With World Environment Day approaching, World Animal Protection is calling for responsible treatment of all animals, whether in the wild or on commercial wildlife farms. Their recent research has uncovered the cruel conditions in which an estimated 5.5 billion wild animals are being kept, with lack of transparency and inadequate monitoring in the multi-billion-dollar industry. As more and more elephants, bears, and big cats are being bred in captivity for activities like tourism and traditional medicine, the impact on conservation and animal welfare is concerning. The organization urges for stricter enforcement of wildlife trade laws and retirement of elephants used for riding in Amer Fort and Haathi Gaon to wildlife sanctuaries. Additionally, with the focus of World Environment Day 2024 on land restoration and drought resilience, the harmful effects of factory farming on the environment and animal welfare are also emphasized.
Wildlife Exploitation and the Urgent Call for Animal Protection
The alarming plight of wild animals has emerged as a critical concern, prompting organizations like World Animal Protection (WAP) to sound the alarm ahead of World Environment Day.
Unveiling the Cruelty Behind Wildlife Farming
WAP's extensive research has exposed the shocking conditions faced by an estimated 5.5 billion wild animals held in commercial wildlife farms. These animals endure unimaginable suffering, including:
The multi-billion-dollar wildlife farming industry thrives on a lack of transparency and insufficient monitoring, allowing this cruelty to go unchecked.
Conservation and Welfare Concerns
As elephants, bears, and big cats are increasingly bred in captivity for tourism and traditional medicine, the impact on conservation and animal welfare is dire. These animals are often taken from their natural habitats, disrupting their ecosystems and potentially contributing to species decline.
Moreover, the artificial breeding of these species can compromise their genetic diversity, affecting their ability to survive in the wild.
Urgent Action Needed
WAP urges immediate action to address this crisis:
Factory Farming: Environmental and Animal Welfare Impacts
Factory farming, a major contributor to animal suffering and environmental degradation, also falls under the spotlight of World Environment Day 2024. The industrial-scale production of animals for food has severe consequences:
Top 5 FAQs on Animal Welfare and Conservation
Q1: What are the major threats to wildlife conservation? A1: Habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change.
Q2: How does factory farming impact the environment? A2: Contributes to water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation.
Q3: What can individuals do to help animals? A3: Support animal welfare organizations, make informed consumer choices, and raise awareness about animal rights.
Q4: What is the role of governments in animal protection? A4: Governments can enforce laws, provide funding, and promote policies that prioritize animal welfare.
Q5: What are the long-term consequences of animal exploitation? A5: Biodiversity loss, compromised ecosystems, and a decline in animal welfare standards.
Call to Action
On World Environment Day and beyond, let us unite to demand responsible treatment of all animals. By promoting conservation initiatives, exposing wildlife exploitation, and advocating for animal welfare, we can create a more compassionate and sustainable world for all.
In a historic first, India will host the International Cooperative Alliance's global conference and General Assembly, where Prime Minister Modi will launch the 'United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025'. The event will be held in New Delhi from November 25-30 and will see over 3,000 delegates, including esteemed guests from Bhutan and Fiji. Despite challenges, the event will showcase India's commitment to the global cooperative movement and highlight the importance of cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.
In a surprising turn of events, Kenyan President William Ruto has cancelled two major deals with India's Adani Group after its founder was indicted in the US for corruption. The deals, worth nearly $2 billion, included a 30-year lease for control of the country's main airport and a partnership to construct power transmission lines. Ruto cited "new information" from investigative agencies and partner nations as the reason for the cancellation, drawing thunderous applause from lawmakers in his state of the nation address. The move has sparked concerns about transparency and value for money in these deals, which have faced criticism from politicians and the public.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Security Strategic Working Group, comprising representatives from all MSG member states, has successfully completed their sixth workshop meeting in Honiara last week. They have discussed the outcomes of their consultations with NGOs and CSOs in each member country, and agreed on the next steps to finalize the MSG Peace and Security Strategy. This is seen as a significant step for the sub-region in facing common threats, and the finalized report will be tabled at the upcoming Police Commissioner's and Police Minister's Meeting in Indonesia next year.
A video claiming to show Indian and Chinese armed forces chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ amid the recent disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh has been circulating on social media. However, the truth is that the video is not recent and has been on the internet since January 2024. It was originally shared as footage of Indian Army personnel chanting the slogan after the consecration of the idol of Hindu deity Ram at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. A keyword search led to several news reports from January 2024, clarifying that the video is not recent and its authenticity has not been verified.
A group of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, Laos fell ill after a night out on November 12th, possibly from drinking tainted alcohol. As of now, five deaths have been confirmed, including a British lawyer identified as Simone White and a young Australian woman. The Australian Prime Minister has expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of Bianca Jones and hopes for the recovery of her friend, Holly Bowles. Western government officials are supporting the families of the victims and urging caution for travelers in the popular backpacking destination.
Laishram Herojit, a low-level government worker, has appealed for the safe return of his family who went missing after an encounter between suspected Kuki insurgents and security forces in Manipur. Two women, including Herojit's wife, and an eight-year-old child are among the six people who went missing. Herojit has called for the release of his innocent family and has appealed to any group that may be holding them hostage to return them unharmed. He recalls getting a call from his wife during the violence, which later got disconnected, and a Bengali friend later informed him that they were taken away in a boat.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, and two Hamas officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite rejection from Mr. Netanyahu's office, the court's decision highlights international concern over the 13-month war in Gaza and the 2023 attack on Israel. While the warrants may limit the suspects' movements, the practical implications are limited as Israel and the US are not members of the court.
Guyana's President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a ceremony at the State House, conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of Excellence'. Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, expressed his gratitude and dedicated the honour to India's 1.4 billion people. This recognition is a testament to India's strong commitment towards deepening friendship with Guyana and demonstrates the country's unbiased approach towards international relations.
As the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years, PM Modi's arrival marks a momentous occasion for the community. The Indian diaspora, which makes up over 40% of Guyana's population, eagerly awaits the world leader and shanti-doot who strives to unite the world and propel India into its golden age. PM Modi's visit marks a significant moment for the Indian community, deeply rooted in their traditions and eagerly showcasing their vibrant culture to welcome the Prime Minister. During this visit, PM Modi will also co-chair the second India-CARICOM Summit with the Prime Minister of Grenada, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration.
In a move to slow Russian advances in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has approved the provision of anti-personnel mines to the Ukrainian military. This comes as reports state that North Korean troops have joined Russian marines and airborne units in battles throughout the country. The addition of anti-personnel mines marks a new level of assistance from the US in the ongoing conflict, with the mines being more deadly and longer-lasting than the previously provided anti-tank mines. Meanwhile, Ukraine's air defence units are actively working to repel a Russian air attack on the capital city of Kyiv.