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New Delhi [India], March 31: In wake of the recent outrage surrounding the painting of an elephant named Chanchal in Jaipur for a photoshoot made by Julia Buruleva, World Animal Protection has taken a grim view of the entire sequence of events that has led to this most unfortunate display of animal cruelty in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Jaipur in Rajasthan. This incident, yet again highlights the rampant abuse of captive elephants in Jaipur in Amer Fort and Haathi Gaon to cater to tourist whims and fancies. There is no excuse to paint an elephant for a photoshoot because this denigrates the natural state of the animal. The incident also shows glaring loopholes in administrative abilities in caring for the captive elephants in Jaipur that are already under extreme stress and pain due to their totally unnatural incarceration and daily abuse due to rides and continual interaction with tourists, including foreign tourists like the one who has caused the cruelty that has justifiably enraged people from all walks of people who care for India's National Heritage Animal. Also Read | Oracle Layoffs: Abrupt 6 AM Job Cuts, No Warning Leave Employees Shocked. Although it appears that the shoot took place late last year in December, 2025, it bears questioning how this photo shoot was approved by the Rajasthan Forest Department for a Schedule I animal that is accorded the highest level of protection under India's Wildlife Protection Act. This incident really brings to light the inadequacies in implementation of both moral and legal principles when it comes to protecting captive elephants in India. There is the cardinal issue of the stocking of captive elephant populations by dubious means and recently the arrest of an elephant trafficker in Jaipur who was attempting to smuggle an elephant from Assam clearly shows that the trade in live elephants is alive and well. The latest amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act with regard to transactions in captive elephants also leaves the law open to misuse. "It is of cardinal importance that the Ministry Of Environment and Forests, Project Elephant and the Rajasthan Forest Department regulate the nature of all tourist activities with captive elephants in Jaipur, including foreign tourists, to ensure that abusive activities toward captive elephants do not take place," says Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection in India. Earlier this month, the Rajasthan government has informed the Rajasthan High Court that it was taking steps to ensure the welfare of captive elephants at Amer Fort. "Apart from interim welfare steps, it is necessary to take concrete steps, long overdue, to initiate the process of phasing out elephant rides in Amer Fort altogether, and retire the remaining elephants in a sanctuary," says Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection in India. Also Read | Impact Subs in Today's IPL Match for Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. World Animal Protection in India is raising awareness among tour companies to not offer elephant rides in places like Jaipur. The latest companies that have taken the wildlife friendly pledge of World Animal Protection to not promote elephant rides and wild animals in entertainment include UnBound Expeditions, Going Wild Tours, Hetalbon Resort, Wild Paw Adventures and NorthEast Travels. These companies can encourage tourists not to undertake activities like Julia Buruleva has done to exploit captive animals. It has been reported that the elephant who was coloured, named Chanchal, died in February, 2026. In the wake of this incident, there is every reason to reascertain the cause of her death. World Animal Protection has also noted the capture of four allegedly wolf dog hybrid puppies in Kadbanwadi area of Indapur tehsil in Pune district. World Animal Protection strongly emphasises that these animals should be treated humanely regardless of their genetic makeup. There is very sophisticated scientific evidence with World Animal Protection that establishes the importance of scientific and respectful treatment of hybrid animals and it is emphasised that the Maharashtra Forest Department apply the precautionary principle and ensure humane treatment of these puppies. World Animal Protection also advocates a cautionary approach to the Neelgai domestication project that has been reported in the media in Bihar Agricultural University (BAU)'s Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture. The captive animals that are part of this initiative should be treated humanely and this project should not lead to commercialisation of wild animals for short term profits. Today is Mahavir Jayanti. On this occasion, the message of ahimsa(non violence) as the ultimate virtue needs to be restated with respect to our relationship with all animals under the current circumstances. Wild animals are not entertainment. Wild animals are not meant for captivity displays where they need to be coloured as props to fulfil vanity wishes. Elephants live in the wild, where they socialise with their kin and form family bonds like humans. Elephants belong in the wild. There is no pride in colouring or riding an elephant. Wildlife belongs in the wild. For more information please contact : Gajender Kumar SharmaEmail : gajenderksharma@worldanimalprotection.org.in.Phone : 93133332823 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) (The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)
Mumbai, January 10: India tearaway Varun Aaron on Friday announced his retirement from "representative cricket" bringing an end to his journey, which began in 2011. In a country that has starved for explosive pacers, Varun announced himself to the world as a genuine quick. He made the headlines by clocking 153 kph during the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Gujarat. With the sheer pace with which he bowled and consistent performances, Varun looked set to become the next big thing in the world of cricket. ICC Chairman Jay Shah To Be Felicitated by BCCI During Special General Meeting. ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jun 5 (PTI) The Assam Congress on Thursday demanded a CBI inquiry into alleged illegal stone mining in Karbi Anglong district in violation of a Supreme Court order. Addressing a press conference here, former Rajya Sabha member Ripun Bora also alleged that Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was allowing illegal activities in the district in nexus with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. "Large-scale illegal stone mining is taking place in the hills of Karbi Anglong in violation of the Supreme Court order. The SC had banned mining in and around K ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): In a move to uphold animal welfare and maintain public hygiene, the Delhi Government has issued a strict advisory against the illegal killing and sacrifice of cows, calves, camels, and other prohibited animals during the Bakra-Eid on June 7, a release said. The advisory issued by the Delhi Government outlines strict guidelines to ensure lawful and hygienic practices during Bakra Eid. Also Read | Chinnaswamy Stampede: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Suspends Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, Orders Arrest of Representative of RCB and Others After FIR. It m ...Read More >
Chennai: Hours before Union home minister Amit Shah was to arrive in Madurai, Thuglak editor and an associate of Shah, S Gurumurthy on Saturday met PMK founder S Ramadoss. The PMK leader, however, ruled out the possibility of meeting Amit Shah during his two-day visit to Tamil Nadu.Gurumurthy met Ramadoss for the second time amid reported tension within PMK regarding alliance strategies and insistence by Anbumani Ramadoss to remain party president. The hour-long meeting took place at the T Nagar residence of A K Vijay Mahesh, son of former Union minister and PMK leader A K Moorthy, sources sai ...Read More >
Hyderabad: In a significant boost for 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbharta' in the aerospace and defence sector, and Hyderabad's growing stature as a global aerospace hub, the complete fuselage of the Rafale fighter jet will now be made in India at Hyderabad. This move marks the first time that these Rafale components will be manufactured outside France for the Indian as well as global markets.French aerospace major Dassault Aviation has signed four production transfer agreements with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) for manufacturing key sections of the Rafale fighter jet, including the lateral ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to France, the European Union (EU), and Belgium from June 8 to 14, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs announced in a press release on Sunday. The visit marks a significant step in further strengthening India's strategic partnerships with Europe. The EAM will first travel to Paris and Marseille, France, where he will hold bilateral discussions with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jean Noel Barrot. Also Read | Indian Citizen Dies in UAE: Civil Engineer Issac Paul ...Read More >
This is a Mint Premium article gifted to you. Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: The debate on laboratory-grown meat, dairy, and egg products may soon be settled, with the issue reaching India's apex food regulator, three people aware of the development said. The development comes in the backdrop of concerns about public health, food security and ecological sustainability. While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has put in place a regulatory framework for plant-based protein products, manufacturers and sellers of fermentation-derived and cultivated protein ...Read More >
Mumbai, May 20 (PTI) Around 65 per cent of fans of T20 cricket league IPL polled expect to see a new trophy winner this year with Royal Challengers Bangalore emerging as the favourite, according to a survey. The survey of more than 5,000 cricket fans, including Gen Zs, till May 5 found that 12 per cent of fans want to see Delhi Capitals as winner while 7 per cent rooted for Punjab Kings, the 23 Watts Insights Studio, which conducted the poll, stated. The survey, The IPL Pulse, explores how India's Cricket fandom, especially Gen Zs, are engaging with the league, reacting to its evolving forma ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): In a move to uphold animal welfare and maintain public hygiene, the Delhi Government has issued a strict advisory against the illegal killing and sacrifice of cows, calves, camels, and other prohibited animals during the Bakra-Eid on June 7, a release said. The advisory issued by the Delhi Government outlines strict guidelines to ensure lawful and hygienic practices during Bakra Eid. It mandates that all sacrificial rituals must occur exclusively at designated locations, explicitly prohibiting sacrifices on roadsides, streets, or any public spaces. It emphas ...Read More >
Guwahati/Morigaon, Jun 6 (PTI) The flood situation in Assam continued to be critical with over 5.6 lakh people reeling under the deluge in 16 districts, an official bulletin said on Friday. The toll in this year's floods and landslides stands at 21, with two more deaths reported on Thursday. Also Read | Thane Shocker: Wife Booked for Hurling Hot Oil on Autorickshaw Driver During Fight Over Domestic Issues in Kalyan. Wildlife has also been affected with nearly 70 per cent of the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district facing inundation, an official said. The Regional Meteorological ...Read More >
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], June 7 (ANI): Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that the 'government of the day is handicapped' as it can't register a first information report and said that the three-decades-old judicial order provides a 'virtually impregnable cover'. The Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, 'The Government of the day is handicapped. It can't register an FIR. Because there is a judicial order. And that judicial order is more than three decades old. It provides virtually impregnable cover. Unless permission is accorded by a functionary at the highest level in ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) held a key meeting on Friday to decide the next course of action following the stampede incident outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The meeting was being chaired by KSCA President Raghuram Bhat. Also Read | SSC Recruitment 2025: Staff Selection Commission Releases Stenographer Grade C & D Exam 2025 Notification, Know How To Apply at ssc.gov.in. More details are awaited. Earlier in the day, top senior officials of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), secretary A Shankar and treasurer ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) held a key meeting on Friday to decide the next course of action following the stampede incident outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The meeting was being chaired by KSCA President Raghuram Bhat. More details are awaited. Earlier in the day, top senior officials of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam, tendered their resignations from their posts, taking 'moral responsibility' for the stampede that took place near M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wed ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): Two top Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials -- secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam -- resigned from their posts during an emergency managing committee meeting held on Saturday, accepting 'moral responsibility' for stampede near M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The incident occurred during celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) maiden IPL title win and claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured. KSCA President Raghuram Bhat confirmed the development, saying that the resignations were discussed and accep ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 8 (ANI): Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Karnataka mounted an attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, days after 11 people died in the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede in Bengaluru. Karnataka Deputy Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Arvind Bellad alleged that the duo wanted to 'take selfies' and 'celebrate' the victory with RCB players. 'After this big tragedy in Karnataka, more than 30 common citizens were injured, and 11 people lost their lives. The chief minister, Siddaramaiah, and the deputy ch ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Former head of Air India and chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani is the new Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) director. The official order for his appointment was issued on Wednesday. A 1980-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME), Lohani is known for turning around various organisations during his illustrious career. Following his retirement from IRSME service, he joined the GMR Group as the CEO. According to the order dated June 4, his appointment to the post of director, Prime Ministers Museum and Library in the rank and pa ...Read More >
Former India opener Aakash Chopra on Saturday (June 7) picked his preferred playing 11 from the best uncapped players in IPL 2025. Because the season saw abundant young stars stepping up for almost every team, he had to leave out some key names, like champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)'s Suyash Sharma and Chennai Super Kings (CSK)'s Ayush Mhatre. Chopra included several players from the runners-up, Punjab Kings, who built their team on youth. It started with openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, who were among the highest run-scorers in the tournament. Rajasthan Royals' 14-year ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): Top senior officials of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam, tendered their resignations from their posts, taking 'moral responsibility' for the stampede that took place near M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team's felicitation after winning their Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a tight final on Tuesday. As per ESPNCricinfo, the resignation has been submitted to the president of the board, Raghuram Bhat. Also in Be ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered an increase in the compensation announced for the families of those who died in the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede in Bengaluru to Rs 25 lakh each. Earlier, the government had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi demanded that CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar should 'resign right now' in connection with the June 4 stampede near Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured. Joshi told reporters, 'The state go ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): The 17th edition of the joint military exercise 'Nomadic Elephant 2025' between India and Mongolia is currently underway at the Special Forces Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar, the Indian Army said. According to the Indian Army, the training focuses on conducting non-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. The objective is to enhance the operational capabilities of both forces. Participating contingents are actively exchanging best practices in counter-terrorism operations and precision sniping, thereby impro ...Read More >
Viral video shows AI cameras spotting a herd of elephants. (Photo: X/susantananda3) Elephants in Odisha's forests often face the threat of train collisions on railway tracks, as highlighted by multiple reports over the years. To prevent such accidents, authorities installed four AI cameras in the Rourkela Forest Division. A post on X (formerly Twitter) by Susanta Nanda, a retired Indian Forest Service officer, stated that the use of AI cameras effectively averted another potential accident. In t ...Read More >
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 5 (ANI): The Uttarakhand Government has suspended three engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) over the damage to an under-construction bridge at Tharali in Chamoli district. Secretary of the Public Works Department, Pankaj Kumar Pandey, issued the suspension orders on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, said an official release. According to the release, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, concrete and decisive steps are being taken in the direction of transparent and accountable governance in the stat ...Read More >
Guwahati: The flood situation across Assam continues to be critical, with over 5.6 lakh people in 16 districts reeling under the severe flood, an official bulletin confirmed on Friday. The cumulative death toll from this year's floods and landslides has now climbed to 21, following two more fatalities reported on Thursday. Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge! The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) bulletin stated that floodwaters are currently submerging 57 revenue circles and 1,406 villages, impacting a total of 5,61,644 individuals ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
New Delhi: The IPL 2025 mega auction has concluded, with all teams finalizing their squads of at least 18 players. As is often the case, the RCB management finds itself under scrutiny for its player selections. Retaining only three players -- Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal -- RCB entered the auction with three RTM (Right to Match) cards but opted to use just one, securing Swapnil Singh. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif expressed his thoughts on RCB's decision to let Will Jacks go to Mumbai Indians for ₹5.25 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. Kaif termed it a "massive miss" for RC ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 8 (ANI): With an eye on the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, Congress on Wednesday announced 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana', promising to provide Rs 25 lakh health cover per family. The announcement was made at a press conference by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot here. Gehlot termed the scheme a "game changer" in Delhi "...We have given a lot of coverage to the health... 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana' of the Delhi government will be similar to 'Chiranjeevi Yojana' of the Rajasthan government...I am happy that I got the opportunity to launch this scheme here," the ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): Former India cricketer and JioStar expert Sanjay Bangar heaped praise on Sai Sudharsan following the left-hander's match-winning century against Delhi Capitals (DC), lauding his composure and intelligent shot selection in the shortest format. Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 108 off just 61 deliveries, an innings laced with twelve boundaries and four sixes, as he guided Gujarat Titans (GT) to a dominant 10-wicket win. Chasing a daunting 200-run target, GT got home with an over to spare at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, thanks largely to the southpaw's masterclass. A ...Read More >
New Delhi, May 22 (PTI) Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday signed New Zealander Tim Seifert as a replacement for England batter Jacob Bethell, who will be unavailable for the IPL play-offs due to national commitments. The replacement will be effective from May 24, the BCCI said in a statement. Seifert, who has scored 1540 runs in 66 T20s for the Blackcaps, has played only three games in the IPL previously and last featured in the tournament in 2022. He will join RCB for Rs two crore. "Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed Tim Seifert as Jacob Bethell is set to leave from TATA I ...Read More >
Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President Raghu Ram Bhat and a few other office bearers moved the Karnataka High Court on Friday seeking to quash the FIR filed against them in the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede case. Police on Thursday registered an FIR against RCB, event management firm DNA entertainment private limited, and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Karnataka Chief Minister Siddarmaiah too on Thursday had instructed the state DGP and IGP to immediately arrest the re ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >