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Thotlakonda monastery: The mahastupa of the 2,000-year-old Buddhist heritage site of Thotlakonda, reconstructed in 2016 by the state archaeology department, has collapsed during the recent torrential rainfall. Key facts: Thotlakonda Buddhist Complexis situated near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, India. Thotlakonda was well within the influence of ancient Kalinga, which was an important source of dissemination of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and various parts of Southeast Asia. The excavations have established the existence of a Hinayana Buddhist complex which flourished 2000 years ago. The excavations reveal Satavahana dynasty lead and Roman silver coins indicating foreign trade; terracotta tiles, stucco decorative pieces, sculptured panels, miniature stupa models in stone, and Buddha footprints were also found. The excavations also yielded twelve inscriptions in the Brahmi script.

Saturn is the planet with the highest number of moons: Recently the discovery of 20 new moons of Saturn has made Saturn the planet with the highest number of moons (82)  The previous record- holder, Jupiter, has 79. This was announced by the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center. Of Saturn’s 20 newfound moons, 17 are retrograde, meaning they orbit in the opposite direction that Saturn rotates. Three orbit in the same direction that Saturn spins. Two of those prograde moons orbit fairly close to the planet while one oddball is farther out.

Nation pays tribute to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel on his 144th birth anniversary.  • Iron man of India • First Home Minister of India • First Deputy Prime Minister of India • The architect of Modern India National Unity Day observed in honour of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary • India is observing Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as National Unity Day, on October 31, 2019, to commemorate the 144rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. About his life: • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875.  • He was a political and social leader of India who played a major role in the country's struggle for independence and subsequently guided its integration into a united, independent nation. • As the first home minister and deputy prime minister of India, he organised relief for refugees in Punjab and Delhi and led efforts to restore peace across the nation. • Hailed as the 'Iron Man of India,' he is also remembered as ...