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News18
an hour ago
- News18
UP's Salkhan Fossils Park Gains Global Spotlight With UNESCO Heritage Sites Nomination
Last Updated: The park's inclusion on UNESCO's official website highlights its global importance, showcasing some of the earliest known evidence of life on Earth. Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra district has gained international recognition as the Salkhan Fossils Park, dating back 1.4 billion years, has been added to UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This is a significant step towards achieving full UNESCO World Heritage Site status, anticipated within the next two years. The park's inclusion on UNESCO's official website highlights its global importance, showcasing some of the earliest known evidence of life on Earth. State's Push for Global Eco-Tourism The state's Eco-Tourism Development Board, under the directives of the Chief Minister, is preparing a comprehensive dossier for submission to the Government of India. This nomination document will be crucial for the final bid to secure permanent recognition. Principal Secretary of Tourism Mukesh Meshram noted, 'This achievement is the result of the government's persistent efforts to bring Uttar Pradesh's natural heritage to the global forefront." This milestone comes shortly after the state introduced Vistadome coaches for scenic train journeys between Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Fossils from the Ancient Vindhyan Sea Salkhan Fossils Park, located near Salkhan village, about 15 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra, spans 25 hectares and houses exceptionally well-preserved stromatolites—layered microbial formations in sandstone—dating back around 1.4 billion years. These fossils were formed when the region was submerged under the ancient Vindhyan Sea. A significant step towards UNESCO nomination involved the signing of an MoU on June 26, 2024, between the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow. BSIP's scientific investigation confirmed the presence of stromatolites and blue-green algae fossils, reinforcing the park's case for global recognition. Scientific Significance and Global Comparisons Prof Vaibhav Srivastava from Banaras Hindu University's Department of Geology highlighted the scientific importance: 'Previously, it was believed that life did not exist before 570 million years ago. However, discoveries here and in Yellowstone National Park have reshaped that understanding. Salkhan's fossils represent one of the oldest signs of life ever discovered." Prof. Srivastava, who led a multinational geological team to the park in 2022, emphasised the educational and academic value of the site. 'It's a vital resource for the scientific community and students, offering a direct glimpse into Earth's history," he added. Geologist Prof M Sharma, former officiating director of BSIP, noted that stromatolites were first discovered at the site in 1933 by JB Auden of the Geological Survey of India. Sharma's team later confirmed the presence of akinetes—spores formed in hostile environments—indicating how ancient life survived in harsh conditions. 'These structures not only date back over a billion years, but they also reveal how life evolved under adversity," he said. Geologists Prof BP Singh and Prof Umashankar Shukla of BHU stated that since Auden's discovery, numerous global researchers have visited and studied the site, making it one of the most researched fossil beds in India. What Makes Salkhan Unique Globally Director of Tourism Prakhar Mishra outlined the procedural roadmap: 'Inclusion in the Tentative List is the initial step. Next, we submit a detailed dossier, followed by a UNESCO team's site inspection. We are aiming for final inscription within two years." He also mentioned a comparative study with other global fossil sites. 'While fossils at Yellowstone (USA) are around 500 million years old, Mistaken Point and Joggins Cliffs in Canada are about 550 and 310 million years old respectively. In contrast, Salkhan's stromatolites are 1.4 billion years old—making it one of the oldest bio-signature sites on Earth." On the Ground: Guarding Earth's Deep History Forest guard Shyam Sundar Gautam, who has been protecting the park for over two decades, recalled a team of scientists visiting in 2002. 'They informed us that the fossils were extremely old. Since then, I've been here 24/7 to guard them," he said. He observed that visitor numbers have grown from about 10 people a day to nearly 100, reflecting the increasing interest in this ancient site. Eco-Tourism Meets Education and Preservation Situated between the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Vindhya mountain range, the park blends scientific significance with natural beauty. Its inclusion in the UNESCO Tentative List not only underscores its geological importance but also promises to enhance Uttar Pradesh's status in the global eco-tourism arena. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : fossil Sonbhadra UNESCO Heritage site uttar pradesh Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: June 23, 2025, 17:31 IST News india UP's Salkhan Fossils Park Gains Global Spotlight With UNESCO Heritage Sites Nomination
NDTV
3 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
24-Million-Year-Old Fossil Unearthed In Assam Reveals Stunning Link To Western Ghats
Scientists have discovered fossilised leaves in Assam's Makum Coalfield, dating back around 24 million years, which have a unique connection to the Western Ghats. A research team from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) in Lucknow studied the fossil leaves and found they closely resemble modern plants from the Nothopegia genus, according to the findings published in the journal Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology. Researchers stated that Northeast India once provided a perfect home for Nothopegia, but over the course of millions of years, the landscape was altered, owing to monumental forces such as the rise of the Himalayas. The movement of tectonic plates and the subsequent emergence of the mountain range in India's northernmost region led to sweeping changes in temperature, rainfall, and wind patterns. These geological upheavals cooled the northeast, rendering it inhospitable for many tropical plant species, including Nothopegia, which vanished from the region. However, to this day, the species has survived in the climatically stable Western Ghats, making it a living relic of an ancient ecological past. "Fossil evidence from northeast India suggests that the genus once had a much broader range during the late Paleogene, thriving under equable climatic conditions similar to those found in its present habitat in the Western Ghats," the study highlighted. According to a statement by the Ministry of Science and Technology, by using advanced climate tools like the CLAMP method, the scientists found that northeast India had a warm and humid climate during the late Oligocene, akin to the climate in the Western Ghats today. The study shows that extinction and migration due to climate change is not a new phenomenon. It has been happening and shaping our planet's biodiversity for eons. "This fossil discovery is a window into the past that helps us understand the future," said study co-author Dr Harshita Bhatia, highlighting the need to protect biodiversity refuges like the Western Ghats, where ancient lineages continue to persist against the odds. Recent studies predict that more than 60 per cent of tropical terrestrial endemic species may face extinction due to climate change, with the Western Ghats potentially losing all their endemic plants by 2050.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
This 24-million-year-old leaf fossil in Assam has stunned scientists– here's why
In a finding that sheds new light on India's ancient past, scientists have discovered fossilised leaves in Assam's Makum Coalfield that point to a surprising link between northeast India and the Western Ghats. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These fossils are over 24 million years old and are helping researchers better understand how plants spread and survived through major climate changes across the Indian subcontinent. Ancient leaves tell a story of changing climates A research team from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) in Lucknow studied the fossil leaves and found they closely resemble modern plants from the Nothopegia genus. Today, these plants grow only in the Western Ghats and are not found in northeast India. What makes this discovery remarkable is that it's the oldest known fossil record of Nothopegia anywhere in the world, dating back to the late Oligocene period. Climate shifts shaped plant migration As stated by the Ministry of Science and Technology, by using advanced climate tools like the CLAMP method, scientists found that northeast India had a warm and humid climate during the late Oligocene, very similar to the climate in the Western Ghats today. These conditions were ideal for tropical plants like Nothopegia to grow. But things changed when the Himalayas began to rise because of tectonic shifts. The region got cooler, and rainfall patterns changed, making it harder for tropical species to survive. As a result, plants like Nothopegia slowly disappeared from the northeast but continued to thrive in the Western Ghats, where the climate stayed more stable. Tracing biodiversity through time As mentioned by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the study, published in the journal Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, used fossil evidence along with climate modelling to trace how Nothopegia plants moved over time. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The findings highlight how climate change has played a key role in where plants survive and how they spread across different regions. According to Dr. Harshita Bhatia, co-author of the study, 'This fossil discovery is a window into the past that helps us understand the future.' The study highlights that while plants have moved to new areas over millions of years because of natural climate changes, today's climate shift is happening much faster, and it's mostly caused by human activity. Thumbnail image credit: Canva. For representative purposes only.
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Blue Star Innovation Partners and PSG Complete Sale of PlayMetrics to Genstar-backed Stack Sports
FRISCO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Blue Star Innovation Partners ('BSIP'), a growth equity investment firm built by founders, for founders, and PSG, a leading growth equity firm that specializes in partnering with software and technology-enabled services companies to capitalize on transformational growth today announced the firms have completed the sale of PlayMetrics, a leading club management software provider for youth sports teams and leagues, to Stack Sports, a Genstar Capital-backed global provider of software solutions for youth, amateur, and professional sports organizations. Founded in 2017, PlayMetrics centralizes administrative functions for youth club sports organizations. On a single, user-friendly interface, PlayMetrics streamlines registration, scheduling, communication, payments, and coaching tools. Today, the company supports about 2,500 youth sports clubs, tournaments, leagues, and governing bodies across over 10 sports. In just 18 months following their initial investment in August 2023, BSIP and PSG helped PlayMetrics achieve transformational growth, expanding its customer base by 5x and optimizing its payments monetization strategy. During this period, PlayMetrics introduced new solutions for governing bodies, state associations, and tournament organizers and diversified the platform beyond its initial focus on club soccer. Both firms helped facilitate PlayMetrics' acquisition of Crossbar to expand its services in club hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and baseball. BSIP and PSG identified Stack Sports as the natural partner for PlayMetrics' next phase of growth given their longstanding relationship. 'BSIP and PSG have helped us achieve transformational growth in a relatively short timeframe. Their operational expertise, knowledge of our space, and relationship with Stack Sports were instrumental to help us arrive at this milestone,' said Mike Doernberg, CEO and Founder of PlayMetrics. 'We couldn't be more excited about our next chapter as part of Stack Sports as we aim to provide the best possible experience to youth sports program directors, administrators, coaches, players, and families.' 'We are incredibly proud of what the PlayMetrics team has accomplished under Mike's visionary leadership,' said Dan Wechsler, CEO of BSIP. 'Together, we transformed PlayMetrics from a promising software platform into a market leader in sports management technology, delivering value for our investors and customers. Mike and his team's dedication to innovation and customer success were key drivers, and we wish them all the best as they embark on their next chapter.' 'Given our experience in this space, we identified PlayMetrics as a next-gen player shaping the future of youth sports operations. We believe the significant growth the company has achieved since our investment alongside BSIP is a testament to its position as a category leader,' said Marco Ferrari, Managing Director at PSG. 'We wish the entire team continued success with Stack Sports.' Weil, Gotschal & Manges LLP acted as legal counsel and William Blair acted as financial advisor to BSIP and PSG. About Blue Star Innovation Partners Blue Star Innovation Partners is a Dallas, Texas based growth equity firm built by founders, for founders. Our team brings decades of experience scaling software, payments, and fintech businesses, giving us a unique advantage on the challenges and opportunities that founders face. We're currently investing out of our third fund, leveraging our proven track record to help management teams accelerate growth and build category leaders. Learn more at About PSG PSG is a growth equity firm that partners with software and technology-enabled services companies to help them navigate transformational growth, capitalize on strategic opportunities, and build strong teams. Having backed more than 150 companies and facilitated over 520 add-on acquisitions, PSG brings extensive investment experience, deep expertise in software and technology, and a firm commitment to collaborating with management teams. Founded in 2014, PSG operates out of offices in Boston, Kansas City, London, Paris, Madrid, and Tel Aviv. To learn more about PSG, visit The PlayMetrics Club Operating System acts as the single source of truth that helps youth sports organizations streamline and modernize their daily operations. Trusted by some of the most forward-thinking youth sports clubs, PlayMetrics empowers directors, coaches, administrators, and player families to become shockingly efficient with unified financial, operational, coaching, and communication tools. Learn more at
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Star Innovation Partners and PSG Complete Sale of PlayMetrics to Genstar-backed Stack Sports
FRISCO, Texas, June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Blue Star Innovation Partners ("BSIP"), a growth equity investment firm built by founders, for founders, and PSG, a leading growth equity firm that specializes in partnering with software and technology-enabled services companies to capitalize on transformational growth today announced the firms have completed the sale of PlayMetrics, a leading club management software provider for youth sports teams and leagues, to Stack Sports, a Genstar Capital-backed global provider of software solutions for youth, amateur, and professional sports organizations. Founded in 2017, PlayMetrics centralizes administrative functions for youth club sports organizations. On a single, user-friendly interface, PlayMetrics streamlines registration, scheduling, communication, payments, and coaching tools. Today, the company supports about 2,500 youth sports clubs, tournaments, leagues, and governing bodies across over 10 sports. In just 18 months following their initial investment in August 2023, BSIP and PSG helped PlayMetrics achieve transformational growth, expanding its customer base by 5x and optimizing its payments monetization strategy. During this period, PlayMetrics introduced new solutions for governing bodies, state associations, and tournament organizers and diversified the platform beyond its initial focus on club soccer. Both firms helped facilitate PlayMetrics' acquisition of Crossbar to expand its services in club hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and baseball. BSIP and PSG identified Stack Sports as the natural partner for PlayMetrics' next phase of growth given their longstanding relationship. "BSIP and PSG have helped us achieve transformational growth in a relatively short timeframe. Their operational expertise, knowledge of our space, and relationship with Stack Sports were instrumental to help us arrive at this milestone," said Mike Doernberg, CEO and Founder of PlayMetrics. "We couldn't be more excited about our next chapter as part of Stack Sports as we aim to provide the best possible experience to youth sports program directors, administrators, coaches, players, and families." "We are incredibly proud of what the PlayMetrics team has accomplished under Mike's visionary leadership," said Dan Wechsler, CEO of BSIP. "Together, we transformed PlayMetrics from a promising software platform into a market leader in sports management technology, delivering value for our investors and customers. Mike and his team's dedication to innovation and customer success were key drivers, and we wish them all the best as they embark on their next chapter." "Given our experience in this space, we identified PlayMetrics as a next-gen player shaping the future of youth sports operations. We believe the significant growth the company has achieved since our investment alongside BSIP is a testament to its position as a category leader," said Marco Ferrari, Managing Director at PSG. "We wish the entire team continued success with Stack Sports." Weil, Gotschal & Manges LLP acted as legal counsel and William Blair acted as financial advisor to BSIP and PSG. About Blue Star Innovation Partners Blue Star Innovation Partners is a Dallas, Texas based growth equity firm built by founders, for founders. Our team brings decades of experience scaling software, payments, and fintech businesses, giving us a unique advantage on the challenges and opportunities that founders face. We're currently investing out of our third fund, leveraging our proven track record to help management teams accelerate growth and build category leaders. Learn more at About PSG PSG is a growth equity firm that partners with software and technology-enabled services companies to help them navigate transformational growth, capitalize on strategic opportunities, and build strong teams. Having backed more than 150 companies and facilitated over 520 add-on acquisitions, PSG brings extensive investment experience, deep expertise in software and technology, and a firm commitment to collaborating with management teams. Founded in 2014, PSG operates out of offices in Boston, Kansas City, London, Paris, Madrid, and Tel Aviv. To learn more about PSG, visit About PlayMetrics The PlayMetrics Club Operating System acts as the single source of truth that helps youth sports organizations streamline and modernize their daily operations. Trusted by some of the most forward-thinking youth sports clubs, PlayMetrics empowers directors, coaches, administrators, and player families to become shockingly efficient with unified financial, operational, coaching, and communication tools. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media Jackie Ryanpro-psg@
