April 17, 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma (left), Mamata Banerjee NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said it is important to fence West Bengal’s border with Bangladesh, alleging that “infiltrators” from the neighbouring country are entering the state under Mamata Banerjee’s watch.Campaigning in the poll-bound state days after elections were held in Assam, which borders West Bengal, the BJP leader expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in both.“Our only concern is why Bangladeshis should be allowed to enter our country. Mamata Banerjee does not allow us to stop them from entering. It is very important to fence the border, especially in West Bengal,” Sarma told reporters after addressing a public rally.“We will get 100 seats in Assam and 200 in West Bengal,” he added.Sarma also criticised Banerjee over alleged cow smuggling in West Bengal, asserting that the BJP would curb it if voted to power. He further maintained that meat has never been banned in BJP-ruled states.“Every day, an animal sacrifice ritual is performed at Maa Kamakhya (temple in Guwahati), but meat has not been banned in Assam. Mamata ji fears that when the BJP comes to power, meat will be banned. There are BJP governments in Assam and Bihar, but meat is not banned. She fears that with the BJP coming to power, cow smuggling in her state will stop,” he said.Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, 152 of the 294 assembly constituencies will go to the polls, with the remaining seats voting in the second phase.Counting of votes will take place on May 4 for both Assam and West Bengal, along with Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu.The BJP has been in power in Assam since 2016 and is aiming for a hat-trick. It is the principal opposition party in West Bengal, where Banerjee’s All India Trinamool Congress, in power since 2011, is seeking a fourth consecutive term.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks’Will Pay A Price For A Long Time’: PM Modi Warns Oppn In Lok Sabha Over Women Quota BillNaari Vs Naara: Akhilesh Yadav Questions Women’s Bill Timing, Flags OBC Quota, Census Concerns’Women’s Reservation Or Delimitation?’ Gaurav Gogoi Slams Govt Over ‘850 Seat’ Lok Sabha PlanIndia-Austria Partnership Enters New Era As PM Modi Pitches Speed And Scale Strategy GloballyCongress Slams Delimitation Bill As “Attack On Federalism” | Venugopal Targets CentreWomen’s Reservation Bill: Amit Shah, Akhilesh Yadav Face Off Over Demands For Quota Within Bill123PhotostoriesStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!Gold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living7 local and comforting dishes to try in MangaloreWeekend binge list on OTT: From ‘Euphoria Season 3’ to ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’Tamannaah Bhatia to Malaika Arora: 5 best celebrity looks of the week you might have missedSenior Cardiologist explains why your daily walk isn’t enough, and the one heart metric you should track insteadThis Sanjeev Kapoor-style Matthe Wale Aloo is all you need for dinner during summerPlanning a visit to Mookambika Temple? Know these 5 facts about the sacred shrineNew Moon in Aries 2026: What’s in store for you based on your zodiac sign123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

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Himanta Biswa Sarma (left), Mamata Banerjee NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said it is important to fence West Bengal’s border with Bangladesh, alleging that “infiltrators” from the neighbouring country are entering the state under Mamata Banerjee’s watch.Campaigning in the poll-bound state days after elections were held in Assam, which borders West Bengal, the BJP leader expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in both.“Our only concern is why Bangladeshis should be allowed to enter our country. Mamata Banerjee does not allow us to stop them from entering. It is very important to fence the border, especially in West Bengal,” Sarma told reporters after addressing a public rally.“We will get 100 seats in Assam and 200 in West Bengal,” he added.Sarma also criticised Banerjee over alleged cow smuggling in West Bengal, asserting that the BJP would curb it if voted to power. He further maintained that meat has never been banned in BJP-ruled states.“Every day, an animal sacrifice ritual is performed at Maa Kamakhya (temple in Guwahati), but meat has not been banned in Assam. Mamata ji fears that when the BJP comes to power, meat will be banned. There are BJP governments in Assam and Bihar, but meat is not banned. She fears that with the BJP coming to power, cow smuggling in her state will stop,” he said.Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, 152 of the 294 assembly constituencies will go to the polls, with the remaining seats voting in the second phase.Counting of votes will take place on May 4 for both Assam and West Bengal, along with Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu.The BJP has been in power in Assam since 2016 and is aiming for a hat-trick. It is the principal opposition party in West Bengal, where Banerjee’s All India Trinamool Congress, in power since 2011, is seeking a fourth consecutive term.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks’Will Pay A Price For A Long Time’: PM Modi Warns Oppn In Lok Sabha Over Women Quota BillNaari Vs Naara: Akhilesh Yadav Questions Women’s Bill Timing, Flags OBC Quota, Census Concerns’Women’s Reservation Or Delimitation?’ Gaurav Gogoi Slams Govt Over ‘850 Seat’ Lok Sabha PlanIndia-Austria Partnership Enters New Era As PM Modi Pitches Speed And Scale Strategy GloballyCongress Slams Delimitation Bill As “Attack On Federalism” | Venugopal Targets CentreWomen’s Reservation Bill: Amit Shah, Akhilesh Yadav Face Off Over Demands For Quota Within Bill123PhotostoriesStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!Gold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living7 local and comforting dishes to try in MangaloreWeekend binge list on OTT: From ‘Euphoria Season 3’ to ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’Tamannaah Bhatia to Malaika Arora: 5 best celebrity looks of the week you might have missedSenior Cardiologist explains why your daily walk isn’t enough, and the one heart metric you should track insteadThis Sanjeev Kapoor-style Matthe Wale Aloo is all you need for dinner during summerPlanning a visit to Mookambika Temple? Know these 5 facts about the sacred shrineNew Moon in Aries 2026: What’s in store for you based on your zodiac sign123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder


‘Fence Bangladesh border’: Himanta Sarma accuses Mamata Banerjee of allowing infiltration in Bengal
Himanta Biswa Sarma (left), Mamata Banerjee

NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said it is important to fence West Bengal’s border with Bangladesh, alleging that “infiltrators” from the neighbouring country are entering the state under Mamata Banerjee’s watch.Campaigning in the poll-bound state days after elections were held in Assam, which borders West Bengal, the BJP leader expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in both.“Our only concern is why Bangladeshis should be allowed to enter our country. Mamata Banerjee does not allow us to stop them from entering. It is very important to fence the border, especially in West Bengal,” Sarma told reporters after addressing a public rally.“We will get 100 seats in Assam and 200 in West Bengal,” he added.Sarma also criticised Banerjee over alleged cow smuggling in West Bengal, asserting that the BJP would curb it if voted to power. He further maintained that meat has never been banned in BJP-ruled states.“Every day, an animal sacrifice ritual is performed at Maa Kamakhya (temple in Guwahati), but meat has not been banned in Assam. Mamata ji fears that when the BJP comes to power, meat will be banned. There are BJP governments in Assam and Bihar, but meat is not banned. She fears that with the BJP coming to power, cow smuggling in her state will stop,” he said.Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, 152 of the 294 assembly constituencies will go to the polls, with the remaining seats voting in the second phase.Counting of votes will take place on May 4 for both Assam and West Bengal, along with Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu.The BJP has been in power in Assam since 2016 and is aiming for a hat-trick. It is the principal opposition party in West Bengal, where Banerjee’s All India Trinamool Congress, in power since 2011, is seeking a fourth consecutive term.



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Union home minister Amit Shah NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah told the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the five southern states would together see their representation in the House rise from 129 seats to 195 once the proposed expansion of the Lower House takes effect, dismissing claims that the Centre’s delimitation plan would reduce their political weight as “false narrative” meant to mislead people.Speaking during the debate on the women’s reservation-related amendment bills and the proposed delimitation framework, Shah said the total strength of the Lok Sabha would rise to 816 seats, though the legislation mentions a ceiling of 850 because that figure is rounded. He explained that 816 reflects a precise 50 per cent increase over the current 543 elected seats. Watch Women’s Reservation Bill: Amit Shah, Akhilesh Yadav Face Off Over Demands For Quota Within Bill Breaking down the southern states’ revised numbers, Shah said: “Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka will increase to 42 from the present 28; in Andhra Pradesh, the number of Lok Sabha sets will increase to 38 from 25; in Telangana, it will be 26 from present 17; in Tamil Nadu, the number of Lok Sabha seats will go up to 59 from the present 39; and in Kerala, it will be 30 seats from the present 20,” he said.He added that the southern states’ combined share in the Lok Sabha would edge up slightly, from 23.76 per cent at present to 23.87 per cent, close to 24 per cent overall.Rejecting opposition allegations that the government could manipulate the delimitation exercise, Shah said the current bill mirrors earlier legal provisions introduced under previous governments. “The delimitation bill is exactly like the previous law brought by your government. There is no change, not even a comma or a full stop,” he said.On the women’s reservation measure, Shah clarified that the quota would not take effect immediately and would apply only from the 2029 general election onward. Until then, he said, every election, including the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, would continue under the existing electoral structure.Addressing Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav directly, Shah remarked: “Akhilesh ji, you don’t need to worry even though you are not going to win the elections in Uttar Pradesh,” he said.He also dismissed suggestions that the timing of the women’s reservation bill was linked to the upcoming West Bengal elections.On caste enumeration, Shah said the government had already approved a caste census and it would be conducted alongside the population census process. Referring to criticism from the Samajwadi Party, he said: “Right now, the counting of households is underway and the households do not have any caste. If the Samajwadi Party had its way, it would determine the caste of households as well,” he said.The Lok Sabha is currently considering the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026. Under the proposed framework, the expanded 816-member Lok Sabha would include 272 seats reserved for women, amounting to one-third of the House.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks’Will Pay A Price For A Long Time’: PM Modi Warns Oppn In Lok Sabha Over Women Quota BillNaari Vs Naara: Akhilesh Yadav Questions Women’s Bill Timing, Flags OBC Quota, Census Concerns’Women’s Reservation Or Delimitation?’ Gaurav Gogoi Slams Govt Over ‘850 Seat’ Lok Sabha PlanIndia-Austria Partnership Enters New Era As PM Modi Pitches Speed And Scale Strategy GloballyCongress Slams Delimitation Bill As “Attack On Federalism” | Venugopal Targets Centre123Photostories8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living7 local and comforting dishes to try in MangaloreWeekend binge list on OTT: From ‘Euphoria Season 3’ to ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’Tamannaah Bhatia to Malaika Arora: 5 best celebrity looks of the week you might have missedSenior Cardiologist explains why your daily walk isn’t enough, and the one heart metric you should track insteadThis Sanjeev Kapoor-style Matthe Wale Aloo is all you need for dinner during summer123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

Union home minister Amit Shah NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah told the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the five southern states would together see their representation in the House rise from 129 seats to 195 once the proposed expansion of the Lower House takes effect, dismissing claims that the Centre’s delimitation plan would reduce their political weight as “false narrative” meant to mislead people.Speaking during the debate on the women’s reservation-related amendment bills and the proposed delimitation framework, Shah said the total strength of the Lok Sabha would rise to 816 seats, though the legislation mentions a ceiling of 850 because that figure is rounded. He explained that 816 reflects a precise 50 per cent increase over the current 543 elected seats. Watch Women’s Reservation Bill: Amit Shah, Akhilesh Yadav Face Off Over Demands For Quota Within Bill Breaking down the southern states’ revised numbers, Shah said: “Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka will increase to 42 from the present 28; in Andhra Pradesh, the number of Lok Sabha sets will increase to 38 from 25; in Telangana, it will be 26 from present 17; in Tamil Nadu, the number of Lok Sabha seats will go up to 59 from the present 39; and in Kerala, it will be 30 seats from the present 20,” he said.He added that the southern states’ combined share in the Lok Sabha would edge up slightly, from 23.76 per cent at present to 23.87 per cent, close to 24 per cent overall.Rejecting opposition allegations that the government could manipulate the delimitation exercise, Shah said the current bill mirrors earlier legal provisions introduced under previous governments. “The delimitation bill is exactly like the previous law brought by your government. There is no change, not even a comma or a full stop,” he said.On the women’s reservation measure, Shah clarified that the quota would not take effect immediately and would apply only from the 2029 general election onward. Until then, he said, every election, including the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, would continue under the existing electoral structure.Addressing Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav directly, Shah remarked: “Akhilesh ji, you don’t need to worry even though you are not going to win the elections in Uttar Pradesh,” he said.He also dismissed suggestions that the timing of the women’s reservation bill was linked to the upcoming West Bengal elections.On caste enumeration, Shah said the government had already approved a caste census and it would be conducted alongside the population census process. Referring to criticism from the Samajwadi Party, he said: “Right now, the counting of households is underway and the households do not have any caste. If the Samajwadi Party had its way, it would determine the caste of households as well,” he said.The Lok Sabha is currently considering the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026. Under the proposed framework, the expanded 816-member Lok Sabha would include 272 seats reserved for women, amounting to one-third of the House.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks’Will Pay A Price For A Long Time’: PM Modi Warns Oppn In Lok Sabha Over Women Quota BillNaari Vs Naara: Akhilesh Yadav Questions Women’s Bill Timing, Flags OBC Quota, Census Concerns’Women’s Reservation Or Delimitation?’ Gaurav Gogoi Slams Govt Over ‘850 Seat’ Lok Sabha PlanIndia-Austria Partnership Enters New Era As PM Modi Pitches Speed And Scale Strategy GloballyCongress Slams Delimitation Bill As “Attack On Federalism” | Venugopal Targets Centre123Photostories8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living7 local and comforting dishes to try in MangaloreWeekend binge list on OTT: From ‘Euphoria Season 3’ to ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’Tamannaah Bhatia to Malaika Arora: 5 best celebrity looks of the week you might have missedSenior Cardiologist explains why your daily walk isn’t enough, and the one heart metric you should track insteadThis Sanjeev Kapoor-style Matthe Wale Aloo is all you need for dinner during summer123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

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PTI file photo BENGALURU: Isro’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) to combine satellite data with ecological field research.“The collaboration will focus on mapping India’s grasslands and other open natural ecosystems, which have often remained under-represented in policy and planning. It will also assess the impact of restoration efforts on degraded lands and develop improved methods to estimate both above- and below-ground carbon,” a statement issued Thursday, read.The partnership will bring together SAC’s capabilities in large-scale geospatial mapping with Atree’s interdisciplinary ecological research and on-ground experience. The aim is to generate reliable, policy-ready datasets that can support decision-making at both national and state levels.“The two institutions will also work on creating standardised and scalable approaches to identify and monitor ecosystems such as grasslands, savannas and deserts. These landscapes, though ecologically significant, have received limited attention compared to forests,” the statement read.The initiative is expected to feed into land use planning, climate action strategies, conservation efforts and rural livelihood programmes. By improving how ecosystems are mapped and assessed, the collaboration seeks to provide a clearer picture of changes on the ground.The partnership aligns with India’s commitment to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030 and contributes to broader sustainable development goals.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks’Will Pay A Price For A Long Time’: PM Modi Warns Oppn In Lok Sabha Over Women Quota BillNaari Vs Naara: Akhilesh Yadav Questions Women’s Bill Timing, Flags OBC Quota, Census Concerns’Women’s Reservation Or Delimitation?’ Gaurav Gogoi Slams Govt Over ‘850 Seat’ Lok Sabha PlanIndia-Austria Partnership Enters New Era As PM Modi Pitches Speed And Scale Strategy GloballyCongress Slams Delimitation Bill As “Attack On Federalism” | Venugopal Targets Centre123Photostories8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living7 local and comforting dishes to try in MangaloreWeekend binge list on OTT: From ‘Euphoria Season 3’ to ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’Tamannaah Bhatia to Malaika Arora: 5 best celebrity looks of the week you might have missedSenior Cardiologist explains why your daily walk isn’t enough, and the one heart metric you should track insteadThis Sanjeev Kapoor-style Matthe Wale Aloo is all you need for dinner during summer123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

PTI file photo BENGALURU: Isro’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) to combine satellite data with ecological field research.“The collaboration will focus on mapping India’s grasslands and other open natural ecosystems, which have often remained under-represented in policy and planning. It will also assess the impact of restoration efforts on degraded lands and develop improved methods to estimate both above- and below-ground carbon,” a statement issued Thursday, read.The partnership will bring together SAC’s capabilities in large-scale geospatial mapping with Atree’s interdisciplinary ecological research and on-ground experience. The aim is to generate reliable, policy-ready datasets that can support decision-making at both national and state levels.“The two institutions will also work on creating standardised and scalable approaches to identify and monitor ecosystems such as grasslands, savannas and deserts. These landscapes, though ecologically significant, have received limited attention compared to forests,” the statement read.The initiative is expected to feed into land use planning, climate action strategies, conservation efforts and rural livelihood programmes. By improving how ecosystems are mapped and assessed, the collaboration seeks to provide a clearer picture of changes on the ground.The partnership aligns with India’s commitment to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030 and contributes to broader sustainable development goals.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks’Will Pay A Price For A Long Time’: PM Modi Warns Oppn In Lok Sabha Over Women Quota BillNaari Vs Naara: Akhilesh Yadav Questions Women’s Bill Timing, Flags OBC Quota, Census Concerns’Women’s Reservation Or Delimitation?’ Gaurav Gogoi Slams Govt Over ‘850 Seat’ Lok Sabha PlanIndia-Austria Partnership Enters New Era As PM Modi Pitches Speed And Scale Strategy GloballyCongress Slams Delimitation Bill As “Attack On Federalism” | Venugopal Targets Centre123Photostories8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living7 local and comforting dishes to try in MangaloreWeekend binge list on OTT: From ‘Euphoria Season 3’ to ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’Tamannaah Bhatia to Malaika Arora: 5 best celebrity looks of the week you might have missedSenior Cardiologist explains why your daily walk isn’t enough, and the one heart metric you should track insteadThis Sanjeev Kapoor-style Matthe Wale Aloo is all you need for dinner during summer123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

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The ruins of Honiak Music Academy after the strike. NEW DELHI: In the shattered remains of his 15-year-old music school, Iranian musician Hamidreza Afarideh sat on a debris-laden floor, drew his bow and played with a kamancheh, what he called “the last sound” of a life’s work reduced to dust.Weeks after a strike destroyed Honiak Music Academy, Afarideh walked back into the hazardous ruins on April 7, 2026, and recorded a haunting video that quickly travelled far beyond Tehran, capturing his moments of deep grief after an airstrike on March 23 left the academy razed and severely damaged. Once a classroom, Honiak Music Academy is now a field of rubble.“Today was the last day to say goodbye to my school. I wanted the last sound that remains in this place to be the sound of music…not explosions and missiles,” Afarideh wrote the same day, in a now viral post. Within days, his images and clips had racked up millions of views across Instagram, X , Youtube and TikTok, prompting a flood of multilingual reactions online, with many seeing it as a stark reminder of the human cost beyond military headlines, triggering widespread calls to “stop war.” Honiak Music Academy before the strike.Speaking to TOI from Tehran, Afarideh recalled the day of the attack. “I felt that a very important part of our memories, and sounds that could have continued in that space—sounds that many artists could hear, see, and live with for years—were suddenly destroyed by a missile and a drone.” The academy, built over a decade and a half by Afarideh and his wife, Sheida Ebadatdoust, was what he calls “their shared life project.”“We worked with very limited resources, relying only on our dreams and dedication to build this academy. Losing it suddenly is extremely hard. All our hard work, efforts, continuous actions to bring people closer to music and instruments was lost in a single night. It is very difficult to accept. Everything we built over so many years… This loss will take years to process.” Once a classroom, Honiak Music Academy is now a field of rubble.Despite the risk of collapse, he returned to the damaged building. “I knew it was very dangerous… but I felt that if I didn’t record this sound, it would stay in my heart forever. I might not stay (alive) afterwards… I felt I had to go there and make this the last image and the last sound remaining from the safe space we had created.”For years, the academy buzzed with the laughter of children, warm chatters of parents, and the layered sounds of Persian classical music. Since the attack, says the teacher, “That sound disappeared.” For Afarideh, the viral moment has brought global attention—but also underscored, he says, “the reality of war and destruction” faced by his 250 students—ranging from toddlers to the elderly—and 22 teachers. His video has become a global plea for recognition of the cost of war not just in bodies and infrastructure, but in art, memory, and the fragile ecosystems of creativity that take decades to build and minutes to erase.Shaped over a decade, he calls the place a “second home” where students came not just to learn music but to feel seen and held—for them, too, the loss has been personal. “Students, who were to return someday, are now scattered, shell‑shocked, and struggling to process what happened. One child crossed the building with his mother and didn’t speak for hours afterwards. All students are going through similar feelings.”Yet even in devastation, Afarideh insists on the universal power of art. “Music… is a symbol of freedom,” he said. “In times of war, it can heal—even if only a little—the pain of those who have lost everything.”About the AuthorIsmat AraAt The Times of India, Ismat Ara covers politics, people, and societies, with a focus on accountability, justice, and lived experience. Shaped by years of rigorous reporting across cities, small towns, and remote villages, she is drawn to the human stories tucked beneath policy and paperwork.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks’Will Pay A Price For A Long Time’: PM Modi Warns Oppn In Lok Sabha Over Women Quota BillNaari Vs Naara: Akhilesh Yadav Questions Women’s Bill Timing, Flags OBC Quota, Census Concerns’Women’s Reservation Or Delimitation?’ Gaurav Gogoi Slams Govt Over ‘850 Seat’ Lok Sabha PlanIndia-Austria Partnership Enters New Era As PM Modi Pitches Speed And Scale Strategy GloballyCongress Slams Delimitation Bill As “Attack On Federalism” | Venugopal Targets Centre123Photostories8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living7 local and comforting dishes to try in MangaloreWeekend binge list on OTT: From ‘Euphoria Season 3’ to ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’Tamannaah Bhatia to Malaika Arora: 5 best celebrity looks of the week you might have missedSenior Cardiologist explains why your daily walk isn’t enough, and the one heart metric you should track insteadThis Sanjeev Kapoor-style Matthe Wale Aloo is all you need for dinner during summer123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

The ruins of Honiak Music Academy after the strike. NEW DELHI: In the shattered remains of his 15-year-old music school, Iranian musician Hamidreza Afarideh sat on a debris-laden floor, drew his bow and played with a kamancheh, what he called “the last sound” of a life’s work reduced to dust.Weeks after a strike destroyed Honiak Music Academy, Afarideh walked back into the hazardous ruins on April 7, 2026, and recorded a haunting video that quickly travelled far beyond Tehran, capturing his moments of deep grief after an airstrike on March 23 left the academy razed and severely damaged. Once a classroom, Honiak Music Academy is now a field of rubble.“Today was the last day to say goodbye to my school. I wanted the last sound that remains in this place to be the sound of music…not explosions and missiles,” Afarideh wrote the same day, in a now viral post. Within days, his images and clips had racked up millions of views across Instagram, X , Youtube and TikTok, prompting a flood of multilingual reactions online, with many seeing it as a stark reminder of the human cost beyond military headlines, triggering widespread calls to “stop war.” Honiak Music Academy before the strike.Speaking to TOI from Tehran, Afarideh recalled the day of the attack. “I felt that a very important part of our memories, and sounds that could have continued in that space—sounds that many artists could hear, see, and live with for years—were suddenly destroyed by a missile and a drone.” The academy, built over a decade and a half by Afarideh and his wife, Sheida Ebadatdoust, was what he calls “their shared life project.”“We worked with very limited resources, relying only on our dreams and dedication to build this academy. Losing it suddenly is extremely hard. All our hard work, efforts, continuous actions to bring people closer to music and instruments was lost in a single night. It is very difficult to accept. Everything we built over so many years… This loss will take years to process.” Once a classroom, Honiak Music Academy is now a field of rubble.Despite the risk of collapse, he returned to the damaged building. “I knew it was very dangerous… but I felt that if I didn’t record this sound, it would stay in my heart forever. I might not stay (alive) afterwards… I felt I had to go there and make this the last image and the last sound remaining from the safe space we had created.”For years, the academy buzzed with the laughter of children, warm chatters of parents, and the layered sounds of Persian classical music. Since the attack, says the teacher, “That sound disappeared.” For Afarideh, the viral moment has brought global attention—but also underscored, he says, “the reality of war and destruction” faced by his 250 students—ranging from toddlers to the elderly—and 22 teachers. His video has become a global plea for recognition of the cost of war not just in bodies and infrastructure, but in art, memory, and the fragile ecosystems of creativity that take decades to build and minutes to erase.Shaped over a decade, he calls the place a “second home” where students came not just to learn music but to feel seen and held—for them, too, the loss has been personal. “Students, who were to return someday, are now scattered, shell‑shocked, and struggling to process what happened. One child crossed the building with his mother and didn’t speak for hours afterwards. All students are going through similar feelings.”Yet even in devastation, Afarideh insists on the universal power of art. “Music… is a symbol of freedom,” he said. “In times of war, it can heal—even if only a little—the pain of those who have lost everything.”About the AuthorIsmat AraAt The Times of India, Ismat Ara covers politics, people, and societies, with a focus on accountability, justice, and lived experience. Shaped by years of rigorous reporting across cities, small towns, and remote villages, she is drawn to the human stories tucked beneath policy and paperwork.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks’Will Pay A Price For A Long Time’: PM Modi Warns Oppn In Lok Sabha Over Women Quota BillNaari Vs Naara: Akhilesh Yadav Questions Women’s Bill Timing, Flags OBC Quota, Census Concerns’Women’s Reservation Or Delimitation?’ Gaurav Gogoi Slams Govt Over ‘850 Seat’ Lok Sabha PlanIndia-Austria Partnership Enters New Era As PM Modi Pitches Speed And Scale Strategy GloballyCongress Slams Delimitation Bill As “Attack On Federalism” | Venugopal Targets Centre123Photostories8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living7 local and comforting dishes to try in MangaloreWeekend binge list on OTT: From ‘Euphoria Season 3’ to ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’Tamannaah Bhatia to Malaika Arora: 5 best celebrity looks of the week you might have missedSenior Cardiologist explains why your daily walk isn’t enough, and the one heart metric you should track insteadThis Sanjeev Kapoor-style Matthe Wale Aloo is all you need for dinner during summer123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikPune Harassment NewsVaranasi Woman DeathLucknow Vikas Nagar Fire IncidentAmir HamzaUP Beggar MurderBengaluru Businessman NewsGurgaon Student SuicideGunika KhuranaJaisalmer Murder

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