Mangaluru: Tauseef Ahmed from Mangalore, a renowned figure in animal rescue, has been awarded the prestigious ‘International Iconic Animal Rescue Hero 2024’ in Mumbai Film City. He was recognized in the social service category for his significant contributions to rescuing animals from the streets of Mangalore over the past 15 years.

Known as Mister Rescuer on Instagram, Tauseef Ahmed has rescued more than 8,000 street animals to date. His dedication extends beyond cats and dogs to include reptiles and birds. Despite facing threats from the cattle mafia, Ahmed's commitment to animal rescue has continued. His efforts earned him the ‘Best Street Care and Rescue Award’ from India for Animals (IFA) in Hyderabad in 2018.

Originally from Kudremukh in Chikkamagaluru district, Tauseef Ahmed relocated to Mangalore at a young age. His passion for animals led him to join the Animal Care Trust (ACT) in 2010, where he discovered his life's purpose. He quickly became one of the leading rescuers within the trust. During the devastating floods in Kodagu in 2018, Ahmed's team played a key role in rescuing hundreds of animals abandoned by their owners, some even untied from their sheds.

In 2019, Ahmed delivered a TEDx talk titled ‘Our Planet, Theirs Too’ at Nitte Deemed to be University, emphasizing the importance of conserving and protecting not only exotic wildlife but also common animals. Despite holding an MBA degree and owning a real-estate firm, Ahmed remains dedicated to his mission. He trained in first aid and basic veterinary treatment under Dr. Lakshmi to enhance his rescue efforts during emergencies. His first book, 'Straying Around,' is based on his experiences in animal rescue.

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Almora: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has raised concerns over the government's decision to sell Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL), a profitable public sector unit. Located in Mohan, Almora, the pharmaceutical company was established in 1978 as a joint venture between the Central and State governments and is known for producing Ayurvedic and Unani medicines.

According to reports, IMPCL, a Miniratna company, earned a profit of ₹18 crore last year and is set to provide a ₹6 crore dividend to the government. It supplies medicines across India and exports them internationally as well. The company employs over 500 people, and thousands of small farmers depend on it for the supply of raw materials and produce.

Priyanka Gandhi criticised the move to sell the profitable unit, suggesting that it contradicts the government’s stance on promoting Ayurveda and AYUSH. “What could be the motive behind selling a profit-making pharmaceutical unit, other than to fill the coffers of select friends by handing over the nation’s valuable assets?” she tweeted.

She argued that the decision exposes the hypocrisy in the government's claim of promoting traditional medicine systems and questioned the rationale behind selling a company that benefits small farmers and contributes to the economy.