July 6, 2026

March 2026

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’: First teaser brings Harry, Ron and Hermione back to Hogwarts

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’: First teaser brings Harry, Ron and Hermione back to Hogwarts

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Wizarding world is set for a fresh retelling, with an all-new cast picking up their wands. HBO on Thursday released the first teaser trailer for its highly anticipated series titled ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. The teaser introduces a brand new cast, led by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, alongside Arabella Stanton as…

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Libra Horoscope Today, March 26, 2026: Earnings look better than expected, but don’t blow it on instant pleasures

Libra Horoscope Today, March 26, 2026: Earnings look better than expected, but don’t blow it on instant pleasures

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Expect a day filled with monetary opportunities and professional progress; luck may spring from the most surprising places. As you outline your ambitions, take care to maintain a steady pace. In your personal life, open and thoughtful dialogue will be essential for nurturing relationships. Celebrate the milestones of the younger family members, as their success…

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From missiles to AI drones: How warfare has changed in 30 years

From missiles to AI drones: How warfare has changed in 30 years

Vamsikrishna09 mins mins

Over the past three decades, warfare has undergone a profound transformation, shifting from brute force and conventional firepower to a complex, technology-driven ecosystem defined by artificial intelligence, drones, cyber operations and precision weaponry. What was once a battlefield dominated by tanks, artillery and fighter jets is now increasingly shaped by algorithms, sensors and autonomous systems…

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. NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government has taken action against 26 engineers for alleged negligence in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, with 12 of them suspended, an official statement said Wednesday.The action follows complaints regarding the poor execution of works under the scheme aimed at providing tap water to every rural household. Officials described it as one of the biggest crackdowns against personnel of the state water corporation in recent times.According to the statement, Additional Chief Secretary (Rural Water Supply) Anurag Srivastava ordered the suspension of 12 engineers of various ranks.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzThe engineers include: Avinash Gupta (Lakhimpur Kheri), Soumitra Srivastava (Jaunpur), Mohd Qasim Hashmi (Ghazipur), Amit Rajput (Chandauli), Sitaram Yadav (Chandauli), Akbar Hasan (Bijnor), Anurag Goyal (Auraiya), Kuldeep Kumar Singh (Hathras), Rajendra Kumar Yadav (Azamgarh), Roop Chandra (Bareilly), Avneesh Pratap Singh (Barabanki) and Dharm Prakash Maheshwari (Kushinagar).The government has also ordered departmental inquiries against four engineers, while show-cause notices have been issued to three others over slow progress in project execution. Additionally, seven engineers have been transferred following complaints related to various schemes.Srivastava said the government is working in mission mode to ensure tap water supply to every rural household and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.He warned that strict action, including dismissal, could be taken if officials fail to improve their performance.The action comes in the backdrop of a controversy on January 30 when Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh’s convoy was stopped by BJP MLA Brijbhushan Rajput in Charkhari in Mahoba over complaints of roads not being repaired after pipeline work under the scheme, leading to a heated exchange between the two.The controversy involving the ruling party MLA and the minister had hogged limelight with BJP also taking cognisance of the matter.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Not A ‘Broker’ Like Pak: Jaishankar Tells Leaders At All-Party Meet Amid Iran Mediation Buzz’No Locus Standi To Comment’: India Rejects Pakistan’s Remarks On Asiya Andrabi’s Life SentenceIran Dictates Endgame:Demands Closure Of US Bases In Gulf, Lifting Of Sanctions, Control Over HormuzCentre Pushes PNG: LPG Supply May Be Stopped Where Pipelines Are AvailableWomen’s Quota Bill: What Are The Big Challenges Modi Govt Is Likely To FaceIran Denies Permission To Pakistan-Bound Ship Trying To Cross Hormuz As Indian Ships Sail ThroughDelhi Deputy CM Parvesh Verma Calls Arvind Kejriwal Rehman Dakait In Assembly, Sparks Political RowAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With Trump123PhotostoriesInside Bigg Boss OTT 3 fame Armaan Malik’s lavish lifestyle: From an estimated Rs 100 crore net worth to his impressive luxury car collectionBuying lab-grown gold? 5 things you should know before you invest9 traditional dishes to enjoy in Ram Lalla’s Ayodhya Nagri this Ram Navmi9 largest eagles in the world and what makes them uniqueFeeling full too quickly while eating? Gastroenterologists explain the hidden causes, warning signs, and what you can do to improve digestionFrom being unable to become a cricketer to ‘Dhurandhar’ filmmaker: Aditya Dhar’s inspiring journeyHeart attack prevention guide: Daily habits, diet changes, and medical checks that can save your life7 healthy office snacks to keep handy during summer months with minimum efforts5 cars known for their multiple driving modes for every terrainK-dramas like ‘Crash Landing on You’ that will give you butterflies: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and more123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFPV drone attackSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingStock market today8th Pay CommissionVanessa TrumpArnold Schwarzenegger’s sonUS Army EnlistmentZohran MamdaniNirav RanaWest Bengal ElectionLPG crisis reasonTransgender law

. NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government has taken action against 26 engineers for alleged negligence in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, with 12 of them suspended, an official statement said Wednesday.The action follows complaints regarding the poor execution of works under the scheme aimed at providing tap water to every rural household. Officials described it as one of the biggest crackdowns against personnel of the state water corporation in recent times.According to the statement, Additional Chief Secretary (Rural Water Supply) Anurag Srivastava ordered the suspension of 12 engineers of various ranks.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzThe engineers include: Avinash Gupta (Lakhimpur Kheri), Soumitra Srivastava (Jaunpur), Mohd Qasim Hashmi (Ghazipur), Amit Rajput (Chandauli), Sitaram Yadav (Chandauli), Akbar Hasan (Bijnor), Anurag Goyal (Auraiya), Kuldeep Kumar Singh (Hathras), Rajendra Kumar Yadav (Azamgarh), Roop Chandra (Bareilly), Avneesh Pratap Singh (Barabanki) and Dharm Prakash Maheshwari (Kushinagar).The government has also ordered departmental inquiries against four engineers, while show-cause notices have been issued to three others over slow progress in project execution. Additionally, seven engineers have been transferred following complaints related to various schemes.Srivastava said the government is working in mission mode to ensure tap water supply to every rural household and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.He warned that strict action, including dismissal, could be taken if officials fail to improve their performance.The action comes in the backdrop of a controversy on January 30 when Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh’s convoy was stopped by BJP MLA Brijbhushan Rajput in Charkhari in Mahoba over complaints of roads not being repaired after pipeline work under the scheme, leading to a heated exchange between the two.The controversy involving the ruling party MLA and the minister had hogged limelight with BJP also taking cognisance of the matter.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Not A ‘Broker’ Like Pak: Jaishankar Tells Leaders At All-Party Meet Amid Iran Mediation Buzz’No Locus Standi To Comment’: India Rejects Pakistan’s Remarks On Asiya Andrabi’s Life SentenceIran Dictates Endgame:Demands Closure Of US Bases In Gulf, Lifting Of Sanctions, Control Over HormuzCentre Pushes PNG: LPG Supply May Be Stopped Where Pipelines Are AvailableWomen’s Quota Bill: What Are The Big Challenges Modi Govt Is Likely To FaceIran Denies Permission To Pakistan-Bound Ship Trying To Cross Hormuz As Indian Ships Sail ThroughDelhi Deputy CM Parvesh Verma Calls Arvind Kejriwal Rehman Dakait In Assembly, Sparks Political RowAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With Trump123PhotostoriesInside Bigg Boss OTT 3 fame Armaan Malik’s lavish lifestyle: From an estimated Rs 100 crore net worth to his impressive luxury car collectionBuying lab-grown gold? 5 things you should know before you invest9 traditional dishes to enjoy in Ram Lalla’s Ayodhya Nagri this Ram Navmi9 largest eagles in the world and what makes them uniqueFeeling full too quickly while eating? Gastroenterologists explain the hidden causes, warning signs, and what you can do to improve digestionFrom being unable to become a cricketer to ‘Dhurandhar’ filmmaker: Aditya Dhar’s inspiring journeyHeart attack prevention guide: Daily habits, diet changes, and medical checks that can save your life7 healthy office snacks to keep handy during summer months with minimum efforts5 cars known for their multiple driving modes for every terrainK-dramas like ‘Crash Landing on You’ that will give you butterflies: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and more123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFPV drone attackSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingStock market today8th Pay CommissionVanessa TrumpArnold Schwarzenegger’s sonUS Army EnlistmentZohran MamdaniNirav RanaWest Bengal ElectionLPG crisis reasonTransgender law

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government has taken action against 26 engineers for alleged negligence in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, with 12 of them suspended, an official statement said Wednesday.The action follows complaints regarding the poor execution of works under the scheme aimed at providing tap water to every rural household. Officials…

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‘Lalettan is Lalettan.’ Nivin Pauly reacts to comparison with Mohanlal at ‘Prathichaya’ promotions

‘Lalettan is Lalettan.’ Nivin Pauly reacts to comparison with Mohanlal at ‘Prathichaya’ promotions

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Nivin Pauly is ready for his upcoming film Prathichaya. He has addressed comparisons with veteran actor Mohanlal, stating Mohanlal is unparalleled. Pauly describes his acting as simple and natural, not relying on extensive preparation. He trusts directors for guidance and finds character clarity through collaboration. This approach helps him avoid pressure. Nivin Pauly is ready…

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Cancer Horoscope Today, March 26, 2026: Your relationship with spouse may taste bitter today

Cancer Horoscope Today, March 26, 2026: Your relationship with spouse may taste bitter today

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Navigating today’s waters requires a steady hand, especially when it comes to money and emotions. Be vigilant about surprise bills and potential disagreements, particularly with younger family members. Tread carefully in your relationships, opting for patience rather than snap judgments. The day asks you to be careful, especially with money and emotions. Your expenditure can…

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Precision Strike Missile: Precision rockets redefine war: Why India’s Pinaka push now matters more

Precision Strike Missile: Precision rockets redefine war: Why India’s Pinaka push now matters more

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The United States Central Command claims to have recorded the longest artillery strike during the current conflict in Iran. The attack was carried out by a long-range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which is commonly known as prism.The projectile is launched from systems such as the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) or the M270…

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No one seems to be concerned: Immigration attorney asks companies to reach out to Congressmen on H-1B visa stamping delay in India

No one seems to be concerned: Immigration attorney asks companies to reach out to Congressmen on H-1B visa stamping delay in India

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Immigration attorney Emily Neumann said companies should approach their Congressmen, Senators and inform them about the H-1B visa stamping delay in India affecting their businesses. Immigration attorney Emily Neumann said the current visa stamping delay situation in India has no possible solution, as no one seems to be bothered, as thousands of H-1B visa holders…

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Pak intruder caught along international border in J&K’s Samba | India News

Pak intruder caught along international border in J&K’s Samba | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

JAMMU: Border Security Force (BSF) troops Wednesday detained a Pakistani intruder along the international border in Ramgarh sector of J&K’s Samba district. Later in the day, Kathua SSP Mohita Sharma conducted an extensive security review and inspection of Kathua’s border areas.Officials said BSF personnel manning the border noticed a suspect near Bhaller border outpost in…

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US, EU seek WTO reform as meet starts

US, EU seek WTO reform as meet starts

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

NEW DELHI: World Trade Organisation’s ministerial meeting will kick off in Cameroon on Thursday, with reform of the 30-year-old multilateral body on top of the agenda of the US and European Union, while India will seek to push for farm trade reforms and retain the basic characteristics of the entity.At the meeting, which comes in…

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Abhishek Bachchan admits he once struggled with criticism: ‘I felt critics didn’t understand my work or weren’t qualified to judge it’

Abhishek Bachchan admits he once struggled with criticism: ‘I felt critics didn’t understand my work or weren’t qualified to judge it’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

At a time when the lines between creators, critics and audiences are increasingly blurring, Abhishek Bachchan, son of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, shared a candid and introspective take on the evolving ecosystem of content and criticism. At a time when the lines between creators, critics and audiences are increasingly blurring, Abhishek Bachchan, son of megastar Amitabh…

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Aries Horoscope Today, March 26, 2026: Restlessness can show up as body stiffness or a dull headache

Aries Horoscope Today, March 26, 2026: Restlessness can show up as body stiffness or a dull headache

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A day begins with a mix of sluggishness and unease, but as noon approaches, a courageous choice paves the way for unexpected accomplishments. With Mars and Jupiter igniting your bravery, dive into projects that enhance your career and educational goals. Relationships will find their rhythm, yet financial success demands your persistence. You’ll wake up with…

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Golf legend Tiger Woods seen with girlfriend Vanessa Trump in public moment before comeback game as Kai Trump cheers in stands

Golf legend Tiger Woods seen with girlfriend Vanessa Trump in public moment before comeback game as Kai Trump cheers in stands

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Golf legend Tiger Woods seen with girlfriend Vanessa Trump in public moment before comeback game as Kai Trump cheers in stands (Image via Getty) Tiger Woods made his return to competitive golf after more than a year, and this time, it was not just about the game. Just before he stepped onto the course, Vanessa…

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NEW DELHI: On a day Parliament put its stamp of approval on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2026 amid demands from opposition MPs that the bill be referred to a standing committee for wider consultation, two National Council for Transgender Persons members from the community sent their resignation to the social justice minister Virendra Kumar to register their strong protest against the bill and lack of consultation. The bill lays out a more precise definition of “transgender persons” making it clear that it will not include persons with “different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities”.“From NCTP, some of us tried to reach out to you as the voice of the community and we felt that we were not heard,” said Rituparna Neog, a member of the council from the northeast region stated in her letter of resignation addressed to Kumar who is the chairperson of the statutory body. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzThe body is supposed to have around 10 members representing the transgender community.The other member to resign, Kalaki Subramaniam, who is the southern region representative, registered a strong protest over lack of consultation with the community that views the bill as “regressive” and as a “step backward for their fundamental rights to self identification and dignity”. “I cannot continue to hold a seat at a table where our collective voice has been silenced,” she added.Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, which was passed in Lok Sabha on Tuesday was passed by a voice vote in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Congress party’s Renuka Chowdhury opened the discussion putting forth a stirring question – “If no one asks us – men and women to prove our gender before a medical board, then who are we to question the identity of trans people?”At the end of the discussion, minister Virendra Kumar reiterated that the bill aims to provide protection to only those who face severe social discrimination due to their biological condition. He also tried to counter the opposition to the removal of the clause on self – perceived identity and introduction of a medical board by saying that this was aimed at securing the rights of TG persons by removing scope for any ambiguity and enabling benefits reach genuine persons through administrative clarity. BJP members joined the chorus in support.The amendments, which will now become law after the President of India gives her assent, marks a significant departure from the existing law as it omits the clause that allowed “self-perceived gender identity” to be the basis for self-determination and identification for approval for transgender certificate by the district magistrate.A medical board headed by chief medical officer has been introduced, and the district magistrate will going forward issue a certificate of transgender identity, after examining the recommendation of the medical board cited as “authority” to be constituted by the central or state govts.The bill proposes to create specific offences with graded punishments that reflect the gravity of the harm, the irreversibility of the injury, and the particular vulnerability of child victims.DMK’s Tiruchi Siva who had brought a private member bill “The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014” reflected on the struggles of the community to get their rights and demanded consultation from stakeholders, legal experts, civil society, transgender community as well as a review by the select committee. Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD), Saket Gokhale (TMC), CPI (M) MP John Brittas, NCP-SCP’s leader Fauzia Khan, Jaya Bachchan (SP), Shiv Sena-UBT’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, Sanjay Singh and Sandeep Pathak form AAP, IUML’s Abdul Wahab among others strongly opposed the bill.Even Golla Babu Rao from YSR Congress Party and Subhasish Khuntia from BJD joined the chorus with other opposition members and demanded that the bill be sent to a parliamentary committee for stakeholders consultation.The first signs of a backlash from the community emerged soon after the Bill was passed in Rajya Sabha as the two NCTP members resigned. Also the community members who have been agitating through press conferences and outreach campaigns since the Bill was introduced, now plan to hit the streets through demonstrations across states. In her resignation letter addressed to the social justice and empowerment minister, Kalki Subramaniam said, “until February 2026, my experience working alongside the ministry officials was one of mutual respect and a shared vision for an inclusive India. However, the recent introduction and passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2026 has created an untenable position for me.””As a statutory representative, my primary mandate is to advise the govt on legislation affecting our lives. The decision to move this Bill forward without any formal consultation with myself or other community representatives of the NCTP undermines the very purpose for which this Council was established,” she added. Registering her opposition to the Bill passed by Parliament, in her resignation, Rituparna Neog states, “while I understand my responsibility as an NCTP member to represent the voice of my community to the competent authority, however, looking at the current circumstances, I wish not to continue as a member.”On Saturday, four NCTP members Abhina Aher, Vidya Rajput, Raveena Bareeha and Subramaiam, in a meeting hurriedly called by senior officials of the ministry on Saturday, had strongly reiterated that “self-affirmation of transgender identity, as upheld in the NALSA judgment, must remain the foundation of transgender identification”.After the meeting the members had highlighted the absence of the social justice minister Virendra Kumar who they were told would be chairing the meeting. “We were told that the minister was unable to attend due to ill health and a reported family emergency,” Aher said.According to Aher, at the meeting led by joint secretary Yogita Swaroop, Senior Economic Advisor in the ministry, govt officials raised concerns about identifying “genuine” transgender persons and referred to biological markers such as chromosomal combinations (XX/XY). “NCTP members clarified the concept of gender incongruence/dysphoria, mental health aspects, and the impact of stigma, though they felt that a gap in understanding of transgender issues was observed among the officials,” she added.The TG Council members also emphasised at the meeting that the definition of transgender person in the Bill was not inclusive and must explicitly include transgender men and transgender women; use respectful terminology and recognise diverse regional identities like Nupi Manabi and Nupi Manba (Manipur).On the provision in the Bill introducing screening by a medical board, NCTP members initially called for the removal of the provision. “However, considering the govt’s position, members proposed that any assessment should be limited to mental health support, it must not involve invasive physical examinations, and it should uphold dignity and remain aligned with the NALSA judgment,” Aher said. The need for gender-neutral laws to address violence against transgender persons was also raised vociferously.Now with the Bill having been passed in Parliament without paying heed to any of the suggestions made by the NCTP member representatives, the community has announced protests and demonstrations starting from Thursday. End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Not A ‘Broker’ Like Pak: Jaishankar Tells Leaders At All-Party Meet Amid Iran Mediation Buzz’No Locus Standi To Comment’: India Rejects Pakistan’s Remarks On Asiya Andrabi’s Life SentenceIran Dictates Endgame:Demands Closure Of US Bases In Gulf, Lifting Of Sanctions, Control Over HormuzCentre Pushes PNG: LPG Supply May Be Stopped Where Pipelines Are AvailableWomen’s Quota Bill: What Are The Big Challenges Modi Govt Is Likely To FaceIran Denies Permission To Pakistan-Bound Ship Trying To Cross Hormuz As Indian Ships Sail ThroughDelhi Deputy CM Parvesh Verma Calls Arvind Kejriwal Rehman Dakait In Assembly, Sparks Political RowAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With Trump123PhotostoriesInside Bigg Boss OTT 3 fame Armaan Malik’s lavish lifestyle: From an estimated Rs 100 crore net worth to his impressive luxury car collectionBuying lab-grown gold? 5 things you should know before you invest9 traditional dishes to enjoy in Ram Lalla’s Ayodhya Nagri this Ram Navmi9 largest eagles in the world and what makes them uniqueFeeling full too quickly while eating? Gastroenterologists explain the hidden causes, warning signs, and what you can do to improve digestionHeart attack prevention guide: Daily habits, diet changes, and medical checks that can save your life7 healthy office snacks to keep handy during summer months with minimum efforts5 cars known for their multiple driving modes for every terrainK-dramas like ‘Crash Landing on You’ that will give you butterflies: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and moreWatermelon Guide: Smart tips for picking sweet & juicy watermelon and how to check the purity123Hot PicksTrain ticket refund ruleFPV drone attackSonia GandhiGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingStock market today8th Pay CommissionVanessa TrumpArnold Schwarzenegger’s sonUS Army EnlistmentZohran MamdaniNirav RanaWest Bengal ElectionLPG crisis reasonTransgender law

NEW DELHI: On a day Parliament put its stamp of approval on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2026 amid demands from opposition MPs that the bill be referred to a standing committee for wider consultation, two National Council for Transgender Persons members from the community sent their resignation to the social justice minister Virendra Kumar to register their strong protest against the bill and lack of consultation. The bill lays out a more precise definition of “transgender persons” making it clear that it will not include persons with “different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities”.“From NCTP, some of us tried to reach out to you as the voice of the community and we felt that we were not heard,” said Rituparna Neog, a member of the council from the northeast region stated in her letter of resignation addressed to Kumar who is the chairperson of the statutory body. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzThe body is supposed to have around 10 members representing the transgender community.The other member to resign, Kalaki Subramaniam, who is the southern region representative, registered a strong protest over lack of consultation with the community that views the bill as “regressive” and as a “step backward for their fundamental rights to self identification and dignity”. “I cannot continue to hold a seat at a table where our collective voice has been silenced,” she added.Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, which was passed in Lok Sabha on Tuesday was passed by a voice vote in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Congress party’s Renuka Chowdhury opened the discussion putting forth a stirring question – “If no one asks us – men and women to prove our gender before a medical board, then who are we to question the identity of trans people?”At the end of the discussion, minister Virendra Kumar reiterated that the bill aims to provide protection to only those who face severe social discrimination due to their biological condition. He also tried to counter the opposition to the removal of the clause on self – perceived identity and introduction of a medical board by saying that this was aimed at securing the rights of TG persons by removing scope for any ambiguity and enabling benefits reach genuine persons through administrative clarity. BJP members joined the chorus in support.The amendments, which will now become law after the President of India gives her assent, marks a significant departure from the existing law as it omits the clause that allowed “self-perceived gender identity” to be the basis for self-determination and identification for approval for transgender certificate by the district magistrate.A medical board headed by chief medical officer has been introduced, and the district magistrate will going forward issue a certificate of transgender identity, after examining the recommendation of the medical board cited as “authority” to be constituted by the central or state govts.The bill proposes to create specific offences with graded punishments that reflect the gravity of the harm, the irreversibility of the injury, and the particular vulnerability of child victims.DMK’s Tiruchi Siva who had brought a private member bill “The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014” reflected on the struggles of the community to get their rights and demanded consultation from stakeholders, legal experts, civil society, transgender community as well as a review by the select committee. Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD), Saket Gokhale (TMC), CPI (M) MP John Brittas, NCP-SCP’s leader Fauzia Khan, Jaya Bachchan (SP), Shiv Sena-UBT’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, Sanjay Singh and Sandeep Pathak form AAP, IUML’s Abdul Wahab among others strongly opposed the bill.Even Golla Babu Rao from YSR Congress Party and Subhasish Khuntia from BJD joined the chorus with other opposition members and demanded that the bill be sent to a parliamentary committee for stakeholders consultation.The first signs of a backlash from the community emerged soon after the Bill was passed in Rajya Sabha as the two NCTP members resigned. Also the community members who have been agitating through press conferences and outreach campaigns since the Bill was introduced, now plan to hit the streets through demonstrations across states. In her resignation letter addressed to the social justice and empowerment minister, Kalki Subramaniam said, “until February 2026, my experience working alongside the ministry officials was one of mutual respect and a shared vision for an inclusive India. However, the recent introduction and passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2026 has created an untenable position for me.””As a statutory representative, my primary mandate is to advise the govt on legislation affecting our lives. The decision to move this Bill forward without any formal consultation with myself or other community representatives of the NCTP undermines the very purpose for which this Council was established,” she added. Registering her opposition to the Bill passed by Parliament, in her resignation, Rituparna Neog states, “while I understand my responsibility as an NCTP member to represent the voice of my community to the competent authority, however, looking at the current circumstances, I wish not to continue as a member.”On Saturday, four NCTP members Abhina Aher, Vidya Rajput, Raveena Bareeha and Subramaiam, in a meeting hurriedly called by senior officials of the ministry on Saturday, had strongly reiterated that “self-affirmation of transgender identity, as upheld in the NALSA judgment, must remain the foundation of transgender identification”.After the meeting the members had highlighted the absence of the social justice minister Virendra Kumar who they were told would be chairing the meeting. “We were told that the minister was unable to attend due to ill health and a reported family emergency,” Aher said.According to Aher, at the meeting led by joint secretary Yogita Swaroop, Senior Economic Advisor in the ministry, govt officials raised concerns about identifying “genuine” transgender persons and referred to biological markers such as chromosomal combinations (XX/XY). “NCTP members clarified the concept of gender incongruence/dysphoria, mental health aspects, and the impact of stigma, though they felt that a gap in understanding of transgender issues was observed among the officials,” she added.The TG Council members also emphasised at the meeting that the definition of transgender person in the Bill was not inclusive and must explicitly include transgender men and transgender women; use respectful terminology and recognise diverse regional identities like Nupi Manabi and Nupi Manba (Manipur).On the provision in the Bill introducing screening by a medical board, NCTP members initially called for the removal of the provision. “However, considering the govt’s position, members proposed that any assessment should be limited to mental health support, it must not involve invasive physical examinations, and it should uphold dignity and remain aligned with the NALSA judgment,” Aher said. The need for gender-neutral laws to address violence against transgender persons was also raised vociferously.Now with the Bill having been passed in Parliament without paying heed to any of the suggestions made by the NCTP member representatives, the community has announced protests and demonstrations starting from Thursday. End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Not A ‘Broker’ Like Pak: Jaishankar Tells Leaders At All-Party Meet Amid Iran Mediation Buzz’No Locus Standi To Comment’: India Rejects Pakistan’s Remarks On Asiya Andrabi’s Life SentenceIran Dictates Endgame:Demands Closure Of US Bases In Gulf, Lifting Of Sanctions, Control Over HormuzCentre Pushes PNG: LPG Supply May Be Stopped Where Pipelines Are AvailableWomen’s Quota Bill: What Are The Big Challenges Modi Govt Is Likely To FaceIran Denies Permission To Pakistan-Bound Ship Trying To Cross Hormuz As Indian Ships Sail ThroughDelhi Deputy CM Parvesh Verma Calls Arvind Kejriwal Rehman Dakait In Assembly, Sparks Political RowAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With Trump123PhotostoriesInside Bigg Boss OTT 3 fame Armaan Malik’s lavish lifestyle: From an estimated Rs 100 crore net worth to his impressive luxury car collectionBuying lab-grown gold? 5 things you should know before you invest9 traditional dishes to enjoy in Ram Lalla’s Ayodhya Nagri this Ram Navmi9 largest eagles in the world and what makes them uniqueFeeling full too quickly while eating? 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Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

NEW DELHI: On a day Parliament put its stamp of approval on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2026 amid demands from opposition MPs that the bill be referred to a standing committee for wider consultation, two National Council for Transgender Persons members from the community sent their resignation to the social justice minister…

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