Orchid man's blooming legacy
ASSAM: In the verdant landscapes of upper Assam's Tinsukia district, a schoolteacher's passion for orchids has blossomed into a groundbreaking conservation effort. Khyanjeet Gogoi, a science teacher at Rupai High School, has spent over three decades nurturing a collection of 850 orchid species at his Regional Orchids Germplasm Conservation & Propagation Centre. Located near the Daisajan Tea Estate, the centre has become a beacon for botanists and researchers, earning Gogoi the affectionate moniker 'Orchid Man.'
The centre spans a hectare and features three meticulously maintained greenhouses dedicated to the ex-situ conservation of orchid species. These include rare, endangered, and critically endangered varieties from across India and beyond. The centre cultivates orchids such as Bulbophyllum, Dendrobium, Cattleya, Cymbidium, Epidendrum, Phalaenopsis, and Vanda—each a testament to Gogoi's dedication to preserving these fragile plants.
What began as a personal hobby in the 1990s has since turned into an educational hub. Over the years, the centre has become a knowledge centre for students and botanists alike. Seven researchers have earned their PhD degrees after conducting studies at the centre. Students frequently visit on educational excursions, learning first-hand about the importance of orchid conservation.
The Spark of Passion
Gogoi's fascination with orchids began when he was in Class 7. Growing up in a tea garden area where orchids were abundant, he witnessed how annual tree-lopping destroyed many of these plants. His curiosity grew as he realised that local people would often pick the flowers but leave the plants behind.
'Our people, particularly girls, will take away the flowers, leaving behind the plants. I had planted them at home. After an experiment, I found that orchid plants can survive also when we grow them on pots, flower tubs etc,' said Gogoi. He began studying the orchids scientifically after passing Class 10 in 1994.
In 2013, The Orchid Society of Eastern Himalaya took note of Gogoi's work, officially naming his centre the Regional Orchids Germplasm Conservation & Propagation Centre (Assam circle). The collaboration came amid growing demand for orchid species, marking a new chapter in Gogoi's long-standing efforts.
Today, Gogoi's centre continues to serve as a haven for orchids, especially those at risk of extinction.
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New Indian Express
21 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Orchid man's blooming legacy
ASSAM: In the verdant landscapes of upper Assam's Tinsukia district, a schoolteacher's passion for orchids has blossomed into a groundbreaking conservation effort. Khyanjeet Gogoi, a science teacher at Rupai High School, has spent over three decades nurturing a collection of 850 orchid species at his Regional Orchids Germplasm Conservation & Propagation Centre. Located near the Daisajan Tea Estate, the centre has become a beacon for botanists and researchers, earning Gogoi the affectionate moniker 'Orchid Man.' The centre spans a hectare and features three meticulously maintained greenhouses dedicated to the ex-situ conservation of orchid species. These include rare, endangered, and critically endangered varieties from across India and beyond. The centre cultivates orchids such as Bulbophyllum, Dendrobium, Cattleya, Cymbidium, Epidendrum, Phalaenopsis, and Vanda—each a testament to Gogoi's dedication to preserving these fragile plants. What began as a personal hobby in the 1990s has since turned into an educational hub. Over the years, the centre has become a knowledge centre for students and botanists alike. Seven researchers have earned their PhD degrees after conducting studies at the centre. Students frequently visit on educational excursions, learning first-hand about the importance of orchid conservation. The Spark of Passion Gogoi's fascination with orchids began when he was in Class 7. Growing up in a tea garden area where orchids were abundant, he witnessed how annual tree-lopping destroyed many of these plants. His curiosity grew as he realised that local people would often pick the flowers but leave the plants behind. 'Our people, particularly girls, will take away the flowers, leaving behind the plants. I had planted them at home. After an experiment, I found that orchid plants can survive also when we grow them on pots, flower tubs etc,' said Gogoi. He began studying the orchids scientifically after passing Class 10 in 1994. In 2013, The Orchid Society of Eastern Himalaya took note of Gogoi's work, officially naming his centre the Regional Orchids Germplasm Conservation & Propagation Centre (Assam circle). The collaboration came amid growing demand for orchid species, marking a new chapter in Gogoi's long-standing efforts. Today, Gogoi's centre continues to serve as a haven for orchids, especially those at risk of extinction.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Banas River, United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 and more (Week 114)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the High Seas Treaty, consider the following statements: 1. The treaty deals only with oceans that are outside the national jurisdiction of any country. 2. Its objective is to demarcate marine protected areas (MPAs), rather like there are protected forests or wildlife areas. 3. India has not signed the High Seas Treaty. 4. The aim of the treaty aligns with Sustainable Development Goal-10. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — At the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, India announced that it is currently in the process of ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the high seas treaty, and reaffirmed its commitment to conserving and using oceans sustainably, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal-14. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. — India signed an important international agreement called the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, or the High Seas Treaty at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2024. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The high seas cover 64% of the ocean surface and approximately 43% of the Earth. These habitats are home to around 2.2 million marine species and trillions of microbes. They belong to no one, and everyone has equal rights to navigation, overflight, economic operations, scientific research, and the installation of infrastructure such as underwater cables. — The convention, signed in March 2023, only applies to oceans that are not under any country's jurisdiction. Hence, statement 1 is correct. Objectives of the High Seas Treaty (i) Demarcation of marine protected areas (MPAs), rather like there are protected forests or wildlife areas; Hence, statement 2 is correct. (ii) Sustainable use of marine genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from them; (iii) Initiation of the practice of environmental impact assessments for all major activities in the oceans; and (iv) Capacity building and technology transfer. — The treaty makes it mandatory to carry out a prior environmental impact assessment (EIA) for any activity that is potentially polluting or damaging to the marine ecosystems, or to conservation efforts. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Read more: Knowledge nugget of the day: High Seas Treaty) With reference to the Banas River, consider the following statements: 1. The Banas River Basin is located in the western part of Rajasthan. 2. It is bounded in the east by Chambal river basin and in the north by Gambhir and Banganga river basins. 3. It is a tributary of the Luni River. 4. The entire length of the river flows through Rajasthan only. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Eight men drowned in the Banas river in Rajasthan's Tonk district, police said. About Banas River — The Banas River Basin is located in eastern Rajasthan and covers a substantial area to the east of the Aravali mountain range. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — It is bordered in the east by the Chambal river basin, in the north by the Gambhir and Banganga river basins, in the west by the Shekhawati and Luni river basins, and in the south by the Sabarmati and Mahi river basins. It feeds into the Chambal River, which then flows into the Yamuna. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The Banas River originates in the Khamnor Hills of the Aravali Range, approximately 5 km from Kumbhalgarh in Rajsamand District, and runs entirely through Rajasthan. Hence, statement 4 is correct. — It flows northeast through Rajasthan's Mewar area, eventually meeting the Chambal River near the village of Rameshwar in Khandar Block, Sawai Madhopur District. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: South Lhonak Lake was in the news due to a devastating flood in the Teesta River. The lake is located in: (a) Sikkim (b) Arunachal Pradesh (c) Assam (d) West Bengal Explanation — Scientific studies have long demonstrated that climate change is causing Himalayan glaciers to melt at an unprecedented rate, affecting water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods. — 'Global warming is causing Himalayan glaciers to deplete, resulting in the formation of artificial lakes known as GLOFs. When they burst, they cause mayhem. In October 2023, a flood generated by South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim devastated the Teesta River valley. It wrecked the Teesta III hydroelectric dam and caused widespread damage,' says Guman Singh, an environmental activist and coordinator for Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, a grassroots organisation calling for a sustainable, mountain-specific development model in the Himalayas. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the tardigrades, which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. They are also known as 'water bears'. 2. They have survived all five major mass extinction events that have taken place. 3. They can be found only in the deepest oceans. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — One of the scientific investigations astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will do during his two-week stay on the International Space Station (ISS) is to investigate the recovery, survival, and reproduction of tardigrades in space. — Tardigrades, sometimes known as 'water bears,' are muscular aquatic animals that have existed for around 600 million years, 400 million years before dinosaurs roamed the earth. They have survived all five main mass extinction events that have occurred so far, and scientists anticipate they will be around long after humanity has been wiped out. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — Tardigrades are typically around 0.5 mm long when fully grown, with four pairs of legs and 4-6 claws on each foot. They also have a unique mouth that allows them to extract nutrients from plant cells, algae, and other tiny invertebrates. — Tardigrades can be found practically anywhere, including the highest mountains and the deepest oceans. Their most common habitat, however, is the thin film of water found on mosses and lichens, earning these critters the nickname 'moss piglets'. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Scientists made a surprising discovery — a mushroom growing out of the side of the frog, in the: (a) Western Ghats (b) Andaman and Nicobar Islands (c) Barak Valley (d) Eastern Himalayas Explanation — Scientists uncovered an unexpected find in India's Western Ghats foothills: a mushroom growing out of the side of a frog. This is the first time a mushroom has been witnessed growing from a living organism. — On June 19, 2023, the researchers discovered several 'Rao's Golden-backed frogs' in a rainwater-fed pond on the roadside in the foothills of the Kudremukha mountains near Mala, Karkala, Karnataka. However, one of the frogs appeared to have a white growth on the right side of its body. As it turned out, that was a mushroom growing from a live frog. — The frog was not taken; rather, the researchers photographed it and described it in a note published in the journal Reptiles and Amphibians. Fungus experts who examined the photographs identified the white growth as a Bonnet mushroom, which often grows on dead and rotting wood. — There are numerous fungi that form symbiotic relationships with other creatures. Some are parasitic, causing illnesses such as mucormycosis, sometimes known as 'black fungus.' The Independent, however, reports that this is the first time a fungus has been seen growing on a living organism. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025, consider the following statements. 1. France and Colombia are co-organizing the Conference. 2. The overarching theme of the Conference is 'Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean' 3. This is the first ever Conference on Ocean by the United Nations. Which of the statements given above is/are true? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only Explanation — France and Costa Rica are co-organizing the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice from June 9 to 13, 2025. The overarching theme of the Conference is 'Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.' Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer (Source: Consider the following statements: 1. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. 2. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. The Endangered Ganges dolphin is found in some of the closed oxbow lakes of this site. Which is the site that the above statements indicate? (a) Khangchendzonga National Park (b) Keoladeo National Park (c) Kaziranga National Park (d) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Explanation According to UNESCO World Heritage Convention: — 'Kaziranga National Park represents one of the last unmodified natural areas in the north-eastern region of India. Covering 42,996 ha, and located in the State of Assam it is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain…The park's contribution in saving the Indian one-horned rhinoceros from the brink of extinction at the turn of the 20th century to harbouring the single largest population of this species is a spectacular conservation achievement. The property also harbours significant populations of other threatened species including tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo and bears as well as aquatic species including the Ganges River dolphin.' Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The biography titled 'The Man Who Fed the World' is based on the life and achievements of which of the following internationally renowned figures? (a). Norman Borlaug (b). (c). Lester R. Brown (d). Rachel Carson Explanation — 'The Man Who Fed the World: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borlaug and His Battle to End World Hunger' is a biography written by Leon Hesser. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 113) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Business Standard
7 days ago
- Business Standard
From a Small Village to one of the State's Topper: Chanchal's 99.83% is a Lesson in Quiet Resolve
VMPL New Delhi [India], June 9: In a small village in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district, 15-year-old Chanchal Mehra has secured 499 out of 500 in the RBSE Class 10 board exams. With 99.83%, she is among some of the highest scorers in the state depicting how determination can define success irrespective of the resources available. A student with few resources from Pandeka village, Chanchal lives there in a joint family with grandparents, uncles, aunts, and siblings all under one roof. Her father, Dharmpal, works nearly 600 kilometers away from home, to support the family. This meant that during her crucial academic year, he was rarely present. Much of the day-to-day support came from her mother and younger brother, while her father tried his best over infrequent phone calls. "There were days with no electricity in the evenings, and without an inverter, I couldn't even charge my mother's phone to watch online classes," Chanchal recalls. "At that point, I honestly thought I might not clear the exam." With patchy electricity, no coaching classes, and limited access to academic tools, Chanchal's preparation was far from structured. She didn't follow a strict timetable. Instead, she studied in short stretches - between rest, helping around the house, and playing with her brother. In October, she began preparing more seriously. But it wasn't until January, just two months before the exams, that her family managed to install an inverter, which made a difference. "Once we had better access to electricity, I started attending PhysicsWallah's online classes on my mother's phone. I'd wake up at 5 am to attend the Maths sessions. They made things easier to understand," she says. "I completed the syllabus chapter-wise and stayed consistent." Chanchal would travel by bus to school every morning, finish homework on campus, and revise in the evenings whenever the power allowed. Her confidence grew gradually. "When I saw the question papers, I felt I could handle them. I didn't think I'd top, but I was sure I'd pass." While her surroundings presented constant challenges, whether it was studying on low battery or dealing with long hours, Chanchal credits her family for creating a space where she felt supported, even without extra resources. "We didn't have much, but I could talk to them about anything," she says. Her father remains one of her strongest cheerleaders. "My dream is that she should become an IAS officer. She is very intelligent and hardworking. I will try my best to support her in whatever she wants to do," he says. Chanchal shares this dream but first she wants to become an engineer. So, next up she's beginning her preparation for JEE. And after that, she says, the civil services. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
