Unbounded Realms

     The Revolt of 1857 The Revolt of 1857 was the culmination of growing dissatisfaction and hatred against British rule in India. Over decades, all sections of Indian society had developed grievances against British policies which were exploitative and ruined indigenous industries. Causes Economic Exploitation British policies led to the destruction of India's traditional economic fabric and  impoverishment of artisans, peasants and handicraftsmen. High land revenue demands and oppressive taxes impoverished the peasantry. Many peasants lost their lands to traders and money-lenders. Traditional handicrafts like textiles were ruined by competition from cheaper machine-made British goods. Artisans became unemployed.   Land Policies British land revenue policies led to mass scale dispossession of peasants of their lands. Land was concentrated in hands of new zamindars and money-lenders.   Peasants lost their lands due to high revenue demands and inabili...

  World Climatic Types Equatorial Region (0°-10°) Zone of convergence of easterlies. Year-round rainfall. Sun overhead at noon at equator. Max heating and evaporation. Cumulonimbus clouds and very high rainfall. Average temperature above 27°C. Zero range of temperature. High biodiversity, most complex ecosystems on Earth. Deforestation major threat. Equatorial Evergreen Forests Rainfall daily year-round. Maximum moisture. Multi-layered canopy with epiphytes and lianas. Trees like mahogany, ebony. Minimal undergrowth due to lack of sunlight. Soil moist and damp, less fertile, high organic content. Resilient if intact. Conservation Efforts Protection of reserves like Korup National Park in Cameroon. Eco-tourism promotion. Reforestation projects. Monitoring wildlife trafficking. People and Economy Hunting and gathering lifestyle. Tribes like Bora, Pygmies inhabit the forests. Tropical Zone (10°-30°)   Permanent zone of easterlies bringing summer rainfall...

  Picture courtesy: Down To Earth Empowering Maligaon: The Promise of Decentralised Renewable Energy Introduction: Maligaon’s Energy Odyssey Nestled within Kalahandi district, Odisha, Maligaon emerges as a testament to the transformative potential of decentralised renewable energy. From its humble beginnings connected to the main grid in 2014 to its journey towards a sustainable microgrid, this village exemplifies resilience in the face of energy challenges. The Microgrid’s Genesis: Lighting Up Lives Maligaon's tryst with electricity commenced with a 9.63kW solar microgrid powered by lead-acid batteries, illuminating homes with light bulbs and fans. Facilitated by Gram Vikas and the Bushlight Programme, this microgrid marked the initial step towards energy inclusion for over 50 households. However, challenges persisted due to erratic main grid supply, hindering livelihood activities. Revival and Renewal: The Lithium-Ion Leap In 2017, philanthropic funding revitalised th...