Approval of biggest coal project in NSW planning commission's history described as 'infamous betrayal'

The Independent Planning Commission approved the Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project on Wednesday, allowing coal mining until 2045. While officials said economic benefits outweigh climate impacts, critics are furious. Georgina Woods of the Lock the Gate Alliance said, "It will go down in history as an infamous betrayal of the public trust."

Ted Turner turned his massive ranch into a 'wild sanctuary'—and nature is finally taking it back.

CNN founder Ted Turner bought 113,613 acres in Montana in 1989. He turned the former cattle ranch into a protected space for wildlife. Today, bison, wolves, and bears roam the land. Turner used the property to restore bison numbers, showing his deep interest in conservation and managing large habitats.

19 fishermen held for illegal fishing in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary

Forest officials on Tuesday held 19 fishermen for illegal fishing inside the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary. The team seized two trawlers, Nandini-1 and Ombaba, after finding them using nets within protected limits. Forest range officer Chitrasen Jena said, "The accused had knowingly entered the sanctuary for illegal fishing," violating wildlife laws.

Tern turnaround: colonies in England show signs of recovery after decline

England’s tern colonies are showing signs of recovery after years of bird flu and bad weather. The National Trust reported record numbers of little terns at Long Nanny. Ben McCarthy said the figures showed "what can be achieved when internationally important breeding sites are carefully protected and managed."

'I just saw this furry brown bottom disappear!' In search of Samba - the fearless fugitive capybara

Samba the capybara remains at large six months after escaping from Marwell zoo in Winchester. She fled with her sister Tango on March 16, but only Samba stayed hidden in the Hampshire countryside. Laura Read said, "We think they really squeezed under a tiny gap in a gate."

Country diary: The land here is scarred from a year of hard weather - now what will winter hold? | Alexandra Pearce-Broomhead

Camborne, Cornwall, still shows scars from Storm Goretti and summer wildfires. Fallen trees and blackened gorse mark the landscape after a year of hard weather. Alexandra Pearce-Broomhead said, "we can make the landscape more resilient." Restoring peatlands and planting native trees can help the land cope with future storms.

July, September rains keep Nalgonda district just below drought mark

Nalgonda district narrowly escaped drought-like conditions after recording a 57% rainfall deficit. While July and September rains helped, the district remains just below the 60% drought threshold. Meteorologist GNRS Srinivas Rao said, “A rainfall deficit of up to 20% is generally considered manageable, while deficits beyond 20% can affect agriculture.”

MCD House: Councillors flag gaps in air pollution control

MCD councillors flagged gaps in air pollution control during a short-notice discussion. BJP councillor Ritu Goyal said, “There is no justification for them to occupy the roads.” Members raised concerns about illegal dumping and dust. The House also cleared 31 policy proposals, including plans for a new private medical college.

Gurugram gears up for winter pollution, expands air monitoring and dust control

MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya chaired a review meeting on Tuesday to prepare Gurugram for winter pollution. Officials said air-quality monitoring stations will increase from three to eight by December 2026. The city also got more mechanical sweeping machines and water sprinklers to control dust and improve air quality for residents.

In Kutch, a forest officer finds a snake species last seen 150 years ago

A forest officer found an Afro-Asian sand snake near Kala Dungar in Kutch earlier this month. This species was last seen in the region 150 years ago, when Ferdinand Stoliczka recorded it in 1872. Jayesh Dumadiya said, "This snake, which appeared on the road, was new to me."

Dengue, viral fever outbreak, allege GNLU students, boycott classes

Gujarat National Law University students boycotted classes on Tuesday, alleging a dengue outbreak due to poor campus hygiene. Students claimed 10 per cent of the population got dengue. Registrar Nitin Malik said, "There were cases of dengue after monsoon, but dengue cases were reported not only in GNLU but also."

Forest Department provides free coaching for tribal aspirants in Jawadhu Hills to appear for competitive examinations

The Forest Department started free coaching for 45 tribal aspirants in Jawadhu Hills to help them clear TNPSC exams. Officials said, "As most tribal students have studied in Tamil medium, we encourage them to appear for examinations." The program provides study materials and food to help youth pursue better careers.