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Chickens, integral to the world's economy today, stand as one of the most consequential animals globally. Their significance spans various industries, from agriculture to gastronomy, solidifying their role in the economic landscape. The journey of chickens, from their origins to their widespread distribution across the ancient world, remains a subject of intrigue and uncertainty. Recent archaeological advancements have challenged previous understandings, revealing that many bone findings once presumed to be early chickens actually belonged to wild birds. However, a recent study conducted by an international team of archaeologists, historians and biomolecular scientists has provided groundbreaking insights into the earliest evidence of <keyword id="21178748" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chicken-domestication" source="Orion">chicken domestication</keyword> for <keyword id="1486334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="egg-production" source="Orion">egg production</keyword>. This discovery sheds light on a crucial aspect of ancient human-animal relationships, potentially revealing the primary factors driving the spread of domestic chickens across Eurasia and northeast Africa. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="From Silk Road to supermarkets: Investigating the origins of chicken domestication" comment="subhead" text="From Silk Road to supermarkets: Investigating the origins of chicken domestication">From <keyword id="621419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Silk-Road" source="Orion">Silk Road</keyword> to supermarkets: Investigating the origins of <keyword id="62613" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="chicken" source="Orion">chicken</keyword> domestication</cmsannotation> The research team embarked on a comprehensive investigation, collecting tens of thousands of eggshell fragments from 12 archaeological sites situated along the Silk Road's central corridor in Asia. Employing advanced biomolecular analysis techniques such as <keyword id="189306" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ZooMS" source="Orion">ZooMS</keyword>, the researchers were able to identify the origins of these eggshells. Unlike traditional genetic analysis, ZooMS relies on protein signals rather than DNA, offering a faster and more cost-effective method for species identification. Analysing eggshell fragments spanning approximately 1,500 years, the researchers discovered widespread evidence of chicken husbandry in Central Asia between 400 BCE and 1000 CE. This suggests a significant role for this region in the early domestication and dispersal of chickens along the ancient Silk Road. The identification of these eggshell fragments as originating from domesticated chickens, coupled with their prevalence across various sediment layers at each excavation site, led the researchers to a significant conclusion. It became apparent that domestic chickens were laying eggs out of season, exhibiting a higher frequency compared to their wild ancestor called the red jungle fowl, which nests only once per year and typically lays six eggs per clutch. “This is the earliest evidence for the loss of seasonal egg laying yet identified in the archaeological record. This is an important clue for better understanding the mutualistic relationships between humans and animals that resulted in domestication,” said Dr. <keyword id="21178752" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Robert-Spengler" source="Orion">Robert Spengler</keyword>, leader of the Domestication and Anthropogenic Evolution research group and principal investigator on the study. All in all, this enhanced reproductive capacity is why domestic chickens became highly desirable to ancient societies, ultimately shaping their evolution into the globally significant species we recognise today. These findings were published in the journal Nature Communications and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46093-2">here</a>.

Research unveils the key moment that transformed chickens into the economically relevant animals that they are today

The government is considering the launch of micro-credit programme which would provide easy loans to rural households, helping them out of poverty. Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Startup-India-Standup-India-goes-to-rural-poor/articleshow/51580701.cms">Unemployed rural-poor to get desi version of ‘Startup India, Standup India’, fulfil entrepreneurial dreams</a> As per the plan, the government would lend up to Rs 1 lakh per family in the coming three to five years, and the loans would be provided at subsidised interest rates of 4 to 7%, without any security deposit. "We have simplified the process for accessing loans... We are getting into the details of livelihood each house can undertake so that the money can be lent accordingly," rural development secretary Amarjeet Sinha told <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/government-planning-an-easy-credit-scheme-for-rural-households/articleshow/58250161.cms?from=mdr">ET</a>. Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/government-to-use-scientific-methods-to-implement-social-welfare-schemes-and-fight-poverty/articleshow/56327314.cms">Government to use scientific methods to implement social welfare schemes and fight poverty</a> By 2019, an amount of Rs 60,000 crore per year would be linked to nearly 8.5 crore households that were identified poor in the <keyword id="1037822" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Socio-Economic-and-Caste-Census">Socio Economic and Caste Census</keyword>. By doing this, the government wishes to lessen their reliance on local moneylenders and <keyword id="411605" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Microfinance-companies">microfinance companies</keyword>, since these lenders charge high interest rates as compared to the rate of 11% charged by banks. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the <keyword id="151047" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rural-Development-Ministry">rural development ministry</keyword> and the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/politics/policy/Modi-govt-launches-its-biggest-land-reform-legalizes-landleasing/articleshow/51812636.cms">agriculture</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/latest/govt-puts-focus-on-animalhusbandry-poultry-and-fisheries-todouble-farmers-income/articleshow/57109382.cms">animal husbandry</a> ministry, which would ease the loan process to such households for activities including tilling and setting up of poultry farms and goat sheds. Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/100-youngsters-to-turn-barefoot-engineers-soon-to-better-farm-productivity/articleshow/47583052.cms">100 youngsters to turn ‘barefoot engineers’ soon to better farm productivity</a>

Government is planning easy loans for rural households

A committee formed by the Centre to double farmers' income by 2022 is considering major reforms in agriculture sector, like ado<keyword id="6367495" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="PTI">pti</keyword>ng a profit-centric approach and to aim at increased productivity and reduced cost of cultivation, according to the PTI. 
 
The inter-ministerial panel, constituted in April last year, is also looking at suggesting market reforms in a big way and increasing focus on sub-sectors of agriculture like animal husbandry, poultry and fisheries. 
 "What we (are) really looking at is to recommend strategies that would be practical in nature and would help both the governments at the national level and state level and also down the line to adopt practices which are very practical in doubling the income of farmers," committee's Chairman <keyword id="214054" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ashok-Dalwai">Ashok Dalwai</keyword> told PTI in an interview. 
 
He was in Hyderabad last week for an event. 
 The committee has been holding consultations with different stakeholders, including <keyword id="6363994" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICAR">ICAR</keyword> scientists, farmers and professional bodies, and it would submit its report by April this year, said <keyword id="2729692" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dalwai">Dalwai</keyword>, who is Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Agriculture. 
 
Noting that majority of farmers in the country are small and marginal, he said making farming viable is the "biggest challenge". 
 
The principle of profit generation in agriculture comes from looking at what is the gross output and what is the cost of cultivation, he said. 
 
"Gross output which has been the approach so far, has been to increase production at any cost. But we would like to increase production on a sustainable basis such that resources are not compromised, in all crops, all commodities and all sub sectors of agriculture. So, the gross output in terms of value to farmer," he said. 
 
The post-harvest management, involving how the commodity is stored, transported and marketed assumes enormous importance, he said. 
 
Another important thing being examined by the committee is the role of important drivers of growth like animal husbandry, poultry, fisheries and horticulture. 
 
"Considering that consumption patterns are changing today, people are now going for high value crops like meat, milk, egg and fruits and vegetables...the farmers can produce those things. It has to be a market-led demand-driven approach. This is what the committee is looking at," he said.

Govt puts focus on animal
husbandry, poultry and fisheries to
double farmers’ income

New Delhi, Mar 13 () A parliamentary panel has pulled up the Finance Ministry for not allocating sufficient funds to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the Department of Fisheries in recent years. The Standing Committee on Agriculture, headed by P C Gaddigoudar, in a report noted that fisheries sector contributes 1 per cent to the GDP of the country and 5 per cent to the agriculture GDP. The committee noted that the allocation proposed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying for the financial year 2020-21 was Rs 8,396 crore. "However, the funds allocated by the Ministry of Finance are Rs 3,704.13 crore," it added. The report pointed out that during 2017-18 and 2018-19, the budgetary allocation was Rs 2,367.77 crore against the proposed amount of Rs 4,676.19 crore, and Rs 2,832.55 crore against a proposed amount of Rs 4,930.57 crore. Similarly, during 2019-20, against a proposed amount of Rs 3,532.47 crore, the allocation at the BE (budget estimate) stage was reduced to Rs 3,342.65 crore, the report said. The Committee in a separate report also observed that there was huge reduction in the funds allocated to the Department of Fisheries at BE stage during 2017-18 to 2020-21 as against the funds proposed by the Department and this has adversely effected the various activities and target of the sector. BKS MRMR

Par panel pulls up finmin for lower budget allocation for fisheries, animal husbandry

Tan Yong Nang is CEO of <a href="http://www.japfacomfeed.co.id/">Japfa Ltd</a>.,a company listed on the main board of Singapore Stock Exchange. <keyword id="3232143" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Japfa">Japfa</keyword> is one of the largest, most integrated agri-food companies in Asia. Japfa’s core business activities include animal and aqua feed milling, chicken breeding, poultry processing, swine breeding and fattening as well as diary milk production. 
 
Nang joined the company as a director in 2007, coming from a diverse background as a statistician at the Department of Statistics in Singapore, a research economist with Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, an investment analyst, a chartered financial analyst, a managing director and a CEO and project director at several companies throughout Asia. 
 
 
 
“I think this non-traditional background makes me a better general manager,” says Nang, a member of <a href="http://www.ypo.org/">Young Presidents’ Organization</a> since 2002. “The disciplines I’ve learned in the different sectors I have worked in have helped me a lot.” 
 
He continues, “Simply put, because I have never been in the animal husbandry sector before, I have a very different perspective on things, whereas a typical industry expert might approach issues in a set manner. I tend to use my DNA of being detailed and going through the numbers to logically construct different strategies and key drivers for success. Coming up with something quite different than others, I think, is what defines who I am.” 
 
Japfa’s primary strength is its breeding and feed mill operation that produces feed and day-old-chicks and work closely with farmers who then use their feed to grow the DOC into broilers to ultimately go to market. Nang does not consider Japfa a manufacturer, rather, he says, “We are more of a very strong, upstream, form of farming. What sets us apart from the other operators and the smaller guys are four things:” 
 
1. We operate on a big scale. I think scale is very important, especially when we are moving a big volume of commodities. Every year we produce more than 2 million tons of feed. Every day we produce more than 1.5 million day-old chicks from our farms. 
 
2. We understand genetics; how to utilize them and how they pair properly with nutrition. 
 
3. We follow good management practices so that we have continuous improvement. We focus a lot on disease control – something that is a major issue in Asia. This is very important to us. 
 
4. We focus on standardization. Our products in Indonesia should not be that different from those in Myanmar. The milk farms in China are very similar to each other and the one in Indonesia. This allows us to scale up very quickly. 
 
Japfa is a major player in the upstream market – raising livestock that is either sold live to the market or slaughtered and the meat is sold – but is venturing more and more into the downstream, which is concerned with consumer products. 
 
“Downstream requires a different skill set and knowledge,” says Nang. “Currently we are more of a B2B business.” 
 
Nang’s talent for vertically integrating Japfa’s upstream and downstream operations, not only guarantees quality but also protects the company against price volatility and ensures a high degree of biosecurity. Its economies of scale have made Japfa one of the lowest cost food producers in Indonesia. Its feed manufacturing takes a very scientific approach for choosing the best ingredients and matching it with the best nutrition so that the genetics are matched to the needs of the livestock. 
 
With farms across Indonesia, in Vietnam, Myanmar and India and China, Japha is well placed to be a leading player across the sector. 
 
“Everywhere we go, we are the number one, two or three player in terms of scale,” says Nang. “In most areas, we are number one, two or three in terms of productivity. At the end of the day, what we want is to feed hungry Asians.” 
 (The author of this article is Deborah Stoll from Young Presidents’ Organization (<keyword id="852310" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="YPO">YPO</keyword>). 
 
YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) is a not-for-profit, global network of young chief executives connected through the shared mission of becoming Better Leaders Through Education and Idea Exchange™. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.ypo.org/">www.ypo.org</a>.

Leveraging a Diverse Career for Out-of-the-Box Husbandry

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Animal rights groups in China found more than 1,400 dogs and cats on a "death truck."</li><li>Around 370 of the dogs and cats had died by the time they were discovered, said activists.</li></ul>More than 1,400 dead or dying dogs and cats were discovered on a truck headed for slaughterhouses in Yulin, south China, said animal rights activists who intercepted the vehicle last week.Out of the 1,408 animals found, 378 dogs and cats were already dead by the time the truck was stopped, <a href="https://www.hsi.org/news-media/tragedy-as-370-dogs-and-cats-die-on-board-death-truck-in-china-headed-for-brutal-meat-trade/">Humane Society International, or HSI, said on October 10.</a>The rescuers, comprising local animal groups and anti-dog meat trade campaigners, said they saved the remaining 1,000 or so dogs and cats from what they called the "death truck."Some of these animals had to be given emergency treatment on the roadside, and many suffered open wounds, broken bones, respiratory disease, and severe dehydration, HSI said.They're now being treated and cared for by staff at local shelters, the organization added."The smell of death, diarrhea and vomit was overwhelming," said Hao Dayue, an activist with the Capital Animal Welfare Association, speaking to HSI."I saw a number of dogs and cats die on the roadside despite desperate attempts to help them, there was nothing that could be done but hold them as they passed away," Hao said.Hao estimated that most of the 718 dogs on the truck were stolen pets, and that the 690 cats were likely strays.Police stopped the "death truck" on a highway in Hubei province, about halfway along the transport's 745-mile journey from Fucheng county to Yulin county, HSI said.<div type="image" title="The truck traveled from Fucheng county in the north until it was intercepted in Hubei province. Its intended destination was Yulin county in southern China." height="1007" width="1475" msid="94983220" hostid="261" sizebytes="223116"></div>The truck's two drivers were detained by police and reported to officials at Xiantao, a city in Hubei province, per HSI.The trader who hired them and acquired the dogs and cats also faces investigation by China's Agriculture Bureau on charges of transporting sick animals across provinces without the proper documentation, the organization said.The Ministry of Agriculture did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.China does not have nationwide animal protection laws that prohibit cruel treatment of animals. Beijing banned the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-bans-wildlife-trade-consumption-coronavirus-2020-2">trade and consumption of wildlife in February 2020</a>, following speculation that COVID-19 may have spread to humans from live animals at Chinese wet markets.However, only two cities in mainland China, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-52131940">Shenzhen</a> and <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1185725.shtml">Zhuhai,</a> have banned the dog and cat meat trade.The eating of dogs and cats is typically only found in a select few places in China, but the practice can be prevalent in those limited locations.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-chinas-dog-meat-festival-raises-hackles-of-fans-and-opponents-2015-6">The Yulin Dog Meat Festival</a> is one of China's best-known events that involves the consumption of dog meat, and it often faces opposition from animal rights groups in the region.<a href="https://www.hsi.org/news-media/saving-dogs-from-chinas-dog-meat-trade/">HSI estimated</a> that 10 million dogs and 4 million cats are killed for human consumption each year in China.

370 dogs and cats died in a Chinese 'death truck' heading to a meat market, animals rights group says

New Delhi, Feb 2 () Barring fertiliser and chemicals sector, the government has provided higher budget allocation for agriculture, and its allied activities as well as to the food and food processing sector for 2020-21.
For the agriculture and farmers welfare ministry, the government has provided 30 per cent increase in the fund allocation at Rs 1,42,761.58 crore for the next fiscal as against the revised estimate of Rs 1,09,750.17 crore for the ongoing financial year, according to the budget document.
Of the total allocation, maximum of Rs 75,000 crore has been allocated for the government's flagship scheme PM-Kisan for the 2020-21 fiscal, followed by Rs 15,695 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Rs 2,000 crore for Price Stabilisation Scheme (PSS).
That apart, the government has allocated Rs 600 crore for promoting farm mechanisation, Rs 500 crore each for PM-Asha scheme and setting up of 10,000 Farmers Producers Companies (FPOs), while Rs 220 crore for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (farmers pension scheme) for the next fiscal.
The allocation for the ambitious PM-Kisan scheme, under which Rs 6,000 is given in three equal instalments to each beneficiary farmer annually, has been kept at Rs 75,000 crore for the 2020-21 fiscal, higher than Rs 54,370.15 crore provided in the revised estimate for this year.
The allocation has been trimmed for the current year from the initial estimate of Rs 75,000 crore in view of implementation hurdles and lack of interest shown by some states like West Bengal.
In case of PMFBY, the government has allocated higher funds at Rs 15,695 crore for the next fiscal compared to the revised estimate of Rs 13,640.85 crore for the current fiscal.
For agriculture and research development, the government has provided Rs 8,362.58 crore budget for the 2020-21 fiscal, up from Rs 7,846.17 crore in the revised estimate.
Realising the potential of the allied farm activities like dairy can help provide supplementary income to farmers, the government has increased the allocation for animal husbandry, livestock, dairy and fishery ministry to Rs 4,114.13 crore for the next fiscal from the revised estimate of Rs 3,490 crore.
Of which, Rs 3,289 crore has been allocated for animal husbandry, livestock and dairy, while Rs 825 crore for promoting fishery sector in the next fiscal.
For the food processing ministry, the government has increased allocation to Rs 1,232.94 crore for the next fiscal from the revised estimate of Rs 1,042.79 crore.
For the food and consumer affairs ministry, the allocation has been increased by six per cent to Rs 1,15,569.68 crore for the next fiscal from the revised estimate of Rs 1,08,688.35 crore.
However, for the fertiliser and chemicals ministry, the budget allocation has been reduced to Rs 71,563.34 crore for the next fiscal from the revised estimate of Rs 80,405.18 crore. LUX BAL

Govt provides 30 pc higher Budget allocation for agriculture

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="10986979" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Ever-Given">Ever Given</keyword> ship is still lodged in the <keyword id="168216" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Suez-canal">Suez Canal</keyword>, causing a jam of more than 200 vessels.</li><li>At least 20 livestock <keyword id="45536" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="ships">ships</keyword> are trapped, The Guardian reported.</li><li>The stranded animals could starve and die if the situation lasts much longer, a charity warned.</li></ul>At least 20 livestock ships have been unable to pass through the Suez Canal due to the blockage of the global trade route by the massive<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/timeline-and-pictures-of-the-ever-given-stuck-suez-canal-2021-3"> Ever Given</a> container ship, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/26/at-least-20-livestock-ships-caught-in-suez-canal-logjam">The Guardian.</a>These livestock ships are among the more than 200 vessels stuck in the bottleneck, according to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/suez-canal-ship-blockage-ever-given/2021/03/26/357f8ae8-8da8-11eb-a33e-da28941cb9ac_story.html">The Washington Post</a>.There are concerns that if the blockage lasts much longer, the animals stranded on the ships could starve, dehydrate, and even die.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wayfair-supply-chain-furniture-order-delays-2021-2">Wayfair's cofounder explains why furniture delivery is still so slow - and when it will return to normal</a>"My greatest fear is that animals run out of food and water and they get stuck on the ships because they cannot be unloaded somewhere else for paperwork reasons," Gerit Weidinger, EU coordinator for the Animals <keyword id="6356001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="international">International</keyword> charity, told The Guardian."Getting stuck on board means there is a risk [for the <keyword id="38741" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="animal">animal</keyword>s] of starvation, dehydration, injuries, waste buildup so they can't lie down, and nor can the crew get rid of dead animal bodies in the [Suez] canal." Weidinger continued. "It's basically a ticking biohazard timebomb for animals and the crew and any person involved."The majority of the ships loaded animals weeks ago in both Spain and Romania, Animals International told The Guardian. Spanish officials told the paper on Thursday that a pause has been introduced on shipping animals to the Middle East due to the logjam, the paper said."We cannot tell you anything about these ships, but due to the blockage of the Suez canal as a result of the grounding of the cargo ship, the Spanish administration has given orders that no animal transport ships bound for Saudi Arabia and Jordan should be loaded until the canal can be navigated normally," the Spanish agriculture ministry told The Guardian.The Romanian agriculture ministry did not respond to the paper's request for comment.

Animals stranded on board 20 livestock ships waiting to pass through the jammed Suez Canal could starve and die if the situation lasts much longer, charity warns

<ul><li>The Modi government has allocated ₹2.83 lakh crore for agriculture, this includes ₹1.73 lakh crore for rural development and panchayati raj and the rest is for irrigation. </li><li>She also emphasised that agricultural markets need to be opened and liberalised and the fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy needs to be provided for.</li><li>Sitharaman in her budget speech also said the government will provide 20 lakh farmers standalone solar pumps in a bid to promote smart irrigation. </li></ul> The Modi government has allocated ₹2.83 lakh crore for agriculture, this includes ₹1.73 lakh crore for rural development and panchayati raj and the rest is for irrigation. "We have provided for 11 crore farmers through Prime Minister Kisan Beema Yojana. Provision of annual assistance to the farmer is made sure through PM Kisan Yojana," the Finance Minister said. She also emphasised that agricultural markets need to be opened and liberalised and the fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy needs to be provided for. She presented 16 points focused on farming, agriculture and irrigation. "We will encourage states to take up model agricultural laws, comprehensive measures for 100 water stressed districts, Prime Minister Kusum scheme removes dependence on kerosene and encourages use of solar power, the government will also encourage balanced use of fertilisers. This is an important step because currently use of chemical fertilisers is incentivised." Sitharaman in her budget speech also said the government will provide 20 lakh farmers standalone solar pumps in a bid to promote smart irrigation. Moreover, 15 lakh farmers will get solarise grid connected pump sets. For this, the government has expanded the Pradhan mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM scheme). PM Kusum was introduced in August 2019 and is committed to add a solar capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022. This comes Both the state and central government aims to double the farmer income by 2022. She also added that the government will “set up solar power generation units and also sell surplus power to the solar grid” in the non-cropping season. This will help farmers to make a living out of barren lands. Apart from this, FM also prosed a Kisan Rail in public-private partnership that will enable transport of perishable goods including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fish etc. A similar proposal was announced by Mamta Banerjee in 2009-10, however it couldn't be implemented. "To build a seamless national cold supply chain for perishables, the Indian Railways will set up Kisan Rail through PPP model so that perishable goods can be transported quickly," she said. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2020-live-updates-news-and-highlights/liveblog/73824572.cms">Check live budget 2020 updates here</a>

Agriculture Budget 2020: Nirmala Sitharaman allocates ₹2.83 lakh crore

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A pet <keyword id="6370207" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="lion">lion</keyword> was confiscated by Cambodian authorities last week after it was spotted in several TikTok videos.</li><li>He was returned to his owner after <keyword id="6373180" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="cambodia">Cambodia</keyword>'s Prime Minister Hun Sen stepped in.</li><li>The Ministry of Environment said previously the lion was being kept illegally.</li></ul>A pet lion that was confiscated by Cambodian authorities last month in an upscale Phnom Penh district has been returned to its owner after Prime Minister Hun Sen stepped in. The lion <a href="https://www.insider.com/pet-lion-confiscated-from-chinese-national-in-cambodia-tiktok-2021-6">was confiscated late last month after authorities saw TikTok videos of it roaming in a villa</a> in April. It was then moved to a wildlife reserve. The lion's owner, whose name is Zhai Xinjiang, appealed to Cambodian authorities to have the lion returned. "I am not troubled by the allegations that I used the animal to flaunt my wealth. I am just saddened by accusations that I mistreated the lion. I never removed his teeth or claws as alleged in the media and online. We loved him and he was a member of our family. We have never inflicted any harm on an animal," Zhai told the <a href="https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50884601/touching-reunion-pp-lion-king-breaks-his-silence/">Khmer Times</a>. The prime minister responded in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hunsencambodia/posts/4161002177281581">Facebook post</a> on Sunday that he decided to return the animal to Zhai after speaking with Agriculture Minister Veng Sakhon. He called the situation a "special case." Speaking to Voice of America Khmer, Sakhon called the prime minister's decision "sympathetic," adding that <a href="https://www.voacambodia.com/a/hun-sen-intervenes-to-release-smuggled-lion-cub-from-wildlife-center/5953659.html">authorities will continue to look after the wellbeing of the lion</a>.Zhai, whose Facebook moniker is Qi Xiao, posted an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068636062273">open letter on Facebook on Monday thanking the prime minister and authorities</a> for their help and confirmed that the lion is now "home." In the post, he also included pictures of the lion with his French bulldog.<div type="image" title="A lion in a car with a pet French bulldog" height="541" width="720" msid="84162929" hostid="261"></div>"Because of this action, we have seen the tolerance and care of the Kingdom of Cambodia towards foreigners and made me feel that based on the rule of law, any kindness and sacrifice will not disappoint," he wrote. Wildlife Alliance, a wildlife conservation organization that partnered with authorities to confiscate the lion, said <a href="https://www.wildlifealliance.org/pet-lion-seized-phnom-penh/">in a statement last month</a> that a villa was "inappropriate for a wild animal," adding that being defanged and declawed "drastically reduces a lion's quality of life."Wildlife Alliance did not respond immediately to a request for comment from Insider.

A TikTok-famous pet lion living in Cambodia was returned to its owner after the country's prime minister stepped in

New Delhi, Apr 15 () Agricultural and allied activities including dairy, fisheries as well as tea, coffee and rubber plantation are allowed to function in the second phase of the COVID-19 lockdown, the government said on Wednesday issuing fresh guidelines.Operations of tea, coffee and rubber plantations are allowed with maximum 50 per cent workers. Processing, packaging, sale and marketing of these commodities as well as cashew have been allowed with maximum 50 per cent workers, it said."All agricultural and horticultural activities remain fully functional," the Ministry of Home Affairs said, issuing a new set of guidelines for enforcement during the second phase of the lockdown till May 3.The government has allowed farming operations and farm workers in the field. Agencies engaged in procurement of agri-products, including MSP operations are permitted during the lockdown period.Even mandis operated by the Agriculture Produce Market Committee or as notified by the state government as well as direct marketing operations by the state government or industry directly from farmers or Farmer Producers Organisations are allowed to operate.The government further asked state governments to promote decentralised marketing and procurement of farm commodities at village level.As harvesting of rabi crops like wheat is underway, the government has allowed inter and intra state movement of harvesting and sowing related machines like combined harvester and other agriculture and horticulture implements.That apart, the government has allowed shops of agriculture machinery, its spare parts including its supply chain and repairs to remain open.Custom hiring centres related to farm machinery are also allowed to remain open during the lockdown.For smooth supply of farm inputs during the ongoing sowing of kharif crops, the government has permitted manufacturing, distribution and retail of fertilisers, pesticides and seeds.To ensure the fishery sector does not suffer during the lockdown, movement of fish and fish products, fish seed and feed as well as workers engaged in these activities are allowed.Marine and inland fishing operations as well as the aquaculture industry including feeding, maintenance, harvesting, processing, packaging, cold chain, sale and marketing -- are allowed to operate.Hatcheries, feed plants and commercial aquaria are also allowed.To ensure smooth supply of milk to consumers and protect farmers, the government has allowed collection, processing, distribution and sale of milk and milk products.Milk processing plants are allowed to operate including transport and supply chain.Poultry farms and hatcheries as well as livestock farming activity are also permitted during the lockdown.For smooth supply of animal feed to the livestock sector, the government has permitted feed plants to operate including supply of raw material such as maize and soya.The government has also permitted operation of animal shelter homes including Gaushalas during the lockdown period. LUX SHW ANUANU

Agricultural, allied activities including fishery allowed to operate in 2nd phase of lockdown

<ul><li>Finance Minister <keyword id="129243" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="Orion">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> announced that the government will set up an Animation, Visual Effects, <keyword id="6357332" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gaming" source="Orion">Gaming</keyword> and Comics (<keyword id="1920258" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="avgc" source="Orion">AVGC</keyword>) promotion task force for boosting talent in the animation and gaming sector.</li><li>We speak to experts from the industry to understand the larger implications of the move and how it will help the industry.</li></ul>During her Union Budget speech yesterday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government will set up an Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) promotion task force for boosting talent in the animation and gaming sector. Sitharaman said the AVGC sector will provide a huge opportunity for young professionals and also create new job opportunities for the youth. “The AVGC sector offers immense potential to employ youth. An AVGC Promotion taskforce with all stakeholders will be set up to recommend ways to realize this and build domestic capacity for serving our markets and the global demand,” Sitharaman said during her speech. The move is expected to attract new talent and give them the required support to take the AVGC sector global. The AVGC sectors, and especially the gaming industry has been witnessing a healthy growth. Most industry reports have predicted that the next few years will contribute to immense growth for the industry. A recent report by Sequoia India and BCG had said that while the gaming industry in India is currently smaller than that of the US and China and is 1% of the global gaming market, it is generating $1.5 billion revenue and is expected to triple to over $5 billion by 2025 on the back of the ‘mobile first’ phenomenon. So the government’s move comes at an opportune time. To understand the larger implications of the move, we spoke to experts from the gaming industry and here’s how they thought the government's move will give a boost to the segment: <keyword id="2388996" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sai-srinivas" source="Orion">Sai Srinivas</keyword>, Co-Founder and CEO, Mobile Premier League It is very encouraging to see that the Union Budget has taken into consideration some of the long-pending suggestions for the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector, while noting the strong potential this industry holds for employment-generation as well as taking ‘Made in India’ game titles global. We welcome the Hon’ble Finance Minister's announcement to set up an AVGC Promotion Task Force to provide a much-needed boost to the sector. This announcement highlights the need to build capacity to serve both domestic and global markets, and is a strong indicator of the impetus that the government is willing to provide for its growth. It is also heartening to see the government's commitment to work with the industry, allowing for a balanced approach that accommodates the needs of all stakeholders and strengthens the ecosystem holistically. A progressive tax regime, predictable regulatory framework and supportive funding policies will allow the industry to compete on the world stage and fulfil the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for the Indian digital gaming sector to be a global powerhouse. Moreover, it will also help develop a workforce of young and employable AVGC professionals to usher in the next tech revolution from within India. With a renewed focus on the AVGC sector, blended financing for deep tech and IT, hardware and electronics manufacturing combined with deployment of 5G and affordable internet in underserved areas, it is clear that the government is committed to take the Indian startup ecosystem to the next level. We are hopeful that with the positive support of the government, the coming years will see online gaming, VFX and esports startups leading the charge in the global economy. By developing deep tech intellectual property and exporting services, they can help cement India’s position as a world leader in the sector. Rajan Navani, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, JetSynthesys I strongly welcome the formation of a AVGC task force for promotion, something that we as an industry have been pushing for a long time. It is high time that animation, visual effects and gaming are recognised as an industry because of the sheer potential that they carry. Skyrocketing further owing to the pandemic, these industries have the power to create large employment as well as give Indian gaming companies an opportunity to become globally competitive and play an increasingly larger role at a global level. Building a task force that will address the needs of this industry across various ministries would be a very proactive approach towards strengthening this industry, in my opinion. The aim to rollout 5G services in FY 2022-23 along with affordable broadband services and efficient connectivity to allow equal access to e-services in remote and urban areas has also been long due. The focus of Hon FM on new emerging technologies particularly like Blockchain and AI, a word which was repeated several times during the speech is again a very positive move to show that digitalisation is truly the future, and a strong focus area for government. Digitalisation was applied across agriculture, healthcare, skills, education and appeared in various shapes and forms throughout the budget speech. Additionally, the national tele-mental health programme is a great initiative by the government as the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of people to an unfathomable extent. Various channels and platforms like ThinkRight.me by JetSynthesys and others in the space can together help tackle India's mental health issues. In all, we’re truly excited about the future of digital India and what this means to JetSynthesys which is here to play a key role in the daily digital lives of a billion Indians. As a country, we hope to move forward with jet speed and transform our country into an atmanirbhar, technologically and digitally forward nation. Vishwalok Nath, Director, World Esports Cup We welcome the steps by the Finance Minister of India as part of Budget 2022-2023 including the creation of the AVGC task force. We hope that this task force can help promote the creation of a robust infrastructure for game development with gradual benefits to the esports community. We are also looking forward to the 5G spectrum auction this year. 5G can further promote the latest innovations and mass adoption of technologies like cloud gaming in the country. There is a huge scope of employment for the youth in the gaming industry. Esports/Video Games is a versatile industry and there is a huge scope for professional gamers as well as other jobs like casters, commentators, and other support staff appointed by the esports tournaments like producers, editors, analysts, product managers, game testers, referees, production crew members, event managers, social media managers, etc. Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India &amp; Vice President, Asian Esports Federation It is encouraging to finally see the seriousness from our Government towards this sector which has been long neglected. This will definitely help in setting up the policies which would encourage and build our capacities and capabilities to export to the rest of the world; leading to more domestic video game development studios and more investments in the AVGC sector. Spectrum auctions for 5G is a welcome move for the gaming industry as well, 5G can disrupt the industry by enhancing the live streaming of games and cloud gaming as well. The task force should consist largely of people who have been part of the ‘Video Game’ industry and are playing an active role in shaping up the Indian video game industry. <keyword id="263906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jehil-thakkar" source="Orion">Jehil Thakkar</keyword>, Partner and Media and Entertainment Sector Leader, Deloitte India The setting up of the AVGC promotion task force announced in the Union Budget will help India achieve its potential of achieving 20 lakh jobs according to Deloitte projections. These are critical skills for growth of the metaverse and India is poised to take advantage of this ecosystem. Sagar Nair, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Qlan It is this continued acceptance that will lead to the progress of the Indian gaming and esports industry. First was esports’ entry in the Asian Games as an official event followed by a government dedicated task force to work with the AVGC sector. I have no doubt that these initiatives as part of the national budget policy highlight the true potential of the Indian gaming &amp; esports segment not only in India but also on the global circuit. The statement clearly indicates the backing of homegrown game developers, tournament organizers, and esports companies and recommendations from the appointed task force will help build domestic capacity for serving out markets and the global demand as well. Sunil Yadav, CEO, PlayerzPot The AVGC sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in India, and attracts a huge interest from a large cross section of the population. The announcement of the new AVGC task force is a welcome one, as we expect it will help to build domestic capacity and also serve the global demand. The task force has come at the right time, for those pursuing a career in gaming as the sector is booming right now and needs more talented youngsters to grow. With the government introducing digital rupee and a visible trend in crypto adoption, NFT’s will grow significantly. 5G services auction within FY 22-23 across the country will play an important role in the growth by further penetrating in the markets and also enhancing the gaming experience. As the honorable minister mentioned in her budget presentation, the gaming sector has the potential to become the torchbearer of 'Create in India' &amp; 'Brand India', on the same lines we were hoping for transparent and progressive regulation that will help differentiate games of skill from those of chance, because this is a key area of concern for the industry as a whole. Dilsher Singh Malhi, Founder &amp; CEO, Zupee The creation of the AVGC promotion task force is a welcome move. The initiative with industry participation will help in establishing uniform, progressive policies that will promote growth and investments in the sector, which in turn, will lead to job creation, revenue generation, and engagement opportunities. This will be a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and unlocking a fully connected and empowered digital India. We believe that this initiative will pave the way for the Indian gaming industry to establish itself on a global stage. Rahul Tewari, Chief Financial Officer, Games24x7 The gaming industry welcomes the decision to set up a task force for Animation, Visual Effect, Gaming and Comics. AVGC taskforce can provide the long-term policy impetus and bring together the various stakeholders to turbocharge the vibrant ecosystem in gaming and animation. India has a deep and very high-quality talent pool of developers and creative artists who will transform India into a global player in the interactive entertainment space in the coming years. We hope this paves way for regularity clarity for gaming, a sector that has contributed immensely to India’s start-up success in the last few years. Manish Agarwal, CEO, Nazara Technologies Ltd. The government’s announcement of an AVGC task force to seek recommendation to create the way forward is a welcome move. As we know, India presently commands around 10% of the global AVGC market and has the potential to reach 20-25% by 2027. This taskforce will facilitate employment for the youth, build domestic capacity to serve the Indian markets and also meet global demand. <keyword id="3471731" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="roland-landers" source="Orion">Roland Landers</keyword>, CEO, The All-India Gaming Federation I am pleased that the government has announced a progressive budget; stating the gaming industry as a sector that generates various job opportunities for the youth while boosting the economy of the country. The ideas proposed for the sector are very encouraging. We are thrilled and look forward to the AVGC task force that will give a major boost to the game development sector by building scale and adding to the overall online skill gaming industry’s momentum. AIGF and the skill games council of domain experts will be happy to assist, if need be, in playing a consultative role for the same Likewise, the tax extension to four years will benefit the entire start-up ecosystem in online gaming which is in the excess of 300 companies. Furthermore, the Hon’ble FM’s announcement of the digital rupee launch will increase purchases of virtual goods in games through microtransactions. Finally, 5G auctions when implemented will enhance the gamer experience dramatically as well as facilitate the adoption of new technologies in gaming. Overall, the budget has opened more avenues for the gaming industry.

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