Trump: Donald Trump considering major Cabinet changes as reaction to Iran war deepens: Report
File photo: US President Donald Trump (Photo credit: AP)
US President Donald Trump is considering a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle after firing Attorney General Pam Bondi this week amid growing concern inside the White House over the political fallout from a war with Iran.According to news agency Reuters, internal White House discussions have turned to whether more senior officials should be replaced as Trump grows frustrated with rising fuel prices, falling approval ratings and growing Republican anxiety ahead of the November midterm elections.The potential change follows Bondi’s ouster this week and the departure of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month. Although no final decision has been taken, several senior officials are said to be under investigation.According to Reuters, the five-week-old war has created a politically difficult situation for the administration, with gas prices rising and Trump’s position slipping. The report said some aides felt Trump’s televised address to the nation on Wednesday, which a senior White House official described as an effort to show control and confidence, “failed,” increasing pressure for changes in messaging or personnel.A White House official told Reuters, “A change to show action is not a bad thing, right?”
Gabbard and Lutnick are among the names being monitored
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are among those potentially at risk.According to Reuters, Trump has recently expressed displeasure with Gabbard, and a source with direct knowledge said he had asked aides for ideas on a possible replacement for his intelligence chief. Gabbard, who has long criticized US military intervention abroad, reportedly upset the White House last June when she released a video attacking “political elite war supporters” ahead of Trump’s first military action against Iran.Lutnik is also facing renewed pressure. Some of Trump’s high-profile allies are privately pushing for his removal. New files released earlier this year show that Lutnick had lunch with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Epstein’s private Caribbean island in 2012, the report said. Lutnick has denied any serious affair, saying he “barely had anything to do” with Epstein and that the lunch occurred only because he was on a boat near the island.According to news outlet Politico, Trump has become frustrated with Lutnick and is considering changes involving him. “He’s very angry and he’s going to fire people,” an administration official said.
Labor Secretary also under threat of dismissal
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is also being discussed as part of potential Cabinet changes.According to Politico, Trump’s review focuses on officials whom he believes have “performed poorly or who have attracted too much negative attention”. The report said no final decision has been made on Chávez-DeRemer or Lutnick, and added that Trump had considered firing his aides before withdrawing.Removing Lutnick could signal economic accountability to Trump, with one administration official suggesting it would help the president “say, ‘I’m turning the economy around.'”Chávez-DeRemar is also under additional pressure due to the inspector general investigation into the Labor Department. The investigation included allegations that she drank alcohol on the job, had an affair with a security officer and that staffers may have used official programs to help facilitate private travel. Chávez-Deremer has denied wrongdoing and the White House has previously defended him.
The White House publicly stands behind key officials
Despite the speculation, the White House has publicly defended several of the officials named in media reports.White House spokesman Davis Ingle said Trump retained “full confidence” in Gabbard and Lutnick. In an email statement quoted by Reuters, Ingle said, “The President has assembled the most talented and influential Cabinet ever, and they have collectively achieved historic victories on behalf of the American people, from Director Gabbard’s role in ending the Maduro narco-terror regime to Secretary Lutnick’s role in securing major trade and investment deals.“A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence also pointed to the White House Ex Post, which quoted Communications Director Steve Cheung as saying that Trump has “complete confidence” in Gabbard.White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said that Chavez-DeRemer and Lutnick “are both doing a great job standing up for American workers, and they have the full support of President Trump.”Speaking to POLITICO on Lutnick’s behalf, a separate White House official said, “Everyone is thrilled with the job Howard has done — on trade deals, pharmaceuticals, Japan, tariffs, all of that… He’s also taken a tough stance on Canada from day one, which POTUS appreciates.”
Speech on Iran seen as a misstep inside the West Wing
Trump’s speech Wednesday night was aimed at reassuring voters, after his aides had for weeks urged him to directly address the nation on the U.S. role in Iran.But the speech failed to provide the political reset that some in the White House had hoped for. Trump offered no clear path out of the war that began on February 28 and instead left the impression that the conflict could continue indefinitely. Instead of directly addressing economic concerns, he said the pain would be temporary and blamed Tehran.“The speech did not achieve what it was supposed to,” a White House official told Reuters. He said that although Trump’s core supporters are still supporting him on the war, they are also feeling economic pressure.The same official said: “Voters tolerate the ideological message, but they feel the fuel prices immediately.”
Voting and midterms increase urgency
The political background appears to be driving the internal debate.Only 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s overall job performance in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, the lowest rating of his current term. It also said that 60% of respondents disapproved of the US-Israeli decision to start a war with Iran.Any broad Cabinet reset would be aimed at helping Republicans maintain their hold on Washington in November. Some of Trump’s supporters believe now is the best time to make changes, especially with concerns that Senate confirmation next year could be more difficult if Democrats make gains in the midterms.A person close to the White House told POLITICO that Trump is also considering the difficulty of confirming future executive appointees if Democrats improve their standing after the election.A senior White House source said that Trump now wants to make some major changes before the midterms.
Trump may choose limited changes, not dramatic changes
Trump may ultimately decide against sweeping changes.Several people close to the president said he is wary of recreating the sense of chaos that occurred during his first term, when frequent staffing changes often made headlines. A White House official described the potential approach as “targeted churn” rather than a “big, dramatic reset.”Still, some aides believe doing nothing now could be just as risky as taking any high-profile move.A White House official expressed the mood bluntly, telling Reuters: “Based on what I’ve heard, don’t assume Bondi is the last.”Meanwhile, discussions have already taken place as to who might fill the void left by Bondi.Trump met with Environmental Protection Agency head Lee Zeldin on Tuesday to discuss last year’s California wildfires and the possibility of Zeldin stepping into Bondi’s former role, Politico reported, citing a person close to the White House familiar with the conversations.However, Trump has currently nominated Todd Blanche as acting attorney general, with an administration official describing Blanche as “the main horse.”
WATCH: Magnus Carlsen poses for a selfie, then his phone is confiscated chess news
New Delhi: A simple selfie request turned into an unexpected situation at the Grenke Freestyle Chess Festival in Germany. Just before their match, Kazakh player Alua Nurman asked magnus carlsen For a selfie. He agreed without hesitation and posed with her. However, immediately after this he informed the tournament official about the conversation. According to the rules of chess, Noorman’s phone was immediately taken away and the match began normally.Chess tournaments follow strict rules regarding electronic devices to prevent cheating. Players are not allowed to use or even have access to a phone during the game unless they have special permission.
Appliances should be turned off and stored away safely. Since Noorman had kept his phone out for the selfie, the officials had to immediately confiscate it.Watch:Despite the awkward moment, the game continued without any delay. Carlsen remained focused and continued his strong performance in the tournament, eventually defeating Norman as part of his ongoing winning streak.Interestingly, a similar situation had arisen in the same program last year. Another player took a selfie with Carlson and officials later took his phone as well.Noorman later shared that this past incident inspired him. “Last year, Etienne Bacrot also took a selfie. I thought, why not? I’m very grateful that Magnus agreed to it,” he told ChessBase India.The tournament has also seen other unusual moments, including a complaint about a distracting wristwatch worn by an opponent, which was eventually removed.Overall, while the selfie caused a brief stir, it highlighted how seriously chess officials take the enforcement of the rules, even in seemingly harmless situations.
Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: Big Annamalai Question – What is the benefit for BJP, what is the threat. india news
New Delhi: Senior BJP leader K Annamalai on Saturday clarified that he has not been denied a ticket for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, saying he has decided not to contest the elections himself and will instead focus on campaigning for the party and its allies.Annamalai told reporters at the Chennai airport, “I had already informed the core committee in writing that I would not contest from any constituency. So, it is not that I was denied a ticket, the truth is that I decided not to contest.”
The clarification comes a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of 27 candidates for the April 23 assembly elections, with Annamalai’s absence attracting attention across political circles.
Annamalai said he would play an extensive organizational role during the elections, campaigning for the BJP in several states.“…In this election, my role is to campaign for the candidates all over Tamil Nadu. Right now, the party has given me the responsibility to campaign in Puducherry and Kerala till the 7th (April). From the 7th to the 23rd, I have to campaign for all the BJP and NDA candidates across Tamil Nadu. The party has given me this responsibility. I will fulfill that responsibility.”He also thanked the party leadership for accepting his decision.“When I showed no interest in contesting the elections, how could the leadership allot me a ticket? If I had decided to contest the elections, it would not have mattered from which constituency I would have contested. I am grateful to the BJP leadership for respecting my decision and giving me the opportunity to campaign in support of the NDA alliance candidates,” he said.However, there were reports that Annamalai had conveyed to the party’s national leadership his “extreme” displeasure over the constituencies allotted to the national party by the AIADMK.Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran described Annamalai’s absence from the candidate list as a call for leadership.Expressing confidence in the party’s candidates, Nagendran said, “This is the decision of the high command….” “This time all 27 candidates will definitely win.”Despite not contesting the elections, Annamalai remains at the center of the BJP’s campaign strategy. BJP MP Tejashwi Surya said his popularity will benefit the party across the state.“Annamalai is the most popular leader of BJP, he has huge supporters not only in Tamil Nadu but all over the country. He has been given the responsibility of campaigning for all the candidates in Tamil Nadu.” I am confident that Annamalai’s popularity across Tamil Nadu and her campaign will translate into victory for BJP candidates across the state,” Surya said.The BJP candidate list includes senior leaders like Tamilisai Soundararajan from Mylapore, Vanathi Srinivasan from Coimbatore North and Union Minister L Murugan from Avinashi.Former IPS officer Annamalai, known as “Singham”, had served as Tamil Nadu BJP president before being replaced by Nagendran. He played a key role in expanding the party’s presence in the state and led outreach initiatives such as the “En Mana, En Makkal” yatra.The BJP is contesting the elections in the state as part of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Under the alliance arrangement, AIADMK will contest 169 seats out of 234, while BJP along with other allies will contest 27 seats.Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23 and counting of votes will take place on May 4. The main contest is expected to be between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA, in which actor-turned-politician Vijay is also in the fray.Why could this move work for BJP?Annamalai has been relieved of constituency-level responsibilities, allowing him to campaign extensively in many areas. His role as a star campaigner strengthens the BJP’s reach in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.This also helps the BJP to emphasize on a stable alliance with the AIADMK. His absence has eased Edappadi’s friction with Palaniswami, helping ease coalition coordination.Annamalai was known for his ruthless criticism of AIADMK and DMK. Subsequently, EPS had made Annamalai’s exit from state politics a pre-condition for alliance talks before the elections.The leadership change to Nainar Nagendran indicated a more coalition-friendly and structured approach. This allowed the party to present a unified command and avoid internal contradictions during elections.What can go against BJPAnnamalai’s absence from the polls may demoralize grassroots workers who see him as a prominent leader. The BJP is in danger of weakening its independent “third force” narrative in Tamil Nadu politics.His aggressive campaigning style, which attracted young voters, may not have been fully successful without him contesting the elections. This move may create confusion among voters regarding the direction of the party leadership in the state.This can be interpreted as the BJP giving space to AIADMK within the alliance framework. The lack of a strong face as a candidate may also affect the local level electoral momentum.
देहरादून: राजधानी के चूना भट्टा इलाके में मिला शव, इलाके में सनसनी, पुलिस ने मौके पर पहुंचकर जांच शुरू की
द्वारा प्रकाशित: रेनू सकलानी
अद्यतन शनिवार, 04 अप्रैल 2026 12:42 अपराह्न IST
घटनास्थल पर भीड़ जमा हो गई
– फोटो : संवाद न्यूज एजेंसी
US-Israeli strike hits Iran’s only functioning nuclear facility in Bushehr
A projectile struck Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant on Saturday, killing a security staffer and damaging a nearby building, the latest attack on the country’s only functioning nuclear facility.The projectile hit the perimeter of the plant, causing damage to structures close to the site, Reuters said, citing Tasnim news agency. Key facilities were not affected and power generation continued without disruption, the report said.The incident is the fourth time the Bushehr site has been targeted since the conflict began, with several projectiles reported landing in the surrounding area earlier this month.The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that it had been informed about the strike by Iran with a projectile close to the plant complex. In a post on Twitter, the agency said a member of the site’s physical security staff was killed by a projectile fragment, while a building suffered damage from the shockwave and debris.“No increase in radiation levels was observed,” the IAEA said.Iranian officials reiterated that the attack did not affect the plant’s core infrastructure, stressing that operations remain unaffected despite repeated incidents in the area around the Bushehr facility.
‘Satan’ and gangs: UP ATS busts Pakistan-backed module targeting rail infrastructure | Lucknow news
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has busted a suspected terror module allegedly operating under instructions from Pakistani handlers, arrested four people for planning arson on railway infrastructure and conducted reconnaissance of key establishments and public properties in several cities.According to ATS officials, intelligence inputs indicate that the group was in constant touch with Pakistan-based handlers through social media platforms and was involved in anti-national activities aimed at creating terror and economic disruption.ATS investigation revealed that the gang was led by Saqib alias “Devil” (25), a resident of Meerut, who allegedly maintained links with the handlers through platforms like Telegram, Signal and Instagram. He was also allegedly linked to radical groups and foreign numbers, including those linked to Afghanistan. The module was tasked with conducting reconnaissance of important institutions, political personalities, railway signal systems and vehicles and sharing inputs with cross-border operators.Police said the group planned to damage railway signal boxes, set fire to trucks filled with gas cylinders and target key establishments to spread fear. In some cases, the accused had already carried out small arson incidents, recorded videos and sent them to their handlers in exchange for money transferred through QR codes.The ATS said the operators used online inciting identities and extremist narratives to instigate the accused to carry out attacks including targeting vehicles on religious grounds and carrying out acts associated with widespread terror propaganda.Apart from Saqib, the other accused are Arbab (20) of Meerut, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak (27) and Lokesh alias Papala Pandit alias Sanju (19), both of Gautam Buddha Nagar. Police said the latter two were recruited through social media and allegedly conducted reconnaissance activities in cities including Ghaziabad, Aligarh and Lucknow.Officials said the accused had also received Google location pins of the targeted sites from their operators, based on which they conducted surveillance and shared video footage.On April 2, 2026, the group had reportedly planned to carry out arson and possible explosion near railway signaling infrastructure close to Lucknow railway station. Acting on a tip-off, ATS teams reached the spot and arrested all the four accused before they could execute the plan.A case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under relevant sections of the Indian Judicial Code, 2023 and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The accused have been produced in the court and further legal proceedings are underway.During the search, ATS recovered a container filled with inflammable substance, seven mobile phones, 24 pamphlets and identity documents. Officials said detailed forensic analysis of digital devices is underway to unearth the wider network and funding channels.Preliminary inquiries reveal that the group was actively working to undermine the sovereignty and integrity of India by spreading subversion and terror. Further investigation is underway to identify additional links and possible sleeper cells, the ATS said.
फ़तेहपुर में ‘स्कूल चलो अभियान’ की शुरुआत, विधायक और डीएम ने हरी झंडी दिखाकर रैली को किया रवाना
उत्तर प्रदेश के फ़तेहपुर जिले में शिक्षा को बढ़ावा देने के लिए ‘स्कूल चलो अभियान’ शुरू किया गया। इस अभियान की शुरुआत समाहरणालय परिसर से हुई, जहां बड़ी संख्या में शिक्षक-शिक्षिकाओं ने भाग लिया. इस मौके पर विधायक राजेंद्र सिंह पटेल और जिलाधिकारी रवींद्र सिंह ने हरी झंडी दिखाकर बाइक रैली को रवाना किया. इस अभियान का मुख्य उद्देश्य प्राथमिक विद्यालयों में बच्चों की संख्या बढ़ाना और अभिभावकों को जागरूक करना है। कार्यक्रम के दौरान विभिन्न गतिविधियों के माध्यम से लोगों को शिक्षा के प्रति प्रेरित करने का प्रयास किया गया।
13 ब्लॉकों से पहुंचे शिक्षकों ने जागरूकता रैली निकाली
इस कार्यक्रम में जिले के 13 ब्लॉकों से बेसिक शिक्षा विभाग के शिक्षक-शिक्षिकाओं ने भाग लिया। बीएसए भारतीय त्रिपाठी के नेतृत्व में जागरूकता रैली निकाली गई। बाइक रैली के माध्यम से शिक्षकों ने लोगों तक शिक्षा का संदेश देने का प्रयास किया.
डीएम ने अभियान का उद्देश्य बताया
जिलाधिकारी रवींद्र सिंह ने बताया कि यह अभियान पूरे प्रदेश में चलाया जा रहा है. इसका उद्देश्य प्राथमिक विद्यालयों में बच्चों की संख्या बढ़ाना है। खासकर उन इलाकों में जागरूकता अभियान तेज किया जा रहा है, जहां बच्चों की उपस्थिति कम है, ताकि अभिभावक अपने बच्चों को स्कूल भेजें.
महिला शिक्षकों की रही विशेष भागीदारी
कार्यक्रम के दौरान महिला शिक्षिकाओं ने रंगोली बनाकर अभियान को आकर्षक बनाया। इसके साथ ही बाइक रैली भी निकाली गई। एक विशेष एलईडी वैन भी तैयार की गई है, जो जिले के विभिन्न इलाकों में जाकर लोगों को शिक्षा के प्रति जागरूक करेगी.
विधायक ने सरकार की उपलब्धियां गिनायीं
जहानाबाद विधायक राजेंद्र सिंह पटेल ने कहा कि 2017 में सरकार बनने के बाद से शिक्षा व्यवस्था में लगातार सुधार हो रहा है. उन्होंने कहा कि पहले स्कूलों की हालत जर्जर थी और सफाई व्यवस्था भी खराब थी, लेकिन अब स्थिति में सुधार हुआ है.
सरकारी और प्राइवेट स्कूलों का सहयोग मिल रहा है
विधायक ने यह भी कहा कि सरकार निजी स्कूलों का भी समर्थन कर रही है. साथ ही छोटे स्कूलों को मर्ज कर बेहतर शिक्षा देने का प्रयास किया जा रहा है, ताकि बच्चों को गुणवत्तापूर्ण शिक्षा मिल सके.
(रिपोर्ट:अनूप कुमार अयोध्या)
Puducherry elections: 23% candidates have criminal cases, TVK ahead with 10 names. india news
New Delhi: Of the 294 candidates contesting the upcoming Puducherry Assembly elections, 66 contestants (23%) have declared criminal cases, including 38 (13%) facing serious charges, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The culprit is facing criminal cases in Puducherry
The analysis is based on the affidavits filed by the candidates Election Commission of India (ECI), a mandatory disclosure for contesting elections.
323 candidates contested the 2021 Puducherry Assembly election, of which 54 (17%) had declared criminal cases.
party-wise distribution of candidates with criminal cases
The newly formed Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor-politician Vijay has fielded 28 candidates, 10 of whom – the highest among political parties – are facing criminal charges. Of these, five have declared serious charges and five have other criminal cases against them.Among other major parties, 3 out of 21 from Congress, 4 out of 16 from ruling All India NR Congress (AINRC), 6 out of 12 from DMK and 5 out of 10 from BJP have declared criminal cases in their affidavits. Congress initially announced all 30 candidates after failing to reach an agreement with its ally DMK. On the last day of filing of nominations, both the parties finalized the seat-sharing agreement, in which Congress will contest on 16 seats and DMK on 14 seats.Meanwhile, there are 117 independents, of whom 19 have criminal cases, including 11 on serious charges.The 294 candidates include 34 from national parties, 63 from state parties, 80 from registered unrecognized parties and independents.
‘Red Alert’ constituency
According to the ADR report, there are 11 “red alert” assembly constituencies in Puducherry – seats where at least three candidates are facing criminal cases. Of these, eight are in Puducherry district, and three in Karaikal district.
- Vilianur: 5 candidates (AINRC, TVK, PMK, 2 Independents)
- Mudaliarpet: 5 (BJP, DMK, AJPK, 2 Independents)
- Karaikal South: 5 (BJP, DMK, DMMK, TVK, Independent)
- Losses: 4 (TVK, CPIM, 2 Independents)
- Manaveli: 4 (BJP, Congress, AJPK, Independent)
- Neeravi-TR Pattinam: 3 (DMMK, TVK, Independent)
- Muthialpet: 3 (AINRC, PMK, Independent)
- Ozhukarai: 3 (VCK, 2 Independents)
- Kalapet: 3 (BJP, Congress, DMK)
- Tirunallar: 3 (BJP, TVK, Independent)
- Ariyankuppam: 3 (AINRC, TVK, Independent)
puducherry assembly election 2026
Over 9.4 lakh voters will decide the fate of the candidates when voting takes place on April 9. Counting of votes in the Union Territory will take place on May 4 along with counting in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
puducherry assembly election 2026
How did the parties perform in Puducherry Assembly Elections 2021?
There are 33 seats in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, of which 30 are up for election. The remaining three members are nominated by the Central Government.
IPL 2026, DC vs MI: Mumbai Indians rest Hardik Pandya for Delhi Capitals clash, Suryakumar Yadav ahead
Hardik Pandya will not be a part of Mumbai Indians’ clash against Delhi Capitals in the 8th match of IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, April 4. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav will take command of the five-time champion team.
After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, Suryakumar revealed that Hardik was unwell and hence unavailable for MI’s first game of the season.
Suryakumar said, “(Hardik) is not well. Just coming to his place today.”
Mumbai Indians also released a statement, which read: “Hardik Pandya is unwell and will not take the field today. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team.”
In the absence of Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians included Deepak Chahar in the team. They also included fast bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch in place of Trent Boult, while Mitchell Santner replaced AM Ghazanfar in the spin department. Santner could not play the last match against Kolkata Knight Riders due to not being included in the team.
Meanwhile, Capitals continued to hold on to their winning combination after registering a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday.
Earlier, Mumbai Indians broke 13 years of bad luck by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders in their first home match of the season at the Wankhede Stadium. As far as Suryakumar is concerned, he recently led India to T20 World Cup glory and has also led MI in two matches IPL matches.
Playing XI for DC vs MI
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Naman Dheer, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.
impact player option: Mayank Markande, Robin Minz, Raj Bawa, Trent Boult, Ashwini Kumar
Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (w), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Vipraj Nigam, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.
impact player option: Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair
ipl 2026 | ipl schedule | ipl points table | ipl video | cricket news | live score
– ends
एक्सक्लूसिव खबर: बागेश्वर के भंवराटोली में 900 मीटर की ऊंचाई पर देखा गया दुर्लभ सॉफ्टशेल कछुआ
नदी के किनारों और दलदली इलाकों में रहने वाला सॉफ्टशेल कछुआ हिमालय की ऊंचाइयों तक पहुंच गया है। बागेश्वर के भनारतोली गांव में करीब 900 मीटर की ऊंचाई पर पहली बार इसकी मौजूदगी ने लोगों में उत्सुकता के साथ-साथ आश्चर्य भी पैदा कर दिया है. वैज्ञानिक इसे क्षेत्र की बदलती जलवायु और जैव विविधता के लिए सकारात्मक संकेत मान रहे हैं।
जानकारों के मुताबिक पहाड़ों में कछुआ दिखना कोई सामान्य घटना नहीं है. सॉफ्टशेल कछुआ एक संरक्षित प्रजाति है। यह जलीय जीव सामान्यतः समुद्र तल से 400 से 600 मीटर की ऊँचाई पर पाया जाता है। कुछ मामलों में तो इनकी मौजूदगी 700 मीटर तक भी दर्ज की गई है. अब काफलीगैर तहसील क्षेत्र के भनारतोली के एक गड्ढे में करीब 900 मीटर की ऊंचाई पर इसका पाया जाना दुर्लभ घटना है।
सॉफ़्टशेल कछुए की विशेष विशेषताएं
यह कछुआ आमतौर पर तराई क्षेत्र की दलदली भूमि, धीमी गति से बहने वाली नदियों, झीलों और तालाबों में पाया जाता है। इसके मुलायम और चमड़े जैसे खोल के कारण इसे सॉफ़्टशेल कहा जाता है। लंबे सिर और ट्यूब जैसी नाक वाला यह जलीय जीव एक दुर्लभ जीव है। ठंडे पहाड़ी इलाकों में सॉफ्टशेल कछुए का पाया जाना असामान्य माना जाता है।