National

India’s Environment Minister to Head the International Big Cat Alliance

Published

1 year ago

June 17, 2025

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has been unanimously appointed as the President of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global initiative aimed at conserving the world’s seven big cat species. This decision was made during the alliance’s inaugural meeting in Delhi on Monday, where member nations expressed their full support.

Ministerial delegations from nine range countries—Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia, and Kazakhstan—attended the Assembly, which serves as the IBCA’s highest decision-making body.

The Assembly ratified the main outcomes from the first International Steering Committee meeting held in April 2024. An official press release stated that it also approved the Headquarters Agreement with India, the alliance’s Workplan, Rules of Procedure, and the Staff and Financial Regulations Manual. These frameworks will guide the governance, operations, and collaborative initiatives of the IBCA.

Formed in 2023 as a coalition of 95 range countries, the IBCA is tasked with conserving the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. It was officially established by the Government of India through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) on March 12, 2024. Its main objective is to foster collaboration among range countries and stakeholders by sharing conservation expertise and best practices for big cat protection.

In related news, a media report on Monday revealed that India has lost 91 Royal Bengal tigers in the past five and a half months, with the increase in tiger fatalities attributed to poaching, territorial disputes, human-wildlife conflicts, train accidents, and natural causes.

National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

2 weeks ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.