Sunday, January 11, 2026

Conserving the forest owlet

By
Deepanwita Gita Niyogi
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Through numerous trips, Prachi Mehta has been able to intensely study the forest owlet and its distribution in the Melghat Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra as well as in other parts of India. A report by Deepanwita Gita Niyogi

Wildlife scientist Prachi Mehta has been studying and researching on owls in India for almost two decades. According to Mehta, who is associated with the Wildlife Research and Conservation Society, a Pune-based non-profit, owls are usually less studied as most of them are nocturnal and elusive.

“Owls are difficult to spot in the daytime and at night it is a problem to track them. This is the reason why they remained neglected for long. But as they have been well studied in some countries, I decided to study owls, especially found in the forest areas of India.”

Mehta, who finds owls fascinating, describes them as specialised and evolved birds. As she felt owls did not receive the due attention, she started work as early as in 2005 and even took a trip to the United States to know more about methods and research techniques to study them. The main learnings during a month-long trip focused on colour banding and radio tagging.

Early studies

Initial studies were conducted across five Indian states in eastern and central India, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Though Mehta studied all kinds of owls for her research, her special focus, however, lay in the forest owlet (Athene blewitti), small in size (about 19 cm), which has been categorised as critically endangered. It is endemic to India.

There were some studies on the spotted owlet (Athene brama), another tiny bird which is found in urban areas, but the forest owlet remained neglected for long.

“I was curious. The rediscovery of the forest owlet came to light after 113 years after being declared possibly extinct and it piqued my interest. I needed to know why they are found in certain areas and how all owls live and share resources together.”

The forest owlet was first spotted in 1872 and rediscovered in 1997 by Pamela Rasmussen. Mehta describes the call of the forest owlet as musical.

While studying the distribution of the forest owlet, two new areas came to light in Madhya Pradesh. But as these sites were not inside a protected area, threats remained, especially from indiscriminate timber logging.

Work in Melghat

Through numerous trips, Mehta has been able to intensely study the forest owlet and its distribution in the Melghat Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra. Today, Melghat has the largest population of the forest owlet. But Mehta refrains from putting an exact number at this moment. Melghat is densely forested and is located in Amaravati district of Maharashtra. It was among the first nine tiger reserves notified in 1973 under Project Tiger. 

“There is a good density in Melghat as being a protected area, threats aren’t much present there. But forest fires can damage trees and the use of pesticides impact the prey base of owls.”

In order to survive, the forest owlet needs cavity-bearing trees made by woodpeckers. It feeds mainly on rodents. Their survival also depends on a good breeding population and safe nesting.

Apart from forest fires, the biggest threat is poaching. Owls are hunted for trade though under CITES, it is banned. Owl eggs are also stolen. All owl species in India are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

For protection, tracking the birds is important and this is where colour banding of owls helps. “Also called marked recapture, it is a technique where birds are caught. After that a colour band is tied to their feet.”

In Madhya Pradesh, a community-based conservation programme supported by the state biodiversity board has been started to conserve the forest owlet and other owl species in Burhanpur and Khandwa districts where mainly timber is harvested.

For her work, Mehta has won recognition. Last year, she won the World Owl Hall of Fame Special Achievement Award and travelled to the United States for it.

Delhi airport likely to install full body scanners by May 2024: BCAS

By
Tehelka WebDesk
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New Delhi : Full body scanners are expected to be installed at the Delhi airport by May 2024, a senior official said on Friday.

Besides, Computed Tomography X-ray (CTX) machines whereby passengers will not be required to remove electronic items from their hand baggage during the security check are also anticipated to be installed by May next year.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) Director General Zulfiquar Hasan on Friday said the deadline for installing the full body scanners and CTX machines at certain airports is being extended.

The deadline for installing the full body scanners at airports with more than 10 million annual passenger traffic is December 31. The last date for installation of CTX machines at airports with more than 5 million passengers is also the same.

At a briefing in the national capital, Hasan said there have been some provisioning issues and BCAS is in discussions with airport operators on the installation of the scanners.

“We expect the full body scanners and X-ray machines to come in May…,” he said and added that both are expected to be installed at the Delhi airport by May next year.

 The Delhi airport is the country’s largest airport and passenger traffic is expected to cross 70 million in the current fiscal ending March 2024.

Once CTX (Computer Tomography X-ray) scanners are in place, passengers will not have to remove their electronic gadgets from baggage during security checks at airports.

BCAS will be deploying the full body scanners in a phased manner Last year, BCAS recommended installation of scanners based on computer tomography technology at airports whereby passengers will not be required to take out electronic devices from their hand baggage before going through the scanner.

At present, passengers have to remove and keep electronic items in a separate tray during security check at airports.

 The scanners used at airports provide a two-dimensional view of the objects inside hand baggage. Installation of such scanners is also expected to help in speeding up the security check-in process at airports.

 India is one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets in the world. Domestic airlines carried more than 13.82 crore passengers during the January- November 2023 period, as per the latest official data.

Cold wave grips Kashmir

By
Tehelka WebDesk
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New Delhi, Feb 05 (ANI): Homeless people sleeping on the footpath amid dense fog on a cold winter morning, at Sarai Kale Khan Bus Terminal, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo/ Shrikant Singh)

Kashmir remained gripped by a persistent cold spell as temperatures plunged well below freezing point across the valley, officials reported on Friday.

Srinagar, the summer capital, saw the mercury drop to minus 3.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday night, marking a slight rise from the previous night’s minus 5.4 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam, a key base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, recorded a chilling minus 5.0 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the renowned Gulmarg resort in Baramulla district registered a low of minus 3.44 degrees Celsius.

Other areas in the valley also experienced harsh cold, with Qazigund at minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at minus 1.9 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius.

In Jammu, temperatures hovered at 7.3°C, slightly below the usual for this time of year. Banihal recorded 1.7°C, Batote 4.2°C, and Bhaderwah 0.4°C.

The relentless cold wave persists across Kashmir, impacting various parts of the region with significantly below-average temperatures.

Congress demands joint committee of Parliament to probe LS security breach

By
Tehelka WebDesk
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New Delhi : Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari on Thursday demanded a joint committee of Parliament consisting of members with experience in policing, security and Law to investigate the December 13 security breach, and also cited the January 6, 2021 Capitol Hill security breach which was independently probed by a Select Committee of the US Congress.

In a post on X, Tewari said, “A Joint Committee of Parliament consisting of Members who have prior experience in policing, security and Law must be set up to Concurrently investigate the occurrences of December 13, 2023.”

Tewari, a Lok Sabha MP from Punjab’s Anandpur Sahib and a former Union minister said, “While a simultaneous Police Investigation can play itself out and a parallel security audit by concerned agencies can unfold this Supreme Temple of Indian Democracy can not allow an incident like what happened on December 13, 2023 to repeat itself.

Reminding of the December 13, 2001 Parliament attack by terrorists, he said, “While December 13, 2001 and December 13, 2023 are not comparable but what could have happened in both cases has portentous consequences. That a security breech occurred again and the perpetrators could make it to the floor of the Lok Sabha should make all members pause and reflect on what could have happened……”

“Just as a Select Committee of the US Congress indepently investigated the January 6, 2021 Capitol Hill security breech similarly the Parliament of India must enquire into the entire incident independently and make appropriate recommendations to ensure that security and safety of Members and the Staff of Parliament is maintained at the highest level possible, ” he said.

“Both houses must rise above partisan divides and not allow the implications of what could have happened yesterday be lost in a he said – she said finger pointing, ” Tewari added.

His remarks came a day after two people jumped from visitors gallery in the Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour proceedings.

The two also sprayed yellow colour smoke in the House before they were overpowered and caught by the MPs and handed over to security officials.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday also ordered an inquiry of the Parliament security breach under Director General CRPF Anish Dayal Singh with members from other security agencies and experts.

In a series of posts, the MHA said, “On request from Lok Sabha Secretariat, MHA has ordered an Enquiry of parliament security breach incident. An Enquiry Committee has been set up under Anish Dayal Singh, DG, CRPF, with members from other security agencies and experts.”

The MHA said that the Enquiry Committee will investigate the reasons for breach in security of Parliament, identify lapses and recommend further action.

The Committee will submit its report with recommendations, including suggestions on improving security in Parliament, at the earliest, the Ministry added.

The Enquiry was ordered after the Lok Sabha Secretariat wrote to MHA seeking a security review of Parliament.

The Delhi Police have registered a case and are investigating the security lapse issue.

Parliament security breach: Accused worked in IT cell for BJP MP, seize his office-Karnataka Congress

By
Tehelka WebDesk
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Mysuru : The Karnataka Congress has alleged that the arrested individual in the Parliament security breach case had previously worked in the IT cell for BJP MP Pratap Simha. The Congress has also demanded the seizure of the BJP MP’s office.

Congress spokesperson M Laxman stated on Thursday that Manoranjan, who jumped into the main hall from the visitors’ gallery was very close to BJP Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha and had held meetings with him in Mysuru, Madikeri and New Delhi.

“We don’t know when these meetings occurred. His office should be seized. This is an issue concerning national security. If they request documents and proofs, we are ready to provide them. Our statements are based on evidence. What we are asserting is very close to the truth, ” Laxman said.

Meanwhile, BJP MPs, ministers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have not reacted to the Parliament security breach incident.

Pratap Simha has also remained silent and even 24 hours after the incident he has not tweeted or given a statement on the accused in the security breach having got their pass for the visitors’ gallery from him.

“Why is MP Pratap Simha silent on the issue? He usually reacts to small incidents before the media, and in this case, his silence is causing suspicion. If a Muslim had been involved or if the pass was issued by a Congress party leader, the entire country would be up in arms. How did they manage to breach four layers of security? This seems to be a premeditated act, ” Laxman said.

John Abraham shoots for ‘Vedaa’ in Kashmir

By
Tehelka WebDesk
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Bollywood star John Abraham recently concluded the shooting schedule of his upcoming film ‘Vedaa’ in Kashmir alongside co-star Sharvari Wagh. The duo wrapped up filming after a four-day stint that covered picturesque locations in Srinagar, Pahalgam, and South Kashmir’s Ashmuqam area.

The crew shot the last sequence in Ashmuqam before the team departed for Mumbai. Throughout the shoot, John Abraham was visibly enamored by Kashmir’s natural beauty and the warm hospitality extended by locals.

Expressing his admiration for the region, John encouraged people to explore Kashmir beyond its significance as a shooting destination. Clad in traditional Kashmiri attire, he emphasized the inviting nature of the locals and invited others to experience the valley’s charm beyond film sets.

In a video message, the actor urged visitors to consider Kashmir for vacations, not just for filming purposes. He highlighted the warm welcome received and advised against littering, stressing the importance of preserving the valley’s pristine beauty.

“I want people to come to Kashmir not only for shooting but for holidays as well,” he said.

“We had a great welcome here, and everyone here wants to work. The people always look at you with a smile and an open heart,” John added.

LS Speaker bans visitor’s pass, calls meeting of all party floor leaders

By
Tehelka WebDesk
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New Delhi : Following the massive security lapse in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has banned the visitor’s pass and also called for an all party floor leaders meeting later in the day.

The decision was taken after a massive security breach in Lok Sabha on Wednesday afternoon, when two persons jumped from the visitor’s gallery in the House causing a commotion.

The two persons also sprayed some gas. The Lok Sabha Speaker has also demanded for a detailed report on how this security breach took place on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla have also reached the Parliament to access the situation.

One of the persons wearing a blue jacket was seen climbing on the tables as he ran inside the House spraying yellow gas spreading fear on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack.

All the galleries of the Lok Sabha had two security officials present during the proceedings.

According to Delhi Police sources, both the persons who created a massive lapse from the visitor’s gallery of Lok Sabha causing a massive security scare in the House have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan.

Parliament smoke attack : Hang my son if he has done any ‘injustice’, says father of accused

By
Tehelka WebDesk
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The father of Manoranjan, who was arrested following his smoke canister attack in the Lok Sabha while the proceedings were underway on Wednesday, said that his son should be hanged if he is done any “injustice”.

Devaraje Gowda said that he condemned the incident.

“If he has done any injustice to the society, he is not my son at all. If he is guilty, let him be hanged. We are not connected to any political party, ” he said in Mysuru.

“Manoranjan had completed his BE degree and was moving to Bengaluru and New Delhi. Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda had helped my son to get a seat in the engineering college, ” Devaraje Gowda stated.

Meanwhile, a police team headed by the ACP rank officer has reached the residence of Manoranjan in Vijayanagar locality of Mysuru and is collecting information about him.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, from whose office the passes were issued to the accused youth, said that they had sought them to watch the proceedings.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, at the assembly session in Belagavi Suvarna Soudha, condemned the development and termed it is a serious security lapse.

The issue resulted in heated arguments between the the Congress and the BJP.

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge attacked the BJP, asking what would have happened in case the pass would have been issued by the Congress MP?

“Don’t the Members of Parliament have responsibility while issuing passes? Would BJP leaders be quiet? They would have branded us with the label of anti-national. It is ironic that they (BJP) issue certificates of patriotism, ” he said.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka said that the Congress thinks that Parliament belongs to the BJP.

“Congress had ruled for 50 years and other parties as well. Parliament belongs to all. We elect the representatives. If a political statement is made at this stage, it is unfortunate, ” he said.

Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara stated that while giving passes, all public representatives should take care as no verification is done.

Congress gives adjournment notices in LS on census exercise, 8 ex-navy men in Qatar jail

By
Tehelka WebDesk
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Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Manish Tewari on Wednesday gave adjournment notices to discuss the delay in census exercise and the issue of eight former Indian Navy personnel on death row in Qatar.

In his notice in the Lok Sabha, Tagore, who is the MP from Tamil Nadu’s Virudhu Nagar, said, “I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely — to discuss about the abnormal intentional delay of the Central government for mitigating census exercise and to direct the government to initiate steps for the census process immediately without further delay.”

Tagore said that was a matter of utmost importance that directly impacted the nation’s governance and the well-being of its citizens. “The Census 2021 was initially postponed due to the severe COVID outbreaks in 2019 and later it has been subject to abnormal and intentional delays. The Central government, citing various reasons such as the availability of population projections based on Census 2011 data and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has continuously deferred the commencement of field activities for Census.

“In March 2022, certain amendments to Census Rules were notified, allowing citizens to self-enumerate themselves in the Census and the National Population Register (NPR). Despite this, the actual initiation of the census has been further delayed. The Office of the Registrar General of India announced in January this year that the freezing of administrative boundaries had been extended to July 1, 2023, pushing the commencement of the census well into 2024. But due to impending general elections in 2024, the process would not be initiated in 2024 also.

“This intentional delay in conducting the census is becoming a significant hurdle in understanding the actual needs of our people. It has resulted in the failure of implementing various schemes and plans designed to cater to the specific requirements of our diverse population. As responsible citizens, we cannot overlook the adverse effects this delay may have on policy making, resource allocation, and the overall development of our nation, ” the Congress MP said.

“Therefore, I urge this august House to have a discussion regarding the urgent need for conducting the census immediately. The timely completion of the census is crucial for accurate data collection, which in turn is essential for effective governance and the successful implementation of government programs.

Tewari gave the adjournment notice to have a discussion regarding the retired-Indian Navy personnel imprisoned in Qatar.

“I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely — That this House do suspend Zero Hour, Question Hour, and other Businesses of the Day to have a discussion regarding the retired-Indian Navy personnel imprisoned in Qatar. Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, and Sailor Ragesh, were sentenced by the Qatari court on October 26, 2023.”

He said that he has been constantly raising this matter since August 2022 both inside and outside the House but there has been no response from the government for 14 months.

“In the meantime the eight Naval Personnel (Retd) have ostensibly been brutally tortured, self incriminating confessions extracted and sentenced to death in a Kangaroo Trail in a couple of perfunctory hearings. The government has not even called in the Qatari Ambassador to protest the matter strongly. There is no visible protest by the Indian Government, ” he said.

“Despite the purported acceptance of their appeal, crucial details such as charges, court rationale, and the judgment of the copy of the Court of First Instance remain undisclosed. I therefore urge the government to inform the House of the situation about our Navy personnel in Qatar and the steps taken to bring them back to India. I hereby request permission to raise this matter, ” Tewari added.

Bhim Army chief slams Mayawati for practising nepotism

By
Tehelka WebDesk
-

New Delhi: Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar, who is seen as a potential contender to don the mantle of a Dalit leader, has slammed Mayawati’s decision to name Akash Anand as her political heir.

Reminding the BSP chief of her earlier statement of keeping relatives, brothers and sisters away from politics, Chandra Shekhar , in a series of posts on X, said, “Bhim Rao Ambedkar had said, “Earlier, the king was born from the queen’s womb, but now I have made arrangements that the king will no longer be born from the queen’s womb, but from the ballot box.”

Chandra Shekhar stated, “Speaking in a public meeting, Mayawati had said that when Kashi Ram laid the foundation of this party on April 14 1984, he had decided to keep family and relatives away from politics to do something in politics selflessly. I will also keep my family away from politics and now she has forgotten her own commitment to the people.”

Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national coordinator Akash Anand has called upon party workers and supporters to gear up to fight for social justice.

Party chief Mayawati had named him her political successor at a national level meeting held at the state unit office on Sunday.

“Party chief Mayawati has entrusted upon me the responsibility of carrying forward the ideology of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram, for the development of Dalits – the exploited and deprived society in the country…I will undertake the responsibility with full devotion and honesty, ” Anand said in a post on social media platform X.

“The Bahujan Samaj Party is a mission, and we have to take it to every corner of the country. I express my heartfelt gratitude to all workers and supporters. The support of all young friends is very important in this journey. I want to join you, want to walk with you, because this fight for social justice is very long, ” he added.

Meanwhile, a BSP leader said: “Party coordinator Akash Anand will not only face challenge from Dalit outfits working to gain political ground by making inroads into the BSP’s support base, but he will also have to prove his merit by regaining the ground that the party lost after losing power in the 2012 Assembly election in UP.”

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