SA signs deal with India to relocate dozens of cheetahs

A big cat species similar to the cheetah disappeared from India some 70 years ago

Cape Town (Agenciess): South Africa has signed an agreement with India to introduce dozens of African cheetahs to the Asian country over the next decade, its environmental department said on Thursday, after the first were transferred last year from neighbour- ing Namibia. A big cat species similar to the cheetah disappeared from India some 70 years ago.

In September, eight radio-collared African cheetahs were released at Kuno National Park in central India after a 5,000-mile (8,000 km) journey from Namibia, the first time wild cheetahs have been moved across continents to be released. “An initial batch of 12 cheetah are scheduled to be flown from South Africa to India in February 2023,” South Africa’s environmental department said in a statement. The big cats will join those introduced from Namibia.

“The plan is to translocate a further 12 annually for the next eight to 10 years,” the department added.

The statement said the aim was to “achieve a number of ecological objectives,” including restoring the role of the cheetah within India, where the endangered cats used to roam, and “enhancing the livelihood options and economies of the local communities.”

Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952 and are the only large carnivore in the country to have suffered that fate. According to a statement from India’s environment ministry, this was a result of overhunting and loss of habitat.

GALLANTRY AWARDS: 2 KIRTI CHAKRA, 7 SHAURYA CHAKRA FOR ARMY

New Delhi: Two of the six Kirti Chakra awards and seven (two posthumously) of the 15 named for Shaurya Chakra went to the Indian Army in the 412 gallantry awards and defence decorations approved by the President on the eve of 74th Republic Day. Major Shubhang and Naik Jitendra Singh from the Army got the Kirti Chakra for their role in counter-terror operations in J&K.

MADE IN INDIA ARMS SHOWCASED AT R-DAY PARADE

New Delhi: The Indian military showcased only indigenous equipment and weapon systems to drive home the message of self-reliance in defence. The Army’s British-era 25-pounder guns — which traditionally offered the symbolic 21-gun salute — were replaced by the indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns (IFG). It included 23 fighter aircraft, 18 helicopters, and 8 transport aircraft alongside a Dakota aircraft.

INDIAN-AMERICANS CELEBRATE IN TEXAS

Houston: Indians in the US state of Texas celebrated the 74th Republic Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at various colourful events organised across Houston. Consul General of India, Aseem Mahajan, at a Facebook live event, hoisted the national flag and addressed the gathering to convey the speech of Indian President Droupadi Murmu, which reaffirmed constitutional values that have guided India’s progress.

India may get dedicated industrial area in Egypt's Special Economic Zone

New Delhi: Exuding confidence in India, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said under New Delhi’s presidency, the G20 will be successful in achieving its goal, the External Affairs Ministry said.

Egyptian President, who was the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade, held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two countries decided to work together during India’s Presidency and reiterated that the interests and priorities of the Global South be given due attention and focus in key global forums, including the G20.

During his visit from January 24-27, President El-Sisi attended India’s 74th Republic Day parade as the chief guest. He was the first Egyptian premier to have been invited to the Republic Day parade.

During the Republic Day Parade, a military contingent of the Egyptian Army marched towards the saluting dais on the Kartavya Path for the first time. The Egyptian military contingent, led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy and consisting of 144 soldiers, represented the main regiments of the Egyptian armed forces.