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Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘Collective efforts needed for conservation of turtles'
Kanpur: A seminar commemorating World Turtle Day 2025, was held at the Government Inter College, Etawah, on Friday. The event was collaboratively organised by the Social Forestry Division Etawah, District Ganga Protection Committee, and District Environment Committee Etawah. District inspector of schools (DIOS) Manoj Kumar inaugurated the event. He emphasised that turtles are nature's special contribution to humanity, serving an essential function in maintaining the cleanliness of natural water bodies. He highlighted that these long-living creatures, capable of surviving for centuries, face extinction risks, necessitating collective conservation efforts. Dr Rajeev Chauhan, general secretary of Society for Conservation of Nature, delivered the keynote address, highlighting that turtle species have inhabited Earth for roughly 200 million years, ranking among the world's most ancient surviving species. He noted that of India's 29 turtle species, five are marine-dwelling. The Etawah district hosts approximately 10 species, with seven receiving protection under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Dr Rajesh Kumar, basic education officer, informed that May 23 is annually observed as World Turtle Day globally, aiming to spotlight these creatures and promote their conservation through human intervention. Principal Dr Deepak Saxena discussed turtles' ecological significance in maintaining river water purity through their consumption of decomposing carcasses and algae, thereby reducing water pollution. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kanpur Temple turtles trade tradition for paneer treats
In a quiet corner of Kanpur, a centuries-old temple has become home to an unexpected spectacle — a group of softshell turtles with an unusual appetite for paneer. Every Wednesday, the pond beside the Panki Dham temple , also known as Panki Nageshwar, comes alive as turtles surface eagerly to feast on cubes of cottage cheese tossed in by visiting devotees, according to a TOI report. Around 150 turtles live in this two-bigha pond, but their fondness for dairy — a rarity in the wild — has turned them into a local curiosity and a subject of interest for conservationists. A surprising switch Temple caretaker Mahant Devi Dayal Pathak, whose family has been managing the temple for over three centuries, said the tradition started when a visiting academic offered paneer to the turtles during a visit. 'They used to eat flour balls offered by devotees, but now they prefer paneer,' he told TOI . 'It's become a part of the temple routine.' While turtles generally don't consume dairy, these softshell turtles seem to have adapted. Their behavior is especially striking given their natural diet, which includes fish, insects, and dead matter. Midweek ritual Wednesdays at the temple draw larger crowds, partly due to a belief that feeding turtles brings blessings from Mercury, the planet associated with this day in Hindu mythology. Live Events For many, it's a spiritual offering. For others, it's a sight worth watching — dozens of turtle heads popping out of the water the moment cheese touches the surface, said TOI . Conservation meets tradition Wildlife experts say this unusual feeding pattern warrants closer study. Dr. Rajeev Chauhan, a conservationist, noted that while the species — Nilssonia gangetica — is generally carnivorous, its digestive system can handle high-protein foods like cheese. 'It's not typical, but it's not entirely harmful either — as long as it's managed responsibly,' he told the news outlet. The turtles are listed under India's highest level of wildlife protection laws, meaning they cannot be captured, harmed, or traded. As such, their growing popularity at the temple has led to increased efforts to safeguard their environment. Temple pond now a turtle refuge Efforts have been made to keep the habitat healthy. A man-made island in the pond provides a space for nesting, and temple staff monitor water quality regularly. Local vendors sell only food approved by conservation bodies, and awareness boards guide visitors on how to feed the turtles without causing harm. 'We take care of their health, make sure the pond stays clean, and add fresh sand to their island during the summer months,' Pathak told the newspaper. 'This isn't just about religion anymore — it's about responsibility.' Future plans in the works The temple authorities are planning new features, including observation decks, educational displays for children, and improved waste disposal systems. They also hope to start research to better understand the turtles' evolving habits. For now, the cheese-hungry turtles remain a beloved sight in Kanpur. Each week, as the faithful arrive with their offerings, the pond turns into a unique blend of devotion and biodiversity — where ancient rituals and modern conservation come together, one paneer cube at a time.
India Today
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
2025 BYD Seal price starts at Rs 41 lakh, get complete details here
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD, has announced the pricing for the 2025 Model Year (MY) BYD SEAL. Prices start at Rs 41 lakh (ex-showroom, India).ModelBattery Capacity Price (ex-showroom)BYD SEAL Dynamic (RWD)61.44kWhRs 41,00,000BYD SEAL Premium (RWD)82.56kWhRs 45,70,000BYD SEAL Performance (AWD)82.56kWhRs 53,15,000Following its debut in March 2024, the 2025 BYD SEAL comes with key enhancements aimed at improving driving dynamics, cabin comfort, connectivity, and technology. advertisementAccording to the company, one of the highlights of the updated BYD SEAL is the adoption of a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) low-voltage battery (LVB), offering significant advantages such as being six times lighter than conventional batteries, five times better in self-discharge rates, and a lifespan of up to 15 the sedan gains a power sunshade, a new silver-plated dimming canopy for a more premium cabin ambience, and an upgraded air-conditioning system featuring a larger compressor and enhanced air purification comfort sees a major upgrade with the intelligent damping system, Disus-C, which dynamically adjusts suspension settings to balance ride comfort and handling. Additionally, the Premium variant now features Frequency Selective Dampers (FSD), previously exclusive to the Performance model, enhancing road adaptability and ride also gets a boost, with all 2025 BYD SEAL models now supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android on the launch, Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, said, 'The BYD SEAL has struck a meaningful chord with Indian customers. With the MY 2025 edition, we've focused on refining key aspects that matter most — ride comfort, cabin experience, and smart convenience.'BYD India currently offers four models in its passenger vehicle lineup — the newly launched BYD Sealion 7, BYD eMAX 7, BYD Seal, and BYD Atto 3 — and operates through a dealership network of 40 outlets across the country. Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
