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International Tiger Day – WWF warns against tiger snares; asks for stringent monitoring of tiger reserves

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International Tiger Day

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Rs 12000 crore spent on tiger conservation in India but NTCA has little to show for results as challenge of poaching continues

By Deepti Jain

On the seventh International Tiger day, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is encouraging the tiger-range countries to strengthen their anti-poaching policies and take stringent actions on a crisis that is threatening wildlife across the Asian continent, especially the world’s remaining wild tigers, which presently number around 3,900 – a significant population of which is found in India.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority of India (NTCA) till today has spent a whopping Rs 12,000 crore on tiger conservation, but has failed to curb the poaching menace of the endangered striped beasts. Though NTCA has rolled out several guidelines and protocols to save tigers, the challenge continues to lie in their implementation as these are often ignored even by authorities concerned.

Take the recent case of Uttarakhand where the NTCA has directed the state government to maintain a beat level ID file of individual tigers, incorporating all information including the kill data, photograph and pug marks. But officials working in Corbett National Park – India’s oldest tiger reserve – are yet to even start work on this instruction. Reportedly, on March 14, 2016, the Uttrakhand police seized five tiger carcasses from Haridwar. An analysis of the skin pattern of the animal by the Wildlife Institute of India revealed that four of the hides were tigers from Corbett.

Illegal trade of tiger body parts, especially the skin, bones and nails, is a lucrative business around the world. According to a report by the New Indian Express, the illicit wildlife trade has now reached an estimated worth of USD 20 billion annually – making this business the world’s fourth largest illegal activity in terms of its monetary value, after narcotics, human trafficking and counterfeit goods.

“Snares are dangerous, insidious and quickly becoming a major contributor to the wave of extinction that is spreading throughout Southeast Asia – and tigers are being swept up in this crisis. All efforts to recover wild tigers are now imperiled by snaring on a massive scale. We cannot over emphasize the need for strong government commitment and investment in rangers who are on the frontline of conservation, clearing snares and apprehending those who set them,” Mike Baltzer, leader of WWF Tigers Alive, said in an appeal.

According to WWF, it is impossible to know how many snares are being set up every day and threatening wildlife in critical habitats. “Hundreds of thousands of deadly snares are removed by rangers from Asia’s protected areas annually,” claims Rohit Singh, wildlife law enforcement expert at WWF.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1501328283464{border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #e0e0e0 !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]The dividends that we reap from tigers

At present, India is home to 49 tiger reserves each of which is frequented by wildlife lovers and results in massive monetary gains for the respective state’s tourism industry. Karnataka has the largest number of tigers in the country (408) while the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam reserve is the largest in terms of area (3,568 sq km). When it comes to the largest density of tigers in protected areas, Kaziranga National Park in Assam leads the list with 106 tigers.

Interestingly, a study conducted by Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) has revealed that saving one tiger yields a capital benefit of about Rs 260 crore. The economic benefits from six tiger reserves namely – Corbett Tiger Reserve, Kaziranga, Periyar Reserve, Ranthambore and the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve analysed were found to be at Rs 1.5 lakh crore per year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1501328347328{border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #e0e0e0 !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]Things aren’t too rosy for the tiger on foreign land too

Tiger SnareIn a global perspective, WWF believes that within the tropical rain forest heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, snare traps are estimated to have doubled between 2006 and 2014, suggesting a higher number of poachers in the area.

“Yet, many of such critical habitats lack adequate resources for protection. In Rimbang Baling, one of several protected areas in Sumatra, only 26 rangers patrol over 1,400 square kilometres, an area equivalent to nearly twice the size of New York City,” WWF pointed out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Mohanlal’s Stephen returns in fearsome form in L2: Empuraan Teaser

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Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally in the teaser of L2: Empuraan

The much-anticipated teaser for L2: Empuraan, the second chapter of the planned trilogy directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been unveiled, offering a glimpse of a darker, more brutal narrative. Starring Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal, the film continues the story of Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam, a character that mesmerized audiences in Lucifer.

The teaser debuted at a grand event attended by the film’s key players, including Mohanlal, Prithviraj, and Mammootty, who released the teaser in style. Clocking in at 143 seconds, the preview immediately sets a grim tone, beginning in Qaraqosh, a war-torn town in Iraq. The atmosphere is tense, underscored by the chilling phrase, “Death to the Evil.”

One of the standout moments in the teaser recalls PK Ramdas (Sachin Khedekar) advising Priyadarshini (Manju Warrier) in the first film: “If one day you feel everything is falling apart and I’m not around, the only person you can turn to is Stephen.” This sentiment reverberates through the teaser as it shifts to Stephen’s iconic black Ambassador car, now layered with dust—an ominous sign of his long absence.

The suspense builds as a voice declares, “He leads the most powerful mercenary group in Asia,” introducing audiences to Stephen’s transformation into a figure commanding immense influence and fear. The teaser’s climactic moments highlight Mohanlal’s commanding return as Khureshi Ab’raam, warning of the perils of dealing with the devil.

Star-Studded Cast and Stellar Crew

Joining Mohanlal in this cinematic spectacle are Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, and others reprising their roles from Lucifer. The film also features Saniya Iyappan, Saikumar, Baiju Santhosh, Fazil, and Sachin Khedekar in key roles.

The story, penned by Murali Gopy, is brought to life with the expertise of cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev, editor Akhilesh Mohan, and composer Deepak Dev, whose score amplifies the teaser’s intensity.

As the teaser hints at power struggles, deceit, and vengeance, L2: Empuraan sets the stage for an explosive continuation of this gripping saga, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its release.

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MSBTE Result 2025 declared: Maharashtra diploma winter exam results now available online

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MSBTE Result 2025 announcement for Winter Diploma exams

The Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) has officially announced the results for the Winter 2024 diploma exams. Students who appeared for these exams, held in December 2024, can now access their results on MSBTE’s official website, msbte.org.in.

To check the MSBTE Winter Exam Result 2025, candidates must have their enrollment or seat numbers ready. The results are accessible via a direct link available on the website.

Steps to check MSBTE 2025 results:

  1. Visit the official MSBTE website: msbte.org.in.
  2. Navigate to the “Examination” section and click on “Winter 2024 Exam Result.”
  3. Enter your enrollment number or seat number in the required fields.
  4. Click on the “Show Result” button to view your marksheet.
  5. Download and save the PDF for future reference.

Details mentioned on the MSBTE Winter Diploma results:

The MSBTE Winter Diploma Marksheet 2025 includes the following information:

  • Student’s name
  • Register number
  • Course name
  • Marks obtained in each subject
  • Subject codes and names
  • Total marks
  • Maximum marks
  • Result status (Pass/Fail)

The announcement is crucial for diploma students across Maharashtra as it determines their academic progress and eligibility for future courses or career opportunities.

Students are advised to verify all details on their marksheets and contact the board in case of discrepancies. For further updates, visit the official MSBTE website.

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JPC clears Waqf Amendment Bill with 14 changes, Opposition cries foul

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The Waqf Amendment Bill is poised for a final vote on January 29 in the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The committee had been tasked with reviewing the bill by November 29, which was then extended to February 13, approved 14 changes to the draft. The 44 amendments proposed by the Opposition were rejected by its chairman BJP MP Jagadambika Pal.

The Opposition had accused the BJP of bias in several sittings of the committee leading to the suspension of several MPs, including Kalyan Banerjee of Trinamool Congress and Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM, both vocal critics of the Bill.

The Opposition MPs had also written to Speaker Om Birla against Pal, saying he was rushing the Bill to gain political mileage ahead of the Delhi Assembly election due to be held on February 5.

Earlier, reports had said Banerjee had broken a glass during a verbal altercation while in deliberations with BJP MP and former Calcutta HC judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay.

The Bill aims to reform Waqf Board administration, mandating the inclusion of non-Muslim and women members. The Central Waqf Council’s composition would also change, incorporating a Union minister, MPs, ex-judges, and individuals of national repute, regardless of religious affiliation. Crucially, the Council’s land acquisition powers would be removed. A controversial clause restricts donations to Muslims practicing their faith for at least five years, prompting concerns about religious freedom.

While proponents claim the bill empowers Muslim women and children, critics, including the Congress and the DMK, allege it infringes upon Articles 15 and 30 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and the right of minorities to administer educational institutions. The final report is expected by January 31.

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