Environment

Updates from :  the Hindu. Owl sacrifices are held throughout parts of North India to gain wealth Let’s meet the most likely inspiration for the Irish legend of the banshee: the Barn Owl (Tyto alba). The unlikely cry of the owl, which is a loud screechy wail, can be heard in every continent except for Antarctica. Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are one of the most widespread owls in the Indian Subcontinent. The word Tyto has been derived from the Greek word ‘tuto’, meaning night This explains its nocturnal nature, and the word alba,which corresponds to its white or dull white colour. These owls are medium-sized with long legs and wings and have a relatively shorter tail when compared to other similar sized owls. Owls have one of the most fascinatingly coloured eyes in birds but the Bar

Updates from :  the hindu Groups are putting care and thought into making sustainable choices The city’s biggest Ganapati mandals are striving hard to remain eco-friendly — from doing away with plastic, thermocol and chemical-based colours in their decorations to going easy on the use of crackers while installing the idol — mandals are attempting to protect the environment in different ways. “We have desisted from using non-biodegradable products as much as possible. We are only using cotton, yarn and other textile-based goods for our decoration,” said Nayan Dumre, secretary of the Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal, well-known Fortcha Raja. Annual themes Speaking of the distinct annual themes promoted during the 10-day festival, Mr. Dumre said, “For the past six years