building, and in last few decades Series on the theme of ‘India’s Independ- responsible for the we have extensively used new develop- ence and Science’ on 29 May 2021 and the statements/opinions expressed ments like automated machines, computers Series will continue till 14 August 2021. and photographs used by and information technology. The upcoming The takeaway of these lectures will be the authors in their tools like machine learning, artificial intelli- circulated in the form of booklets. articles/write-ups gence, Internet of Things, cloud computing For dissemination and reach of the con- published in “Curiosity” etc. are going to dominate the world. tent thus generated, we would like to invite In such a progressive India, let us every member of our VIPNET network! Articles, excerpts from articles explore how we achieved our independence We want you all to put your best efforts to published in “Curiosity” may and the most relevant aspects of the 75 reach the young minds around you. The be freely reproduced with years of our journey. The colonial leaders club coordinators will have to make strate- due acknowledgement/ purposefully ignored and ruined India’s gic planning to take the message of science credit, provided periodicals traditional knowledge and practices. It is to everyone and kindle the sense of glory essential to ponder and acknowledge and and pride in the young minds on India’s in which they are reproduced respect the knowledge and wisdom we had traditional repository of wisdom and make are distributed free. and restore them. Have we ever acknowl- the Mahotsav a great success. edged the contributions of our scientists, Since the pandemic is still not over, Published and Printed by science reformers, philanthropists and please take care of yourself before reaching Dr Nakul Parashar on behalf educationists who worked in pre-independ- out to people around you. We wish you a ent India relentlessly to generate the spark safe and secure time ahead. of Vigyan Prasar, in young minds? They taught us to stand up A-50, Institutional Area, against the demeaning views, beliefs, and Sector-62, attitude of the rulers towards India’s age- Dr. Arvind C Ranade is Scientist ‘F’ and Noida-201 309, U.P, India old scientific knowledge and wisdom. National Co-ordinator of Vigyan Prasar Vigyan Prasar and Vijnana Bharati, a Network of Science Clubs. science movement led by eminent scientists Email: [email protected] Cover Design & Illustrations By: Bipro Kumar Sen 2 June 2021 Why Ecosystem Restoration is Important for Ganga River Basin

Peeyush Gupta

World Environment Day through actively planting trees or by Restoring Species Biodiversity In 1972, the UN General removing pressures so that nature can Broadly, an ecosystem is a community Assembly designated 5 June recover on its own. It is not always of living organisms (plants, animals as World Environment possible – or desirable – to return an and microbes) in conjunction and Day. The first celebration, ecosystem to its original state. We still interacting with non-living components under the slogan “Only One Earth” took need farmland and infrastructure on of their environment. The biotic and place in 1974. In the following years, land that was once forest, for instance, abiotic components are linked togeth- WED has developed as a platform to and ecosystems, like societies, need to er through nutrient cycles and energy raise awareness on the problems facing adapt to a changing climate. Between flows: energy and carbon enter the eco- our environment such as water pollu- now and 2030, the restoration of 350 systems through photosynthesis, while tion, air pollution, plastic pollution, million hectares of degraded terrestrial mineral nutrients are mostly recycled illegal wildlife trade, unsustainable con- and aquatic ecosystems could generate within the ecosystems. Ecosystems are sumption, sea-level increase, and food US$9 trillion in ecosystem services. controlled both by external factors or

security, among others. Furthermore, state factors, such as climate under- WED helps drive change in consumption lying geological material, topography patterns and in national and interna- and time and internal factors, such as tional environmental policy. The theme decomposition, periodic disturbanc- for World Environment Day 2021 es, species competition and human is “Ecosystem Restoration”. activities. Since ecosystem processes are driven by the types and number of Ecosystem Restoration species in an ecosystem and the relative Ecosystem restoration means assisting Restoration could also remove 13 to 26 abundance of organisms within these in the recovery of ecosystems that have gigatons of greenhouse gases from the species, species biodiversity plays an been degraded or destroyed as well as atmosphere. The economic benefits of important role in ecosystem function- conserving the ecosystems that are still such interventions exceed nine times ing. In general, ecosystems can be intact. Healthier ecosystems, with rich- the cost of investment, whereas inac- assessed either in terms of the services er biodiversity, yield greater benefits tion is at least three times more costly (or goods and services) they provide such as more fertile soils, bigger yields than ecosystem restoration. All kinds of to humans or in terms of “ecosystem of timber and fish, and larger stores ecosystems can be restored, including structure” (i.e., measureable attributes of greenhouse gases. Restoration can river ecosystem, forests, farmlands, of a least impacted or reference state of happen in many ways – for example cities, wetlands and oceans. the ecosystem).

June 2021 3 The Ganga river is an example of a Role and Impact of Riparian Veg- has many functional characteristics. diverse landscape-scale ecosystem. The etation in Ecosystem restoration They are highly productive because of river traverses three distinct climat- Riparian ecosystem is a connecting convergence of energy and material and ic-geographical zones from the snow- link between stream environment and unique hydrological conditions. clad and alpine Himalayan reaches terrestrial catchment. Riparian forest is to the tropical alluvial plains until it an area of trees accompanied by shrubs Threats to Biodiversity of Ganga enters the estuarine zone and meets and herbs that is adjacent to the water The riverine ecosystem has been ex- the sea. Ecologically, the diversity of body. It influences the structure of both ploited for meeting human needs. Major the basin within each climatic zone aquatic and upland terrestrial commu- threats to the Ganga basin as well as plays an overarching role on the river. nities. The components influenced by ri- other river basins in the country affect- There are varying degrees of (but often parian ecosystem are modifying storage ing/disturbing ecological integrity are close) biotic and abiotic interactions of capacity and aquifer recharge, in-chan- 1. Habitat Fragmentation and the river with its riparian zones, flood nel primary and secondary productivity, Changes in the Flow Regime: The plains and drainage basin. The satu- organic matter quality and quantity, flow patterns in the river Ganga have rated sub-surface zone under the river biodiversity and migratory patterns, been altered due to number of run-of- bed also forms a unique habitat (termed and biogeochemical pathways and rates. the-river (ROR) hydro-electric projects “hyporheic biotope”) for a diverse group Riparian flora also helps in trapping in the head streams. These projects have of fauna, which also provides temporary pollution, filtering and converting fragmented the river and obliterated refuge for aquatic organisms in times of sediments, nutrients and other chemi- the migration routes of some important adversity and plays an important role cals. They absorb periodic flood fluxes fishes. It is necessary to ensure longitu- in the processing of river nutrients and and supply food cover and thermal dinal connectivity – along with adequate interacting with groundwater. protection to biota. Riparian ecosystem water and sediment flows – throughout

Standards for Ecosystem Restoration

4 June 2021 the Ganga river network. 2. Habitat Alteration: In addition to changes in the flow regime, the river morphology and habitat are also altered steadily. Large-scale gravel and sand mining and dumping of construction wastes and other solid wastes have led to changes in flow direction causing ero- sion, channelization and river realign- ment. The alteration in habitat, changes benthic flora and fauna, fish breeding sites and egg laying sites, for soft and and disruption of the river’s ecological dolphin so significantly that they have hard shell turtles. balance. It is, therefore, imperative that vanished from these reaches. 3. Habitat Shrinkage: Large anthro- exotic species that have invaded the riv- 8. Habitat Malnutrition: Anthropo- pogenic water abstractions from the er network be eliminated and appropri- genic pollution or increase of harmful Ganga River Network all over the basin ate control measures be devised against substances in the Ganga river habitat have caused considerable shrinking introduction of any new alien species. and anthropogenic nutrient depriva- of the aquatic space of river species. 6. Habitat Encroachment: Human tion in the river are matters of grave Urbanization and land-use changes over beings have been encroaching upon concern. the past one or two centuries have in- rivers since long especially by occupy- creased the river flood peaks from their ing much of the flood plains and parts Ecosystem Restoration Measures earlier levels. of river banks for various purposes. under Namami Gange 4. Habitat Pollution: Pollution from In modern times, however, the en- Namami Gange programme, imple- domestic and industrial wastes is ex- croachments have become extensive mented by National Mission for Clean tensive in the Ganga river downstream with widespread construction activities Ganga (NMCG) is an integrated mis- of Haridwar, and it assumes alarming on floodplains and even farming on sion for conservation of Ganga and its proportions below Kannauj (after the river beds during lean flow seasons. tributaries. The holistic approach and confluence of Ramganga and Kali rivers) Increased constructions on flood plains innovative features in policy making, at least up to Varanasi. High levels of have led to altered runoff patterns into project management, financial plan- pollutants in the river have fatal effects rivers, increased pollution inflows with ning, sustainability of investment, on river biota. runoff, reduced groundwater recharge scientific research, knowledge manage- 5. Habitat Invasion by Alien Spe- and hence decreased base flows in ment, institutional development, basin cies: Exotic species of fish especially rivers and curtailed ecological linkages management and planning has helped common carp and Tilapia have invaded between the river, its floodplains, and Namami Gange to evolve as a pioneer- Ganga water downstream of Prayagraj. floodplain wetlands. River bed farming river rejuvenation programme. One These fishes have gained access through ing together with modern chemical of the bottlenecks for a comprehensive water of Yamuna at Sangam. They pesticides such as DDT and HCH have planning for a river rejuvenation is the compete with Indian Major Carps (IMC) polluted the river bed, thus affecting the lack of scientific data, which requires and have outgrown them due to their health of aquatic creatures, especially detailed research studies. To overcome adaptability in variable flows. Seven the hyporheic biota, and disturbing the these issues, NMCG has sanctioned dif- species of exotic fish have been reported breeding sites of higher aquatic animals. ferent research projects touching differ- in river Ganga. Invasion of ecosystems 7. Habitat Disturbances: Frequent ent aspects of river rejuvenation using by alien species can occur only after disturbance of the Ganga river habitat basin approach. These research projects their introduction into the ecosystem, by humans has received little attention, cover the historical part, cultural part, which is often anthropogenic. Manmade but this is a definitive threat to river- Ecological part as well as scientific and changes in rivers have created prob- ine creatures. In particular, dredging technological part. lems for the adaptation of indigenous and plying of noisy ships, especially in The nature has capacity to rejuve- species. The adverse consequences of the Hooghly river stretch of the lower nate itself if human interventions are exotic invasions include propagation of Ganga, have evidently affected major controlled and the same was witnessed new diseases and parasitic organisms, aquatic animals such as the Gangetic during the national lockdown period.

June 2021 5 The lesson to be learnt is that we need growth and water resources. Ganga Re- have been drawn to it since time imme- to have a better enforcement and also juvenation is critical for implementation morial. In essence, Ganga represents keep working for behavioural change as of 2030 agenda of Sustainable Develop- all rivers and several river streams are everything cannot be achieved by regu- ment Goals (SDGs). Namami Gange has also named after Ganga. It has always latory approach only. People’s participa- developed a framework for river rejuve- been and will remain a great unifying tion is key to transformation. Sustaina- nation which is now being followed for force. Its rejuvenation requires the ble development increasingly depends several rivers beyond Ganga basin. efforts of all and its rejuvenation is upon successful management of urban Ganga is in the heart of millions who needed by all.

1989 - The objective of Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules is to control the generation, collection, treatment, import, storage, and handling of hazardous waste.

1989 - The Manufacture, Storage, and Import of Hazardous Rules define the terms used in this context, and sets up an authority to inspect, once a year, the industrial activity connected with hazardous chemicals and isolated storage facilities.

1989 - The Manufacture, Use, Import, Ex- port, and Storage of hazardous Micro-organisms/Genetically Engineered Organ- isms or Cells Rules were introduced with a KNOW ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS view to protect the environment, nature, and health, in connection with the application of In the Constitution of India, it is clearly stated that it is the duty of the state gene technology and microorganisms. to ‘protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and 1991 - The Public Liability Insurance Act wildlife of the country’. It imposes a duty on every citizen ‘to protect and im- and Rules and Amendment, 1992 was drawn up to provide for public liability insurance prove the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife’. for the purpose of providing immediate relief Reference to the environment has also been made in the Directive Principles to the persons affected by accident while of State Policy as well as the Fundamental Rights. The Department of Envi- handling any hazardous substance. ronment was established in India in 1980 to ensure a healthy environment 1995 - The National Environmental Tribunal for the country. This later became the Ministry of Environment and Forests in Act has been created to award compensa- tion for damages to persons, property, and 1985. The constitutional provisions are backed by a number of laws – acts, the environment arising from any activity rules, and notifications. The EPA (Environment Protection Act), 1986 came involving hazardous substances. into force soon after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and is considered an umbrella 1997 - The National Environment Appel- legislation as it fills many gaps in the existing laws. late Authority Act has been created to hear appeals with respect to restrictions of GENERAL tion of any industrial facility on environmen- areas in which classes of industries etc. are tal grounds. carried out or prescribed subject to certain 1986 - The Environment (Protection) Act safeguards under the EPA. authorizes the central government to protect 1986 - The Environment (Protection) Rules and improve environmental quality, control lay down procedures for setting standards 1998 - The Biomedical waste (Manage- and reduce pollution from all sources, and of emission or discharge of environmental ment and Handling) Rules is a legal binding prohibit or restrict the setting and/or opera- pollutants. on the healthcare institutions to streamline

6 June 2021 the process of proper handling of hospital FOREST AND WILDLIFE 1977 - The Water (Prevention and Control waste such as segregation, disposal, collec- of Pollution) Cess Act provides for the levy 1927 - The Indian Forest Act and Amend- tion, and treatment. and collection of cess or fees on water con- ment, 1984 is one of the many surviving suming industries and local authorities. 1999 - The Environment (Siting for colonial statutes. It was enacted to ‘consol- Industrial Projects) Rules, 1999 lay down idate the law related to forest, the transit 1978 - The Water (Prevention and Con- detailed provisions relating to areas to be of forest produce, and the duty leviable on trol of Pollution) Cess Rules contains the avoided for siting of industries, precaution- timber and other forest produce’. standard definitions and indicate the kind of ary measures to be taken for site selecting and location of meters that every consumer 1972 - The Wildlife Protection Act, Rules as also the aspects of environmental protec- of water is required to affix. 1973 and Amendment 1991 provides for tion which should have been incorporated the protection of birds and animals and for 1991 - The Coastal Regulation Zone Notifi- during the implementation of the industrial all matters that are connected to it whether cation puts regulations on various activities, development projects. it be their habitat or the waterhole or the including construction, are regulated. It 2000 - The Municipal Solid Wastes forests that sustain them. gives some protection to the backwaters and (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000 estuaries. apply to every municipal authority responsi- 1980 - The Forest (Conservation) Act and ble for the collection, segregation, storage, Rules, 1981 provides for the protection of transportation, processing, and disposal of and the conservation of the forests. AIR municipal solid wastes. 1948 – The Factories Act and Amendment in 1987 was the first to express concern for 2000 - The Ozone Depleting Substances WATER the working environment of the workers. (Regulation and Control) Rules have been 1882 - The Easement Act allows private The amendment of 1987 has sharpened laid down for the regulation of production rights to use a resource that is groundwater its environmental focus and expanded its and consumption of ozone depleting sub- by viewing it as an attachment to the land. It application to hazardous processes. stances. also states that all surface water belongs to 1981 - The Air (Prevention and Control of the state and is a state property. 2001 - The Batteries (Management and Pollution) Act provides for the control and Handling) Rules, 2001 rules shall apply to 1897 - The Indian Fisheries Act establish- abatement of air pollution. It entrusts the every manufacturer, importer, re-conditioner, es two sets of penal offences whereby the power of enforcing this act to the CPCB. assembler, dealer, auctioneer, consumer, and government can sue any person who uses 1982 - The Air (Prevention and Control of bulk consumer involved in the manufacture, dynamite or other explosive substance in Pollution) Rules defines the procedures of processing, sale, purchase, and use of bat- any way (whether coastal or inland) with the meetings of the Boards and the powers teries or components so as to regulate and intent to catch or destroy any fish or poison- entrusted to them. ensure the environmentally safe disposal of ous fish in order to kill. used batteries. 1982 - The Atomic Energy Act deals with 1956 - The River Boards Act enables the the radioactive waste. 2002 - The Noise Pollution (Regulation states to enrol the central government in and Control) (Amendment) Rules lay down 1987 - The Air (Prevention and Control of setting up an Advisory River Board to resolve such terms and conditions as are necessary Pollution) Amendment Act empowers the issues in inter-state cooperation. to reduce noise pollution, permit use of central and state pollution control boards loud speakers or public address systems 1970 - The Merchant Shipping Act aims to to meet with grave emergencies of air during night hours (between 10:00 p.m. to deal with waste arising from ships along the pollution. 12:00 midnight) on or during any cultural or coastal areas within a specified radius. 1988 - The Motor Vehicles Act states that religious festive occasion. 1974 - The Water (Prevention and Control all hazardous waste is to be properly pack- 2002 - The Biological Diversity Act is of Pollution) Act establishes an institutional aged, labelled, and transported. an act to provide for the conservation of structure for preventing and abating water The views expressed are personal. biological diversity, sustainable use of pollution. It establishes standards for water its components, and fair and equitable quality and effluent. Polluting industries The author is Asst. Real Time Information sharing of the benefits arising out of the must seek permission to discharge waste Specialist, National Mission for Clean use of biological resources and knowledge into effluent bodies. The CPCB was consti- Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti. associated with it. tuted under this act. Email: [email protected]

June 2021 7 Haryana: The Home of Gods

Puja Gupta

aryana has a proud history formulated for the first time. The last going back to the Vedic Age. Hindu emperor of India who belonged It has been a part of the to Rewari in Haryana, Samrat Hem Kuru region in North India. Chandra Vikram- The name Haryana is found mentioned aditya, also called in the 12th century AD by the Apabh- Hemu, taking a ramsha writer Vibudh Shridhar (VS cue from Vedic 1189–1230). The State was the home of times declared the legendary Bharata dynasty, which yana contributed heavily to the Green himself a ‛Vikramadityaʼ king after de- has given the name Bharat to India. Revolution that made India self-suffi- feating Akbar's forces in Delhi in 1556. Haryana finds mention in the great cient in food production in the 1960s. The rich Haryanvi culture is charac- epic of Mahabharata. Kurukshetra, the terized by the hookahs and the char- place of the epic battle between the Boundaries poys, the vivid fairs and the swaying Kauravas and the Pandavas, including The State is bound by Uttar Pradesh in paddy fields; Popularly known as ‛The the recital of the Bhagavad Gita by the east, Punjab in the west, Himachal Home of Godsʼ, this vibrant state has Krishna, is situated in Haryana. The Pradesh in the north and Rajasthan a bountiful culture, heritage, festivals, soil of Haryana has also seen the three in the south. The National Capital folklores and a vibrant landscape. battles of Panipat. Territory of Delhi juts into Haryana. The State continued to play a leading Cuisine part in the history of India till the Climate The authentic cuisine of Haryana offers advent of the Muslims and the rise of The climate of Haryana is similar finger licking delicacies namely Kachri ki Delhi as the imperial capital of India. to other states of India lying in the Sabji, Churma, Malpuas, Bathua Raita, Thereafter, Haryana functioned as northern plains. It is extremely hot Meethi Gajar, Singhri ki Sabji, Meethe an adjunct to Delhi and practically re- in summer, around 40°C and mild in mained anonymous till the First War of winters. Rainfall Indiaʼs Independence in 1857. When the is varied, with the rebellion was crushed and the British Shivalik region administration was re-established. The being the wettest Nawabs of Jhajjar and Bahadurgarh, and the Aravali Hills Raja of Ballabgarh and Rao Tula Ram region being the driest. About 80% of Chawal, Rabri and much more. Milk of Rewari of the Haryana region were the rainfall occurs in the monsoon products like curd and lassi constitute an deprived of their territories. Their season (July-September) and some- important part of diet for people of Har- territories were either merged with the times causes local flooding. yana. There is a popular idiom that says, British territories or handed over to Hara-Bhara Haryana, Jit Doodh-Dahi the rulers of Patiala, Nabha, and Jind. Culture of Haryana ka Khana (meaning a lush-green state Haryana thus became a part of the Haryana has a rich cultural heritage where milk and curd are the food). Some Punjab province. that goes back to the Vedic times. Dhosi other traditional delicacies include ‛gond With the reorganization of Punjab on Hill, the ashram laddoosʼ, ‛choormasʼ, paranthas with 1 November 1966, Haryana was carved of revered Rishi bathua raita, steamed rice with kadhi, out on linguistic lines as Indiaʼs 17th Chyawyan is an khichri, kadai hara cholia and some dif- state. Agriculture is the leading occupa- important site where ferent varieties of rotis like besan masala tion for the residents of the state. Har- Chyawanprash was roti and bajra aloo roti.

8 June 2021 Flora and Fauna Haryana Shawls Thorny, dry, deciduous forest and are very well- thorny shrubs can be found all over the known all over ckrksa-ckrksa esa state. During the monsoon, a carpet of the globe because grass covers the of the Phulkari, foKku hills. Mulberry, which has a great demand for its rich eucalyptus, pine, embroidery. The famous traditional - kikar, shisham and dance forms include Ghoomar, Gangaur [ksy [ksy esa ckrsa djyks] babul are some of and Khoria dance. The ancient folk mu- ckrksa-ckrksa esa foKkuA the trees found here. The species of fau- sic of Haryana is mainly of two types: ckrsa dqN mi;ksx dh djyks] na found in the state of Haryana include classical and countryside. ftues jgrk gS dqN KkuAA black buck, nilgai, panther, fox, mon- goose, jackal and wild dog. More than Tourism fu;e xfr ds i<+rs gSa rks] 300 species of birds are found here. Haryana has set up a vast network of U;wVu th dk vkrk /;ku 43 tourist complexes all over the state. Languages Some of the important tourist com- loZ= foKku gS gksrk] fu;e Haryanavi has traditionally been the plexes are Surajkund and Damdama in dksbZ fujarj gksrk dominant language in Haryana, with Gurgaon and fascinating pocket of pines ty-Fky gks ;k dksbZ fn'kk gks] Hindi being spoken as a second lan- at Morni Hills are other attractions of guage. Haryanvi has no official status, tourist interest. There are important ;k D;ksa u fQj O;kse gh gksrk as it is seen as a dialect of Hindi. Bagri resorts at Samalkha, Panipat, Uchana, blesa dqN ç;ksx vuks[ks] djds is the second most spoken dialect of Pipli, Ambala, Faridabad, (Hodal, ns[kks eaFku gksrkAA Hindi in Haryana, largely by people of Gurgaon, Dharuhera, Bahadurgarh, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hissar. Ahirwati Rohtak, Hisar, Panchkula and Pinjore. lj txnh'k us fl) fd;k gS] is spoken in Ahirwal belt. With rapid o`{kksa esa Hkh thou gksrkA urbanization and due to Haryanaʼs close Festivals of Haryana proximity to Delhi, the cultural aspects The state is known for its vibrant iÙkksa dk jax gjk cukrk] DyksjksfQy are now taking a more modern hue. festivals like Teej, Guga Navmi, Gita eS uke lqukrkAA Jayanti, Kaartik Cultural Festival etc. v/;;u djyks rduhdh dk] Art and Craft Teej is celebrated on the third day of lp esa cM+k #fpdj gksrk Arts and crafts of Haryana comprise ‛Shrawanaʼ month. of the various forms of dance, music, lUnsg-Hkze dks nwj gVk;s] [kksysa pottery, embroidery, painting, weaving, The author is Coordinator of Sanrachna dbZ jgL; xw<+A sculpting, etc. Most popularly weaved VIPNET Science Club at Delhi Public School, handlooms are the shawls and durries. Sonepat. Email: [email protected] u;h [kkst fujUrj djrs] foKku dh uS¸;k ij vk:<+AA QUIZ ON HARYANA Kku] xyh-?kj rd igqapkrs] foiusV Dyc gSa ugha lqnwjA 1. Name the place where National Dairy Research Institute is situated. 2. Where was the battle of Mahabharata fought? NksVk vfHk;ark gh gksrk ns'k 3. Which fair is organized every year at Yadvendra Gardens? dk cPpk çKkokuA 4. Name the four state which touches the boundary of Haryana State? dHkh rksM+rs dHkh tksM+rs] ?kj ds 5. Famous yoga guru Swami Ramdev belongs to this place. dbZ NksVs lkekuA 6. In which year Haryana emerged as an independent state in the year? u;s u;s oks fuR; gh djrs Send us the correct answers of the quiz at NksVs cPps vuqlU/kkuAA [email protected] to win exciting prizes. Don’t forget to mention your name and address along with the answers. çs"kd% iou HkkVh] foKku çlkj

June 2021 9 Indian Pitta-An endangered bird

Jay Krishan Kumar

Lanka in winter. They are not found in the dry areas constantly try to make people aware as conservation of India at all. of the environment and biodiversity is not possible Navrang comes down from the tree for their food. without public participation. Gianji also conserves They feed on caterpillar, which they devour from the snakes, birds and other wildlife and often transports dried leaves on the Earth or by digging them out of them back in their natural habitat. the soil. In search of food, it rotates like an oyster by slowly moving the small rump. Being shy, it likes to Indian Pitta and other species of Pitta group in stay away from humans and potential dangers, but the Red List it can be easily identified by its sound. Their voice is A total of 42 species of Pitta (Erythropitta) are found loud, serene, two-tone whistle which is heard more in three species coming from the Ardeidae clan. Pitta in the morning and evening. According to the book is usually a bird living in dense forests, and their of India's great ornithologist and author Salim Ali's habitat has been damaged due to rapid harvesting. Bird of India, its local migration is probably due to the Survival of these birds is considered quite challenging south-west rainy season and its breeding period is as they are pretty shy and prefer living in dense from May to August. forests. Nine species of the Pitta are listed as unsafe The sighting of this bird is a unique phenomenon by International Union for Conservation of Nature in remote plains such as Bhagalpur in Bihar; it is (IUCN). At the same time, eight species have been Courtesy: Pratik Humnabadkarscope observed in the western Champaran areas of Bihar. placed in the Near-Threatened list, while one species, INDIAN PITTA, a rare bird spotted in Naugachia Ever since hunting birds and wildlife have been Loisidae Pitta, has been considered very rare, about in Bihar, resides in the Himalayas and dense forest banned in Naugachia and surrounding areas, the which there is not enough information available. areas. Indian Pitta is an oyster-like bird of about 19 local biodiversity continues to enrich, resulting in the Indian Pitta, Fairy Pitta, Mangrove Pitta, and cm long, bright-coloured, short stump-shaped Myna. existence of rare birds in this area. Blue-winged Pitta form the super-species group. The upper part is green, blue, yellow-brown, black Gyan Chandra Giani, a school teacher by According to the IUCN Red List 2001, while Indian and white, the lower surface of the abdomen and profession, is currently acting as the coordinator of Pitta is included in the list of Least Concerns, the tail is crimson; a clear round, white spot is seen the cluster of Chaka. He has a special attachment Mangrove Pitta is listed in the Near-Threatened list. near the tip of the wing in flight. Adorned with nine with wildlife and especially birds. Now some youths bright colours, this bird is also called Navrang. It likes of the village have also started working with him In which parts of India was it seen in the last to live around the Himalayas and in dense forests. in protecting birds and wildlife from predators in few years? In the forested part of India, in the Himalayas, South collaboration with the forest and local police. They Indian Pitta was sighted after 65 years in January of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh it can be seen. 2014 at the Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram, Both male and female look alike. This bird is quite Haryana. Earlier, these birds were seen in Delhi shy; it likes to live in the growing forests or dense around 1950, as mentioned in Usha Ganguly’s book, and evergreen forests. They live on trees, and their ‘A Guide to the Birds of Delhi Area’. Indian Pitta is nest is large, spherical and made of twigs, leaves and also mentioned in Bill Harvey's guide to Birds of roots etc. The nest is seen under a bush or between Delhi and Haryana in 2006. According to information the branches of small trees. Indian Pitta breeds received from various sources, Indian Pitta has also mainly in the Himalayan foothills from the Magalla been seen in Morni Hills, Kalesar National Park and hill, northern Pakistan in the west, including Nepal in Bhindawas Birds Sanctuary in Haryana. the west and possibly Sikkim in the east. They also Indian Pitta is known by different names in breed during migration from the mountains of Central ACTIVITY: different languages of India like Pitta, Nelgupp, India and the Western Ghats to the southern regions Take a snap of a bird seen around your place. Mahantat (Kannada);-Navrang (Punjabi); Palanki, of Karnataka. They lay 4-6 shiny white eggs with Research on it and write a blog / article Pitat, Ponnagi (Telugu); Navrang, Hariyo (Gujarati); thick purple emblems and fine lines. They travel to (500-600 words) on it. Don’t forget to include Padmpush, Picadad, India Padmapush (Sanskrit); all parts of peninsular India and also migrate to Sri the photo you have taken. Charachari, Navrang, Naurang, Rugel (Hindi) and-Kachul (Tamil). Send us the correct answers of the quiz at [email protected] to win exciting prizes. The author is Coordinator of Jagdish Chan- Don’t forget to mention your name and address along with the answers. dra Basu Vigyan Club (VP-BR0011). Email: [email protected]

10 June 2021 Astronomical Sky Map Events of FOR JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021

Vipin Singh Rawat JUNE 10 ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE The sky map is prepared as per the coordinates of Nagpur (21.09°N, 79.09°E). It includes constel- An annular solar eclipse occurs lations and the brighter stars. For viewers south of Nagpur, constellations of the southern sky will when the Moon is too far away appear higher up in the sky, and those of the northern sky will appear nearer the northern horizon. from the Earth to completely Similarly, for viewers north of Nagpur, constellations of northern sky will appear higher up in the cover the Sun. This results in a sky, and those of the southern sky will appear nearer the southern horizon. ring of light around the dark- ened Moon. The Sun's corona THE MAP CAN BE USED AT 10 PM ON 1ST JUNE, AT 9 PM ON 15TH is not visible during an annular JUNE AND AT 8 PM ON 30TH JUNE. eclipse. The path of this eclipse will be confined to extreme eastern Russia, the Arctic Ocean, western Greenland, and Canada, and it will not be visible in India.

JUNE 21 JUNE SOLSTICE The June solstice occurs at 08:51 IST. The North Pole of the Earth will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its northernmost position in the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.44 degrees north latitude. This is the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the Southern Hemisphere.

JUNE 25 FULL MOON, SUPERMOON This phase occurs at 00:09 IST. This is the last of three Super- moons for 2021. The Moon will be near its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual.

The author is Technical Assistant FebruaryJune 2020 2021 9 11 at Vigyan Prasar. Email: [email protected] The Captivating World of Telescopes

Amritanshu Vajpayee

he puzzles of the Universe have always captured the imagination of humans since antiquity. The grandeur of the cosmos is simply magnificent, and ever since the pioneering works of Galileo Galilei in the 17th seventeenth century, exploring the dark skies with a telescope has remained to be an awe-inspiring experience both for hobbyists and professionals. A telescope is an optical instrument containing an arrangement of lenses or curved mirrors or both designed to make distant objects appear nearer, in which the rays of light are collected and focused and the resultant image is magnified. It is undoubtedly the most important investigative tool in the field of observational astronomy. It does take some know-how and experience to options in terms of space available, how more light than that with a smaller actually use a telescope to find things. much weight you can afford to carry aperture. Large apertures provide The nomenclature telescope covers a during observation, and of course, your sightings for faint objects and reveal wide range of instruments. Nonetheless, experience as an observer are the factors finest details on the Moon and planets, with a few subtle differences in collecting to consider. Since it is going to be a but it is the practice and perseverance light (electromagnetic radiation) in long-term affair, budget also plays an that makes one perfect. different frequency bands detecting the important role. Resolving Power, which is the electromagnetic radiation, they may be It's worth knowing the basics of a ability of the instrument to distinguish classified by the wavelengths of light telescope from the point of purchase. clearly between two points whose they detect, viz., Optical telescopes, The most important of all the powers angular separation is less than the Ultraviolet telescopes, Infrared of an optical telescope is its light- smallest angle that the observer’s eye telescopes, Submillimetre telescopes, gathering power. This capacity is can resolve, is yet another feature to be X-ray telescopes, Radio telescopes etc. strictly a function of the diameter of looked at. An important application of Here the discussion shall be limited the main optical component, which can resolving power is in the observation to optical telescopes only. Before be either a lens or a mirror (objective). of visual binary stars where one star setting out to purchase a telescope one This is the aperture of the telescope. is observed on a routine as it revolves must define astronomical priorities It is instrumental in defining both the around a star. Telescopes, depending beforehand. You must be aware of the light-gathering ability and the resolving upon what eyepiece you put, can provide sky conditions, how dark are the skies, power. It’s a general perception that a wide range of magnifications. what are the objects likely to be aimed at the bigger the aperture the better it is Portability is another major factor most of the times, what are the storage as mirror with a larger aperture collects to be taken into consideration. Pay close

12 June 2021 attention to the weight of the scope, The second type of telescope, the is optimized for observing faint, deep- how you are going to carry it, lift it and reflector, uses a mirror to gather and sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies. assemble it. While buying, consider both focus light. The most common variety is As a matter of caution, a reflector's convenience and performance without the Newtonian Reflector, with a concave mirrors in contrast to refractors may giving out to aperture only. primary mirror at the bottom end of need periodic collimation (as they On the basis of the varied shapes the telescope and a small, diagonal run risk of getting out of alignment)

Working Diagram for a Refractor Telescope and sizes, defined by the optics of secondary mirror near the top to direct and recoating of aluminized surfaces the instrumentation, the telescopes the light from the primary to the side after an interval depending upon the have three broad classifications, viz., of the tube, where it is captured by an atmospheres they are kept into. refractors, reflectors, and catadioptrics eyepiece. The images get inverted at For a few astronomical applications, (compound telescopes). the focal plane. Reflectors are used not photographing larger areas of the sky A telescope made with lenses is only to examine the visible region of is essential. For this catadioptric called a refracting telescope. The the electromagnetic spectrum but also telescopes were designed by Bernhard name refractor comes from the term to explore both the ultraviolet and the Schmidt. A catadioptric telescope refraction, which is the bending of infrared regions adjacent to it. If you design has both reflective and refractive light when it passes from one medium want the maximum aperture within optics, incorporating features of both to another of different density. These your budget, the reflector is your best refractor and reflector scopes. Because telescopes are used to examine the bet. If properly maintained, a reflector of this the telescope can have an overall Moon, planetary objects like Venus, can provide sharp contrast images of greater degree of error correction than Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and binary stars. It a variety of celestial objects. The tube refractive or reflective ones, with a wider presents finest high contrast images with of a Newtonian reflector is also quite aberration-free field of view, several an aperture that can go well with a high manageable. degrees in diameter. Their tubes are magnification. Refractors cater to those Even more handy is another variant just two to three times as long as wide, who have least desire to do any tinkering known as Dobsonian, which has an arrangement allowed by optical with the optics and just want to hold the a simplified mechanical design that folding of the light. The smaller tube instrument and look at the sky. These was easy to manufacture from readily induces a more manageable mounting. scopes come at medium to a high range available components to create a large, The advantage is that one obtains a of pricing. portable, low-cost telescope. The design large-aperture, long-focus and easily

Schematic Diagram for Newtonian Reflector Telescope

June 2021 13 direct a telescope at astronomical objects in the computer database that the user selects. Their latest versions include the Global Positioning System devices to obtain the exact location and time, making setup easier. By paying $300 (around Rs. 22000) Schematic Diagram for Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope one can get a quality beginner telescope with a 4ˮ mirror, like Celestron. portable telescope. Like reflectors they (up-and-down) or azimuth (side-to- Newtonian telescopes max out at too need periodic optical collimation. In side). Digital tracking has also made around 8ˮ aperture at a cost of $1000 terms of cost, the catadioptric are in the it a popular telescope mount used in (Rs. 73,000 approximately) as the size medium to high range. When well made, amateur astronomy. For the casual of the optical tube just becomes too a Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov will observer, altitude-azimuth, especially unwieldy to handle a bigger mirror. deliver extremely fine images of different Dobsonian variety, is preferable. To enjoy a 10ß-11ˮ aperture without celestial objects. Equatorial mounts with their different resorting to a Dobsonian, one needs A telescope shows you only a very varieties including German equatorial to buy a catadioptric scope which is small part of the sky thereby making mounts, equatorial fork mounts, Poncet priced around $3000 (approximately it pointing at a target remains quite Platform etc. also possess two axes, Rs. 2,18,000). The biggest aperture for frustrating unless the telescope has got but they're tilted so that one can be your money comes from a Dobsonian a finderscope. As the name suggests, aligned with the rotational axis of the telescope. Refractors fall in both the a Finderscope is a small auxiliary Earth. They are preferred for telescopes cheapest and most expensive types as telescope mounted atop the main intended for professional astronomy, alongside aperture, the cost is increased astronomical telescope and points in the astrophotography etc. by going for better quality lens. same direction. It usually has a smaller There is another popular technology Newtonians are the best value telescope magnification than the main telescope driven mount variety, GoTo, which from around 4ˮ to 6ˮ. Catadioptric and hence can see more sky. This helps refers to a type of telescope mount and telescopes offer better value in the in locating the desired astronomical related software that can automatically 8ˮ-12ˮrange (guided alt-azimuth or object in the sky. Once Equatorial mounts). Top popular brands aligned properly with the include Celestron, Orion, Meade, main scope, centering an Sky-Watcher, Vixen, Gysker, Lunt Solar object in the crosshairs Systems etc. gets it into the telescope's Before buying the instrument, you view as desired. should work hands-on with the actual The best of the equipment and see how it feels to telescopes in the world be. Visit a star party organised by an needs a solid, stable, astronomy club to see the different types smooth mount to follow of telescopes, their optics, sizes, weights, a celestial object. A mounts etc. telescope mount is the Sighting and photographing the mechanical structure celestial objects with telescopes is indeed which supports a mesmerizing. But it is an amalgamation telescope. There are of art, craft, and science. One has to be basically two types quite careful in choosing the best help, of mount: altitude- the telescope. We hope this small guide azimuth (alt-az) helps our readers in choosing one. and equatorial. An altitude-azimuth mount The author is Coordinator of Ignited Minds allows telescopes to VIPNET Club Farrukhabad (VP-UP0103). be moved in altitude An Equatorial Telescope Mount Email: [email protected]

14 June 2021 JUNE 2021 CLUB SPEAK

ANSWERS OF CURIOSITY MAY ISSUE Punjab Quiz: 1. B; 2. D; 3. C; 4. B; 5. A; 6. A; 7. D; 8. A; 9. B; 10. C Space Quiz: 1. B; 2. A; 3. C; 4. D

Bird House Making Activity CV Raman Science Club (VP-MP0255) New World Water Day Ganganagar, Khargone conducted a workshop Aryabhatt Vigyan Club (VP-DL0031) celebrated World Water Day on Bird house making. Population of many on 22 March 2021 by conducting an awareness programme for the birds, including the common house sparrow students of N.P.V. Rajokari Boys School, New Delhi. The students (Passer domesticus), is decreasing worldwide. were demonstrated the water conservation practices to use water Thus, the students were educated and motivat- efficiently to prevent its wastage. ed to feed birds responsibly and safely.

Poster Making Competition C V Raman Science Club (VP-HR0006), Yamunanagar organised a poster making competition on the World Water day, The club members displayed various ways to save water through their creative posters.

June 2021 15 JUNE 2021 CLUB SPEAK

Science Model making competition and exhibition Experiencing Science On 8 March 2021, Vikrant Vigyan Club (VP-MP0268), Gwalior organized a Eureka Science Club (VP-UP0246) science model making competition and exhibition program in which more conducted an awareness drive dur- than 50 club members (students) participated and presented their models ing 21-30 March 2021 to demon- showing various aspects of science & technology. The winners were facilitat- strate various fact of chemistry ed with certificate and cash prizes. with simple science experiments. The drive was conducted in various schools and local residential societies for the students of class 6th to 9th.

VIPNET ACTIVITY STARS! Punjab Quiz 2. Abhishek Dhanda Class 8 SPACE Quiz 1. Nandini, Class 9 BCM Arya Model Sr. Sec 1. Pratik Poddar B.C.M. Arya Model Sr. Sec. School, Shastri Nagar, 2. Arindam Mandal School, Ludhiana Ludhiana, Punjab

TEAM VIPNET 1 Dr. Nidhi Shrivastava

Vigyan Prasar, Noida 2 4 4 Mail id: [email protected] Mr. Pavan Bhati 2 Vigyan Prasar, Noida Mr. Vipin Singh Rawat Mail id: [email protected] Vigyan Prasar, Noida Mail id: [email protected] 5 Mr. Sachin C Narwadiya 3 Vigyan Prasar, Noida Dr. Arvind C. Ranade Mail id: [email protected] VIPNET National Coordinator, Vigyan Prasar, Noida.

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16 June 2021