Three people have died, including two volunteer marine rescuers, after a yacht sank and a rescue boat rolled in choppy conditions off Australia's New South Wales (NSW) coast. Emergency services were called at 18:15 local time on Monday after a member of the public reported a yacht in trouble off
‘Mom, mom, mom, mom’: Isha Ambani wears head to toe Nita Ambani’s diamonds, emeralds at Met GalaIsha Ambani wore a jewellery-integrated blouse with her gold-woven Gaurav Gupta saree at Met Gala. Published on: May 05, 2026 7:10 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link Isha Ambani walked
Q4 results 2026: Amid the ongoing earnings season, around 68 companies are scheduled to release their financial results for the quarter ending on March 31, 2026, on Tuesday, 5 May. Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M), Punjab National Bank, Marico, Hero Motocorp, SRF, Marico, Coforge
TG ICET Hall Ticket 2026 released at icet.tgche.ac.in, download link hereTG ICET Hall Ticket 2026 has been released. The direct link to download the admit card is given here. Updated on: May 04, 2026 5:45 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share via Copy link Telangana Council of
The Bharatiya Janata Party has secured a decisive victory in Assam, forming the government for a third consecutive term. The party achieved a majority on its own for the first time. The National Democratic Alliance, including partners Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front
The dust at this busy recycling plant is pervasive and the steady noise of hoppers and conveyor belts makes this a challenging environment to work in. The facility in Rainham, east London is owned by Sharp Group, a family-run skip and waste management firm
Rihanna steals the spotlight at Met Gala 2026, shimmering like a diamond on the red carpet: See picsRihanna turns heads at the Met Gala 2026 in a sculptural metallic ensemble that lives up to her “shine bright like a diamond” moment. Published on: May 05
The dispute adds to tensions over a long-delayed transatlantic trade pact. The two sides reached an initial agreement last July, but EU lawmakers have yet to ratify it as they seek amendments. Trump said Friday the bloc had failed to fully comply with the deal
A recent court ban on feeding pigeons in public spaces in the western Indian city of Mumbai has become a major flashpoint between civic bodies, public health activists and bird lovers. This month, hundreds of people clashed with police twice while protesting the closure of a decades-old pigeon feeding spot, or a kabutarkhana. (Kabutar is the Hindi word for pigeon.)
Health v heritage: Pigeon feeding ban sparks debate in India
A recent court ban on feeding pigeons in public spaces in the western Indian city of Mumbai has become a major flashpoint between civic bodies, public health activists and bird lovers.
This month, hundreds of people clashed with police twice while protesting the closure of a decades-old pigeon feeding spot, or a kabutarkhana. (Kabutar is the Hindi word for pigeon.)
Some tore down the tarpaulin sheets covering the spot and threatened an indefinite hunger strike. Police briefly detained about 15 people at another protest, media reports said.
Authorities had imposed the ban due to concerns about health hazards due to pigeon droppings.
The problem is not unique to Mumbai. In Venice, feeding pigeons in historic squares is banned. Singapore imposes hefty fines, and New York and London have regulated feeding zones.
In India too, Pune and Thane cities in Maharashtra state - of which Mumbai is the capital - have imposed penalties on feeding pigeons. Delhi is mulling an advisory against feeding the birds in public spaces.
The crackdown has angered animal lovers and religious feeders, as pigeons are long woven into India's cultural fabric.
Films often use shots of grain-feeding pigeons to evoke cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where the birds are a familiar presence on balconies and air-conditioners.
Some of Mumbai's kabutarkhanas are iconic heritage structures and are said to have originated as charitable spaces where communities could donate grain.
There are religious sentiments involved as well. In Mumbai, the Jain community, which considers feeding pigeons a pious duty, has been vocal in their protests.
Elsewhere too, many share a bond with pigeons - seen as symbols of peace and loyalty .
In Delhi, Syed Ismat says he has been feeding the birds for 40 years and considers them his family.
"They are innocent. Perhaps the most innocent of all creatures. All they ask for is a little kindness," said Mr Ismat.
But these sentiments are pitted against studies which show that prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings poses risks of pulmonary and respiratory illnesses.
A boom in India's pigeon population in recent years has heightened this risk, prompting the restrictions.
Delhi-based biodiversity expert Faiyaz Khudsar says easy availability of food has led to overpopulation of pigeons in many countries.
In India, he said, the challenge is compounded by a decline in birds like the goraiya, commonly known as the house sparrow, which are increasingly being displaced by pigeons.
"With easy food and no predators, pigeons are breeding faster than ever. They are outcompeting other urban birds, creating an ecological loss," Mr Khudsar said.
The 2023 State of India's Birds report says pigeon numbers have risen more than150% since 2000 - the biggest jump among all birds - leaving homes and public spaces with droppings, as each bird can produce up to 15kg (33lbs) a year.
Studies show these droppings contain at least seven types of zoonotic pathogens that can cause diseases such as pneumonia, fungal infections and even lung damage in humans.
Nirmal Kohli, a 75-year-old Delhi resident, started complaining of persistent cough and had trouble breathing a few years ago.
Eventually, a CT scan showed that part of her lung had shrunk," says her son Amit Kohli. "The doctors said it was due to exposure to pigeon droppings.
Last year, an 11-year-old boy died in Delhi due to hypersensitivity pneumonitis - a disease that causes inflammation in lungs. Doctors said the reason was prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers.
RS Pal, a pulmonologist, told the BBC that such cases were common.
"Even if you don't directly feed pigeons, their droppings on window sills and balconies can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis," he said.
We also see bacterial, viral and fungal infections in people handling pigeons regularly.
These concerns are what led the Mumbai civic body to impose the feeding ban last month and launch a drive to demolish feeding centres.
Demolitions are on hold, but the Bombay High Court has dismissed a plea against the feeding ban, citing public health as "paramount" and ordering strict action on illegal feeding.
Delhi mayor Raja Iqbal Singh told the BBC that love for birds cannot come at the cost of people's well-being.
"Feeding spots often turn dirty, leading to foul smells, infections and pests. We are working to minimise feeding," he said.
But many animal lovers disagree.
Mohammad Younus, who supplies grains to a feeding spot in Delhi, argues that all animals can spread diseases if hygiene is not maintained.
"I have been surrounded by pigeons for the past 15 years. If something were to happen, it would have happened to me too," he said.
In Mumbai, a Jain monk told BBC Marathi that thousands of pigeons would die of hunger due to the feeding ban.
Megha Uniyal, an animal rights activist, pointed out that there was no clarity on how the ban on feeding pigeons would be implemented.
"As far as regulating pigeon feeding is concerned, it is a word thrown around by the authorities, but no one really understands what this could entail," she said.
Amid these competing contentions, efforts are on to find a middle ground.
Ujjwal Agrain, of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India, suggests allowing pigeon feeding only during set morning and evening hours.
"That gives enough time for civic bodies to clean the place and maintain hygiene. This way, we respect both public health and emotional bonds," he said.
The Bombay High Court has set up an expert panel to suggest alternatives, and Mumbai civic officials say controlled, staggered feeding may be allowed based on its advice.
For Syed Ismat, the solution lies in rethinking the relationship between birds and urban spaces.
"Maybe it's time to reimagine how we share our cities, not just with pigeons but with all forms of life," he said.
Additional reporting by Sharanya Dayal in Delhi
Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook
Source: BBC
Related Posts: When protests erupted over a ban on feeding pigeons Supreme Court flags feeding of stray dogs within government office premises Karnataka to restrict private activities in public spaces after minister seeks ban on RSS camps Why public spaces in India are a minefield for children with intellectual disabilities ISRO gets ready for one of its busiest times in recent memory Major tech outages in recent years Pakistan will not restrict mountaineering expeditions despite the recent deaths of climbers Are we teaching enough of India’s recent past in our history classes Iran's Khamenei says recent anti-government protests akin to Candidate lists OnlyFans as ‘recent experience’ for a director-level job role
A South Korean ship experienced an explosion and fire in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Trump stated Iran was responsible for the attack. No casualties were reported. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze. The incident occurred as the U.S
2 hours ago
Karan Johar ‘nailed the theme’ at Met Gala debut, say fans: ‘Better than Shah Rukh Khan by a mile’Karan Johar made a striking debut at the Met Gala 2026 in a vintage-inspired outfit by Manish Malhotra, featuring a dramatic cape. May 5, 2026, 07:45:16 IST By Riya Sharma Share via Copy link
2 hours ago
Heidi Klum’s living marble statue look at Met Gala 2026 reminds fans of Hrithik Roshan’s iconic Dhoom 2 museum disguiseHeidi Klum stunned at Met Gala 2026 as a living marble statue, drawing attention and comparisons to the Statue of Liberty and Hrithik Roshan’s iconic disguise
2 hours ago
SAI to oversee selection process of boxers for CWG and AsiadTop SAI official says BFI’s selection policy as well as empanelment of India coaches for the national camp is in violation of Sports Ministry’s guidelines Updated on: May 04, 2026 11:13 PM IST By Avishek Roy
2 hours ago
Adani Group-owned Ambuja Cements on Monday reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,830 crore for the March quarter of FY26 compared to Rs 1,025 crore in the year-ago period, implying a 78% year-on-year jump. The profit is attributable to the owners of the parent company
2 hours ago
Delhi tightens traffic rules with a new system requiring 50% fine payment before court appeals, along with strict deadlines, digital tracking, and penalties for delays Traffic violators in Delhi will now be required to deposit 50% of the penalty amount before approaching a court to contest a
2 hours ago
NBEMS has announced the tentative 2026–27 schedule for major medical exams including NEET PG, NEET SS, FMGE, and DrNB Final, with exams spread across August 2026 to March 2027. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released tentative exam dates for medical exams such
3 hours ago
President Donald Trump has announced the US will help "guide" ships that have been stranded by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait has remained largely blocked since the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran - and Tehran responded by blocking the crucial waterway through which
3 hours ago
‘Is it a real mango?’ Isha Ambani reveals truth behind her unusual Met Gala accessoryMet Gala 2026: Isha Ambani wore a gold-woven saree designed by Gaurav Gupta. Published on: May 05, 2026 6:51 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link Isha Ambani left the world in awe as she stepped onto
3 hours ago
Teenager Dhamne’s focus on fitness, game coming togetherThe 18-year-old is just into the ATP’s top 400, but holds promise of a steady climb in men’s singles Published on: May 04, 2026 10:16 PM IST By Rutvick Mehta, Mumbai Share via Copy link Manas Dhamne is at a career-high ranking of 384
3 hours ago
The base iPhone has reclaimed its throne, with the iPhone 17 taking over the reins in leading sales numbers from its elder sibling, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. According to the latest Global Handset Model Sales Tracker by Counterpoint Research, the standard Apple iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling
3 hours ago
In 43 years, Vijay becomes 2nd actor-politician to achieve electoral success within 2 years of forming political partyAs Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) makes history in Tamil Nadu by beating the popular Dravidian parties to victory, looking back at history. May 5, 2026
3 hours ago
Did SIR exercise win West Bengal for the BJP?So what really won West Bengal for the BJP? The answer is an extremely powerful anti-incumbency wave which has communal polarisation tailwinds. Updated on: May 05, 2026 7:56 AM IST By Abhishek Jha, Roshan Kishore
3 hours ago
Mamata Banerjee faced a significant defeat in the Bhabanipur constituency, losing by over 15,000 votes. This outcome mirrors the Nandigram battle. Factors contributing to the loss included voter alienation, corruption allegations, and job scams. The Election Commission's measures ensured fair polls
3 hours ago
The robotics pioneer who helped unleash the Roomba vacuum is now betting that you might one day replace your beloved dog or cat with a plush robot that follows you around your home and adapts to your daily habits. Colin Angle unveiled a four-legged prototype of that artificial pet
3 hours ago
Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients. Misleading food ads are fuelling a public health crisis in India. Help Scroll expose the systemic failure. Support our investigation.Sugar-free products with sugar. ‘Real’ juices with artificial ingredients
3 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for May 5, 2026: Love today may ask for honesty over comfortLove Horoscope Today: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Updated on: May 05, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link Aries Love Energy: Healing and emotional honesty Love and
3 hours ago
The year was 1991 and Lea Salonga already had won a Tony for her performance as the lead character in Miss Saigon - but she was still struggling to find another role. "My agent would be submitting me for auditions, [but people were still] like 'No, we won't see her because she's Asian
3 hours ago
India may soon hike petrol and diesel prices as crude stays above 100 dollars, with OMCs facing heavy losses and the government shifting stance after earlier denials The Indian government is considering passing the higher crude oil prices to customers in the coming days and can increase the prices
3 hours ago
The Future of Knowledge Work Summit 2026 in Bengaluru will explore how AI is reshaping knowledge work, changing roles and skills, and increasing demand for human-led work. The summit brings together enterprise leaders to discuss how organisations can adapt workflows and prepare for the next phase
3 hours ago
Celebrities arrived to the 2026 Met Gala with their take on this year's theme - Costume Art - where organisers asked attendees to experiment with the lavish and whimsical dress code. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute
3 hours ago
The benign question posed to almost every child, “What do you want to become?”, is almost an insult when directed at an adult. Life seams to teem with possibilities when the child is learning the ropes of social etiquette and waking up to economic realities, and then, it seems
3 hours ago
This popular song from the upcoming film Jana Nayagan was widely used by Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam supporters in their social media campaign during the Tamil Nadu state elections. It loosely means, “The son of Ravana; the destroyer [Yama] standing alone
3 hours ago
![“She [Mamata Banerjee] is trying to divide the Hindu vote,” Rahul Sinha complained while talking to Scroll in July. The former president of the Bharatiya](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/five-factors-that-helped-the-bjp-conquer-bengal.webp?height=520)
“She [Mamata Banerjee] is trying to divide the Hindu vote,” Rahul Sinha complained while talking to Scroll in July. The former president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal had taken issue with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee constructing a Jagannath temple in the beach town of Digha
3 hours ago
Football fans anticipate exciting Champions League semifinal second legs. Paris Saint-Germain faces Bayern Munich after a high-scoring first match. Arsenal plays Atletico Madrid with the tie level. These matches could lead to a final in Budapest
3 hours ago
Trinamool Congress chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday claimed that she had been “beaten” at a counting centre as the votes in the West Bengal Assembly election were being counted, ANI reported. It was unclear whom Banerjee’s allegations were against
3 hours ago
From Mumbai’s ambitious, sound-inspired Pan-Asian sanctuaries to the secret speakeasies of New Delhi and the artisanal pizza workshops of Bengaluru, here are the essential coordinates for your May social calendar. Specialty Restaurants Limited brings its progressive Pan-Asian vision to Bandra
1 days ago
