Karnataka's Mudhol Hounds may be roped into service by SPG
Bengaluru, Aug 21: The elite Special Protection Group has selected the majestic Mudhol Hound, an indigenous breed of dog from Karnataka, for training trial raising hopes of it being recruited by the elite force.
The SPG showed interest in the Mudhol Hound and picked up two puppies for training on a trial basis from the Canine Research and Information Centre (CRIC) in Mudhol, a town in Bagalkote district.
"We don't know what their (SPG's) requirements are but they were happy with the performance," CRIC Director Sushant Hande told PTI.
This was not the first time that the security agencies were impressed by this breed.
The Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), state police and forest department have in the past utilised the services of these canines at some time or the other.
"The response so far is very good. It cleared the trial in the Indian Army. They say that it can perform in all extreme weather conditions including in Himalayas. The Army officials say it survives in all weather conditions," Hande said.
Director of the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Science University B V Shivaprakash said Mudhol Hound is called as sighthound for its ability to see things from a very long distance.
"This dog is known for its running ability, its height and ability to see images from a long distance. When compared to any other breed, this can survive any weather," he said.
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving a push for 'Make In India' campaign, this indigenous dog breed, which is loyal and elegant, is also getting attention, Shivaprakash said.
Raised in 1985, the Special Protection Group (SPG) provides security to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers, and their immediate family members.
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West Bengal board declares class 10 exam results, 86.83 pc students pass
Kolkata (PTI): The West Bengal board's class 10 results were declared on Friday, with 86.83 per cent of the total 9.71 lakh candidates passing the examination, an official said.
In last year's Madhyamik Pariksha, 86.56 per cent of the 9.84 lakh students were declared successful, West Bengal Board of Secondary Education president Ramanuj Ganguly said.
This year's examination was held from February 2 to February 12 at over 2,600 centres across the state, he said.
Abhirup Bhadra of Sarada Vidyamandir in Uttar Dinajpur district bagged the first rank, securing 698 of 700 marks. Priyotosh Mukhopadhyay of Sarojinidevi Saraswati Sishu Mandir in Birbhum was declared second with 696 marks. The third rank was shared by three students.
A total of 131 students secured the top 10 ranks, of whom 28 were girls.
Kalimpong recorded the highest percentage at 95.01, followed by Purba Medinipur at 94.02 and Kolkata at 92.31.
