What began as a bizarre symbol of excess in a drug lord’s private zoo has turned into one of South America’s most unusual environmental crises. Talking nonsense ColombiaIn the river systems of the Philippines, hundreds of hippos, descendants of animals once illegally imported by Pablo Escobar, now roam freely, far from their native Africa. Their numbers have increased over the past few decades, transforming them from a curiosity to a growing ecological and public safety concern. Now, Colombian authorities have approved a controversial plan to kill 80 of these animals, sparking debate among conservationists, scientists and animal rights activists over what should be done with Escobar’s unlikely and dangerous legacy.

How did hippos end up in Colombia?

In the 1980s, Escobar built a lavish estate known as Hacienda Nápoles, which also included a private zoo filled with exotic animals imported from different parts of the world. Four of these were African hippopotamuses, a species completely foreign to South America. At the time, the animals were simply part of Escobar’s extravagant display of wealth and power, with little thought given to its long-term consequences.After Escobar’s death in 1993, Colombian authorities confiscated the property and transferred many of the animals to appropriate zoos. However, the hippos were left behind because they were considered too difficult and dangerous to transport. Over time, they fled to nearby rivers and wetlands, especially the Magdalena River basin. The area’s warm climate, abundant water, and lack of natural predators created ideal conditions for the animals to thrive, allowing them to reproduce at an unprecedented rate and gradually expand their territory far beyond their original possessions.

Why are hippos being killed?

The decision to cull the hippos has been taken due to growing environmental and safety concerns. Over the past few years, the population has increased dramatically, with estimates suggesting that there are now more than 150 hippos roaming freely in Colombia. Without intervention, scientists warn that this number could continue to rise rapidly, potentially reaching several hundred in the coming decades.These animals are not only increasing, but they are also changing the ecosystem of their habitat. Hippos spend most of their time in water, and their waste significantly alters the chemical composition of rivers and lakes. This can reduce oxygen levels and harm aquatic life, causing ripple effects throughout the ecosystem. Furthermore, they compete with native species for food and habitat, putting pressure on animals that are already part of Colombia’s delicate ecological balance.The threat to human communities is also increasing. Hippos are known to be highly territorial and can be extremely aggressive, especially when they feel threatened. As their range has expanded, encounters with villagers, farmers and fishermen have become more frequent, raising concerns about potential injuries or deaths. Authorities argue that culling a portion of the population is a necessary step to prevent the situation from worsening.

Why are they not transferred or sterilized?

Over the past decade, Colombia has explored several alternative methods to control the hippo population, but each has proven difficult to implement on a meaningful scale. For example, sterilization efforts require capturing and anesthetizing large-scale, unsuspecting animals, followed by complex surgical procedures. This process is not only risky for both humans and animals, but also extremely expensive, limiting how many hippos can be treated each year.Transfers have also been considered, including a proposal to send some animals to sanctuaries abroad. However, transporting hippos across continents presents logistical, financial and health challenges. There are concerns about the potential spread of diseases as well as the stress and danger involved in transporting such large creatures. Returning them to Africa is particularly impractical, as they no longer belong to natural populations and may also disrupt the ecosystem there.Prevention is another challenge. Hippopotamuses have already spread over a wide geographic area, making it almost impossible to confine them without extensive and expensive infrastructure. As a result, officials have concluded that these options, while more humane in theory, are not sufficient to address the scale and urgency of the problem.

A growing ecological dilemma

The presence of hippos in Colombia highlights the broader issue of invasive species and the unintended consequences of human actions. Unlike native wildlife, these animals have no natural role in the local ecosystem, meaning their impact can be disproportionately disruptive. Their eating habits, movement patterns, and waste production all contribute to environmental changes that native species are not adapted to handle.Scientists warn that if the population continues to grow unchecked, the ecological damage could be more serious and potentially irreversible. Changes in water quality can affect fish populations, aquatic plants, and even the livelihoods of people dependent on these ecosystems. What makes the situation particularly complicated is that hippos are thriving because the environment is so suitable for them, making their removal both urgent and difficult.

Public reaction and ethical concerns

The plan to kill dozens of hippos has sparked strong reaction across Colombia and beyond. Animal rights activists argue that animals are innocent victims of human decisions made decades ago and should not be punished simply for surviving and reproducing. For many people, the idea of ​​killing healthy animals seems morally troubling, especially when alternative solutions, no matter how challenging, still exist.There is also a cultural dimension to the debate. In some areas, hippos have become an unexpected attraction, attracting tourists and generating income for local communities. For residents who have become accustomed to their presence, the animals are no longer just an environmental problem but also part of the local identity. This has created a divide between those who prioritize ecological conservation and protection, and those who advocate coexistence and humane treatment.

Escobar’s strangest legacy

Even decades after his death, Pablo Escobar’s influence continues to shape Colombia in unexpected ways. The hippos they once held as symbols of wealth have become a real-world challenge that blends environmental science, public policy, and ethics. This population, which started with just four animals, has grown so large that it is now impossible to ignore it.Colombia’s decision to cull part of the herd reflects the difficult choices governments sometimes face when dealing with problems that have arisen in the past. It’s a reminder that actions taken for short-term gain can have long-term consequences, and managing those consequences often involves complex trade-offs with no easy answers.

Four years after Shane Warne’s sudden death, his son Jackson Warne has acknowledged underlying health issues, suggesting that the COVID-19 vaccines may have contributed. Speaking on a podcast, he recalled his initial anger and belief that external pressures led to multiple overdoses, and revisited the circumstances surrounding the spin legend’s demise.

four years after his sudden passing shane warneThe latest comments by his son Jackson Warne have reignited the discussion over the circumstances of the spin legend’s death. Warne, who died of a heart attack at the age of 52 in Thailand in 2022, shocked the cricket world with his unexpected demise. Speaking on the ‘2 Worlds Collide’ podcast, Jackson shared his belief that the COVID-19 vaccination may have played a role, while also acknowledging that his father had underlying health concerns. Jackson said, “I definitely think it (the COVID vaccine) was involved. I don’t think it’s controversial to say that anymore. Even though dad had underlying health issues, I think it brought it to the surface and that’s something I’ve always struggled with.” He also told his immediate reaction after hearing the news of Warne’s demise. “My first impression, as soon as I hung up the phone (after getting the news of Warne’s death), I immediately blamed the government. I immediately blamed COVID and the vaccine.” Jackson acknowledged that he considered expressing these views publicly during the memorial service but ultimately decided not to do so. Jackson said, “It was probably wise not to, if I had done that I would have been in a very different situation. But that’s how I felt.” Reflecting further, he claimed that his father had taken several vaccine doses despite his reluctance, suggesting that external pressures influenced the decision. “Yes, a lot of people were dying of heart attacks earlier. But dad was fine, I think he might have got three or four (vaccine doses), he didn’t want to take them, he was forced to take them for work. He was forced to take them like everyone else,” he insisted. Jackson also explained how he deals with these thoughts now. He said, “…I try not to think about it too much because it creates anger. That anger is not good for anyone.” Giving an insight into Warne’s lifestyle, he described his father as being in relatively good shape physically and mentally, despite some famous habits. “Dad, at that time, was healthy, he was happy. In no time he looked his best. Yes, he smoked and drank, but many people in their 80s and 90s still smoke and drink a lot more than their fathers,” he said. Warne tested positive for COVID-19 a few months before his death while attending The Hundred in England in 2021. However, he had no widely known serious medical conditions at the time, making his sudden demise even more shocking.

20 अप्रैल को भगवान की चल प्रतिमा शीतकालीन गद्दीस्थल मक्कू से प्रस्थान करेगी और पुंदखी नामक स्थान पर पूजा-अर्चना के बाद रात्रि विश्राम भूतनाथ मंदिर में करेगी। 21 अप्रैल को सुबह करीब 11 बजे चल विग्रह डोली भूतनाथ मंदिर से प्रस्थान करेगी और पाब गांव, चालियाखोड़, बनियाकुंड होते हुए रात्रि विश्राम के लिए अपने दूसरे पड़ाव चोपता पहुंचेगी।

22 अप्रैल को प्रातः 08 बजे चोपता से अपने ग्रीष्मकालीन गद्दीस्थल तुंगनाथ धाम के लिए प्रस्थान करेगी तथा प्रातः 11 बजे भगवान तुंगनाथ जी की चल विग्रह डोली के पहुंचने एवं पूजा-अर्चना के पश्चात प्रातः 11 बजे इसे आम श्रद्धालुओं के दर्शन हेतु खोल दिया जायेगा।

21 मई को खुलेंगे मध्यमहेश्वर के कपाट

बैसाखी के पर्व पर पंचकेदार गद्दी स्थल ओंकारेश्वर मंदिर ऊखीमठ में द्वितीय केदार भगवान मध्यमहेश्वर के कपाट खोलने की तिथि घोषित कर दी गई। इस यात्रा अवधि के लिए द्वितीय केदार भगवान मध्यमहेश्वर धाम के कपाट 21 मई को श्रद्धालुओं के लिए खोल दिये जायेंगे। वहीं, मां यमुना के शीतकालीन प्रवास खरसाली गांव स्थित गीठ पट्टी के 12 गांवों के आराध्य देव सोमेश्वर महाराज के कपाट विधि-विधान और विशेष पूजा-अर्चना के साथ श्रद्धालुओं के लिए खोल दिए गए हैं.

ये भी पढ़ें…उत्तरकाशी: हर्षिल के पास भागीरथी नदी में बनी झील का जलस्तर नौ महीने बाद भी कम नहीं हुआ, बड़ी आपदा का खतरा.

गौरीकुंड में मां गौरी माई मंदिर के कपाट खुले.

केदारनाथ यात्रा के महत्वपूर्ण पड़ाव गौरीकुंड में मां गौरी माई मंदिर के कपाट सुबह आठ बजे श्रद्धालुओं के लिए खोल दिए गए हैं. इस दौरान भक्तों ने मां गौरी का आशीर्वाद लिया। वैसाखी के पावन पर्व की सुबह गौरी गांव के पुजारी ने पूजा-अर्चना के बाद माता की चढ़ाई गई मूर्तियों को एक बर्तन में रखा और गांव से गौरीकुंड स्थित गौरीमाई मंदिर में ले आए। आठ बजे मंदिर पहुंचकर कुल पुरोहित, मंदिर समिति व हक हकूकधारियों की उपस्थिति में मंदिर के दरवाजे छह माह के लिए श्रद्धालुओं के लिए खोल दिये गये. मंदिर के मुखिया संपूर्णानंद गोस्वामी ने बताया कि सुबह पूजा के बाद माता की अर्पित प्रतिमाओं को गौरी गांव के मंदिर से गौरीकुंड गौरीमाई मंदिर लाया गया।

Cricket season is not on screen in Kolkata. This extends to living rooms, terraces and restaurant tables, where evenings grow longer, plans rearrange themselves according to match time, and food becomes part of the ritual.

This year, the city’s eateries are leaning into that rhythm, creating menus that match the pace of a T20 game, fast, enjoyable and meant to be shared. But Corridor Bar and KitchenThe approach is fickle. Regional Indian flavors are being literally transformed into dumplings. Familiar dishes from across the country have been reimagined in bite-sized portions: butter chicken has been transformed into a rich, gravy-coated dumpling, Kolkata’s chingri malai curry has been transformed into prawn-filled parcels, and Lucknow galouti or Hyderabadi chicken 65 is getting a makeover inside a delicate wrapper. There’s an even sweeter twist with shrikhand-inspired dumplings. It’s the kind of menu that works seamlessly during a match, is easy to move around, quick to eat, and has enough variety to keep interest at the table between overs. Similar regional storytelling is prevalent Canteen Pub & GrubBut through pizza. Here, the toppings are double the geography, Delhi’s butter chicken, Kolkata’s chingri malai curry, Lucknow’s kebabs, all layered on a familiar crust. It’s entertaining, a little chaotic, and matches perfectly with the energy of a match night, where conversation flows seamlessly between cricket and food. Add live screenings into the mix, and the venue turns into a full-fledged fan zone. The rooftop cafes, meanwhile, are taking care of the menu as well as the atmosphere. But Cafe Offbeat Upthere, pavilion menu Built around global street food, nachos, tacos, skewers, burgers, pizza, designed for long meetings and shared tables. The idea is not to focus on one dish, but to create a flow of dishes that can keep up with the unpredictability of a game. Small plates arrive early, heavier options arrive as the innings begins and desserts close at night after the last ball. With larger screens and extended hours, the rooftop becomes less of a café and more of a casual viewing area. For those who don’t want to experiment mid-match, some places are doubling down on the comfort. But Biryani CanteenThe focus remains on familiarity. Their seasonal offerings revolve around biryani, mutton, chicken and regional variations – supported by classics like rezala, chaap and rogan josh. This is food that doesn’t demand attention, but is delivered continuously, allowing diners to stay connected to the game while sharing plates at the table. With live screenings and extended service hours, the experience feels closer to a house party than a date night. What stands out in these menus is the clear change in the way Kolkata eats during the cricket season. Formal meals have been left behind. In its place comes flexibility, menus designed for grazing, sharing and expanding after hours. Because here, the most memorable match moments aren’t just about what happens on the field. They also spread around the tables, over dumplings drenched in buttery chicken gravy, slices of overloaded pizza, or biryani served late at night – as the game moves towards its final, breathless overs.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a parliamentary majority for his Liberal government after a decisive performance in Monday’s by-elections, according to projections by CBC News and other major Canadian media outlets. The result comes amid heightened global tensions, with Carney casting himself as a leading critic of U.S. President Donald Trump and his “America First” policies, a stance that has shaped his political rise and resonated with Canadian voters.The Liberals are now expected to have 174 out of 343 seats in the House of Commons, giving Carney a comfortable majority and freeing him from reliance on opposition support to pass legislation.

Three by-elections, three major victories for the Liberals

Voters went to the polls Monday in three vacant constituencies in Ontario and Quebec, all of which were projected to be swept by the Liberals:

The Toronto-area seats were previously held by senior Liberals who vacated Parliament following a cabinet reshuffle and diplomatic appointments.

Terrebonne: Closest fight of the night

The Quebec riding of Terrebonne emerged as the tightest race of the night, drawing national attention as the Liberals trailed the Bloc Québécois in a closely watched contest.Unofficial results show Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste with 48.4 per cent, ahead of the Bloc Québécois with 46.8 per cent. The Conservatives were far behind at 3.3 per cent, followed by the NDP at 0.5 per cent, the Greens at 0.4 per cent and the PPC at 0.2 per cent.The seat was decided by an extremely narrow margin before a clerical error in the mail-in ballot caused the results to be overturned, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch.Carney’s parliamentary position has been strengthened not only through the by-election victory but also through recent floor-crossings, with five opposition MPs joining the Liberals in recent months.These developments provide the Prime Minister with a stable majority government, an outcome that was not widely expected when he first took office.Analysts say Carney will now have more freedom after winning the majority:

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the result, arguing that the majority was built through defections and by-election victories rather than a general election mandate, and vowed continued resistance in parliament.

The Trump factor and the rise of Carney

Since taking over following the resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Carney has emerged as one of the most vocal global critics of Trump’s economic nationalism, warning of the breakdown of the rules-based international order.His stance has been echoed domestically, with many Canadians rallying around a more assertive national posture amid rising tensions with the United States. Analysts say the change has helped solidify support for the Liberals, with Carney seen as a stable economic manager who is able to deal with uncertainty.