Mangaluru: Noted Konkani writer and dramatist Richard John Pais died on Sunday after a brief illness, family sources said. Pais was 51 and is survived by his wife and two children.

Known in literary circles as 'RJP', his short stories, satirical writings and poems were very popular. He has published three books, including a collection of satirical essays titled Kolovori.'

Pais had been the recipient of the T M A Pai award for his work 'Fathor.' His plays 'Paanch Mornam' and 'Tum Vhorto Dhonea' earned him a name in Konkani theatre.

He was the editorial head of Daijiworld.com. Pais was diagnosed with cancer two months back and succumbed to the disease after a 75-day battle.

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Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.

The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.

The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.

On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.

Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.

It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.

He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.

According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.