Saumitra

“Most urban development in India, especially in the urban peripheries where cities are growing, is ad hoc, and disregard planning norms and environmental protection," says @SudeshnaChat1 of @WRIIndia. Interview by @saumshinde. india.mongabay.com/2025/04/safegu…

In this interview with @saumshinde, Labonie Roy emphasises the importance of representing people, animals, and ecosystems with respect in editorial illustrations, ensuring both scientific accuracy and artistic engagement. india.mongabay.com/2025/04/when-a…

🐯 After 16 years of waiting, Ratapani Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has been officially declared a tiger reserve, becoming the 57th tiger reserve in India. 🌲 Spanning over 1,271 sq. km., Ratapani’s lush forests, largely covered by teak, provide a habitat for a range of species, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and spotted deer. Ratapani’s close proximity to the state capital of Bhopal and Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will also help in bringing it into the tourism circuit of Madhya Pradesh. 🛤️ But the sanctuary faces significant challenges. A major concern is the railway line cutting through its terrain. This track is part of the Delhi-Mumbai railway route - a busy route that has already claimed the lives of several animals, including seven tigers, since 2015. 🏡 Additionally, the presence of 19 villages inside the reserve and 100 in its surrounding areas poses challenges for tiger conservation. The forest is under pressure from illegal tree felling, poaching, and grazing. Relocating villages to create safe habitats for both wildlife and humans remains a delicate task, especially as the shrinking prey base adds to the strain. 🐅 With its new status, Ratapani is set to receive funding under Project Tiger, enabling better patrolling, staff recruitment, and habitat management. The forest department is working to balance conservation with community cooperation to ensure a brighter future for its incredible biodiversity. Story by Deshdeep Saxena - india.mongabay.com/2025/01/teethi…

End of an Era... Today, the Valsad Fast Passenger bids farewell to its iconic Double Decker Coaches, marking the end of a glorious journey of 50 years (1975–2025). For the people of the Virar-Valsad belt, this train was more than just a daily mode of transport. It was

Ajinkya Rahane won the BGT 2020-21 without Jaspreet Bumrah.

Sorry Kids, But Virat Kohli can't play this kind of Innings. It needs focus, discipline and should be mentally strong what Sachin used to be 🤐 Sachin Tendulkar's 241* runs at SCG without a single cover is still Iconic 🔥 #INDvsAUS

Never in my entire life have I seen a Marine drive this polluted! The rajbhavan on the opposite end is not even visible. Saifee hospital isn't visible. Not a single skyscraper was visible!! This is freaking scary and serious!! @mybmc @mashrujeet @mpcb_official #mumbai #aqi

Mumbai’s skyline today: Brought to you by dust, pollution, and zero visibility! Courtesy of our collective talent for ignoring environmental issues. #Mumbai #AirQuality #ThankYouBMC

🚨 Worrying scenes across MUMBAI! Zero Visibility at 5 PM 😵 Take care, everyone 🙏

@rushikesh_agre_ This is from yesterday 🥲

🚨 AQI worsens in MUMBAI Many areas have reported poor AQI today! BKC crosses 300, becoming the most polluted area across Mumbai at 5 PM 🔴 Andheri - Borivali: 250-300 South Mumbai 150-200 Thane 125-150 Andheri - Ghatkopar: 200-250 Navi Mumbai 160

Yesterday’s view from Marine Drive 🤦🏽‍♂️. Walkeshwar and Malabar Hill are invisible. #Mumbai

All those who are trolling Gambhir, Rohit and Kohli for celebrating after India avoided the follow-on, seem to be ignorant of the fact that saving this Test might be a series defining moment. #Akashdeep and Bumrah knew this, India’s dressing room knew it, commentators knew it and even the Aussies knew it.

Bring back Rahane.

Ajinkya Rahane's leadership in the 2020-21 isn't talked about much. Led by example at the MCG with a fine ton. Took a brave decision of bowling first at the MCG. Marshaled the resources well: got Ashwin before debutant Siraj v Wade. Set a leg trap for Smith v Ashwin. Was tactically brilliant. He was spot on with the tactics and bowling changes. The fact that he led India to a win with the inexperienced team at The Gabba and breach the fortress is commendable. Pant's 89*, Washington and Shardul's contributions, Pujara's grit and Gill's aggression were key contributions. But the scoreboard won't tell the fine inspirational leadership of Ajinkya Rahane.

Rohit Sharma could have just skipped this series, made an excuse, wait for a flat track, score runs, hits sixes with his pull shots, keep his personality of “lazy elegance” intact, let a few funny lines be recorded by the stump mic, so that they become Internet memes, keep his fans giggling, selectors satisfied, and his brand sponsors still interested in an aging unfit hero. Instead he chose to play this, got terribly found out, confirming that 0-3 is not an aberration, IPL could help. But a SENA debacle will permanently dent his folklore. Thanks Rohit Sharma. It’s time to go.

If India lose this Test Match, Rohit Sharma should immediately hand over Captaincy to Bumrah to give India an outside chance to still win this series and qualify for the WTC final. He is clueless in Tests both with batting & captaincy. #INDvsAUS #BGT2024

Ajinkya Rahane should be in Australia right now for #INDvAUS series. He was the most deserved "Test" captain after the famous #BGT win. We have failed him as ICT fans...

- 52(34). - 68(35). - 22(18). - 95(53). - 84(45) (Quarter Finals). - 98 (56) (Semi Finals). AJINKYA RAHANE IS MAKING A STRONG RETURN AT THE AGE OF 36. 🌟

Jejuri Yatra 💛

Jotiba Yatra, Kolhapur 🩷📸