On the occasion of World Elephant Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's dedication to creating a conducive environment for elephants, emphasising their cultural and historical significance in India.
Taking to his X handle, the Prime Minister wrote: "World Elephant Day is an occasion to appreciate the wide range of community efforts to protect elephants. At the same time, we reaffirm our commitment to doing everything possible to ensure elephants get a conducive habitat where they can thrive."
PM Modi also highlighted the deep cultural and historical connection Indians have with elephants.
"For us in India, the elephant is linked to our culture and history, too. And it's gladdening that over the last few years, their numbers have been on the rise," he added, stressing the historical and cultural significance of the animal.
World Elephant Day, celebrated annually on August 12, aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect elephants in Asia and Africa, promote their conservation, and ensure their survival.
As the global elephant population faces a critical decline, India has taken significant steps to conserve this species by establishing several national parks and sanctuaries to provide a favourable habitat for elephants and other wildlife.
In a recent development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin announced an increase in the elephant population in the state, with the numbers rising by 100 from last year. According to the 2024 elephant census, the number of wild elephants in Tamil Nadu has grown to 3,063, up from 2,971 in 2023.
The three-day synchronised elephant census, conducted in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh on May 23, 24, and 25, revealed that these four South Indian states account for nearly 44 per cent of India's total wild elephant population, estimated at over 27,000.
The census saw the participation of 2,178 forest personnel, including forest watchers, guards, rangers, and volunteers from wildlife NGOs.
Other states with significant elephant populations include Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Odisha, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh.
India's ongoing efforts to protect and conserve its elephant population reflect its broader commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
Family held at gunpoint, robbers looted house in Churaibari
According to reports, Sadhan Deb, a resident of the area, went to sleep as usual with his two children last night. However, around 2:30 AM, a gang of 7-8 armed robbers stormed into his house by breaking down the door with a sledgehammer.
Govt committed to transparency and public welfare: Dr Saha
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that the present state government is moving forward with a commitment to serve the people and work for their welfare, ensuring transparency in all areas.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.