PM Narendra Modi lauds KNP bird census in which AI tech discovers 43 species

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commended the first-ever grassland bird census held in Assam's Kaziranga National Park, which identified 43 bird species, including endangered species. The census, said the Prime Minister, illustrates how human effort and technology can do wonders in furthering nature conservation.

"It is very interesting to know what species of birds live around us. Recently, one such grand effort has been made in the Kaziranga National Park of Assam," PM Modi said in the 124th edition of his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' programme.

"If you are asked how many kinds of birds there are around you, what will you say? Perhaps it's that I see five to six birds every day—some are familiar, some are unfamiliar," he said. The hidden world of rare and endangered birds quietly thrives in the area famed for its one-horned rhinos, royal Bengal tigers, and elephants.

"For the first time, a Grassland Bird Census has been conducted here. You will be happy to know that on account of this census, more than 40 species of birds have been identified. These include many rare birds. You must be wondering how so many birds were identified! Technology did wonders in this," Prime Minister Modi detailed in his address.

He said that the team conducting the census installed sound recording devices, which were analysed on the computer. "Artificial intelligence was used. The birds were identified just by their sounds—that too without disturbing them. Imagine! When technology and sensitivity come together, understanding nature becomes so easy and deep."

"We promote such efforts so that we can recognise our biodiversity and connect the next generation to it," Prime Minister Modi urged listeners.

Between March 18 and May 25 this year, wildlife researchers surveyed 185 grassland sites across Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the once critically endangered (Bengal florican), two endangered (Finn's weaver, locally known as tukura chorai, and the swamp grass babbler), six vulnerable (including the black-breasted parrotbill, marsh babbler, swamp francolin, Jerdon's babbler, slender-billed babbler, and bristled grassbird), and one near-threatened species were recorded.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared his vision for making the country a sporting superpower and hailed the Indian contingent for winning close to 600 medals at the recent ‘World Police and Fire Games', considered the biggest sporting event after the Olympics.

 In the 124th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi said that the government’s 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025' has been highly appreciated.

 “The goal of this policy is clear—to make India a sporting superpower,” he said, adding that startups related to sports will be helped in every way, whether they be in sports management or manufacturing. "Startups related to sports, whether they be sports management or manufacturing, will be helped in every way," he stressed.

He said the policy pays special attention to villages, the poor, and daughters. “Schools and colleges will now make sports a part of everyday life,” he said.

“Imagine how much strength the mission of self-reliance would gain when the youth of the country would play with self-made rackets, bats, and balls. Friends, sports create team spirit. This is the path to fitness, self-confidence, and building a strong India. So play a lot, blossom a lot,” he said.

Talking about the biennial World Police and Fire Games, which concluded on July 6 in Birmingham, Alabama, PM Modi said India's uniformed heroes are making headlines not just in service but also in sports.

“This time, the tournament was held in America, and India created history in it. India won close to 600 medals. We reached the top three out of 71 countries. The hard work of those uniformed personnel who stand for the country day and night paid off. These friends of ours are now holding the flag high in the sports field as well. I congratulate all the players and the coaching team,” he said.

 The PM also tested the knowledge of the audience by asking, “Do you know which is the biggest sporting event other than the Olympics? The answer is ‘World Police and Fire Games’... a sports tournament between policemen, fire fighters, security personnel from all over the world.”

 By the way, it will also be interesting for you to know that in 2029, these games will be held in India. Players from all over the world will come to our country. We will showcase to them India's hospitality and introduce them to our sports culture, he said.

The government plans to host the event in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Ekta Nagar.

PM Modi, in this Sunday's episode of Mann Ki Baat, also spoke on the potential of the textile sector, adding that textile is not just a sector in India. It is an example of our cultural diversity, he said.

PM Modi said, "Today, the textile and apparel market is growing rapidly, and the most beautiful aspect of this growth is that women from villages, designers from cities, elderly weavers, and our youth starting start-ups are all working together to take it forward."

Going further, PM Modi emphasised the importance of the Swadeshi Movement, adding that it gave new energy to local products and especially handloom.

"In memory of this, the country celebrates 'National Handloom Day' every year on August 7. This year, on August 7, 'National Handloom Day' completes 10 years," PM Modi added. (Agencies)

 Also Read: Assam: 19.95-hectare KNP land to be used for erosion mitigation

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