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Government Launches “Say No To Proxy Sarpanch” Campaign to Empower Women Leaders

March 09, 2026

MoPR Initiative Targets ‘Sarpanch Pati’ Practice in Panchayati Raj Institutions

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has initiated a nationwide social media campaign titled “Say No To Proxy Sarpanch” to counter the practice popularly known as “Sarpanch Pati.” This term refers to situations where husbands or male relatives exercise authority in place of elected women representatives in village governance. The campaign, launched around International Women's Day, will continue until 18 March and aims to promote genuine leadership by women in local self-government institutions.

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Koala Population Recovery in Australia Boosts Genetic Diversity, Study Finds

March 09, 2026

Rapid Growth of Victoria’s Koalas Shows Signs of Genetic Resilience

A recent study published in Science reports that the recovery of Koala populations in southeastern Australia has led to an unexpected rise in genetic variation. Researchers studying koalas in the Victoria found that the rapid population rebound has reshuffled genetic combinations within the species. This process could enhance the animals’ ability to adapt to environmental changes and improve their long-term survival prospects. The findings suggest that species recovering from severe population declines can gradually regain genetic resilience if their numbers increase quickly.

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Sambar Deer Recorded for First Time in High-Altitude Sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh

March 09, 2026

Camera Traps Reveal Presence of Sambar Deer in Chamba’s Himalayan Wildlife Sanctuaries

The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has documented the presence of Sambar Deer in high-altitude protected areas of Chamba District for the first time. The discovery was made through camera trap monitoring conducted in wildlife sanctuaries of the region. This finding is notable because the species is typically associated with the lower Shivalik hills and moist deciduous forests rather than high Himalayan elevations. The observation has been published in the February quarterly issue of the Zoological Survey of India journal Records of the Zoological Survey of India.

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Rise in Mumps Cases Reported in the United States in 2026

March 09, 2026

Health Authorities Warn of Mumps Resurgence Despite Vaccination

Health authorities in the United States have reported an increase in Mumps cases in 2026, raising concerns about the reappearance of vaccine-preventable illnesses. In Maryland, officials confirmed 26 cases, including 19 confirmed infections and seven probable cases. Nationwide data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 34 cases across 11 jurisdictions by late February. Although vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of mumps over the past decades, sporadic outbreaks continue to occur.

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Vir Chakra Awardee K. G. George, Hero of 1965 War, Passes Away at 95

March 09, 2026

Decorated Indian Army Veteran K. G. George Dies in Kerala

K. G. George, a decorated hero of the 1965 India-Pakistan War and recipient of the Vir Chakra, passed away at the age of 95 in Kottayam. The former Lance Havildar of the Corps of Signals died at his residence due to age-related ailments. He was widely admired for his bravery and dedication to duty, particularly for safeguarding critical battlefield communications during intense combat situations.

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