Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited newly sworn-in Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India and on Tuesday conveyed his best wishes to the leader. The invitation was delivered through a letter handed over by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who met Rahman in Dhaka shortly after he assumed office, officials said, reported news agency PTI. After attending the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka, Birla said India stands ready to support Bangladesh’s endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation. Om Birla conveys good wishes, extends India visit invitation “Glad to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka today. India stands ready to support Bangladesh’s endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation,” Birla posted on X. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said in a post on X, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman conveyed his greetings to India and PM Narendra Modi during a courtesy meeting with visiting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla following the swearing-in of the new government.” “Speaker Birla conveyed good wishes and an invitation to visit India. Both leaders expressed optimism about working together for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh and India, pursuing a people-centric agenda of cooperation,” he added, reported PTI. Birla also met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and other leaders on the sidelines of the event. BNP secures two-thirds majority in Bangladesh, wins 209 seats Led by Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to power with a two-thirds majority, securing 49.97 per cent of the vote and 209 seats in the February 12 polls. The results were declared on February 13. According to PTI, the Jamaat-e-Islami registered its best-ever performance, winning 31.76 per cent of the vote and 68 seats. The National Citizen Party secured six seats and 3.05 per cent of the vote. Bangladesh had invited Narendra Modi to the ceremony, but the Prime Minister could not attend as he was scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. On arriving in Dhaka, Birla said the swearing-in of Rahman was an important moment that would strengthen people-to-people ties and shared democratic values between the two neighbours. “Honoured to be in Dhaka representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister. It is an important moment that will strengthen people-to-people ties and shared democratic values between our two nations,” Birla said, reported PTI. Birla was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials. (With PTI inputs)
17 February,2026 09:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the convergence of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) marks the "next frontier of inclusive development," asserting that India's experience offers practical lessons for the Global South. Speaking to ANI, PM Modi emphasised that India's digital transformation was built on replicable principles that prioritised public good and inclusion over proprietary interests. "India's Digital Public Infrastructure journey offers crucial and practical lessons for the Global South. The convergence of DPI and AI is the next frontier of inclusive development. Our success with Aadhaar, UPI and other digital public goods was not accidental. It stemmed from a few replicable principles," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister elaborated that India built its digital architecture as a public good. "First, we built digital infrastructure as a public good, not a proprietary platform. This open and interoperable architecture allowed innovation to flourish on top of a common base layer. Second, we designed for scale and inclusion from day one. Our systems work for 1.4 billion people, irrespective of their socio-economic status, literacy level, region or language," he said. Highlighting the potential of AI layered over DPI, PM Modi said governance can become significantly more responsive and efficient. "AI can improve welfare targeting, strengthen fraud detection, enable predictive maintenance of infrastructure, support urban planning, and enhance transparency in public systems. We understand the importance of robust digital infrastructure, strong data privacy protections, thoughtful regulatory frameworks and AI literacy across society," he noted. With its human-centric DPI model, the Prime Minister said India is well positioned to ensure that AI benefits reach farmers in villages, students in small towns, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, informal workers and youth across rural and urban India. "Technology must serve every citizen, regardless of geography, gender or income. The goal is not AI adoption for its own sake. It is AI that genuinely empowers citizens and accelerates India's journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, and offers a scalable model for the Global South," he added. Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI) has been developed across various domains, aimed at enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity. Aadhaar is the world's largest digital identity programme that provides biometric and demographic-based unique digital identity, which can be authenticated anytime, from anywhere and also eliminates duplicate and fake identities, according to the Ministry of Electronics & IT statement. Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is India's leading digital payment platform. In the month of June 2024 alone more than 1,388 Crore financial transactions were done through UPI. DigiLockern has facilitated more than 30 crore users and made available 675 crore issued documents. Several fintech companies, working in the banking and financial sector, are using DigiLocker for easy on boarding of users. The Government of India has also taken several measures to enhance the reach of Indian Digital Public Infrastructure at the national and international levels. India Stack Global has been developed and rolled out with the aim to share the success of Indian DPIs with the global community and to facilitate replication in friendly countries. Global DPI Repository - Under Indian Presidency of G20 in 2023, Global DPI Repository (GDPIR) portal was designed, developed and rolled out by India. India has signed MoUs on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale with 10 countries namely Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Tanzania, Kenya, Cuba and Colombia, a release added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 February,2026 08:53 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Junnar Forest Division arrested two men for allegedly possessing and attempting to trade body parts of protected wildlife, including leopard claws and sambar antlers, officials said. The action followed a tip-off received on February 16, 2026, about wildlife contraband being transported near Manchar. A trap was set near Morade Foods Company, behind Jhatka Khanavali, where officials intercepted a white Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. During the search, the forest team seized approximately 3 kg of leopard claws, 3 leopard canine teeth and 4 sambar antlers, the officials said. The vehicle used in the offence was also confiscated. Suspects held The arrested men were identified as Uday Shankar Surve, resident of Shirset, Shrivardhan, Raigad, and Nazim Karim Khan, resident of Vadvali, Shrivardhan, Raigad. A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Sections 9, 39, 48(A), 51) at Manchar Forest Range (Offence No. WT-04/2026). Hunting, possession, transportation, and trade of protected wildlife species are serious offences, punishable with up to seven years in prison and fines, according to forest officials. Team's effort The operation was conducted under the guidance of Ashish Vankore, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Pune, and Prashant Khade, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Junnar Division. The team included Vikas Bhosale (RFO), Lokesh Patil (Deputy RFO), Amrut Shinde (Forester), and several forest guards. The accused were presented before the First Class Judicial Magistrate Court, Ghodegaon, and granted bail. Investigations are ongoing to trace further links in the illegal wildlife trade network.
17 February,2026 08:14 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe Class 10 and 12 board examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) began on Tuesday, with more than 46 lakh students appearing at over 8,000 centres in India and abroad, officials said. Class 10 students sat for the Mathematics examination, while Class 12 students appeared for Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Shorthand (Hindi) and Shorthand (English) on February 17, they said, reported the PTI. According to school authorities, the Mathematics paper was conducted smoothly. Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School in Shalimar Bagh, said both the Standard and Basic Mathematics papers were well structured. She noted a difference in students’ perception and performance between the two levels. “The Mathematics (Standard) paper was balanced and well structured. It covered all prescribed topics and ensured a fair distribution of marks across the syllabus. The paper was not lengthy and students were able to complete it within the given time. Overall, it was manageable and student-friendly,” she said, according to the PTI. Exam schedule and guidelines The Class 10 board examinations will conclude on March 10, while the Class 12 exams will continue until April 9. The board had advised students to reach their examination centres by 10 am, taking into account local conditions, traffic, weather and travel distance. The CBSE also cautioned students and parents against misinformation circulating on social media. A senior CBSE official said that certain elements attempt to mislead students by spreading false claims about question paper leaks. The board urged parents, students and schools to remain vigilant and avoid believing or sharing unverified information, warning that such rumours can cause unnecessary anxiety and confusion during the examination period, as per the PTI. On Wednesday, Class 10 students will appear for the Home Science examination, while Class 12 students will take the Physical Education test. Mandatory to appear in first board exam from 2026 for class 10 students: CBSE Meanwhile, the CBSE on Monday has clarified that it will be compulsory for Class 10 students to appear in the first board examination from 2026 onwards, reported the PTI. The CBSE board is introducing two board examinations for Class 10 students starting in 2026. However, officials have made it clear that students cannot skip the first exam and appear directly for the second one. (with PTI inputs)
17 February,2026 06:59 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA 23-year-old man was killed and two others were seriously injured in a knife attack allegedly triggered by a dispute over social media posts in Maharashtra’s Beed district, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place on Monday night at Ruinalkol village in Ashti tehsil. Two suspects, including a minor, have been detained in connection with the case, officials said, reported PTI. Deepak Nalkol died in the attack, while Balu Khodke and Shashikant Lambade are battling for their lives at a private hospital in Ahilyanagar district, according to officials. “When a palanquin procession of Lord Mahadev was underway on Monday night on the occasion of Mahashivratri, accused Nilesh Gujar (25) and a minor confronted the victims in front of a school. The confrontation stemmed from a long-standing grudge over provocative stories and status updates posted by them against each other on Instagram and WhatsApp,” an official said, reported PTI. During the heated argument, Gujar allegedly stabbed Nalkol in the back with a sharp knife. At the same time, the minor attacked Khodke and Lambade. Nalkol succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital, while the other two remain in critical condition, the official added. Following a complaint lodged by the deceased’s brother, Ashti police registered a case of murder and attempt to murder. The two accused have been taken into custody, Inspector Sharad Bhutekar of Ashti police station said. Railway cops nab two for robbing passenger at knife point at Andheri Earlier in February, two suspects were arrested for allegedly robbing a passenger at knifepoint at Andheri railway station in Mumbai. They were apprehended by railway personnel and handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP) for further action, officials said on Wednesday. The accused were nabbed by the Crime Prevention and Detection Squad (CPDS), a specialised unit of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). According to officials, the incident occurred on the night of January 30, 2026, on the railway bridge on the eastern side of Andheri station. The complainant, Mohammad Siraj Ansari (22), told police that he was standing on the bridge with his friends at around 9.30 pm when three unidentified men approached and stopped them. The accused allegedly falsely accused him of supplying ganja. One of them threatened him with a knife and warned that he would kill him if he did not cooperate. The attackers allegedly snatched his Vivo Y31 mobile phone, worth Rs 16,499, and also took his Union Bank ATM card. The victim was forced to disclose his ATM PIN, following which Rs 10,500 was withdrawn from his bank account. (With PTI inputs)
17 February,2026 06:13 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentThe police have advised travellers on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway not to leave valuables unattended in cabs or buses while stopping for refreshments at highway food malls. In a recent incident, a cab driver allegedly stole gold jewellery after passengers stepped out to eat. Police Inspector Sachin Hire of Khopoli police station told mid-day, “Theft of valuables is often reported on the expressway, especially in buses, but now these are increasing in private cabs as well. In most cases, passengers leave their valuables inside the vehicle when they go for refreshments. I advise travellers to always carry their valuables with them. It will help prevent such incidents.” What food mall says The official spokesperson of Grand Ocean Cube told mid-day, “We have installed CCTV cameras covering all areas of the premises. We receive frequent calls regarding thefts or missing valuables. In this case, we were informed promptly and immediately reviewed the CCTV footage from all directions. The footage was shared with the persons concerned. We also have a separate lost-and-found cell at the mall, as many visitors often forget mobile phones, purses, and even expensive valuables at the premises.”The Grand Ocean Cube, is a prominent food mall and pitstop located along the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. Often described as a “food court in the sky,” the location sees heavy daily traffic from travellers commuting between the two cities. What happened Poonam Ahuja, 37, and her husband Mandeep Singh Khurana, 37, lost gold ornaments worth around Rs 7 lakh during a halt on the expressway. “On February 7, we were returning to Mumbai after attending a wedding in Pune. We checked out of the hotel around 3 pm. At about 4.15 pm, we stopped at Grand Ocean Cube on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. We left our bags inside the car and went in to eat. The halt lasted for about an hour,” Poonam said. According to Poonam, after reaching home, she realised that a gold bangle and a gold ring were missing from her bag. “We contacted the driver, who denied taking anything. No immediate FIR was registered. We then decided to visit the location ourselves. My husband and I met the mall administrative officer, Srinivas Ursekar, who assisted us in accessing the CCTV footage. Visuals showed the driver moving to the back seat, where our bags were kept, and spending several minutes inside the parked car while we were away. Our complaint was eventually recorded at Khopoli Police Station, but no FIR was registered.""On February 10, I reached out to our local unit of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Thane and presented the CCTV footage to party member Vinayak Bitla. who reviewed the footage and initiated immediate action. By 6:30 PM, the driver was brought to the MNS office in Thane, where my gold kadda was returned. The following day, Bitla personally visited a jeweller in Baner where the driver had allegedly sold my ring. It was recovered and handed back to me — the ring had been crudely cut at the back. Later, mall owner Prashant Joshi informed me that this was the second reported theft incident at the establishment in the past three months. What was meant to be a simple hunger halt on a busy expressway became a sobering lesson: sometimes, the briefest stop can carry the heaviest cost," she added. Mumbai-Pune Expressway theft: Thane couple lost Rs 7 lakh worth of gold jewellery during a brief halt at a Mumbai–Pune Expressway's Grand Ocean Cube. Police only recorded a complaint, no FIR was filed and recovery came in a shocking, unexpected way.By: Archana Dahiwal… pic.twitter.com/hKJrBOBEpg — Mid Day (@mid_day) February 17, 2026 The stolen gold ring was crudely cut at the back and the kadda bore a visible dent, evidence of tampering during the Expressway theft PICS/ Mandeep Singh Khurana View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) Police advisory >> Avoid carrying expensive valuables while travelling>> Do not leave jewellery, cash or other valuables inside buses or cabs when stepping out>> Do not hand over purses or bags to unknown persons while using public facilities
17 February,2026 05:57 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe Delhi High Court on Tuesday said that Jaideep Sengar, brother of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Sengar, must surrender as there was no order extending the interim bail earlier granted to him on medical grounds, reported the PTI. Jaideep Sengar had approached the court seeking a three-month extension of his interim bail in the custodial death case of the Unnao rape survivor’s father. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opposed the plea. The court noted that interim bail had been granted to Jaideep Sengar on July 3, 2024 for two months on medical grounds. However, there was no specific order extending it beyond that period. “Your interim bail was only for a particular period, and you should have surrendered. I just read the file, and there is no order (extending the interim bail),” the court observed, according to the PTI. In the pre-lunch session, the court had orally indicated that the interim bail would continue till February 20. However, after reviewing the case file post lunch, it clarified that there was no formal extension of the earlier interim order and directed him to surrender, the news agency reported. Medical grounds and CBI objection Jaideep Sengar, 50, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a trial court in the custodial death case. In his plea, he said he was suffering from Stage IV oral cancer, a life-threatening condition, and had shown signs of recurrence. He argued that his condition required continuous and specialised medical care, as per the PTI. The CBI counsel opposed the extension, stating that the case was not fit for continued interim bail. The agency also claimed that the medical prescription submitted in support of the plea appeared to be fabricated. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma directed the CBI to file a detailed verification report. The court asked the agency to clearly state whether Sengar was critically ill and whether his medical documents were genuine, the PTI reported. Background of the case Kuldeep Sengar was convicted of raping the Unnao survivor and was sentenced on 20 December 2019 to imprisonment for the remainder of his life. The girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by him in 2017 when she was a minor. On March 13, 2020, Kuldeep Sengar and his brother Jaideep Sengar, also known as Atul Singh, were sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment in the custodial death case of the survivor’s father. The trial court also imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh, according to the PTI. The survivor’s father had been arrested under the Arms Act and died in custody on April 9, 2018, allegedly due to police brutality. The trial court had said that no leniency could be shown in the killing of a family’s sole breadwinner. Appeals against the trial court’s judgement are currently pending before the Delhi High Court. (with PTI inputs)
17 February,2026 05:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndia is engaging with international partners more intensively and from a "position of strength", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday, citing a string of recent trade agreements as evidence of the country's growing economic clout. In an address at the Global Economic Cooperation conference, Jaishankar highlighted the successful negotiation of several high-profile deals, including a significant trade pact with the United States. The Global Economic Cooperation is an event organised by the Future Economic Cooperation Council in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of Maharashtra. Describing the current international landscape as perhaps the most turbulent in living memory, the minister warned that the world is witnessing the "weaponisation" of production and finance, alongside tightening export controls and volatile market shifts. "The established global order is clearly changing. Replacements are hard to create, and we appear to be headed to a long twilight zone. This will be messy, risky, unpredictable, perhaps even dangerous," he said. Long-standing assumptions and expectations have now become questionable, the minister pointed out. Key dimensions are transforming simultaneously, be it strategic, political, economic or technological. Solutions lie in derisking and diversifying across multiple domains. This approach is increasingly visible in the policy of nations, the EAM said. Jaishankar stressed that the "reform express" will continue to roll on. "From a position of strength, India is engaging international partners more intensively. This is demonstrated in the recently concluded trade deals," he said. Economic security is best served through stronger self-reliance and more trusted partners, the minister added. Following a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, both sides recently announced a reduction of US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent. However, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has alleged that the government "sold Bharat Mata" through the trade deal with the US, saying it was a "wholesale surrender", with India's energy security handed over to America and farmers' interests compromised. Last month, India and the European Union (EU) concluded negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA), which will help boost two-way commerce and strengthen economic ties between the two sides. Over the last year, India has also finalised trade deals with the UK, New Zealand and Oman. Jaishankar said that the world has entered a volatile and uncertain era, possibly the most turbulent in living memory. He emphasised that India will also be more salient in the global calculus of production, on services, technology, skills and knowledge. Economics will give way to politics and security when it comes to making choices and technology in the age of AI (Artificial Intelligence), he noted. The minister further said that the US is determined to reindustrialise at any cost, and this is central to its tech future. China's manufacturing and export focus continues unabated and may even expand, he added. Technology competition is intensifying and polarising. Energy trade flows are being significantly redefined. New mindsets are encouraging greater risk-taking, including through military means. Migration and even mobility are getting contentious, he pointed out. "Each nation and each society will respond as per their interests and calculations," Jaishankar said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 February,2026 04:53 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe classmate of a 24-year-old female MBA student, arrested in Indore for her murder, allegedly abused the body after the killing and also performed occult rituals while on the run, police said. On February 13, people complained of a foul smell emanating from a closed house in the city's Dwarkapuri police station area. After police arrived at the scene, the naked body of a 24-year-old woman was found in the house. The woman was pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from a city college and the body was found in her classmate's rented house, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrikrishna Lalchandani told PTI on Monday. The classmate fled after the incident. He was taken into custody in Mumbai and is being interrogated after his arrest, the official said. Referring to the accused's interrogation, the official said he allegedly strangled his classmate to death and then "abused" the body. "The accused also performed witchcraft near Panvel (in Navi Mumbai) while on the run. The accused claims that he was mentally disturbed after the murder and wanted to communicate with the woman's spirit through witchcraft," he said. According to the DCP, the woman and the accused were in a close relationship. "The accused suspected that she was talking to other men. Enraged, he killed her and fled," the official said. After the woman's body was found, her father accused the classmate of trying to extort money from his daughter using her obscene photos and then torturing her to death. The accused had even posted these photos on her college WhatsApp group, he alleged. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 February,2026 02:48 PM IST | Indore | PTIThe Supreme Court of India on Tuesday said that political leaders must promote fraternity in the country, even as it declined to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking guidelines on political speeches. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices B V Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi, asked the 12 petitioners to withdraw their plea and file a fresh, more neutral petition if they wished to pursue the matter. The petition was filed by academician Roop Rekha Verma and others, including former civil servants and activists. It was argued by senior advocate Kapil Sibal. “Atmosphere has become toxic” Sibal told the court that the public atmosphere had become “toxic” due to political speeches and urged the bench to frame guidelines to ensure accountability. “It’s becoming toxic. I am not on any individual,” he said, clarifying that the plea was not aimed at any one leader as per PTI. The petition was moved in the backdrop of alleged hate speeches by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. A day earlier, another bench had refused to entertain petitions seeking action against him over a viral video. Court questions selective targeting However, the bench of Supreme Court expressed concern that the plea appeared to single out certain individuals. “Of course it is against an individual, especially at this time." The Chief Justice then asked to withdraw this and instead file a simple plea on what conditional guardrails have been laid down and how political parties are violating them. He added that a petition targeting “selectively chosen few” would not be acceptable. Any challenge, he said, must be objective and even-handed. “We are inclined to entertain such a petition. We are eagerly waiting for someone with objectivity to come and file one,” he remarked as per PTI reports. “Political leaders must foster fraternity” Justice Nagarathna stressed the broader constitutional value at stake. “Political leaders must foster fraternity in the country,” she observed. She also raised practical concerns about framing new rules. “Suppose we lay down guidelines… Who will follow them?” she asked. She further added that any origin of speech is thought, and then asked that how is suppose to regularise or control thoughts? "We must raise thoughts in line with constitutional values,” added Nagarathna Justice Bagchi added that while the court can pass orders, ensuring implementation is often difficult. He pointed out that the Supreme Court has already laid down principles on hate speech and free expression in earlier judgments. “Responsibility lies with the political parties as well. He is a member of the party, a leader,” he said. Sibal argued that while the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct (MCC) applies during elections, speeches made before the MCC period often continue to circulate on social media even after it comes into force. “In the digital world, when the MCC comes into force, these speeches are repeated. What is the responsibility of the media in such cases so that the democratic atmosphere is not vitiated?” he asked. However, the Chief Justice noted that public servants are already governed by service rules, including the All India Services Rules, and cautioned against casually drafted pleas. While declining to entertain the present PIL, the court indicated it is open to examining a properly framed, neutral petition addressing broader issues of political speech and constitutional values. For now, the bench made it clear that maintaining fraternity is a responsibility that lies primarily with political leaders and parties themselves.
17 February,2026 02:46 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAn MoU between the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and the Last Wilderness Foundation has been signed on Tuesday, February 17. The MoU focuses on to strengthening community-based conservation and promote human–wildlife coexistence across the Sahyadri landscape. The MoU was signed on behalf of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve by Tushar Chavan, IFS, Field Director, and on behalf of Last Wilderness Foundation by Vidya Venkatesh, Director. Located in the northern Western Ghats, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve forms part of the globally recognised Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot and comprises Chandoli National Park, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary. The landscape supports tigers, leopards, gaur, sloth bears, sambar, dholes, and several rare and endemic species of the Western Ghats. Objective of MoU Under the MoU, emphasis will be placed on enhancing community participation in buffer and fringe villages, conservation awareness, capacity building, mitigation of human–wildlife conflict, and collaborative, locally driven protection efforts. Last Wilderness Foundation is working in wildlife conservation, community engagement, conservation education, and human–wildlife coexistence. The organisation has previously partnered with forest departments in multiple tiger reserves, including Pench Tiger Reserve and Kanha Tiger Reserve, implementing community participation, conservation outreach, and eco-development initiatives. Speaking on this occasion, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, field Director Tushar Chavan said, "Active participation of local communities is critical for long-term conservation success in a vast and sensitive landscape like Sahyadri. This MoU will strengthen coexistence mechanisms and provide momentum to participatory conservation at the village level.” On the other hand Vidya Venkatesh, Director, Last Wilderness Foundation said, “Our experience of working closely with tiger reserve administrations and local communities shows that conservation outcomes are more positive when communities are integral to the process. This partnership with Sahyadri Tiger Reserve offers an opportunity to develop a strong community-based conservation model in the Western Ghats.” Community-based conservation As per the MoU, Last Wilderness Foundation will implement community-based conservation and human–wildlife coexistence programmes, while the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve administration will provide necessary permissions, coordination, and field support. All activities will be undertaken in accordance with legal provisions, guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, and the rules of the Maharashtra Forest Department. The MoU signing was attended by Field Director Tushar Chavan; Deputy Directors Kiran Jagtap and Snehalata Patil; Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate; Range Forest Officer Sangram Godse; and from Last Wilderness Foundation, Vidya Venkatesh and Kedar Bhide. As per the officials, the MoU between Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and the Last Wilderness Foundation will be valid for a period of five years, starting from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.
17 February,2026 02:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavADVERTISEMENT
-1771340173855_d.png "PM Modi highlights Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker as scalable public goods. File Pic")
-1771326535497_d.png "EAM S Jaishankar. File Pic")
-1771318150038_d.png "The Supreme Court of India. Representational Image")
