June 6, 2026

NEW DELHI: Noted Urdu poet Bashir Badr passed away at the age of 91, PTI reported citing family sources on Thursday.He died in Bhopal after prolonged illness.More details awaitedGet the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026!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 MediaVideosCBSE Launches Digital Revaluation System For Class 12 Exams, Govt Accepts DiscrepanciesKarnataka Power Struggle Ends? Siddaramaiah Agrees To Step Down After High Command Push | WatchMamata Banerjee Targets TMC Rebels With ‘Girgiti’ Poem Amid BJP Defection ClaimsKarnataka Leadership Change Buzz Grows As Siddaramaiah May Step Down For ShivakumarMassive Anti-Terror Operation Continues In Rajouri As Security Forces Target Suspected HideoutsMadhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Launches UCC Suggestion Portal, Seeks Public Feedback Till June 15Suvendu Adhikari Alleges Nearly 3 Million Fake Beneficiaries, Triggers Political ClashStone Pelting On Vande Bharat Express Near Ujjain | Windows Damaged, Probe LaunchedKarnataka Caste Census Report Sparks Fresh CM Transition Buzz In CongressExplained: What Is The CMRL-Exalogic Case Linked To ED Raids On Ex-Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan123PhotostoriesThe Indian destinations emerging as alternatives to Bali and Maldives4 personality traits of Meryl Streep that make her a legendary actor and a timeless starAll about Matthew Perry and Jennifer Aniston’s bond: From acquaintances, to co-workers, and lifelong friendsThese 5 unusual animals also produce milk, and the internet is surprised5 things Vastu says you should remove from your home immediatelyWhat is seagulling? The toxic dating trend keeping you emotionally trappedFrom Ajay Jadeja’s palatial heritage bungalow to Hardik Pandya’s luxury penthouse: Indian cricketers who own lavish crore-worth homes in GujaratNot just thirst: 3 unusual signs of dehydration, NHS doctor explainsIs Botox safe anymore? UKHSA issues warning after suspected botulism cases: 5 things to keep in mind while getting beauty jabsAlia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s home is a cosy mid-century abode with a flush of quirks: Art inspirations to take away123Hot PicksStock Market holidayKCET 2026 resultEbola casesKarnataka CMCow slaughter banShreyas IyerPSSSB Excise Inspector Admit CardTop TrendingPatna Boat AccidentGujarat Drug BustNEET UG Paper LeakLucknow Property Dealer MurderRed BalloonBengaluru Ebola CasePune curfewRahul GandhiHDFC ShareIndian Rupee

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins
NEW DELHI: Noted Urdu poet Bashir Badr passed away at the age of 91, PTI reported citing family sources on Thursday.He died in Bhopal after prolonged illness.More details awaitedGet the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026!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 MediaVideosCBSE Launches Digital Revaluation System For Class 12 Exams, Govt Accepts DiscrepanciesKarnataka Power Struggle Ends? Siddaramaiah Agrees To Step Down After High Command Push | WatchMamata Banerjee Targets TMC Rebels With ‘Girgiti’ Poem Amid BJP Defection ClaimsKarnataka Leadership Change Buzz Grows As Siddaramaiah May Step Down For ShivakumarMassive Anti-Terror Operation Continues In Rajouri As Security Forces Target Suspected HideoutsMadhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Launches UCC Suggestion Portal, Seeks Public Feedback Till June 15Suvendu Adhikari Alleges Nearly 3 Million Fake Beneficiaries, Triggers Political ClashStone Pelting On Vande Bharat Express Near Ujjain | Windows Damaged, Probe LaunchedKarnataka Caste Census Report Sparks Fresh CM Transition Buzz In CongressExplained: What Is The CMRL-Exalogic Case Linked To ED Raids On Ex-Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan123PhotostoriesThe Indian destinations emerging as alternatives to Bali and Maldives4 personality traits of Meryl Streep that make her a legendary actor and a timeless starAll about Matthew Perry and Jennifer Aniston’s bond: From acquaintances, to co-workers, and lifelong friendsThese 5 unusual animals also produce milk, and the internet is surprised5 things Vastu says you should remove from your home immediatelyWhat is seagulling? The toxic dating trend keeping you emotionally trappedFrom Ajay Jadeja’s palatial heritage bungalow to Hardik Pandya’s luxury penthouse: Indian cricketers who own lavish crore-worth homes in GujaratNot just thirst: 3 unusual signs of dehydration, NHS doctor explainsIs Botox safe anymore? UKHSA issues warning after suspected botulism cases: 5 things to keep in mind while getting beauty jabsAlia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s home is a cosy mid-century abode with a flush of quirks: Art inspirations to take away123Hot PicksStock Market holidayKCET 2026 resultEbola casesKarnataka CMCow slaughter banShreyas IyerPSSSB Excise Inspector Admit CardTop TrendingPatna Boat AccidentGujarat Drug BustNEET UG Paper LeakLucknow Property Dealer MurderRed BalloonBengaluru Ebola CasePune curfewRahul GandhiHDFC ShareIndian Rupee



The 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.”



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File photo NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Saturday appealed to party workers not to leave the BJP following former state chief K. Annamalai’s resignation and launch of a new political movement, asserting that the party would not be affected by the development.Addressing reporters in Chennai, Nagendran urged cadres to remain with the BJP and avoid joining any other party or movement.”My request to the BJP cadres – don’t go to any other party or any other movement. Please, be here. BJP is a huge party in the world. We have the number one leader in the world, PM Modi,” he said.Nagendran also dismissed suggestions that Annamalai’s departure would dent the BJP’s support base in Tamil Nadu.”There is no impact. The BJP is a huge party. So many leaders went out from the party, then joined again,” he said.Appeal comes amid resignations and new political movementNagendran’s remarks come a day after Annamalai formally quit the BJP and unveiled a new political initiative aimed at promoting what he described as “common man politics” and ending “cult” and dynastic politics in the state.Annamalai’s exit has already triggered a series of resignations within the Tamil Nadu BJP, including those of state vice-president Karu Nagarajan, state secretary Sumathi Venkatesh and several other office-bearers, fuelling speculation that more leaders could join his new political platform.Annamalai, a former IPS officer who led the BJP’s expansion efforts in Tamil Nadu, has said his political goals required a new and more inclusive platform.He has maintained that he left the BJP on amicable terms and continues to respect Prime Minister Narendra Modi.BJP dismisses concerns over cadre exodusDespite the resignations, Nagendran insisted the BJP remained strong and would continue to grow in the state.He maintained that the party’s future was not tied to any one individual and expressed confidence that workers would remain committed to the BJP’s ideology.His remarks echoed the party’s earlier position that the BJP is an ideology-driven organisation and would not suffer a setback because of a single leader’s departure.The appeal also comes as Annamalai’s newly launched movement, “We The Leaders”, has attracted significant attention.The initiative drew more than eight lakh volunteers within hours of its launch, signalling strong early interest in the former BJP leader’s new political venture.Annamalai has said the movement would focus on encouraging professionals, technocrats and ordinary citizens to participate in governance while promoting a “growth-oriented and culturally rooted” politics in Tamil Nadu.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 MediaVideosBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari ReactsRamalinga Reddy Row Resolved After Late-Night Talks, DK Shivakumar Says ‘Everything Is Settled’Lalu Family Returns Security Personnel As Bihar Security Review Sparks Major Political Row’Netas’ Children Should Study In Govt Schools’: Sonam Wangchuk At CJP’s Jantar Mantar ProtestAIADMK Exodus Deepens As 3 Former Ministers And 10 Ex-MLAs Join Ruling TVKQuestions On Dissent, ‘Cockroach’ Remark Spark Tense Scenes At CJI Surya Kant’s London LectureIndus Waters Treaty To Stay Suspended Until Pakistan Ends Support For Terrorism, Says IndiaDelhi Police Clears Cockroach Janata Party Protest At Jantar Mantar Amid Exam Irregularity RowIndia Rebukes Pakistan At UN, Reasserts Jammu & Kashmir As Integral Part Of The CountryIndia-US Trade Pact Set For First Breakthrough As Initial Agreement Nears Mid-July Finish Line123Photostories5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? Expert explains its benefits for people with diabetesTop 7 Pune localities offering affordable rentals and excellent connectivityHow to make South Indian Raw Mango Rice for Saturday lunch at home7 cardiologist-recommended summer diet tips for a stronger, healthier heartAre you a frazzled parent? 4 ways to know it and what can help6/6 Portal: Manifest your desires according to your birth date123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavBengaluru Girl DeathKerala Student HospitalisedIran AttackKhan SirAnnamalaiKaru Nagarajan ResignRoger GoodellAIADMKTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan

File photo NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Saturday appealed to party workers not to leave the BJP following former state chief K. Annamalai’s resignation and launch of a new political movement, asserting that the party would not be affected by the development.Addressing reporters in Chennai, Nagendran urged cadres to remain with the BJP and avoid joining any other party or movement.”My request to the BJP cadres – don’t go to any other party or any other movement. Please, be here. BJP is a huge party in the world. We have the number one leader in the world, PM Modi,” he said.Nagendran also dismissed suggestions that Annamalai’s departure would dent the BJP’s support base in Tamil Nadu.”There is no impact. The BJP is a huge party. So many leaders went out from the party, then joined again,” he said.Appeal comes amid resignations and new political movementNagendran’s remarks come a day after Annamalai formally quit the BJP and unveiled a new political initiative aimed at promoting what he described as “common man politics” and ending “cult” and dynastic politics in the state.Annamalai’s exit has already triggered a series of resignations within the Tamil Nadu BJP, including those of state vice-president Karu Nagarajan, state secretary Sumathi Venkatesh and several other office-bearers, fuelling speculation that more leaders could join his new political platform.Annamalai, a former IPS officer who led the BJP’s expansion efforts in Tamil Nadu, has said his political goals required a new and more inclusive platform.He has maintained that he left the BJP on amicable terms and continues to respect Prime Minister Narendra Modi.BJP dismisses concerns over cadre exodusDespite the resignations, Nagendran insisted the BJP remained strong and would continue to grow in the state.He maintained that the party’s future was not tied to any one individual and expressed confidence that workers would remain committed to the BJP’s ideology.His remarks echoed the party’s earlier position that the BJP is an ideology-driven organisation and would not suffer a setback because of a single leader’s departure.The appeal also comes as Annamalai’s newly launched movement, “We The Leaders”, has attracted significant attention.The initiative drew more than eight lakh volunteers within hours of its launch, signalling strong early interest in the former BJP leader’s new political venture.Annamalai has said the movement would focus on encouraging professionals, technocrats and ordinary citizens to participate in governance while promoting a “growth-oriented and culturally rooted” politics in Tamil Nadu.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 MediaVideosBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari ReactsRamalinga Reddy Row Resolved After Late-Night Talks, DK Shivakumar Says ‘Everything Is Settled’Lalu Family Returns Security Personnel As Bihar Security Review Sparks Major Political Row’Netas’ Children Should Study In Govt Schools’: Sonam Wangchuk At CJP’s Jantar Mantar ProtestAIADMK Exodus Deepens As 3 Former Ministers And 10 Ex-MLAs Join Ruling TVKQuestions On Dissent, ‘Cockroach’ Remark Spark Tense Scenes At CJI Surya Kant’s London LectureIndus Waters Treaty To Stay Suspended Until Pakistan Ends Support For Terrorism, Says IndiaDelhi Police Clears Cockroach Janata Party Protest At Jantar Mantar Amid Exam Irregularity RowIndia Rebukes Pakistan At UN, Reasserts Jammu & Kashmir As Integral Part Of The CountryIndia-US Trade Pact Set For First Breakthrough As Initial Agreement Nears Mid-July Finish Line123Photostories5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? Expert explains its benefits for people with diabetesTop 7 Pune localities offering affordable rentals and excellent connectivityHow to make South Indian Raw Mango Rice for Saturday lunch at home7 cardiologist-recommended summer diet tips for a stronger, healthier heartAre you a frazzled parent? 4 ways to know it and what can help6/6 Portal: Manifest your desires according to your birth date123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavBengaluru Girl DeathKerala Student HospitalisedIran AttackKhan SirAnnamalaiKaru Nagarajan ResignRoger GoodellAIADMKTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan

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File pics of Sourav, Mamata and Yusuf Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has dismissed reports claiming that he contacted Yusuf Pathan on behalf of Mamata Banerjee and asked him to resign from his elected post to facilitate her contesting a by-election.In a statement, Ganguly said allegations that he had acted as an intermediary for Mamata were “untrue”. The report alleged that he had contacted Pathan on behalf of Banerjee and conveyed a message asking him to “step down/resign from his Constitutional post as the elected representative” of the constituency to enable Banerjee to contest a by-election from the seat.”It was alleged that I had contacted Mr Yusuf Pathan on behalf of Mamta Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal and had carried her message that he should step down/resign from his Constitutional post as the elected representative of the aforesaid constituency in order to enable Ms Banerjee to contest the ensuing by-elections from the said constituency,” Ganguly said.Rejecting the claim, he added, “The aforesaid allegations are untrue.”Calling the rumours irresponsible, Ganguly said it was “extremely unfortunate” that no effort appeared to have been made to verify the allegations before publication. He added that the allegations concerning him were made “in reckless disregard of the truth.”Ganguly also categorically denied having acted as an intermediary for Banerjee. “It is thus necessary to place on record that I was never requested/asked by Ms Mamata Banerjee to convey any message from her to Mr. Yusuf Pathan,” he said.The former India captain reiterated that since no such communication took place, the question of Pathan responding in the manner described in the report “does not and cannot arise.”He also distanced himself from political affairs, stating, “I have never been involved in political matters at any stage with any one concerned.”The clarification comes amid speculation over the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat and reports suggesting efforts were being made to facilitate a by-election from the constituency to give Mamata a chance to get elected.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 MediaVideosBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari ReactsRamalinga Reddy Row Resolved After Late-Night Talks, DK Shivakumar Says ‘Everything Is Settled’Lalu Family Returns Security Personnel As Bihar Security Review Sparks Major Political Row’Netas’ Children Should Study In Govt Schools’: Sonam Wangchuk At CJP’s Jantar Mantar ProtestAIADMK Exodus Deepens As 3 Former Ministers And 10 Ex-MLAs Join Ruling TVKQuestions On Dissent, ‘Cockroach’ Remark Spark Tense Scenes At CJI Surya Kant’s London LectureIndus Waters Treaty To Stay Suspended Until Pakistan Ends Support For Terrorism, Says IndiaDelhi Police Clears Cockroach Janata Party Protest At Jantar Mantar Amid Exam Irregularity RowIndia Rebukes Pakistan At UN, Reasserts Jammu & Kashmir As Integral Part Of The CountryIndia-US Trade Pact Set For First Breakthrough As Initial Agreement Nears Mid-July Finish Line123Photostories5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? Expert explains its benefits for people with diabetesTop 7 Pune localities offering affordable rentals and excellent connectivityHow to make South Indian Raw Mango Rice for Saturday lunch at home7 cardiologist-recommended summer diet tips for a stronger, healthier heartAre you a frazzled parent? 4 ways to know it and what can help6/6 Portal: Manifest your desires according to your birth date123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavKS BharatCaitlin ClarkJoe BurrowKCET result 2026Cooper KuppCockroach Janta PartyDonald TrumpEarthquake NewsTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan

File pics of Sourav, Mamata and Yusuf Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has dismissed reports claiming that he contacted Yusuf Pathan on behalf of Mamata Banerjee and asked him to resign from his elected post to facilitate her contesting a by-election.In a statement, Ganguly said allegations that he had acted as an intermediary for Mamata were “untrue”. The report alleged that he had contacted Pathan on behalf of Banerjee and conveyed a message asking him to “step down/resign from his Constitutional post as the elected representative” of the constituency to enable Banerjee to contest a by-election from the seat.”It was alleged that I had contacted Mr Yusuf Pathan on behalf of Mamta Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal and had carried her message that he should step down/resign from his Constitutional post as the elected representative of the aforesaid constituency in order to enable Ms Banerjee to contest the ensuing by-elections from the said constituency,” Ganguly said.Rejecting the claim, he added, “The aforesaid allegations are untrue.”Calling the rumours irresponsible, Ganguly said it was “extremely unfortunate” that no effort appeared to have been made to verify the allegations before publication. He added that the allegations concerning him were made “in reckless disregard of the truth.”Ganguly also categorically denied having acted as an intermediary for Banerjee. “It is thus necessary to place on record that I was never requested/asked by Ms Mamata Banerjee to convey any message from her to Mr. Yusuf Pathan,” he said.The former India captain reiterated that since no such communication took place, the question of Pathan responding in the manner described in the report “does not and cannot arise.”He also distanced himself from political affairs, stating, “I have never been involved in political matters at any stage with any one concerned.”The clarification comes amid speculation over the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat and reports suggesting efforts were being made to facilitate a by-election from the constituency to give Mamata a chance to get elected.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 MediaVideosBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari ReactsRamalinga Reddy Row Resolved After Late-Night Talks, DK Shivakumar Says ‘Everything Is Settled’Lalu Family Returns Security Personnel As Bihar Security Review Sparks Major Political Row’Netas’ Children Should Study In Govt Schools’: Sonam Wangchuk At CJP’s Jantar Mantar ProtestAIADMK Exodus Deepens As 3 Former Ministers And 10 Ex-MLAs Join Ruling TVKQuestions On Dissent, ‘Cockroach’ Remark Spark Tense Scenes At CJI Surya Kant’s London LectureIndus Waters Treaty To Stay Suspended Until Pakistan Ends Support For Terrorism, Says IndiaDelhi Police Clears Cockroach Janata Party Protest At Jantar Mantar Amid Exam Irregularity RowIndia Rebukes Pakistan At UN, Reasserts Jammu & Kashmir As Integral Part Of The CountryIndia-US Trade Pact Set For First Breakthrough As Initial Agreement Nears Mid-July Finish Line123Photostories5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? Expert explains its benefits for people with diabetesTop 7 Pune localities offering affordable rentals and excellent connectivityHow to make South Indian Raw Mango Rice for Saturday lunch at home7 cardiologist-recommended summer diet tips for a stronger, healthier heartAre you a frazzled parent? 4 ways to know it and what can help6/6 Portal: Manifest your desires according to your birth date123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavKS BharatCaitlin ClarkJoe BurrowKCET result 2026Cooper KuppCockroach Janta PartyDonald TrumpEarthquake NewsTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan

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Prashant Kishor (File photo) NEW DELHI: Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) chief Prashant Kishor on Saturday termed the by-poll to Bihar’s Bankipur assembly seat a “referendum” on the promises made by the BJP during last November’s assembly polls, as the state now has its first chief minister from the saffron party.In April, BJP leader Samrat Choudhary succeeded party ally Janata Dal (United) supremo Nitish Kumar as chief minister. Kumar, who served in the top post for over two decades, has moved to the Rajya Sabha along with BJP chief Nitin Nabin, the previous representative of the Bankipur constituency – a fact highlighted by Kishor.Nabin moved to the Upper House after being appointed BJP’s national president.The date for the Bankipur assembly bypoll is yet to be announced.“Bankipur is the seat of the BJP’s national president. For the past 40 years, no party or leader has managed to defeat the BJP there,” Kishor told reporters in Patna.He added, “The (BJP-led) NDA won by giving the people of the state Rs 10,000 and by misleading them with false promises. For the first time, someone from the BJP is chief minister. So, the by-election will effectively serve as a referendum on the promises made in November 2025. The public will have the right to vote on those promises — whether it was the pledge to provide Rs 2 lakh, the promise to halt migration from Bihar, or the commitment to improve the education system and employment opportunities.”The former poll strategist further stated that it is for this reason that JSP should contest Bankipur with “full force”.The JSP, launched by Kishor in October 2024, made its electoral debut in the Bihar Assembly polls. However, it drew a blank despite contesting 238 of the 243 constituencies.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 MediaVideosIndus Waters Treaty To Stay Suspended Until Pakistan Ends Support For Terrorism, Says IndiaDelhi Police Clears Cockroach Janata Party Protest At Jantar Mantar Amid Exam Irregularity RowIndia Rebukes Pakistan At UN, Reasserts Jammu & Kashmir As Integral Part Of The CountryIndia-US Trade Pact Set For First Breakthrough As Initial Agreement Nears Mid-July Finish LinePatna Protest Case: Khan Sir Booked Under Attempted Murder ChargeTMC Reorganises Bengal Unit: Chandrima Bhattacharya Appointed PresidentWhat Training 5 Lakh Indian Army Personnel In Drone Operations Means For Future Wars?Indian Navy Invites Domestic Industry to Build 80-mm Aero Rockets for MiG-29K FleetDelhi Fire Horror: Owner’s Bangladesh-Linked Arrest Draws AttentionIndia Urges Faster Bangladesh Verification To Deport Illegal Migrants123PhotostoriesTop 7 Pune localities offering affordable rentals and excellent connectivityHow to make South Indian Raw Mango Rice for Saturday lunch at home7 cardiologist-recommended summer diet tips for a stronger, healthier heartAre you a frazzled parent? 4 ways to know it and what can help6/6 Portal: Manifest your desires according to your birth dateFrom Chaach to Papaya: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s daily diet at the age of 54Success quote of the day by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The only person you are destined to become is…”8 protein-rich chilla for weekend breakfast made under 10 minutes10 entrance foyer designs that create a premium first impression in modern apartmentsBefore saying ‘Yes’: 10 non-negotiables every woman should identify123Hot PicksH1B ProgramKS BharatCaitlin ClarkJoe BurrowKCET result 2026Cooper KuppCockroach Janta PartyDonald TrumpEarthquake NewsTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan

Prashant Kishor (File photo) NEW DELHI: Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) chief Prashant Kishor on Saturday termed the by-poll to Bihar’s Bankipur assembly seat a “referendum” on the promises made by the BJP during last November’s assembly polls, as the state now has its first chief minister from the saffron party.In April, BJP leader Samrat Choudhary succeeded party ally Janata Dal (United) supremo Nitish Kumar as chief minister. Kumar, who served in the top post for over two decades, has moved to the Rajya Sabha along with BJP chief Nitin Nabin, the previous representative of the Bankipur constituency – a fact highlighted by Kishor.Nabin moved to the Upper House after being appointed BJP’s national president.The date for the Bankipur assembly bypoll is yet to be announced.“Bankipur is the seat of the BJP’s national president. For the past 40 years, no party or leader has managed to defeat the BJP there,” Kishor told reporters in Patna.He added, “The (BJP-led) NDA won by giving the people of the state Rs 10,000 and by misleading them with false promises. For the first time, someone from the BJP is chief minister. So, the by-election will effectively serve as a referendum on the promises made in November 2025. The public will have the right to vote on those promises — whether it was the pledge to provide Rs 2 lakh, the promise to halt migration from Bihar, or the commitment to improve the education system and employment opportunities.”The former poll strategist further stated that it is for this reason that JSP should contest Bankipur with “full force”.The JSP, launched by Kishor in October 2024, made its electoral debut in the Bihar Assembly polls. However, it drew a blank despite contesting 238 of the 243 constituencies.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 MediaVideosIndus Waters Treaty To Stay Suspended Until Pakistan Ends Support For Terrorism, Says IndiaDelhi Police Clears Cockroach Janata Party Protest At Jantar Mantar Amid Exam Irregularity RowIndia Rebukes Pakistan At UN, Reasserts Jammu & Kashmir As Integral Part Of The CountryIndia-US Trade Pact Set For First Breakthrough As Initial Agreement Nears Mid-July Finish LinePatna Protest Case: Khan Sir Booked Under Attempted Murder ChargeTMC Reorganises Bengal Unit: Chandrima Bhattacharya Appointed PresidentWhat Training 5 Lakh Indian Army Personnel In Drone Operations Means For Future Wars?Indian Navy Invites Domestic Industry to Build 80-mm Aero Rockets for MiG-29K FleetDelhi Fire Horror: Owner’s Bangladesh-Linked Arrest Draws AttentionIndia Urges Faster Bangladesh Verification To Deport Illegal Migrants123PhotostoriesTop 7 Pune localities offering affordable rentals and excellent connectivityHow to make South Indian Raw Mango Rice for Saturday lunch at home7 cardiologist-recommended summer diet tips for a stronger, healthier heartAre you a frazzled parent? 4 ways to know it and what can help6/6 Portal: Manifest your desires according to your birth dateFrom Chaach to Papaya: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s daily diet at the age of 54Success quote of the day by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The only person you are destined to become is…”8 protein-rich chilla for weekend breakfast made under 10 minutes10 entrance foyer designs that create a premium first impression in modern apartmentsBefore saying ‘Yes’: 10 non-negotiables every woman should identify123Hot PicksH1B ProgramKS BharatCaitlin ClarkJoe BurrowKCET result 2026Cooper KuppCockroach Janta PartyDonald TrumpEarthquake NewsTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan

Vamsikrishna 0
AI generated image The first sight of the new dawn rolls in with almost evocative sceneries. The morning dew sits fresh on the leaves. The temperature offers a brief respite from the waves of oven-like heat to come and the sky is a thousand different shades of yellow and orange.But something is not quite right.The song of the birds is no longer the soundtrack of dawn. Honking cars have seemingly replaced them in most urban metropolitan cities. Now that it is gone its absence leaves a loud reminder. The chirps you did not know you were listening to, the ambient sounds that were always there, suddenly went quiet.The house sparrow has not disappeared. It has simply been pushed out. From our balconies, our memories, our cities. And the places it has gone tell a story we do not want to hear.The decline in sparrows is a global issue with BirdLife International reporting that the population has decreased by nearly 64% in Europe since the 1970s. The British Trust for Ornithology estimated that the sparrow population in London alone had declined by 71 per cent between 1994 and 2002. The decline is also observed in North America and parts of Asia, with the maximum decline occurring in urban and suburban areas.India is also no stranger to this disappearance, and the reason behind it is not really a mystery. The sparrow population in Andhra Pradesh alone dropped by 80 per cent. In Kerala, Gujarat and Rajasthan, it dipped by 20 per cent. The decline in coastal areas was as sharp as 70 to 80 per cent. In parts of Thiruvananthapuram, where volunteers had noticed small flocks of six to eight sparrows until 1998, they had disappeared without a trace by 2003. The reason behind this loss is not really a mystery.The architecture of absenceWalk through the narrow lanes of old cities, you might find nooks and crannies that the sparrow still feels comfortable calling its home. Hidden in the parts of the old city which still respect the sanctity of its presence.As the city transforms and skyscrapers pollute the sky lines of metropolitans, trees and parks are uprooted for crowded infrastructure, the sparrow also exits. It leaves behind a home it no longer recognises.Bird researcher Sujan Chatterjee puts it bluntly: “Modern architecture plays a decisive role here. Older homes, with their ventilators, tiled roofs, and small gaps, offered natural nesting spaces. Today’s glass-and-concrete structures are sealed, smooth, and inhospitable.”Old, spacious buildings are being replaced by matchbox flats. Hedges are being replaced by wrought iron fences. Gardens are paved, leaving no mud for sparrows to bathe in. The criss-crossing cable wires and the flow of electromagnetic waves from cellphone towers injure the sparrows, causing irritation and reducing their reproductive capacity.The bird that once nested in every balcony, that woke generations of Indians with its insistent chirp, that was so common it was almost invisible — that bird is now a marker of class. Its presence or absence tells you more about a neighbourhood than any real estate brochure ever could.A sparrow needs three things: a place to nest, food to eat, and water to drink. It is a relatively sedentary bird, not travelling more than a kilometre or two in search of food. It prefers thatched houses and bungalows to concrete structures such as flats to build its nests.In old neighbourhoods, buildings provide nesting spaces naturally. In new neighbourhoods, buildings are sealed. Glass facades and smooth concrete, no eaves, no gaps and no crevices. Air conditioning units are installed in ways that block, rather than create, small spaces. Modern architecture is architecture that keeps birds out.Why Sparrows Leave Modern CitiesThe food question is equally telling. Sparrows feed on seeds, grains, and insects. On average, each sparrow eats about 1,000 caterpillars per year. As Chatterjee notes, “Increased pesticide use has reduced insect populations, which are critical for feeding sparrow chicks. Clean, sanitised cityscapes, while visually appealing, have removed the very resources that once sustained sparrows.” The reduction in the number of insects is a boon for your home but a bane for the sparrows.Even the water equation has changed. In old neighbourhoods, water is everywhere. Open drains, leaking pipes, uncovered buckets, birdbaths in courtyards. A sparrow never has to fly far to drink. In new neighbourhoods, drains are covered and pipes no longer leak as much. Water is contained, controlled, cleaned. This is good for hygiene but terrible for sparrows.The hidden killersThe introduction of unleaded petrol may also be playing a role. Denis Summers-Smith’s theory suggests that unleaded fuel, believed to be eco-friendly, has harmful byproducts. The fuel uses Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) as an anti-knocking agent. Along with byproducts of combustion, this kills small insects. Though adult sparrows can survive without insects in their diet, they need them to feed their young.Air pollution is another factor. Rising pollution levels in metropolitan cities indicate that the air is becoming dangerously toxic — for birds and humans alike. Since sparrows are mainly grain eaters, their decline could also mean that the grains we are consuming contain higher amounts of pesticides than before.Pigeons have become aggressive competitors. They occupy nesting spaces and often damage sparrow nests. Rising crow populations pose an additional threat. Unlike crows, which have adapted to thrive on human waste, sparrows cannot survive on garbage. They depend on specific ecological conditions: access to seeds, insects for their young, and safe nesting spaces. The world functions with the philosophy of survival of the fittest at every level.Invasive species such as starlings also compete with sparrows for food. These birds often have a more flexible diet, occupying urban niches more readily and outcompeting sparrows for habitats and resources.Increased predation by cats and competition for food by other species, including pigeons, crows and mynahs, has made survival even harder.The pattern is clear across India. In older, traditionally built, mixed-use neighbourhoods , where people live, work and trade in the same lanes, sparrows still survive. These are often the city’s poorer, more crowded, less “planned” areas. The ones that real estate developers are desperate to redevelop.In newer, wealthier, gated, sanitised neighbourhoods, where houses are set back from the road, where every building is sealed, where every open space is manicured, sparrows have vanished.Why sparrows matterSparrows are not just nice neighbours. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They consume insects, which controls pests and reduces the need for pesticides. A new study has indicated that the loss of birds may contribute to the spread of diseases among humans. High bird diversity appears to protect humans from exposure to the West Nile Virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Where there are more birds to bite, mosquitoes will bite proportionately fewer people, partly reducing their chances of picking up or spreading the infection.The spread of diseases due to decline in sparrow population is an alarming danger.In Hyderabad, a grassroots effort has begun to show what targeted intervention can achieve. The ‘Bring Back Sparrow’ campaign, launched in 2016 by the Animal Warriors Conservation Society, set out with a simple idea: if natural nesting spaces are disappearing, why not create them?Over the past decade, the organisation has installed more than 1,600 nest boxes across areas such as Ameenpur, Gachibowli, Dilsukh Nagar, and Alwal. In addition, over 1,000 nest boxes are distributed each year to households, institutions, and community groups. Nearly 20,000 sparrows have returned to these areas.In Mumbai, Mohammed Dilaraw started the Box Initiative, putting up little wooden boxes on trees that sparrows could use as nests. He also kept little feeders with grains, insects and water to help the sparrows settle.In Chennai, the Koodugal Trust has involved school children in constructing nests for sparrows. Between 2020 and 2024, the trust constructed more than 10,000 nests. School children make small wooden houses that serve as shelter and provide food for sparrows. The effort has noticeably increased the number of sparrows in the area.In Mysuru, Karnataka, the ‘Early Bird’ initiative introduces children to birds through a library, activity kits, and excursions to villages to watch birds. These learning efforts are making children aware and knowledgeable about the role of sparrows and other birds in the ecosystem.Rajya Sabha member Brij Lal has installed 50 nests in his house. Every year, sparrows come to lay eggs in them. He takes care of them and provides them with food. His actions were appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted the role of such individual efforts in conservation.What needs to changeChatterjee believes the answer lies less in grand interventions and more in restraint.”We often say sparrows have disappeared. But instead of asking why, we should ask what kind of spaces we are creating,” he explains.The solution, he suggests, is to allow nature to return. “Keep parts of your garden unmanicured. Let it grow. Leave some spaces undisturbed. Animals are not difficult to bring back, but you have to leave space for them.””Beauty and habitat don’t always go hand in hand,” Chatterjee says. “If everything is trimmed, cleaned, and controlled, there’s nothing left for wildlife.”At a policy level, he suggests bird-friendly infrastructure. “It can begin with something as simple as rethinking our road boulevards, planting native bird-friendly shrubs, and reducing plastic use. Birds and butterflies need dense shrubs and undergrowth as hiding and nesting spaces. If we keep trimming, cleaning, and manicuring everything in the name of beautification, we risk erasing the very habitats they depend on.”You do not need a government scheme to save a sparrow. Leave out a bowl of water on your balcony, let a corner of your garden grow wild, plant something native instead of another exotic ornamental, put up a nest box where an air conditioner could have gone. Throw out some weed seeds now and then.The sparrow has not gone far. It is waiting for space.The dawn is still beautiful, the dew still settles, and the sky still burns orange and yellow. We cannot silence the honking, but we can make room for the chirping again.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndus Waters Treaty To Stay Suspended Until Pakistan Ends Support For Terrorism, Says IndiaDelhi Police Clears Cockroach Janata Party Protest At Jantar Mantar Amid Exam Irregularity RowIndia Rebukes Pakistan At UN, Reasserts Jammu & Kashmir As Integral Part Of The CountryIndia-US Trade Pact Set For First Breakthrough As Initial Agreement Nears Mid-July Finish LinePatna Protest Case: Khan Sir Booked Under Attempted Murder ChargeTMC Reorganises Bengal Unit: Chandrima Bhattacharya Appointed PresidentWhat Training 5 Lakh Indian Army Personnel In Drone Operations Means For Future Wars?Indian Navy Invites Domestic Industry to Build 80-mm Aero Rockets for MiG-29K FleetDelhi Fire Horror: Owner’s Bangladesh-Linked Arrest Draws AttentionIndia Urges Faster Bangladesh Verification To Deport Illegal Migrants123PhotostoriesTop 7 Pune localities offering affordable rentals and excellent connectivityHow to make South Indian Raw Mango Rice for Saturday lunch at home7 cardiologist-recommended summer diet tips for a stronger, healthier heartAre you a frazzled parent? 4 ways to know it and what can help6/6 Portal: Manifest your desires according to your birth dateFrom Chaach to Papaya: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s daily diet at the age of 54Success quote of the day by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The only person you are destined to become is…”8 protein-rich chilla for weekend breakfast made under 10 minutes10 entrance foyer designs that create a premium first impression in modern apartmentsBefore saying ‘Yes’: 10 non-negotiables every woman should identify123Hot PicksH1B ProgramKS BharatCaitlin ClarkJoe BurrowKCET result 2026Cooper KuppCockroach Janta PartyDonald TrumpEarthquake NewsTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan

AI generated image The first sight of the new dawn rolls in with almost evocative sceneries. The morning dew sits fresh on the leaves. The temperature offers a brief respite from the waves of oven-like heat to come and the sky is a thousand different shades of yellow and orange.But something is not quite right.The song of the birds is no longer the soundtrack of dawn. Honking cars have seemingly replaced them in most urban metropolitan cities. Now that it is gone its absence leaves a loud reminder. The chirps you did not know you were listening to, the ambient sounds that were always there, suddenly went quiet.The house sparrow has not disappeared. It has simply been pushed out. From our balconies, our memories, our cities. And the places it has gone tell a story we do not want to hear.The decline in sparrows is a global issue with BirdLife International reporting that the population has decreased by nearly 64% in Europe since the 1970s. The British Trust for Ornithology estimated that the sparrow population in London alone had declined by 71 per cent between 1994 and 2002. The decline is also observed in North America and parts of Asia, with the maximum decline occurring in urban and suburban areas.India is also no stranger to this disappearance, and the reason behind it is not really a mystery. The sparrow population in Andhra Pradesh alone dropped by 80 per cent. In Kerala, Gujarat and Rajasthan, it dipped by 20 per cent. The decline in coastal areas was as sharp as 70 to 80 per cent. In parts of Thiruvananthapuram, where volunteers had noticed small flocks of six to eight sparrows until 1998, they had disappeared without a trace by 2003. The reason behind this loss is not really a mystery.The architecture of absenceWalk through the narrow lanes of old cities, you might find nooks and crannies that the sparrow still feels comfortable calling its home. Hidden in the parts of the old city which still respect the sanctity of its presence.As the city transforms and skyscrapers pollute the sky lines of metropolitans, trees and parks are uprooted for crowded infrastructure, the sparrow also exits. It leaves behind a home it no longer recognises.Bird researcher Sujan Chatterjee puts it bluntly: “Modern architecture plays a decisive role here. Older homes, with their ventilators, tiled roofs, and small gaps, offered natural nesting spaces. Today’s glass-and-concrete structures are sealed, smooth, and inhospitable.”Old, spacious buildings are being replaced by matchbox flats. Hedges are being replaced by wrought iron fences. Gardens are paved, leaving no mud for sparrows to bathe in. The criss-crossing cable wires and the flow of electromagnetic waves from cellphone towers injure the sparrows, causing irritation and reducing their reproductive capacity.The bird that once nested in every balcony, that woke generations of Indians with its insistent chirp, that was so common it was almost invisible — that bird is now a marker of class. Its presence or absence tells you more about a neighbourhood than any real estate brochure ever could.A sparrow needs three things: a place to nest, food to eat, and water to drink. It is a relatively sedentary bird, not travelling more than a kilometre or two in search of food. It prefers thatched houses and bungalows to concrete structures such as flats to build its nests.In old neighbourhoods, buildings provide nesting spaces naturally. In new neighbourhoods, buildings are sealed. Glass facades and smooth concrete, no eaves, no gaps and no crevices. Air conditioning units are installed in ways that block, rather than create, small spaces. Modern architecture is architecture that keeps birds out.Why Sparrows Leave Modern CitiesThe food question is equally telling. Sparrows feed on seeds, grains, and insects. On average, each sparrow eats about 1,000 caterpillars per year. As Chatterjee notes, “Increased pesticide use has reduced insect populations, which are critical for feeding sparrow chicks. Clean, sanitised cityscapes, while visually appealing, have removed the very resources that once sustained sparrows.” The reduction in the number of insects is a boon for your home but a bane for the sparrows.Even the water equation has changed. In old neighbourhoods, water is everywhere. Open drains, leaking pipes, uncovered buckets, birdbaths in courtyards. A sparrow never has to fly far to drink. In new neighbourhoods, drains are covered and pipes no longer leak as much. Water is contained, controlled, cleaned. This is good for hygiene but terrible for sparrows.The hidden killersThe introduction of unleaded petrol may also be playing a role. Denis Summers-Smith’s theory suggests that unleaded fuel, believed to be eco-friendly, has harmful byproducts. The fuel uses Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) as an anti-knocking agent. Along with byproducts of combustion, this kills small insects. Though adult sparrows can survive without insects in their diet, they need them to feed their young.Air pollution is another factor. Rising pollution levels in metropolitan cities indicate that the air is becoming dangerously toxic — for birds and humans alike. Since sparrows are mainly grain eaters, their decline could also mean that the grains we are consuming contain higher amounts of pesticides than before.Pigeons have become aggressive competitors. They occupy nesting spaces and often damage sparrow nests. Rising crow populations pose an additional threat. Unlike crows, which have adapted to thrive on human waste, sparrows cannot survive on garbage. They depend on specific ecological conditions: access to seeds, insects for their young, and safe nesting spaces. The world functions with the philosophy of survival of the fittest at every level.Invasive species such as starlings also compete with sparrows for food. These birds often have a more flexible diet, occupying urban niches more readily and outcompeting sparrows for habitats and resources.Increased predation by cats and competition for food by other species, including pigeons, crows and mynahs, has made survival even harder.The pattern is clear across India. In older, traditionally built, mixed-use neighbourhoods , where people live, work and trade in the same lanes, sparrows still survive. These are often the city’s poorer, more crowded, less “planned” areas. The ones that real estate developers are desperate to redevelop.In newer, wealthier, gated, sanitised neighbourhoods, where houses are set back from the road, where every building is sealed, where every open space is manicured, sparrows have vanished.Why sparrows matterSparrows are not just nice neighbours. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They consume insects, which controls pests and reduces the need for pesticides. A new study has indicated that the loss of birds may contribute to the spread of diseases among humans. High bird diversity appears to protect humans from exposure to the West Nile Virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Where there are more birds to bite, mosquitoes will bite proportionately fewer people, partly reducing their chances of picking up or spreading the infection.The spread of diseases due to decline in sparrow population is an alarming danger.In Hyderabad, a grassroots effort has begun to show what targeted intervention can achieve. The ‘Bring Back Sparrow’ campaign, launched in 2016 by the Animal Warriors Conservation Society, set out with a simple idea: if natural nesting spaces are disappearing, why not create them?Over the past decade, the organisation has installed more than 1,600 nest boxes across areas such as Ameenpur, Gachibowli, Dilsukh Nagar, and Alwal. In addition, over 1,000 nest boxes are distributed each year to households, institutions, and community groups. Nearly 20,000 sparrows have returned to these areas.In Mumbai, Mohammed Dilaraw started the Box Initiative, putting up little wooden boxes on trees that sparrows could use as nests. He also kept little feeders with grains, insects and water to help the sparrows settle.In Chennai, the Koodugal Trust has involved school children in constructing nests for sparrows. Between 2020 and 2024, the trust constructed more than 10,000 nests. School children make small wooden houses that serve as shelter and provide food for sparrows. The effort has noticeably increased the number of sparrows in the area.In Mysuru, Karnataka, the ‘Early Bird’ initiative introduces children to birds through a library, activity kits, and excursions to villages to watch birds. These learning efforts are making children aware and knowledgeable about the role of sparrows and other birds in the ecosystem.Rajya Sabha member Brij Lal has installed 50 nests in his house. Every year, sparrows come to lay eggs in them. He takes care of them and provides them with food. His actions were appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted the role of such individual efforts in conservation.What needs to changeChatterjee believes the answer lies less in grand interventions and more in restraint.”We often say sparrows have disappeared. But instead of asking why, we should ask what kind of spaces we are creating,” he explains.The solution, he suggests, is to allow nature to return. “Keep parts of your garden unmanicured. Let it grow. Leave some spaces undisturbed. Animals are not difficult to bring back, but you have to leave space for them.””Beauty and habitat don’t always go hand in hand,” Chatterjee says. “If everything is trimmed, cleaned, and controlled, there’s nothing left for wildlife.”At a policy level, he suggests bird-friendly infrastructure. “It can begin with something as simple as rethinking our road boulevards, planting native bird-friendly shrubs, and reducing plastic use. Birds and butterflies need dense shrubs and undergrowth as hiding and nesting spaces. If we keep trimming, cleaning, and manicuring everything in the name of beautification, we risk erasing the very habitats they depend on.”You do not need a government scheme to save a sparrow. Leave out a bowl of water on your balcony, let a corner of your garden grow wild, plant something native instead of another exotic ornamental, put up a nest box where an air conditioner could have gone. Throw out some weed seeds now and then.The sparrow has not gone far. It is waiting for space.The dawn is still beautiful, the dew still settles, and the sky still burns orange and yellow. We cannot silence the honking, but we can make room for the chirping again.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndus Waters Treaty To Stay Suspended Until Pakistan Ends Support For Terrorism, Says IndiaDelhi Police Clears Cockroach Janata Party Protest At Jantar Mantar Amid Exam Irregularity RowIndia Rebukes Pakistan At UN, Reasserts Jammu & Kashmir As Integral Part Of The CountryIndia-US Trade Pact Set For First Breakthrough As Initial Agreement Nears Mid-July Finish LinePatna Protest Case: Khan Sir Booked Under Attempted Murder ChargeTMC Reorganises Bengal Unit: Chandrima Bhattacharya Appointed PresidentWhat Training 5 Lakh Indian Army Personnel In Drone Operations Means For Future Wars?Indian Navy Invites Domestic Industry to Build 80-mm Aero Rockets for MiG-29K FleetDelhi Fire Horror: Owner’s Bangladesh-Linked Arrest Draws AttentionIndia Urges Faster Bangladesh Verification To Deport Illegal Migrants123PhotostoriesTop 7 Pune localities offering affordable rentals and excellent connectivityHow to make South Indian Raw Mango Rice for Saturday lunch at home7 cardiologist-recommended summer diet tips for a stronger, healthier heartAre you a frazzled parent? 4 ways to know it and what can help6/6 Portal: Manifest your desires according to your birth dateFrom Chaach to Papaya: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s daily diet at the age of 54Success quote of the day by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The only person you are destined to become is…”8 protein-rich chilla for weekend breakfast made under 10 minutes10 entrance foyer designs that create a premium first impression in modern apartmentsBefore saying ‘Yes’: 10 non-negotiables every woman should identify123Hot PicksH1B ProgramKS BharatCaitlin ClarkJoe BurrowKCET result 2026Cooper KuppCockroach Janta PartyDonald TrumpEarthquake NewsTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan

Vamsikrishna 0