Latest news with #NationalActionPlan
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Starved, shifted and dying: The dark saga of 57 heritage racehorses transported from Hyderabad to Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is investigating the suspicious deaths of valuable racehorses, heritage breeds transported from Hyderabad to Jabalpur BHOPAL/ JABALPUR : The Madhya Pradesh government has launched a full-scale investigation into the suspicious deaths of several high-value racehorses—belonging to heritage breeds—brought from Hyderabad and housed in Raipura village of Panagar, Jabalpur district. Jabalpur District Collector Deepak Saxena has directed the Superintendent of Police to investigate the circumstances under which the horses were transported to Jabalpur without the required medical and transport clearances. According to officials, around 57 horses were covertly moved between 29 April and 3 May by local resident Sanjay Tiwari, in association with a Hyderabad-based businessman. 'Maneka Gandhi informed me that Sachin Tiwari had transported some horses from Hyderabad to Jabalpur. Upon investigation with the help of the police, the horses were located at a stud farm in Raipura village. They underwent medical examinations, and it was found that some horses were seriously ill,' Collector Saxena told TOI. 'Unfortunately, eight horses died in the initial days. After regular health check-ups and treatment, the remaining horses have now recovered. The veterinary department has been instructed to investigate and address the irregularities related to the transportation and maintenance of the horses. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Our top priority was to ensure their proper treatment,' he added. While the local administration has claimed that caretaker Sachin Tiwari was the first to report the deteriorating condition of the horses, sources reveal that the issue was flagged earlier by Maneka Gandhi, based on a formal complaint by Lavanya Shekhawat—a Rajasthan-based aspiring polo player and horse lover. Shekhawat had written to PETA India, highlighting the plight of horses at the Hyderabad Race Course. In her email, she wrote: 'This is an urgent appeal regarding the horrifying condition of horses at the Hyderabad Race Course. Many are suffering, malnourished, injured, and some have already died due to neglect and abuse.' Following her intervention, the horses were allegedly shifted to Jabalpur in an attempt to avoid scrutiny and possible legal action by animal welfare authorities. After arriving in Jabalpur, several horses displayed signs of illness. Tiwari alerted the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department only after the situation went out of control. A rapid response team was formed under the National Action Plan to investigate a possible outbreak of glanders—a contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting equines—and other zoonotic threats. Under strict biosafety protocols, blood serum samples from all 57 horses and eight individuals in contact with them were collected and sent to the National Research Centre on Equines in Hisar, Haryana. Test results for 44 horses have come back negative, while results for the remaining are awaited. Due to glanders containment protocols, post-mortems of the eight deceased horses were not conducted. Veterinary staff continue to monitor and treat the surviving horses under supervision. The horses include two prominent and distinct breeds: Marwari and Thoroughbred. Marwari horses, native to Rajasthan, are known for their unique inward-turning ear tips, loyalty, endurance, and bravery. Thoroughbreds, developed in England, are celebrated globally for their speed, agility, and dominance in competitive racing. Dr Prafull Moon, Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, confirmed that the eight people who came into contact with the horses were also tested. 'Precautionary measures are in full effect while we await final results. The horses remain under quarantine and care,' he said. Authorities revealed that the horses were moved using passports issued under the name of "Hitha Net India Pvt Ltd", a Hyderabad-based business linked to horse racing. However, mandatory medical clearances were reportedly not obtained. 'We have directed the Superintendent of Police to verify all documentation and investigate how these horses were moved without prior approval,' Saxena stated. Sachin Tiwari, the caretaker, maintained that he acted in good faith and alerted officials as soon as health concerns arose. He said that the horses' passports included their medical history and that Jabalpur was chosen for its favourable conditions to establish a horse farm. In April, Raghuvendra Singh Dhunlod, Vice President of the Indigenous Horse Society of India, also wrote to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), citing Lavanya Shekhawat's concerns about the dire conditions of indigenous Marwari horses at the Hyderabad Race Course. Shekhawat had also shared disturbing images of emaciated and dying horses. 'Many had already died with no feed, fodder, or grooms to care for them,' she noted. Dhunlod explained that a large number of indigenous horses had been sourced from Rajasthan and taken to Hyderabad for a local racing initiative. 'The project was going well for some time but was abruptly abandoned by the owners, leading to rapid deterioration in conditions and the deaths of many horses. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, we urge immediate action by the AWBI and Hyderabad's district administration,' he wrote. According to sources, the Indian horse racing operation was backed by HPSL, a company led by Suresh Paladugu. He allegedly ran a horse betting business through Hitha Net India Pvt Ltd and "Un Dos Matchup Racing" at the Hyderabad Race Club. The operation reportedly owned 154 horses and ran 24 races a day. However, by February 2025, the venture collapsed amid accusations of result manipulation and financial mismanagement. Staff were unpaid, and horses were left without food or water. By May 2025, only 64 horses remained; about 90 had gone missing—many presumed dead. 'Some horses were moved to Jabalpur under the care of Sachin Tiwari, Paladugu's associate, where further neglect was discovered. Only 50 malnourished horses survived, with minimal care. Despite a PETA alert and intervention by the National Horse Breeding Society of India, rescue efforts were blocked. One severely injured mare, Grey Shadow, went missing again—suspected to have been killed to hide evidence of abuse,' said Shekhawat, who has continued to advocate for relocating the remaining horses to safety. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt doesn't rule out Zarb-e-Azb style action in Balochistan
Listen to article The government on Friday hinted at initiating an operation against terrorists in Balochistan similar to Zarb-e-Azb that was launched against the terrorist outfits in the former Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (ex-Fata) in 2014. At a joint press conference with Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha stressed that Pakistan remained fully committed to combating terrorism. The press conference came just days after a barbaric suicide bomb attack on a school bus in Khuzdar in Balochistan that claimed the lives of at least eight people, including six schoolchildren. Lt Gen Chaudhry and Agha both said that initial investigation reveals that 'Fitna al-Hindustan' was behind the bombing. "If the need be, and that would be a later decision, it would have an operation maybe similar to Zarb-e-Azb but at a later stage. As of now, there are continuous operations under way that you [media] are witnessing and Lt Gen [Chaudhry] has shared figures relating to those as well," Agha told the journalists. "Every effort is being made; day and night; our people are making efforts and our security forces are achieving results as shown earlier. As we speak, in due course, it [our efforts] will increase and we will eliminate all such elements over time," he added. "Once we go with something like Zarb-e-Azb, we have to be prepared. In that preparation, every effort is being made so that every facet of the National Action Plan [NAP] that is implemented [and] brings peace that we need," Agha stressed. The interior secretary stated that the Khuzdar attack indicated India's shift from hard targets to soft targets. He condemned the "cowardly attack on innocent children" and vowed retaliation. "Our response will be decisive. They [terrorists] will not succeed." On the occasion, the DG ISPR said that India-sponsored attackers had no humanity, morality, and Baloch or Pakistani identity. He said that India had been involved in state-sponsored terrorism for the past many decades to destabilise regional peace. He recalled that in 2009, Pakistan presented a dossier to the United Nations with evidence of India's involvement in terrorist activities in Balochistan. In 2016, he added, Pakistan again provided evidence of Indian involvement in terrorism to the UN. He also pointed out that arrested terrorists had admitted to receiving funding from India for various attacks. "The Khuzdar incident is deeply tragic, carried out on India's orders. Fitna al-Hindustan is targeting innocent people, including children and travellers," he added. The chief military spokesperson highlighted a string of attacks carried out on directions from India in Balochistan such as the killing of workers, attacks on buses, bombings, and incidents involving non-locals being targeted in barber shops. Showing images and video footage of the martyred children during the briefing, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the attack in Khuzdar was an escalation in this pattern, with India shifting its strategy to attacking women and children. He emphasised that the terror activities in Balochistan were not linked to any specific ethnic group or religion but the result of India's proxy war in the region. "Is there any humanity, morality, any Baloch or Pakistani identity in this?" he asked. The DG ISPR presented an audio recording of an Indian army officer, Maj Sandeep, discussing the funding of terrorism in Balochistan. The officer's conversation revealed how India strategically sent money to fuel terrorism in Pakistan, using separate accounts for different stages of operations. He questioned India's justification for attacking Pakistani mosques and madrasas. He questioned the credibility of India's claims, pointing out that Pakistan had always presented evidence to counter India's allegations, whereas India had failed to provide any evidence of its claims. The press conference also included images of terrorists killed by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan, showing them armed with expensive foreign weapons like sniper rifles and night-vision equipment. "Who provided such advanced weapons to these terrorists," he asked. He criticised Indian media for celebrating the deaths of Pakistani women and children, falsely accusing Pakistan of being the source of terrorism. He mentioned rapid coverage in Indian media of the October 6, 2024 attack on Chinese nationals, which showed how Indian media was complicit in such events. He said that India's proxy terrorism was creating a situation where the Pakistani military had been compelled to take action. "While India continues to rely on its proxies to create instability, Pakistan remains united, with the military, government, and the people all aligned in the fight against terrorism." Having miserably failed in Operation Sindoor, the chief military spokesperson said, the terror proxies of Hindustan had been tasked to intensify their heinous acts of terrorism in Balochistan and elsewhere. He made it clear that the people of Pakistan would not let them succeed in their sinister designs. "Pakistan and its people, particularly in Balochistan, reject this nefarious design. The state has the capacity and the will to dismantle these networks and bring the perpetrators and their handlers to justice. Such actions will have consequences," he warned. He also highlighted the development projects in Balochistan, including investments in the blue economy, the Gwadar International Airport, and the ongoing construction of roads, hospitals, and technical institutes, signalling the province's future growth. The DG ISPR emphasised that Balochistan's growing prosperity was a challenge for terrorists, as it showed the strength of Pakistan's unity and the growing opportunities for its people, including over 73,000 Baloch students receiving scholarships. Giving statistics, Lt Gen Chaudhry said that there were 4,664 terrorist incidents across Pakistan, with 1,612 occurring in Balochistan. The security forces conducted 93,515 counter-terrorism operations nationwide, including 52,887 in Balochistan, he added. He told reporters that in 2024, security forces killed 1,018 terrorists across the country, including 233 in Balochistan. So far in 2025, 747 terrorists had been killed, including 203 in Balochistan. Security forces have intensified their operations against militants. On the issue of missing persons, he stated that many claims were politically-motivated, with the BYC [Balochistan Yakjehti Committee], acting as a proxy for Indian interests in the region. "There is no ideology of terrorism - only India's attempt to establish regional hegemony," he added. To a question the DG ISPR said: "For decades, India has poured billions into its military budget - not merely for its security, but to project itself as a regional and global power". However, he added that India operated under "several faulty and erroneous assumptions". India, he said, gravely misjudged the resilience of the Pakistani state and the unity of its people. "The consequences of those miscalculations are now evident. Let them try again if they wish - we remain ready, firm, and more resolute than ever," he said. Highlighting the core issue obstructing peace in South Asia, the chief military spokesperson stressed that sustainable peace between Pakistan and India was impossible without a just and lasting resolution of the Kashmir dispute. "Kashmir is not merely a bilateral issue - it holds regional implications involving Pakistan, India, and even China. It is an internationally recognised disputed territory, contrary to India's claims of it being an internal matter," he said. He condemned India's military presence in the region, stating that over 700,000 troops have been deployed in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to suppress the local population. "Incidents like the one in Pahalgam illustrate the severity and brutality that led to detention of thousands without due process, systemic abuses, and enforced disappearances," he added. He criticized India's domestic human rights record. "Sikhs, Christians, Dalits, and other minorities face entrenched and prolonged discrimination. These are not internal matters - they are global human rights concerns," he said. In response to a question on India's reported obstruction of water flows to Pakistan, the DG ISPR termed the act a serious breach of international law and bilateral agreements, specifically the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). "The people and the state of Pakistan are united on this issue. The prime minister has been clear on this point: any unilateral attempt to alter the water flows will be met with a firm diplomatic and strategic response," he vowed. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Business Recorder
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Dar calls for an all-out national war on terror
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar tore into India on Thursday, accusing it of backing a deadly terrorist attack that killed several schoolchildren in Khuzdar – calling for an all-out national war on terror. Speaking in a fiery Senate session, Dar branded the attack 'cowardly and reprehensible,' claiming Indian-backed militants orchestrated the carnage. 'Indian proxies must cease their operations,' Dar warned, as lawmakers across party lines demanded swift retaliation and a long-overdue national counter-terror strategy. Senator after senator lined up to slam India and demand action. 'A new revolution will rise from the blood of the martyred girls,' declared Senator Irfan Siddiqui, echoing anger across the chamber. 'There can be no sympathy for terrorists.' Dar proposed forming a high-level committee to overhaul the nation's anti-terror framework – slamming previous governments for failing to fully implement the 2014 National Action Plan (NAP), rolled out after the Army Public School massacre in Peshawar. 'There were executive orders that released individuals who should not have been freed,' he said, blasting weak enforcement and porous borders. He also pointed to recent meetings with Chinese and Afghan officials on regional security, calling for a 'clear line of action, not just rhetoric.' Opposition and government senators alike blamed India for fanning extremism in Pakistan, citing the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, whom Islamabad accuses of espionage and sabotage. 'India has failed to provide evidence for its claims [on the Pahalgam incident], unlike Pakistan,' said Senator Sherry Rehman, who called the targeting of children 'inhumane.' She reminded the House of the heavy price Pakistan has paid in the war on terror – including the brutal assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Other senators ramped up the pressure, with Faisal Vawda demanding the government 'triple' the military budget and double pay for soldiers – insisting that defence must take priority over development. 'Development can wait – national security must come first,' he declared, calling for unity with the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the same party he had long been associated with but now criticises for expelling him over party violations. Senator Anwarul Haq Kakar tied the attack to extremist ideologies within India's ruling BJP and its parent group, the RSS. Cut short during his remarks, he snapped: 'Should I start making TikTok videos instead.' Senator Aimal Wali Khan added to the chorus of criticism, accusing the government of maintaining an ambiguous stance on Taliban militants. 'We still don't know whether they're terrorists or strategic assets,' he said. 'This confusion is killing us.' As the dust settled on the day's heated debate, the Senate also unanimously passed a resolution – declaring May 25 as Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day. Moved by Dar, the motion pledged to strengthen ties with African nations and support peacekeeping efforts through the African Union and the United Nations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Khaleej Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
India's $3 billion toy story: From import dependence to export growth
The Indian toy industry, undergoing a remarkable metamorphosis from reliance on overseas merchandise to a burgeoning exporter, is poised for exponential growth, and the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Exhibition will serve as a prominent showcase of this thriving domain. Once heavily reliant on playthings from abroad, India's toy narrative is now a compelling saga of astute governmental strategies and an expanding domestic production ecosystem, evidenced by a striking 239 per cent upswing in exports over the past decade. This sea change, underscored by a substantial 52 per cent contraction in imports during the same period, establishes the groundwork for an even more dynamic Toy Biz 2025, slated for July 4-7 at New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan). Propelled by governmental initiatives such as amplified tariffs on inbound shipments (escalating from 20 per cent to 70 per cent between FY20 and FY24) and stringent Quality Control Orders (QCO) enacted in January 2021, India's toy sector is experiencing a resurgence. These interventions have palpably reshaped trade patterns, culminating in a 27 per cent diminution in overall toy imports between FY19 and FY24, notably impacting commerce with China, whose share of India's toy procurements plummeted from a dominant 93 per cent in FY18 to a mere 64 per cent in FY24. The government's dedication to nurturing a robust indigenous toy manufacturing foundation is further emphasisd by the National Action Plan for Toys (2020), which endeavours to galvanise local production, champion homegrown toys,brands like Ok Play, Jammbo, Playgro, ToyPlus, Ankit Toys, Smartivity, Funskool, Girnar, Funzoo Toys, Frank, Skillmatics, Olympia Games & Toys, Toysmith, Panda, Young Wheels and harness playthings as educational instruments. The recent pronouncement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman regarding a novel scheme to fortify the toy manufacturing ecosystem signals an even more vigorous impetus to position India as a preeminent global toy hub. The forthcoming Toy Biz 2025 will furnish a crucial platform to witness this transformation firsthand. The exposition anticipates hosting nearly 400 Indian brands, a noteworthy surge from the 360 enterprises that participated in the preceding edition, all eager to display the nation's evolving toy production prowess. This presents an unparalleled opportunity for international procurers to source inventive and premium-quality toys directly from Indian manufacturers. 'The Indian toy industry's odyssey from import dependence to an ascending export market stands as a testament to judicious strategies and the intrinsic dynamism within the nation,' said Ajay Aggarwal, President of the Toy Association of India. 'Toy Biz 2025 will not only underscore the impressive expansion in domestic manufacturing but also accentuate the escalating emphasis on excellence, innovation, and safety benchmarks. With an objective of over 450 participating brands this year and a strong commitment to facilitating global collaborations, we are sanguine that Toy Biz will be instrumental in propelling India onto the global toy stage.'
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate condemns Khuzdar school bus attack
Listen to article The Senate unanimously condemned yesterday's terrorist attack targeting a school bus in Balochistan province's Khuzdar district, which claimed the lives of several children. Lawmakers labelled the incident as inhumane and demanded swift action against India-backed terrorist groups allegedly operating in the region. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui, and others spoke out about India's role in supporting terrorism in Pakistan, calling for firm action against external threats. In his address, Senator Anwar ul Haq Kakar emphasized the need to address the loss of innocent lives and to hold accountable the groups with extremist ideologies, particularly those associated with India's RSS and BJP, for inciting violence in Pakistan. Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui also condemned the Khuzdar attack, saying it was unimaginable that such violence could be inflicted upon innocent schoolchildren. He rejected any sympathy for the terrorists and called for decisive military action to eliminate the perpetrators. 'I have spent my entire life with words, but I am at a loss for words to describe the sheer brutality of this incident,' Siddiqui said. Senator Sherry Rehman joined in condemning the attack, calling it an act of inhumanity. She reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering stance against terrorism, referencing past anti-terror operations and the evidence of Indian involvement in terrorist activities. Rehman emphasised that no dialogue should take place with those who target innocent civilians. 'There can be no talks with such forces of violence,' she stated. AWAMI National Party's Aimal Wali Khan condemned the brutality against children, comparing it to a cruelty that "wouldn't even be inflicted on animals." He criticised the persistent cycle of blame and inaction, asserting that without proper implementation of policies like the National Action Plan, such tragedies would continue. "For 50 years, we've waited for the next incident, blamed others, and moved on," he stated. Khan also raised concerns about the neglect of Waziristan and other tribal areas, emphasising the lack of digital tools and basic infrastructure for children growing up in these regions. "Our children are growing up without basic digital tools,' he remarked. He voiced frustration over a government official's disrespectful language in Senate committees, saying, 'We are not here to be insulted.' He called for the resignation of the official involved, stressing that the issue was not personal but was about standing for the oppressed people of Waziristan and Pakistan as a whole. Vawda seeks increased defence spending Senator Faisal Vawda has called for a significant increase in Pakistan's defence budget, advocating for the doubling of military personnel salaries in response to heightened security concerns, particularly after recent tensions with India. In a Senate session, Vawda proposed that Pakistan prioritise defence spending over the national development budget, citing the growing security threats facing the country. 'We must tighten our belts and reduce the development budget to raise defence spending,' Vawda stated, urging that armed forces' salaries be doubled to reflect the gravity of the situation. With Pakistan's recent response to India's provocations — including the death of 285 Indian soldiers in border clashes — Vawda stressed that India's larger military and historical aggression necessitate a strategic shift in the nation's defence priorities. Vawda also called for political unity, emphasising that the government and opposition must work together to secure the country's defence. 'This initiative can only succeed if all political parties unite under one flag,' he added.
