Latest news with #49
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Tribal outcry forces govt to put GO on tiger corridor in abeyance
Hyderabad: In a U-turn, the Telangana govt on Monday put govt order (GO) 49 in abeyance following protests from tribals, opposition parties, and even voices within the ruling Congress. The order, issued on May 30, notified 1,492.88 sq km across Asifabad and Kagaznagar forest divisions as the Kumuram Bheem Conservation Reserve, intended to formalise a crucial tiger corridor linking Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana and Tadoba Andhari reserve in Maharashtra. However, amid growing fears of displacement in nearly 339 tribal villages, and a complete bandh in the erstwhile Adilabad district on Monday, the govt was compelled to retract. The decision was made after a delegation led by panchayat raj minister D Anasuya (Seethakka), Adilabad in charge minister Jupally Krishna Rao, forest minister Konda Surekha, and local MLA Vedma Bhojju met chief minister A Revanth Reddy. "The Congress-led people's govt will always stand by the children of the forest. Adivasis and tribals should not have any concerns over GO 49," forest minister Konda Surekha told the media in Warangal. Widespread Resistance and Fear of EvictionThe GO sparked backlash from tribal rights groups, including Tudum Debba, whose leader Godam Ganesh said the corridor would adversely impact tribal livelihoods and lead to mass displacement. "We fear it will affect 339 tribal villages across Asifabad and Kagaznagar," he said. A bandh, called by Tudum Debba on Monday, shut down businesses, schools, and public transport across four districts. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad CPI and CPM leaders also extended support to the agitation, accusing the govt of attempting to alienate tribal land. The protests were further fuelled by a letter — allegedly from CPI (Maoist) — which called on minister Seethakka to ensure protection for tribals in affected areas. Seethakka, who has tribal roots and was an ex-Maoist herself, dismissed the letter's authenticity but said she would not allow any decision that harmed forest-dwelling communities. "The moment concerns were raised about GO 49, I spoke directly with relevant officials. I will never allow any policy to harm tribal livelihoods in the name of forest or wildlife conservation," she said. Ecological Significance of the Corridor The now-suspended Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve was conceived as a vital ecological link for tiger movement and genetic exchange between major reserves. The area connects Kawal with Tadoba, Tipeshwar, Kanhargaon, Chaprala in Maharashtra, and Indravati in Chhattisgarh. It supports not only tigers but also leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, wolves, hyenas, and over 240 bird species, including the endangered Malabar pied hornbill and long-billed vulture. According to the GO, the presence of breeding tigers and consistent inter-state dispersal events over the past decade underscore the importance of the region for long-term conservation. The proposed area includes 78 reserved forest blocks across 10 mandals. Conservationists Disappointed at Policy ReversalWhile tribal communities welcomed the decision, wildlife experts expressed concern over the govt's handling of the matter. "The decision to keep the Kumuram Bheem Conservation Reserve in abeyance following tribal protests is unfortunate — not because the concerns of local communities are invalid, but because it reflects a failure of dialogue," said Imran Siddiqui, senior field conservationist at the Centre for Wildlife Studies and co-founder of HYTICOS. "Conservation should never be imposed, but co-created with the people who have lived in and protected these forests for generations. Rather than abandon protection, we must work harder to build trust and ensure that conservation uplifts both nature and indigenous livelihoods," he said. Efforts by forest officials to allay fears and communicate that no immediate evictions were planned failed to gain traction. The forest department has now been asked to submit a fresh report, and the CM's office has indicated the policy might be revisited after further consultations. A senior forest official told TOI, "We are hoping the GO will be revived later. We will continue to crack down on encroachments of forest land. "
GMA Network
3 days ago
- General
- GMA Network
No winners of major lotto draws as Ultra Lotto prize reaches P241.8 million
There were no winners of either of the major lotto prizes the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) drew for on Sunday, July 20, 2025. No bettor chose the winning combination of 32-20-23-44-39-09 for the Ultra Lotto 6/58 jackpot, which has risen to P241,882,917.20. There was also no pickers of the winning combination of 27-13-12-29-44-34 for the Superlotto 6/49 prize of P33,342,362.20. Click here for the complete lotto results for Sunday, July 20, 2025. — BM, GMA Integrated News
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 49: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 49 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we're taking a look at the history of No. 49 and the players who wore it best. Current Steelers No. 49 wearer: LB Jeremiah Moon Moon currently wears No. 49 for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Moon spent most of his time on Baltimore's practice squad until he was waived on January 25, 2024. The Steelers claimed him off waivers one day later — where he ultimately become a solid contributor on special teams. He re-signed with Pittsburgh on a one-year deal last March and looks to compete at training camp for a spot on the 53-man roster. Last five Steelers to wear No. 49: Best No. 49 in Steelers history: DB Dwayne Woodruff Dwayne Woodruff is the best Steeler to ever wear No. 49. Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 161st overall pick in the sixth round of the 1979 NFL Draft, Woodruff had a consistent and productive career in the Steel City. He played in 157 games for Pittsburgh — starting in 105 of them — and his 37 career interceptions rank fifth on the Steelers' all-time list. A pivotal member of the Steelers' Super Bowl XIV championship roster, his overall elite play and AFC-leading five interceptions earned him team MVP honors in 1982. One of the most underrated defensive backs in franchise history, there is no greater wearer of No. 49 than Woodruff. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Man duped in med equipment scam
Udupi: A man lost nearly Rs 1.8 lakh in an online medical equipment scam. Complainant Sadiq Abbu Haji,49, stated that an unknown individual began sending details of medical equipment to the complainant's WhatsApp number in Jan. However, on June 24, the complainant called the sender, who identified himself as the owner of a company in Delhi, claiming to deal in medical equipment. Trusting him, the complainant transferred Rs 80,000 via NEFT to purchase two CPAP machines. The individual sent the two machines as promised. Believing the sender to be genuine, the complainant again transferred Rs 1 lakh via NEFT on July 7 to purchase two upgraded CPAP machines. However, this time, the individual neither delivered the equipment nor refunded the money. Based on this, a case was registered at Udupi Town police station under Sections 318(4) of the BNS and 66(D) of the IT Act.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Time of India
Man arrested for selling liquor illegally
Mangaluru: Brahmavar police arrested a person who was selling alcohol in public illegally on Friday. Based on information that a person was illegally selling alcohol in a public place near the Tourist Tempo Stand at Kunjal Junction in Varamballi village, Brahmavar PSI Ashok Malabagi conducted a raid at the location. Police apprehended the accused, Umesh Poojari,49, from Handadi village, Brahmavar, who was selling alcohol on a scooter. It was discovered that he was illegally purchasing alcohol from a wine shop in Brahmavar and selling it at a higher price without any licence. A total 30 tetra packs of alcohol, valued at approximately Rs 1,700, were found in an old cloth bag he brought, along with Rs 280 obtained from the sale of alcohol. The scooter used for selling alcohol was also seized. Brahmavar police have registered a case.
