Latest news with #JaipalSingh
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Cricket diplomacy can serve India in the neighbourhood
Broadly, soft power is utilisation of a country's cultural strengths as opposed to being coercive to influence and prevail over other nations. More commonly, the arts, entertainment, language and institutions have been components of cultural diplomacy. But sports, too, plays a role, from the extravaganza of the Olympic Games and football World Cups to the Wimbledon championships. In the early 1970s, ping-pong diplomacy broke the ice between the US and China. Cricket diplomacy has occasionally been employed by India and Pakistan as confidence-building measures. Today, the game has bestowed India with a valuable soft power ingredient. In 1928, India, despite being under British rule, stunned the world by lifting the gold medal in hockey in the Amsterdam Olympiad. Other than Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent freedom struggle, no facet of India in that period made an impact on the international community as Jaipal Singh's team's triumph did. Thereafter, India completing a hat-trick of golds in the 1936 Berlin Olympics rather jolted the German dictator, Adolf Hitler, whose world view was of white Aryans constituting a superior race. To his dismay, India thrashed Germany 8-1 in the final. In short, independent India inherited hockey as an instrument of soft power. People worldwide would yearn to witness the Indians' dribbling skills. Fast forward to Mexico 1968: India earned neither a gold nor a silver in hockey for the first time in 40 years. In contrast, three years later, India caught the imagination of the cricketing world by notching back-to-back Test series victories in the West Indies and England. Then, India's unexpected triumph in the 1983 World Cup pitchforked cricket as its new soft power implement. The win instigated the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reach out to the Pakistan Cricket Board to jointly stage the next such event in 1987 — after England had monopolised hosting rights for the first three competitions. The Indo-Pak collaboration conjured a financial package neither England nor Australia could match. India's friendship with other stakeholder countries ensured decisive support for the bid. As cricket burgeoned in popularity in India and the footprint of television simultaneously expanded, Indian corporates started bankrolling broadcasts. This, in turn, created an opening for the BCCI to demand licence fees undreamt of before from broadcasters. Progressively, India became cricket's financial powerhouse. Today, BCCI's monetary stranglehold over cricket is such that not merely other cricket boards, but also the International Cricket Council (ICC), are at its mercy as in no other sporting discipline. India, contrary to Brazil in soccer, have never been undisputed champions of the game, indeed are yet to win the most prestigious World Test Championship; but BCCI unequivocally controls the sport. India as a team are the darling of BCCI's counterparts, because they fill their coffers with bountiful revenue from digital and TV networks, advertisers and sponsors. But they are not always popular with host cricket lovers, as they perceive BCCI to be a bully and as having inequitably captured the ICC. BCCI was party to ICC's decision to award this year's Champions Trophy tournament to Pakistan. Therefore, India's refusal to play in that country was not only a breach of its commitment, but an infringement of the ICC rules applied in the 1996 and 2003 World Cups, namely forfeiture of points for abstentions, which Australia and England suffered. India also derived unfair benefit from playing at a solitary venue and by summoning spinner Varun Chakravarthy as a replacement in their squad to suit the consistent conditions. ICC allowed the special dispensation. A majority of the participating sides permitted this for pecuniary gains; but it did not please the non-Indian public — thereby impairing India's potential goodwill. It is also opportunistic to meet Pakistan in over-limit World Cups, but not in the World Test Championship. The powers-that-be in India are understandably displeased with Pakistan. So, the principled approach would be to have no links with them at all. In 1974, India preferred to default against South Africa instead of playing against them in the Davis Cup final because of its apartheid regime. The BCCI's muscle is best channelled towards magnanimity, consequently in winning hearts and minds; not arm-twisting and seeking undue conveniences in the field. India can capitalise diplomatically on the robust following the Indian Premier League enjoys in England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, the West Indies and South Asia, many of whose cricketers figure in the tourney. In 1987, with the anti-India General Zia-ul-Haq holding the reins in Pakistan, India's ties with it were unsatisfactory. But BCCI seeking PCB's cooperation helped to temporarily soften Pakistani people's wariness towards India. Therefore, South Block could consider lifting its long-standing ban on Pakistani cricketers partaking in the IPL. This year, Bangladeshi cricketers were also de facto debarred. Lifting the barrier would encourage people-to-people friendliness. The Indian government's anger with its neighbouring counterparts to its west and east and their proxies need not spill over into punishing individual cricketers. Pakistani and Bangladeshi cricketers crossing swords with the world's best in franchise Twenty20 would likely delight and suitably melt cricket fans in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Ashis Ray is a journalist and author of The Trial That Shook Britain. The views expressed are personal.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Gujarat's Banni Grasslands ready to host cheetahs, say officials
The Banni Grasslands in Gujarat, the largest such expanse in the Indian subcontinent and one of the 10 sites selected for cheetah rehabilitation in the country, is now fully prepared to host the big cats, officials said on Wednesday (July 16, 2025). Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Gujarat, told PTI that a breeding centre for cheetahs has been set up and efforts are underway to further enhance the prey population of chital and sambar. "We are ready with everything, including quarantine and soft release bomas [enclosures]. However, the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Cheetah Project Steering Committee will decide when the animals will be brought here," he said. Mr. Singh said a 600-hectare enclosure has been developed, the herbivore population has been increased, and facilities such as CCTV monitoring and a dedicated veterinary centre have been established. Fences have been installed to prevent the infiltration of other large carnivores into the cheetah enclosures. Veterinarians have also been trained at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, the first site in India to host cheetahs translocated from Africa, he added. According to the plan to introduce cheetahs in the Banni Grasslands, the natural habitat preferences of cheetahs in Africa include grasslands, savannahs and scrublands, and the habitat conditions in Banni closely match these. Vantara, a Jamnagar-based rescue, conservation and rehabilitation facility of the Reliance Foundation, posted on Instagram that in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department, it has reintroduced spotted deer into the Banni Grasslands. "The introduction of spotted deer marks a key step in restoring ecological balance in Banni. As a committed partner, Vantara supports this effort with scientific expertise, veterinary care and technical support, working alongside the government to protect India's natural heritage," it said. Mr. Singh said the move is part of broader efforts to increase the prey population in the arid grassland landscape. Officials said that cheetahs are likely to be introduced in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh before they are sent to the Bunni Grasslands. The State government officially declared Veerangana Durgavati a tiger reserve in September 2023. Located about 20 kilometres from Bhopal, it spans 2,339 square kilometres and covers parts of Narsinghpur, Sagar and Damoh districts. An NTCA team reviewed the preparations in the tiger reserve in June. Thereafter, officials said, cheetahs will be introduced into the Bunni grasslands in Gujarat's Kutch district and then in the Shahgarh Bulge region in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. The 10 potential sites listed in the action plan for cheetah introduction are: Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh; Banni grasslands in Gujarat; Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanjay National Park, Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary, Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (now Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve) and Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh; Desert National Park and Shahgarh grasslands in Rajasthan and Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. Seventy years after cheetahs went extinct in India, the government launched the Project Cheetah to establish a sustainable population of the big cat in the country. As part of the reintroduction effort, 20 African cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park: eight from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023. Eleven of them have survived, including two that were transferred to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in April. Since the introduction of African cheetahs, 26 cubs have been born in India, of which 17 have survived.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Gujarat now home to 891 Asiatic lions
In a shot in the arm for Gujarat's conservation efforts, the state is now officially home to 891 Asiatic lions , marking a remarkable 32% increase from 674 in 2020. The latest census reveals that 507 lions — more than half the total population — now roam outside Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary , highlighting the species' successful territorial expansion across Saurashtra. CM Bhupendra Patel announced the official figures on Wednesday. There are an estimated 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults and 225 cubs, according to the latest count, forest department officials said. Of these, an estimated 460 lions were counted outside their designated protected area, according to forest department sources. The lion population has grown by 70% in a decade, up from 523 in 2015. With one nomadic male lion recorded in Devbhumi Dwarka, now all 11 districts in Saurashtra — including non-forested and coastal areas — have officially marked the presence of the king of the jungle. This growth underscores what wildlife experts have been hailing as one of the world's most successful big cat conservation stories, with Gujarat remaining the last stronghold for this majestic species that once faced extinction. The census results come at a time when the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has painted a grim picture for lion populations across North Africa and Southwest Asia, where "numbers continue to decline as human impact is preventing them from being fully ecologically functional across their range". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo In stark contrast, Gujarat's unique model of human-wildlife coexistence has enabled the Asiatic lion to thrive, expanding their territory from 22,000 sq km in 2015 to an impressive 35,000 sq km according to the latest census. The latest census recorded a stable lion population in eight of 11 districts, barring Surendranagar, Jamnagar and Morbi. Gujarat forest department officials said there are an estimated 196 male lions, 330 females, 140 sub-adults and 225 cubs. "The big cats were earlier confined to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli districts, but now they have spread to 11 districts," said A P Singh, head of forest force. Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), said that 384 lions were counted inside Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, and 507 were found outside. In all, 17 lions were counted in Barda sanctuary, 15km from Porbandar. The highest number of lions recorded in a single pride was 20 in Bhavnagar district, Jaipal Singh said. The census data showed Amreli district leading with 339 lions, marking a 45.49% growth in five years, while Bhavnagar recorded 116 lions, a 43.21% rise. Gir Somnath's lion population grew by 20.65% to reach 222, and Junagadh saw an 8.52% increase with 191 lions. Barda Dungar, Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan are now permanent homes of Asiatic lions, the officials said. *Numbers soar* - Adult female lion population sees 27% jump, up from 260 to 330 - New populations spotted in Barda wildlife sanctuary, Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan areas - Mitiyala sanctuary emerges as growth hotspot with 100% increase in lion numbers - Bhavnagar mainland records impressive 84% growth in lion population - Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary shows steady 15% increase from 2020 count of 334 lions - Coastal regions (Sutrapada-Veraval & Rajula-Nageshree) report 119 lions, up from 87 in 2020 - Lion population in Lilia and Savarkundla (Amreli district) grows by 28%
The Independent
21-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Asiatic lion population grows by a third in five years as conservation efforts pay off
The Asiatic lion population in India has grown by nearly a third in five years, to 891 from 674 in 2020, according to the latest census. 'Not only did the count go up by 217 but the animals were found outside the Gir National Park, their traditional habitat, and spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra,' forest officials said, referring to the large peninsular region in western Gujarat that includes forests, grasslands and coastal areas. The previous census conducted in June 2020 estimated the population of Asiatic lions – a subspecies found only in India and historically associated with Gujarat 's Gir region – at 674. By the latest count, there are now 196 male lions, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs. 'Estimated population of Asiatic lions has increased to 891,' chief minister Bhupendra Patel said. The population growth has triggered calls for translocating some of the lions outside Gujarat to reduce the pressure on Saurashtra and promote genetic diversity. The proposal is contentious, however, with concerns ranging from ecological suitability to local community acceptance and political considerations. Once limited to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli, the big cats now roam 11 districts. 'We counted 384 lions within the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, while 507 were found beyond its boundaries,' Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forests in Gujarat. Outside Gir, lions were spotted in sanctuaries like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Barda as well as in non-forested and coastal areas. Forest officials reported the largest pride numbered 17 lions in the Bhavnagar district. Teetering on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century with its number plummeting to just about 20, the Asiatic lion has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts. While this is a major success, conservationists warn that the subspecies remains vulnerable to genetic inbreeding and the risk of extinction from diseases or forest fires since it exists as a single isolated population. The lions are a key tourist draw, with over half a million people visiting the Gir park a year.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Asiatic lion population in Gujarat goes up from 674 to 891 in 5 years, footprint expands too
The estimated population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has increased to 891 from 674 five years ago as per the census conducted this month, officials said on Wednesday (May 21, 2025). "Not only the count went up by 217, but the animals were found outside the Gir National Park, their traditional habitat, and spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra including non-forested and coastal areas," the officials said. "Estimated population of Asiatic lions has increased to 891," Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel told reporters in Gandhinagar. As per the last census conducted in June 2020, the population of Asiatic lions, a subspecies only found in Gujarat's Gir area, was estimated at 674. As per the latest count, there are estimated 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults and 225 cubs, said the Gujarat Forest Department. As the population of lions is increasing, their spread in Saurashtra region has also expanded. The big cats were earlier confined to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli districts, but now they have spread to 11 districts, an official said. "As many as 384 lions were counted in Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and 507 were found outside its limits," said Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest. The areas outside Gir where lions were spotted included sanctuaries like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar and Barda. Some animals were seen in non-forested areas and coastal areas too. Seventeen lions were counted in Barda sanctuary, 15 km from Porbandar. The highest number of lions recorded in a single pride was 17 in Bhavnagar district, officials said. The 16th Asiatic lion census, a four-day exercise, was conducted from May 10 to 13 in two phases, covering an area of 35,000 square kilometres across 58 talukas of 11 districts. While the preliminary census was conducted on May 10 and 11, the final count was held on May 12 and 13 with the help of 3,000 volunteers, including regional, zonal and sub-zonal officers, enumerators, assistant enumerators and inspectors, said a Forest Department release. The census was conducted through a more accurate method called 'direct beat verification', which provides 100% accuracy with almost zero margin of error due to statistical analysis and ease of implementation, said the release. A lion census is conducted every five years by the state Forest Department. Volunteers recorded details such as time of observation, direction of movement, sex, age, any other identifying marks on the body and GPS location among others. Hi-tech tools like camera traps and high resolution cameras and radio-collars were used for the identification of lions, the release said. The 11 districts where lions were spotted are Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar and Botad.
