Latest news with #Hiremath
New Indian Express
29-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Nehru Zoo's white tigers captivate visitors
HYDERABAD: At Hyderabad's Nehru Zoological Park, 12 white Bengal tigers, born and raised in captivity, continue to awe visitors. These striking cats, with snow-white coats and icy blue eyes, are not a separate species but Bengal tigers with a rare recessive gene. Their presence has made the zoo a national leader in white tiger conservation, second only to Odisha's Nandankanan Zoo. Though popular, breeding white tigers is controversial due to inbreeding risks. 'We don't breed indiscriminately,' said Zoo Director Sunil Hiremath. 'To maintain genetic diversity, we cross-breed with orange tigers when necessary. A white cub may reappear by the third generation—but genetically stronger.' Studbooks and zoo-to-zoo exchanges help avoid close-kin breeding. Breeding is delicate. Mothers and cubs are isolated for 15–20 days post-birth, monitored via CCTV. 'Even minor disturbances can cause distress. A weak cub may not survive; in some cases, the mother may consume it,' Hiremath explained. Despite the challenges, the zoo has reported no major deformities. Most tigers are healthy and active, with enriched enclosures to encourage natural behaviours. Young siblings stay together up to 18 months to foster bonding. Illnesses can be hard to detect. 'Tigers often hide symptoms until it's too late,' Hiremath noted. Recently, two white tigers from Warangal's Kakatiya Zoo were treated for leptospirosis and are now recovering. While the tigers remain crowd favourites, officials say myths persist. 'Many still think white tigers are a different species,' said one. The zoo plans to expand public education through digital exhibits, signage, and trained guides to set the record straight.
The Hindu
24-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Several organisations plan mega protest against mining policy in Ballari on Aug. 16
Condemning what they termed as retrograde and dangerous policies on mining by the State and Union governments, various orgnaisations will stage a mega protest in Ballari on August 16. Addressing presspersons in Hubballi on Thursday, president of National Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR) and Citizens For Democracy (CFD) S.R. Hiremath said that through the protest they will be demanding effective steps to mitigate the sufferings of the mining-affected people. They will also seek reduction in the annual mining cap to 20 million tonnes. Mr. Hiremath said that the Joint Action Committee of mining-affected people was already formed during a meeting in Ballari on June 1. Subsequently, like-minded orgnaisations, including Janandolan Maha Maitri, CFD and JPJPS (Agitation Committee for revival of the lives of people and environment), conducted jathas in all the four mining-affected districts of Ballari, Vijayanagar, Chitradurga and Tumakuru to sensitise the residents to the common problems affecting their lives due to continued mining and the need to launch a united fight. Before the mega protest on August 16, jathas will be taken to mining-affected villages between August 1 and 4 and district committees for the preparation of the projects will be formed. The organisations will give a call to all like-minded organisations working for the cause of the people to join hands with them for the mega protest, he said. To a query, Mr. Hiremath pointed out that despite the Supreme Court taking a tough stand against indiscriminate mining, both the State and Union governments have managed to get the annual cap for mining increased and now, they wanted to increase it further to 57 million tonnes. However, the former Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy, who has been appointed by the Supreme Court as the Oversight Authority for implementation of the Comprehensive Environmental Plan for Mining Impact Zone (CEPMIZ), has recommended reducing it to 20 million tonnes for the four districts. Mr. Hiremath said that the JMM, the CFD and the NCPNR welcome the State government's decision to quash the land acquisition process at Devanahalli. It is a historical win for farmers of Devanahalli and Samyukta Horata-Karnataka which led the agitation. However, the farmers and also the organisations will have to be more vigilant as the war is not yet over. S.A. Mulla of JMM was present.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
JMM urges SC to declare SIR unconstitutional
Dharwad: The Janandolan Maha Maitri (JMM), a branch of National Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR), has criticised the Election Commission of India for taking up SIR (Special Intensive Revision) in Bihar and has termed it as an ill-advised move. Speaking to media in Dharwad JMM chief and anti-graft activist SR Hiremath urged the Supreme Court of India to declare SIR as unconstitutional and uphold the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution. He stated that SIR violates Articles 14, 19, 21, 325, and 326 of the Constitution, as it contravenes the provisions of the Representation of the People's Act, 1950, and Rule 21A of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. If SIR is not set aside by the SC, it can arbitrarily and without due process disenfranchise crores of voters (as much as 30 to 50% of the country) from electing their representatives, thereby disrupting free and fair elections and democracy in the country, which are part of basic structure of the Constitution, Hiremath said. "This would be totally against the bold experiment of Universal Franchise pledged by our Founding Fathers, who enshrined it in Constitution will be negated. It is important to identify and expose the powers that be, who have made the ECI do this 'retrograde' and 'dangerous move' of the ECI," he added. Dropping land acquisition The JMM, Citizens for Democracy (CFD) and NCPNR fully support the satyagraha of the 13 villages of Channapattana Hobli (Devanahalli Taluka, Bengaluru Rural Dist) 'Bhoo Swadheena Virodhi Horata' and call upon the state govt and the chief minister, who when in the opposition, had promised that, if voted to power, they would cancel the acquisition proceedings of the KIADB to acquire 1,777 acres of fertile lands of the farmers in 13 villages. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo "Siddaramaiah reiterated his promise to the Samyukta Horata members during a meeting, that he would need additional time until July 15 to overcome legal hurdles and confirming the next meeting. The govt should quash the land acquisition process and protect the interests of the farmers by protecting their fertile lands", Hiremath demanded.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘A cascade of failures': How a five-year-old UK boy's fatal milk allergy reaction exposed alarming lapses in school's safety protocols; symptoms to watch out for
A tragic case from the UK has reignited conversations around food allergy protocols in schools across the world. Five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who had known allergies to milk, eggs, kiwi and nuts, died on December 21, 2021 after what his mother called 'a cascade of failures,' including exposure to cow's milk and a delay in receiving emergency treatment. After a thorough investigation, a UK inquest determined the probable cause of death was 'the ingestion of cow's milk protein, most probably from his own receptacle during break time,' suggesting that Benedict may have been mistakenly served another child's milk, according to the BBC. Despite established protocols between the family and Benedict's school to store his oat milk separately in the staff fridge, the school also stored another student's lactose-free milk in the same fridge. On the day of the incident, the milk was poured in the staff room instead of the classroom. Benedict became ill and vomited, 'the first sign' of his allergic reaction, according to his mother, but his EpiPen was administered too late. Dr Shuaib Nasser, an allergy specialist who had treated him, said, 'In hindsight, yes, it was administered too late,' per the BBC. Benedict collapsed shortly after, and though CPR was attempted, he died less than two hours later at a nearby hospital due to food-induced anaphylaxis. Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, tells 'Managing children with severe food allergies requires a well-coordinated and proactive approach. The first step is early diagnosis and clear communication. Once a child is diagnosed with a serious allergy, parents must provide schools with a comprehensive medical action plan that outlines the allergen, symptoms of a reaction, emergency contacts, and treatment steps.' A post shared by Benedict Blythe Foundation (@benedictblythefoundation) Schools must maintain up-to-date health records and ensure this information is accessible to all relevant staff, especially teachers, cafeteria personnel, and transport staff. There should be strict policies in place to avoid accidental exposure. Dr Hiremath adds that education is equally vital. 'Teachers and caregivers should be trained to recognise early signs of an allergic reaction and know exactly what steps to take. Simple protocols like handwashing before and after meals, not sharing food, and reading ingredient labels can significantly reduce risk.' Dr Hiremath informs, 'Epinephrine must be administered immediately at the first signs of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction that can occur immediately after getting exposed to an allergen. Delayed use of an epinephrine auto-injector is one of the most common reasons for fatal outcomes. It is most effective when given within minutes of symptom onset. Every minute counts.' Symptoms that should never be ignored include difficulty breathing, wheezing, sudden drop in blood pressure, swelling of the lips or face, hives, and persistent vomiting. In children, even sudden behavioral changes like confusion, lethargy, or complaints of a 'funny feeling' in the mouth or throat can be early warning signs. 'Importantly, once epinephrine is administered, emergency services must be contacted immediately,' he stresses. 'Yes, schools in India should absolutely be required to stock spare epinephrine auto-injectors and train their staff in allergy response,' stresses Dr Hiremath. 'This should be seen as an essential part of a school's health and safety preparedness, just like fire drills or first aid.' Implementation can begin with clear national or state-level policy guidelines on allergy management in educational institutions. Schools should designate trained staff members responsible for maintaining emergency allergy kits and conducting refresher training. Basic training on allergy symptoms, use of EpiPens, and emergency protocols can be included in teacher orientation and annual safety reviews. Collaboration with pediatricians, allergists, and public health bodies can help schools develop practical and medically accurate response plans. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
The Hindu
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Cautious welcome to final notification on area around Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary
Samaj Parivartana Samudaya (SPS) and National Committee for Protection for Natural Resources (NCPNR) have extended a cautious welcome to the final notification declaring 423.7 sq km area as Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary. Now, they plan to hold in-depth discussion with all those concerned. Addressing presspersons in Hubballi on Saturday, founder-president of SPS and NCPNR S.R. Hiremath said that while they cautiously welcome the notification, they plan to hold in-depth discussion with all those concerned, including the seer of Gadag Tontdarya Mutt who successfully continues the movement initiated by his predecessor Sri Siddalinga Swami opposing mining and seeking protection to the unique eco system in Kappatagudda. The Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary is spread out over 244.15 sq km comprising four taluks of Gadag district. And, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the final notification on June 4, declaring 423.7 sq km area around the sanctuary as Eco Sensitive Zone. Mr. Hiremath said that they plan to call for a meeting about the notification and also discuss the need to pressurise the Karnataka government to drop the 18 mining proposals. Earlier, the State government put off (not dropped) the decision on these proposals. The meeting will also deliberate the sustained decade-long people's movement led by the Tontadarya Mutt and various organisations, including SPS and NCPNR, he said. He said that as the government is expected to prepare the zonal master plan in consultation with local communities, various departments and other stakeholders, the proposed meeting will also deliberate the related issues so that the mining proposals are cancelled permanently. Book release Mr. Hiremath, meanwhile, said that during the Emergency, the Indian diaspora in the United States resisted Indira Gandhi's authoritarian rule and many who believed in Gandhian values came together to save India's democracy. A book, The Conscience Network: A chronicle of resistance to a dictatorship, by Sugata Srinivasraju, which records these efforts, will be released in Bengaluru on July 4, he added.
