At the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP) in southwest China's Sichuan province, adorable fluffy panda cubs are living life to the fullest, as captured in the newly released iPanda videos.
A heartwarming video captured on Jan 6 at the Ya'an Base of the CCRCGP shows two adorable fluffy panda cubs, born in 2023 to mother panda Ran Ran, snuggled up together and engaging in playful antics. Adding to their charm is the fact that their mother, Ran Ran, is a part of the panda reintroduction program and had mated with a wild panda, making these cubs a unique and significant addition to the conservation efforts.
The previous day, an adorable giant panda cub was captured being spoiled at the CCRCGP's Dujiangyan Base, with the chubby cub seen laying on its back while enjoying a succession of snacks from its caretaker.
The footage shows the young panda in a blissful state of contentment as it lounges on the ground while holding a steamed bun in its left hand, a carrot in its right hand, and hooking a bamboo shoot with its foot.
The cub is one of a pair of twins born to a mother panda named Pan Wang, who was also released into the wild and mated with a wild panda.
The CCRCGP is a world-leading institution for the breeding and conservation of one of China's national treasures. The center has also established a global platform for promoting international cooperation and exchanges involving 18 zoos from 16 countries and regions, as well as 39 domestic animal breeding institutions and more than 10 scientific research institutes.
Adorable panda cubs thrive in Sichuan
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
