M'luru: Endangered Wolves arrive at Pilikula Park from AP as part of Animal Exchange Program
Mangaluru: Pilikula Biological Park, renowned for its conservation initiatives, welcomed a pair of endangered wolves from a zoo in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This move, executed under the animal exchange program, aims to safeguard the near-extinct species.
HJ Bhandary, the Director of Pilikula Biological Park, elaborated on the recent additions in a press release, stating, "The park has successfully introduced various species through the animal exchange program. Marmoset and tamarin monkeys from Central and South America, blue-gold macaque monkeys from Mexico, galah cockatoos from Australia, and turaco monkeys from Southern Africa have found a home here."
The park, which already hosts 1,200 diverse species of animals, birds, and reptiles, intends to expand its biodiversity further. Bhandary revealed plans to introduce more fauna to Pilikula, enhancing the park's conservation efforts.
Addressing the welfare of the newly arrived animals, Bhandary highlighted, "The Reliance Foundation has generously donated Rs 1 crore to construct a suitable enclosure for the recently acquired animals. Our priority is to create an environment resembling their natural habitat, ensuring their comfort. Additionally, the park now features a feeding center and breeding box, provided free of charge by the Life Science Education Trust, Bengaluru."
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Sanjay Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls
Mumbai, Nov 25: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded a re-election in Maharashtra using ballot papers, claiming there were irregularities with the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged several complaints about EVMs malfunctioning and questioned the integrity of the recently held elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly elections, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 out of 95 seats it contested.
"We have received nearly 450 complaints regarding EVMs. Despite raising objections repeatedly, no action has been taken on these issues. How can we say these elections were conducted fairly? Hence, I demand that the results be set aside and elections be held again using ballot papers," Raut said.
Citing some instances, he said a candidate in Nashik reportedly received only four votes despite having 65 votes from his family, while in Dombivli, discrepancies were found in EVM tallies, and election officials refused to acknowledge the objections.
The Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the credibility of the landslide victories of some candidates, saying, "What revolutionary work have they done to receive more than 1.5 lakh votes? Even leaders who recently switched parties have become MLAs. This raises suspicions. For the first time, a senior leader like Sharad Pawar has expressed doubts about EVMs, which cannot be ignored."
Asked about the MVA's poor performance in the elections, Raut rejected the idea of blaming a single individual.
"We fought as a united MVA. Even a leader like Sharad Pawar, who commands immense respect in Maharashtra, faced defeat. This shows that we need to analyse the reasons behind the failure. One of the reasons is EVM irregularities and the misuse of the system, unconstitutional practices, and even judicial decisions left unresolved by Justice Chandrachud," he said.
Raut stressed that though internal differences might have existed within the MVA, the failure was collective.
He also accused the Mahayuti of conducting the elections in an unfair manner.
"I cannot call the elections fair given the numerous reports of discrepancies in EVMs, mismatched numbers, and vote irregularities across the state," Raut said.
