India's cheetah population crosses 50 after five cubs born at Kuno National Park
Bhopal (PTI): India's cheetah population crossed the 50-mark on Monday after the birth of five cubs to Namibian cheetah 'Jwala' at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, bringing the national total to 53.
The announcement was made by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who noted that this development comes just days after another cheetah, Gamini, gave birth to four cubs in the same reserve.
The birth of Jwala's quintuplets represents a major victory for 'Project Cheetah' and the success of the country's cheetah reintroduction efforts.
"With this birth, the number of Indian-born thriving cubs has risen to 33, marking the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil -- another important milestone in India's cheetah conservation journey," Yadav said in a post on X.
The minister said the achievement reflected the dedicated efforts, skills, and commitment of the veterinarians, field staff and all involved who continue to work tirelessly on the ground.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav hailed the achievement as a "proud moment" for wildlife conservation, describing the population surge as a strong testament to the success of the country's reintroduction efforts.
"Good News from Kuno National Park again... Cheetah Jwala has given birth to 5 cubs, marking another major milestone for Project Cheetah," he posted on X.
The cheetah, the world's fastest land animal, became extinct in India nearly seven decades ago.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the cheetah translocation project with the release of eight big cats brought from Namibia at KNP on September 17, 2022.
The ambitious project is part of India's efforts to restore the cheetah population and enhance wildlife conservation and tourism in the region.
On February 28, nine cheetahs airlifted from Botswana arrived at KNP and were released into an enclosure.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Assam Police at Pawan Khera's residence in national capital, Delhi Police assisting
New Delhi (PTI): An Assam Police team on Tuesday is at the Delhi residence of Congress leader Pawan Khera for questioning in connection with a case linked to allegations made against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family, official sources said.
The team formally informed Delhi Police upon arrival, following which a local police team joined and is assisting in the proceedings, the source said.
The development comes amid a political tussle after Sarma alleged that the Congress used "false information" sourced from a Pakistani social media group to level charges against his wife regarding multiple passports and overseas assets. He termed the allegations an attempt to influence the Assam elections and a punishable offence.
Khera had recently sought clarifications on Sarma's wife's alleged foreign assets, prompting a complaint and subsequent police action.
