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.
Rohini Arju, a spiritual content creator and veterinarian, has garnered attention on social media after posting multiple videos expressing her deep love and devotion for YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps. In one of her recent posts, Rohini dressed as a bride and performed rituals with a photo of Allahbadia, declaring, “I love you beyond time, space, and eternity, Ranveer Allahbadia. You are my everything, my Swami.” Despite facing criticism for her actions, Rohini continues to profess her love, even getting a tattoo of his name and sharing intimate moments with his portrait. Many on social media have labeled her behavior as “creepy” and “problematic,” sparking debate about fan culture and obsession.
Delhi's air quality has sharply deteriorated, with the 24-hour average AQI surpassing 450 on Thursday, reaching the 'severe-plus' category. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board shows that 32 out of 35 monitoring stations reported dangerously high levels of PM2.5, which pose significant health risks. In response, the city remains under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforcing strict measures like a ban on construction activities and non-essential trucks. The Indian Meteorological Department also issued a yellow alert for dense fog expected on December 20.