Today in History (January 17^th, 1773)

17th January In 1773, British explorer and naval captain James Cook became the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle.

Summary of Today’s News

Cultural celebrations were held across various states of India under different names on January 14.

It marks the Sun changing directions and shifting its trajectory towards the north, therefore, entering the Makara or Capricorn zodiac sign.
The Makarsankranti is a marker for a change of season.
It is said that the northward journey of the sun (Uttarayan) begins on this day.
Unlike most festivals that follow the lunar cycle, Makar Sankranti follows the solar cycle and thus, is celebrated almost on the same day every year.
It is also called as –
- Paush Parbon in Bengal
- Pongal in Tamil Nadu,
- Uttarayan in Gujarat,
- Bhogali Bihu in Assam,
- Lohri in Punjab and Jammu,
- Makar Sankramana in Karnataka,
- Saen-kraat in Kashmir.

- Ministry of Home Affairs has invited nominations for “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar”
- The “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar” are given in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation.

- - - These awards are given in four categories:
      - Vigyan Ratna (VR): Maximum of three awards to be bestowed to recognize lifetime achievements & contributions made in a given field of Science and Technology.
      - Vigyan Shri (VS): Maximum of 25 awards to be given to recognize the distinguished contributions in the given field of Science and Technology.
      - Vigyan Yuva: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award: Maximum of 25 awards to encourage young scientists.
      - Vigyan Team (VT) award: Maximum of three awards may be awarded to a team comprising three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in a given field of Science and Technology.

A ‘Vulture Restaurant’ has been established in Koderma district, Jharkhand
It is to address adverse impact of livestock drugs, particularly diclofenac, on vultures.
Vulture restaurant is an undisturbed area where non-toxic, poison-free meat and carcasses are provided for vultures and other scavengers.

Delhi High Court ruled that foreigners cannot claim right to reside in India under Article 19(1) (e) of Constitution of India.
Article 19(1) (e) of constitution grants the right to reside and settle in any part of territory of India as a fundamental right under Right to Freedom.
However, Reasonable restrictions on this right can be imposed by law-
in the interest of general public, or
for the protection of interest of any Scheduled Tribe.

- AMRIT- Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health
- Kerala Drug Control Department has launched operation AMRITH to prevent overuse of antibiotics in state.

It aims to detect over-the-counter sale of antibiotics without doctor’s prescription.

NGT issued notices to southern states over reduction of green cover in Cauvery basin.
It extends over states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry.
Nagarhole National park, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve etc are located in this region.
The Cauvery river rises in Brahmagri range of Western Ghats in Karnataka.
River makes second biggest waterfall in India, known as Shivasamudram Falls.
Tributaries: Amravati, Bhavani, Hemavati and Kabini etc.

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