The Kerala Forest Research Institute launched the Bat for Bats social media campaign. In recent years, especially after the outbreak of Nipah, the southern state has reportedly witnessed mass culling of bats as well as destruction of habitats. Increasing fear ofbats based on partial infor-mation and superstition is a global problem. Bats are crucial to the ecosystem. They aidseed dispersal, act as natural agents of pest control and even prey on mosquitoes. No wonder then April 17 is earmarked as the International Bat Appreciation Day.

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In 1928, the scavengers of Howrah went on strike. It was one in a series of strikes demanding an increase in wages, better treatment and living conditions. Some of them reportedly turned pots of excreta on the heads of corporation sergeants, others heaped refuse on tramlines and busy streets.