Environment

A blackbuck was found dead with its throat slit in Madhya Pradesh’s Shajapur district after hunters reportedly opened fire on a herd of the protected species. The incident occurred near Girana-Kevdakhedi Road and has sparked public outrage. Forest officials confirmed that a case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, and a probe is underway to trace the suspects involved in the poaching.

As pollinators like bees face steep declines across India due to pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change, nature-based farming is emerging as a powerful solution. By embracing agroecological practices such as intercropping, agroforestry, and chemical-free cultivation farmers are creating safe havens for pollinators while boosting crop yields and resilience. With growing support for beekeeping and sustainable agriculture, India has a unique opportunity to align food security with ecological restoration.

India now proudly hosts 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising 34 cultural, 7 natural, and 2 mixed sites, reflecting the nation's vast historical, architectural, and ecological legacy. The latest inclusion is the Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, recognized in 2024 for its unique mound-burial system. From the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal to the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, these sites are a testament to India's rich heritage and commitment to preservation.

Viral videos showing birds, including peacocks, howling in distress as the Telangana government razes 400 acres of forest in Hyderabad have sparked widespread outrage. The deforestation of the Kancha Gachibowli forest, which is being cleared to make space for an IT park, has triggered protests, particularly from University of Hyderabad students. The destruction, which has already seen over 400 trees felled, was temporarily halted by the Supreme Court, which ordered no further tree cutting until further notice. The Centre has also sought a report from the Telangana government, condemning the nighttime operation and its environmental consequences.

A bright pink powder dropped from planes is playing a key role in fighting the raging wildfires in Los Angeles. Known as Phos-Chek, this fire retardant creates a barrier that prevents flames from spreading by coating vegetation and flammable surfaces. While effective in combating fires, concerns have been raised about its environmental impact, with experts warning that the chemicals in the retardant could harm ecosystems and human health. Despite these concerns, Phos-Chek remains an essential tool in wildfire management, and efforts are being made to reduce its toxicity and restrict its use near sensitive areas.

The Centre's air quality panel has lifted Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR following a decline in pollution levels. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) showed signs of improvement, with forecasts indicating a further decrease in pollution. While Stage 3 curbs are eased, Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions will remain in place, including measures on vehicle operation and construction activities. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure air quality does not worsen.