• India's DNA scientists have initiated a project to clone the Indian cheetah by using the genes of its Iranian cousin. Scientists from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad will assist these DNA scientists to complete the project within five years.
• Twelve persons were taken into police custody on charges of illegal hunting of tiger and leopard in the forest area near Kanha National Park in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh.
• To increase the participation of people in the state's developmental work, the cabinet of Chhattisgarh has approved the 'Jan-Sahabhagita Niyam, 2002. The cabinet earmarked Rs 8 crore in the next fiscal budget for the programme, which focuses on public asset creation in the 16 districts of the state.
• During the current season, Bt cotton trials have been extended to 11 locations in the central and southern zones of the country from six last year. According to sources, detailed economics would be worked out on the efficacy of Bt cotton before the end of February, 2002.
• With an aim to harness the potential of biotechnology and attract industries, the Union government has announced that it would develop Lucknow as the first biotechnology city of India.
• To provide drinking water and to construct sewerage costing Rs 591.40 million, the Bihar state water board has chalked out a plan for Gaya and Bodh Gaya. Apart from solid waste management, the plan includes installation of 24 new tubewells.
• Many vultures are succumbing to a mysterious disease at Bayana in Rajasthan. Meanwhile, the CCMB, Hyderabad, has started work on preserving the gene pool of these corpse feeders.
• Forest officials arrested the president of the van suraksha samiti of Nayagaon, Rajasingh Gond and seized a tiger skin from his farm on the Sihora-Katni road on January 9, 2002 . The tiger was apparently shot in the Bahoriband Forest Range, said a press release issued by Wildlife Protection Society of India.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.