June 3, 2026

June 2026

Prabhas starrer ‘Spirit’ takes over Hyderabad’s iconic Vimal Theatre as Sandeep Reddy Vanga shoots high-octane cop sequences

Prabhas starrer ‘Spirit’ takes over Hyderabad’s iconic Vimal Theatre as Sandeep Reddy Vanga shoots high-octane cop sequences

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Expectations for director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s next directorial venture have already breached the stratosphere. Following the historic, multi-crore box office hit of ‘Animal’, the filmmaker has fully immersed himself in his next cinematic universe alongside Rebel Star Prabhas. Titled ‘Spirit’, the high-octane crime-drama is currently progressing through an intense, fast-paced shooting schedule in Telangana. The…

Read More
Jee Advanced Air 1: JEE Advanced AIR 1 credits family’s sacrifices for his success: Inside topper Shubham Kumar’s study strategy

Jee Advanced Air 1: JEE Advanced AIR 1 credits family’s sacrifices for his success: Inside topper Shubham Kumar’s study strategy

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

JEE Advanced AIR 1, Shubham Kumar, credits family’s sacrifices for his success For JEE Advanced AIR 1 Shubham Kumar, success wasn’t something he didn’t expect, for the topper had been preparing for the entrance exam for two years. The 18-year-old, who hails from Bihar’s Gaya scored 330 marks out of 360. While Kumar’s achievement is…

Read More
India-US trade deal: First tranche set to be signed soon as ‘all major points settled,’ says Centre

India-US trade deal: First tranche set to be signed soon as ‘all major points settled,’ says Centre

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

India and the United States are inching closer to signing the first tranche of the proposed bilateral trade agreement, with most of the key details already settled, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. His remarks came as a high-level US delegation arrived in New Delhi for a fresh round of negotiations. Speaking…

Read More
Kenya Protest: ‘This will expose our people to Ebola’: Big protest in Kenya against quarantine centre for affected US citizens

Kenya Protest: ‘This will expose our people to Ebola’: Big protest in Kenya against quarantine centre for affected US citizens

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Hundreds of youths marched to Kenya’s Laikipia Air Base on Monday to protest against plans to establish an Ebola quarantine centre for American citizens exposed to the virus.The demonstration took place in the central town of Nanyuki, two days after Kenya’s High Court suspended the establishment of the facility and halted the arrival of any…

Read More
. NEW DELHI: The Centre has extended the PM SVANidhi scheme till March 2030, expanding a programme that was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide collateral-free loans to street vendors struggling with loss of income and working capital.Launched in June 2020, the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was aimed at bringing urban street vendors into the formal financial system through institutional credit, digital payments and welfare linkages.The scheme was designed taking in account the small vendors selling vegetables, tea, flowers, snacks, shoes, household items and essential services on a daily basis powering the streets. These vendors form the backbone of the urban informal economy, supplying affordable goods and maintaining neighbourhood-level supply chains across cities and towns.For decades, most street vendors operated outside the formal financial system. Access to institutional credit remained limited, forcing many to depend on informal lenders charging high interest rates.What is PM SVANidhi?PM SVANidhi is a microfinance scheme designed for street vendors operating in urban areas. The scheme provides collateral-free working capital loans and seeks to reduce vendors’ dependence on informal borrowing.The scheme also promotes digital payment adoption, institutional banking access, financial literacy, and social protection coverage. The larger objective is to integrate street vendors into the formal financial ecosystem while improving the sustainability of their livelihoods.Who are the beneficiaries?The scheme targets street vendors operating in cities and towns across India. These include:vegetable sellerstea vendorsroadside repair workerssmall market tradersflower sellersother self-employed urban workersUnder the scheme, more than 75 lakh beneficiaries have availed benefits out of which nearly 46 percent beneficiaries are women, and around 70 percent beneficiaries belong to marginalised communities.How the scheme worksPM SVANidhi provides collateral-free working capital loans in phases. The loans are offered with guarantee support and are linked to repayment performance.The scheme provides loans in three stages:Rs 10,000Rs 20,000Rs 50,000Vendors who repay earlier loans on time become eligible for higher loan amounts in later stages. The model is intended to gradually improve vendors’ creditworthiness and financial stability.Nearly 100 per cent of borrowers who completed earlier loans became eligible for additional institutional loans, indicating expansion in formal credit access.Digital payment incentivesOne of the central components of PM SVANidhi is digital financial integration.To encourage vendors to adopt digital payments and financial literacy, the scheme offers cashback incentives for digital transactions. Beneficiaries can receive incentives of up to Rs 1,600 for digital transactions and so far more than 5.5 million beneficiaries have been digitally connected under the scheme carrying out digital transactions worth more than Rs 100 crore.The scheme further includes a UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card facility. Vendors who successfully complete the second-stage loan process become eligible for a RuPay credit card with a limit of up to Rs 30,000.This aspect of the scheme is designed to bring small informal businesses into India’s expanding digital economy.Interest subsidy and financial supportThe scheme provides collateral-free loans, interest subsidy support, and government-backed credit guarantees. Around Rs 800 crore has been disbursed through interest subsidies and cashback incentives to beneficiaries. PM SVANidhi therefore, combines direct credit support with incentives for timely repayment and digital usage.Beyond lending, PM SVANidhi also includes skill and awareness programmes.Vendors receive training in financial literacy, digital literacy, food safety, and hygiene practices.These programmes are conducted in collaboration with agencies including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).The purpose is to improve business practices and strengthen long-term sustainability for small vendors.Another major component of the scheme is the effort to connect vendors with existing welfare programmes like Swabhiman Se Samriddhi (SSS), under which beneficiaries and their families undergo socio-economic assessment to facilitate linkages with multiple central welfare schemes.The aim is to create a broader social safety net for vulnerable urban workers through integration with government support systems. The independent impact evaluations conducted in 2023 and 2025 to highlight the scheme’s outcomes.According to these evaluations nearly 95 percent of beneficiaries accessed formal institutional credit for the first time through PM SVANidhi, beneficiaries experienced an average annual income increase of around 20 percent, and the scheme improved business stability and household welfare.The scheme contributed to:improved housing stabilitybetter access to healthcareimproved nutritionbetter access to educationIt also argues that PM SVANidhi strengthened social inclusion for vulnerable urban communities.Scale of implementationThe scheme has expanded significantly since its launch in 2020. Over 1.12 crore loans have been disbursed, and total disbursement under the scheme has crossed Rs 17,800 crore.Given its expansion and reported impact, the scheme has now been extended till March 2030.A larger shift in urban governanceSmall vendors are increasingly being recognised not as marginalised workers, but as contributors to economic growth and urban resilience.The scheme’s emphasis on:institutional financedigital paymentswelfare integrationcredit expansionAbout 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 MediaVideosKalita Majhi’s Rise: From Domestic Worker to West Bengal Minister in a Remarkable Political JourneyCongress Slams Centre After Commercial LPG Price Hike, Calls PM Modi ‘Inflation Man’Signature Forgery Row: Abhishek Banerjee Not To Appear Before CID TodayYouth Movement Buzz In Tamil Nadu Sparks Speculation Over Annamalai’s Next Political MoveFive New Appointments Take Supreme Court Towards Record 38-Judge StrengthExplained: Why India, Nepal and China Are Clashing Over the Lipulekh Pass — And Why It Matters NowBSF-BGB Meet: Illegal Migration, Fencing And Security Under FocusDelhi Police Bust Alleged ISI-Linked Terror Module Targeting Delhi And MumbaiDK Shivakumar Alleges Bengaluru Was Unfairly Denied IPL Final Hosting Rights After RCB’s Title WinAfter PM Balen Shah’s Controversial Remarks, India Hosts Nepal Opposition Chief123PhotostoriesSwollen Liver often feels like bloating: Here’s how a doctor tells the differenceWorld Milk Day 2026: 8 most popular milk dishes that are a must-have in summerDay-Wise Lucky Colors: What to wear every day for positive energyDid Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart just end their decade-long friendship? Here’s the truth5 stunning Indian parrot species still found in the wildNew OTT releases this week (June 1-5): From Madhuri Dixit’s ‘Maa Behen’, Karisma Kapoor’s ‘Brown’, to Euphoria’ Season 3 finale and more5 Indian festivals that celebrate women, menstruation, and the power of womanhoodGreen apple vs red apple: Which one is better for naturally glowing skin?Desi Bling star Satish Sanpal’s Rs 100 Crore Burj Khalifa mansion: Royal dining, jaw-dropping views and unmatched luxuryWhere to place your dustbin at home to reduce odors, germs, and household clutter123Hot PicksIndian Origin Pilot Helicopter CrashRajat PatidarWest Bengal CabinetHormuz crisisRussia Fuel Export BanDonald TrumpNEET Paper LeakTop TrendingMamata BanerjeeDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsGavin Yates-LyonsNorway ChessSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

. NEW DELHI: The Centre has extended the PM SVANidhi scheme till March 2030, expanding a programme that was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide collateral-free loans to street vendors struggling with loss of income and working capital.Launched in June 2020, the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was aimed at bringing urban street vendors into the formal financial system through institutional credit, digital payments and welfare linkages.The scheme was designed taking in account the small vendors selling vegetables, tea, flowers, snacks, shoes, household items and essential services on a daily basis powering the streets. These vendors form the backbone of the urban informal economy, supplying affordable goods and maintaining neighbourhood-level supply chains across cities and towns.For decades, most street vendors operated outside the formal financial system. Access to institutional credit remained limited, forcing many to depend on informal lenders charging high interest rates.What is PM SVANidhi?PM SVANidhi is a microfinance scheme designed for street vendors operating in urban areas. The scheme provides collateral-free working capital loans and seeks to reduce vendors’ dependence on informal borrowing.The scheme also promotes digital payment adoption, institutional banking access, financial literacy, and social protection coverage. The larger objective is to integrate street vendors into the formal financial ecosystem while improving the sustainability of their livelihoods.Who are the beneficiaries?The scheme targets street vendors operating in cities and towns across India. These include:vegetable sellerstea vendorsroadside repair workerssmall market tradersflower sellersother self-employed urban workersUnder the scheme, more than 75 lakh beneficiaries have availed benefits out of which nearly 46 percent beneficiaries are women, and around 70 percent beneficiaries belong to marginalised communities.How the scheme worksPM SVANidhi provides collateral-free working capital loans in phases. The loans are offered with guarantee support and are linked to repayment performance.The scheme provides loans in three stages:Rs 10,000Rs 20,000Rs 50,000Vendors who repay earlier loans on time become eligible for higher loan amounts in later stages. The model is intended to gradually improve vendors’ creditworthiness and financial stability.Nearly 100 per cent of borrowers who completed earlier loans became eligible for additional institutional loans, indicating expansion in formal credit access.Digital payment incentivesOne of the central components of PM SVANidhi is digital financial integration.To encourage vendors to adopt digital payments and financial literacy, the scheme offers cashback incentives for digital transactions. Beneficiaries can receive incentives of up to Rs 1,600 for digital transactions and so far more than 5.5 million beneficiaries have been digitally connected under the scheme carrying out digital transactions worth more than Rs 100 crore.The scheme further includes a UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card facility. Vendors who successfully complete the second-stage loan process become eligible for a RuPay credit card with a limit of up to Rs 30,000.This aspect of the scheme is designed to bring small informal businesses into India’s expanding digital economy.Interest subsidy and financial supportThe scheme provides collateral-free loans, interest subsidy support, and government-backed credit guarantees. Around Rs 800 crore has been disbursed through interest subsidies and cashback incentives to beneficiaries. PM SVANidhi therefore, combines direct credit support with incentives for timely repayment and digital usage.Beyond lending, PM SVANidhi also includes skill and awareness programmes.Vendors receive training in financial literacy, digital literacy, food safety, and hygiene practices.These programmes are conducted in collaboration with agencies including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).The purpose is to improve business practices and strengthen long-term sustainability for small vendors.Another major component of the scheme is the effort to connect vendors with existing welfare programmes like Swabhiman Se Samriddhi (SSS), under which beneficiaries and their families undergo socio-economic assessment to facilitate linkages with multiple central welfare schemes.The aim is to create a broader social safety net for vulnerable urban workers through integration with government support systems. The independent impact evaluations conducted in 2023 and 2025 to highlight the scheme’s outcomes.According to these evaluations nearly 95 percent of beneficiaries accessed formal institutional credit for the first time through PM SVANidhi, beneficiaries experienced an average annual income increase of around 20 percent, and the scheme improved business stability and household welfare.The scheme contributed to:improved housing stabilitybetter access to healthcareimproved nutritionbetter access to educationIt also argues that PM SVANidhi strengthened social inclusion for vulnerable urban communities.Scale of implementationThe scheme has expanded significantly since its launch in 2020. Over 1.12 crore loans have been disbursed, and total disbursement under the scheme has crossed Rs 17,800 crore.Given its expansion and reported impact, the scheme has now been extended till March 2030.A larger shift in urban governanceSmall vendors are increasingly being recognised not as marginalised workers, but as contributors to economic growth and urban resilience.The scheme’s emphasis on:institutional financedigital paymentswelfare integrationcredit expansionAbout 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 MediaVideosKalita Majhi’s Rise: From Domestic Worker to West Bengal Minister in a Remarkable Political JourneyCongress Slams Centre After Commercial LPG Price Hike, Calls PM Modi ‘Inflation Man’Signature Forgery Row: Abhishek Banerjee Not To Appear Before CID TodayYouth Movement Buzz In Tamil Nadu Sparks Speculation Over Annamalai’s Next Political MoveFive New Appointments Take Supreme Court Towards Record 38-Judge StrengthExplained: Why India, Nepal and China Are Clashing Over the Lipulekh Pass — And Why It Matters NowBSF-BGB Meet: Illegal Migration, Fencing And Security Under FocusDelhi Police Bust Alleged ISI-Linked Terror Module Targeting Delhi And MumbaiDK Shivakumar Alleges Bengaluru Was Unfairly Denied IPL Final Hosting Rights After RCB’s Title WinAfter PM Balen Shah’s Controversial Remarks, India Hosts Nepal Opposition Chief123PhotostoriesSwollen Liver often feels like bloating: Here’s how a doctor tells the differenceWorld Milk Day 2026: 8 most popular milk dishes that are a must-have in summerDay-Wise Lucky Colors: What to wear every day for positive energyDid Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart just end their decade-long friendship? Here’s the truth5 stunning Indian parrot species still found in the wildNew OTT releases this week (June 1-5): From Madhuri Dixit’s ‘Maa Behen’, Karisma Kapoor’s ‘Brown’, to Euphoria’ Season 3 finale and more5 Indian festivals that celebrate women, menstruation, and the power of womanhoodGreen apple vs red apple: Which one is better for naturally glowing skin?Desi Bling star Satish Sanpal’s Rs 100 Crore Burj Khalifa mansion: Royal dining, jaw-dropping views and unmatched luxuryWhere to place your dustbin at home to reduce odors, germs, and household clutter123Hot PicksIndian Origin Pilot Helicopter CrashRajat PatidarWest Bengal CabinetHormuz crisisRussia Fuel Export BanDonald TrumpNEET Paper LeakTop TrendingMamata BanerjeeDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsGavin Yates-LyonsNorway ChessSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Centre has extended the PM SVANidhi scheme till March 2030, expanding a programme that was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide collateral-free loans to street vendors struggling with loss of income and working capital.Launched in June 2020, the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was aimed at bringing…

Read More
I-T relief over flat from dad sans gift deed

I-T relief over flat from dad sans gift deed

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

MUMBAI: The income tax appellate tribunal’s (ITAT) Mumbai bench has held that the absence of a formal gift deed cannot, by itself, justify treating a property purchase as an ‘unexplained investment’ when the source of funds is clearly identifiable. Under I-T laws, if income or an asset is treated as unexplained, it is subjected to…

Read More
MBA-MMS CET 2026 First Attempt Results Declared; Eight Candidates Score 100 Percentile

MBA-MMS CET 2026 First Attempt Results Declared; Eight Candidates Score 100 Percentile

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has declared the results of the first-attempt MBA/MMS CET 2026 conducted for admissions to Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Management Studies (MMS) programmes for the academic year 2026-27.A total of eight candidates secured a perfect 100 percentile score in the examination. Of them,…

Read More
Madhuri Dixit recalls her husband Dr Sriram Nene was shocked to see her stardom, says her life in Denver was liberating where she was just a wife and mom

Madhuri Dixit recalls her husband Dr Sriram Nene was shocked to see her stardom, says her life in Denver was liberating where she was just a wife and mom

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Madhuri Dixit Nene has remained one of Bollywood’s most celebrated stars, making it nearly impossible for her to go unnoticed in public. However, she left the industry at the peak of her stardom and settled in the USA after getting married to Dr Sriram Nene. After many years of marriage and after having two children,…

Read More
Harsh Goenka: ‘Dear Guests From India’; why a Swiss hotel’s notice shared by Harsh Goenka is sparking a bigger conversation about travel etiquette

Harsh Goenka: ‘Dear Guests From India’; why a Swiss hotel’s notice shared by Harsh Goenka is sparking a bigger conversation about travel etiquette

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Ace industrialist Harsh Goenka recently shared a picture of a notice he said he had personally seen at a hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland. If you read the notice displayed at Hotel Arc-en-Ciel in the Swiss resort town of Gstaad, it shares a list of must-follow set of rules specifically meant for their “Dear guests from…

Read More
NEW DELHI: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Monday added fresh fuel to speculation about his political future after he left for Delhi from Chennai and declined to dismiss reports that he could be preparing to launch a new political outfit.When asked about the growing buzz surrounding a possible new party, Annamalai said, “Please wait. We will sit down and talk in two days.”The cryptic remark comes amid intense speculation in Tamil Nadu political circles that the former IPS officer could be considering a new political course following the 2026 assembly elections.The speculation has been amplified by giant posters put up by his supporters across Coimbatore ahead of his birthday. The posters, carrying slogans such as “Our Leader, Come and Lead Us”, have appeared at prominent locations in the city and have been widely interpreted as a show of strength by his supporters.Annamalai, one of the BJP’s most prominent faces in Tamil Nadu in last few years, has remained silent on reports regarding his future, neither confirming nor denying them. His latest comments have only added to the intrigue.A former IPS officer, Annamalai joined the BJP in 2020 and quickly rose through the ranks. He served as the party’s Tamil Nadu president from 2021 to 2025 and became one of its most visible leaders in the state through aggressive statewide campaigns and a strong social media presence.Questions about his next move gained momentum after the 2026 assembly elections. Annamalai was not fielded from the Coimbatore constituency, a seat he had reportedly expressed interest in contesting. His recent criticism of the Centre’s decision to advance the implementation of the three-language policy for Class IX students also triggered discussions about possible differences with sections of the party leadership.BJP leaders, however, have publicly dismissed suggestions of a split, arguing that Annamalai’s statewide prominence was built through the party and maintaining that he remains committed to the BJP.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 MediaVideosKalita Majhi’s Rise: From Domestic Worker to West Bengal Minister in a Remarkable Political JourneyCongress Slams Centre After Commercial LPG Price Hike, Calls PM Modi ‘Inflation Man’Signature Forgery Row: Abhishek Banerjee Not To Appear Before CID TodayYouth Movement Buzz In Tamil Nadu Sparks Speculation Over Annamalai’s Next Political MoveFive New Appointments Take Supreme Court Towards Record 38-Judge StrengthExplained: Why India, Nepal and China Are Clashing Over the Lipulekh Pass — And Why It Matters NowBSF-BGB Meet: Illegal Migration, Fencing And Security Under FocusDelhi Police Bust Alleged ISI-Linked Terror Module Targeting Delhi And MumbaiDK Shivakumar Alleges Bengaluru Was Unfairly Denied IPL Final Hosting Rights After RCB’s Title WinAfter PM Balen Shah’s Controversial Remarks, India Hosts Nepal Opposition Chief123PhotostoriesSwollen Liver often feels like bloating: Here’s how a doctor tells the differenceWorld Milk Day 2026: 8 most popular milk dishes that are a must-have in summerDay-Wise Lucky Colors: What to wear every day for positive energyDid Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart just end their decade-long friendship? Here’s the truth5 stunning Indian parrot species still found in the wildNew OTT releases this week (June 1-5): From Madhuri Dixit’s ‘Maa Behen’, Karisma Kapoor’s ‘Brown’, to Euphoria’ Season 3 finale and more5 Indian festivals that celebrate women, menstruation, and the power of womanhoodGreen apple vs red apple: Which one is better for naturally glowing skin?Desi Bling star Satish Sanpal’s Rs 100 Crore Burj Khalifa mansion: Royal dining, jaw-dropping views and unmatched luxuryWhere to place your dustbin at home to reduce odors, germs, and household clutter123Hot PicksIndian Origin Pilot Helicopter CrashRajat PatidarWest Bengal CabinetHormuz crisisRussia Fuel Export BanDonald TrumpNEET Paper LeakTop TrendingMamata BanerjeeDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsGavin Yates-LyonsNorway ChessSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

NEW DELHI: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Monday added fresh fuel to speculation about his political future after he left for Delhi from Chennai and declined to dismiss reports that he could be preparing to launch a new political outfit.When asked about the growing buzz surrounding a possible new party, Annamalai said, “Please wait. We will sit down and talk in two days.”The cryptic remark comes amid intense speculation in Tamil Nadu political circles that the former IPS officer could be considering a new political course following the 2026 assembly elections.The speculation has been amplified by giant posters put up by his supporters across Coimbatore ahead of his birthday. The posters, carrying slogans such as “Our Leader, Come and Lead Us”, have appeared at prominent locations in the city and have been widely interpreted as a show of strength by his supporters.Annamalai, one of the BJP’s most prominent faces in Tamil Nadu in last few years, has remained silent on reports regarding his future, neither confirming nor denying them. His latest comments have only added to the intrigue.A former IPS officer, Annamalai joined the BJP in 2020 and quickly rose through the ranks. He served as the party’s Tamil Nadu president from 2021 to 2025 and became one of its most visible leaders in the state through aggressive statewide campaigns and a strong social media presence.Questions about his next move gained momentum after the 2026 assembly elections. Annamalai was not fielded from the Coimbatore constituency, a seat he had reportedly expressed interest in contesting. His recent criticism of the Centre’s decision to advance the implementation of the three-language policy for Class IX students also triggered discussions about possible differences with sections of the party leadership.BJP leaders, however, have publicly dismissed suggestions of a split, arguing that Annamalai’s statewide prominence was built through the party and maintaining that he remains committed to the BJP.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 MediaVideosKalita Majhi’s Rise: From Domestic Worker to West Bengal Minister in a Remarkable Political JourneyCongress Slams Centre After Commercial LPG Price Hike, Calls PM Modi ‘Inflation Man’Signature Forgery Row: Abhishek Banerjee Not To Appear Before CID TodayYouth Movement Buzz In Tamil Nadu Sparks Speculation Over Annamalai’s Next Political MoveFive New Appointments Take Supreme Court Towards Record 38-Judge StrengthExplained: Why India, Nepal and China Are Clashing Over the Lipulekh Pass — And Why It Matters NowBSF-BGB Meet: Illegal Migration, Fencing And Security Under FocusDelhi Police Bust Alleged ISI-Linked Terror Module Targeting Delhi And MumbaiDK Shivakumar Alleges Bengaluru Was Unfairly Denied IPL Final Hosting Rights After RCB’s Title WinAfter PM Balen Shah’s Controversial Remarks, India Hosts Nepal Opposition Chief123PhotostoriesSwollen Liver often feels like bloating: Here’s how a doctor tells the differenceWorld Milk Day 2026: 8 most popular milk dishes that are a must-have in summerDay-Wise Lucky Colors: What to wear every day for positive energyDid Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart just end their decade-long friendship? Here’s the truth5 stunning Indian parrot species still found in the wildNew OTT releases this week (June 1-5): From Madhuri Dixit’s ‘Maa Behen’, Karisma Kapoor’s ‘Brown’, to Euphoria’ Season 3 finale and more5 Indian festivals that celebrate women, menstruation, and the power of womanhoodGreen apple vs red apple: Which one is better for naturally glowing skin?Desi Bling star Satish Sanpal’s Rs 100 Crore Burj Khalifa mansion: Royal dining, jaw-dropping views and unmatched luxuryWhere to place your dustbin at home to reduce odors, germs, and household clutter123Hot PicksIndian Origin Pilot Helicopter CrashRajat PatidarWest Bengal CabinetHormuz crisisRussia Fuel Export BanDonald TrumpNEET Paper LeakTop TrendingMamata BanerjeeDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsGavin Yates-LyonsNorway ChessSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Monday added fresh fuel to speculation about his political future after he left for Delhi from Chennai and declined to dismiss reports that he could be preparing to launch a new political outfit.When asked about the growing buzz surrounding a possible new party, Annamalai said,…

Read More
‘It has to be refereed by a man’: French Open heavily fines player for ‘very difficult for a woman’ remark | Cricket News

‘It has to be refereed by a man’: French Open heavily fines player for ‘very difficult for a woman’ remark | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: French Open organisers have fined Paraguayan player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 65,000 euros, about half of his tournament earnings, after he made sexist comments about the umpire following his second-round defeat to French teenager Moise Kouame.After losing a gruelling five-set match that lasted nearly five hours, Vallejo criticised Brazilian umpire Ana Carvalho, saying, “This…

Read More
May saw most digital payments: UPI clocked its biggest month; transactions surpass Rs 29.90 lakh crore

May saw most digital payments: UPI clocked its biggest month; transactions surpass Rs 29.90 lakh crore

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

India’s digital payments network continued its rapid expansion in May, with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions climbing to their highest-ever monthly levels in both value and volume, latest data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) showed.During the month, UPI handled 23.2 billion transactions worth Rs 29.90 lakh crore, surpassing the previous month’s figures…

Read More
DSSSB Advt 03/2026 released for 1,979 Group B and C vacancies, applications begin June 16

DSSSB Advt 03/2026 released for 1,979 Group B and C vacancies, applications begin June 16

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

DSSSB opens applications for 1,979 Group B and C posts from June 16 DSSSB Recruitment 2026: The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) has issued Advertisement No. 03/2026 for recruitment to various Group B and Group C posts across departments of the Government of NCT of Delhi, autonomous bodies and local bodies. The notification announces…

Read More
Rashmika Mandanna’s remuneration for ‘Cocktail 2’ revealed: How ‘Pushpa’ star’s fee has risen from Rs 2 crore to Rs 15 crore

Rashmika Mandanna’s remuneration for ‘Cocktail 2’ revealed: How ‘Pushpa’ star’s fee has risen from Rs 2 crore to Rs 15 crore

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Picture Credit: Instagram National crush Rashmika Mandanna has become one of the most sought after actresses in the Indian film industry. Beginning her career with Kannada films, she went on to feature in multiple language projects and tasted pan-India success with the 2021 film ‘Pushpa’ starring Allu Arjun. Rashmika Mandanna’s highest acting fee Since her…

Read More
India, Australia strengthen defence ties as China asserts dominance in Indo-Pacific

India, Australia strengthen defence ties as China asserts dominance in Indo-Pacific

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

In order to strengthen the crucial strategic partnership with India, Australia’s deputy prime minister and defence minister, Richard Marles, co-chaired the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi. During the meeting, the defence ministers of the two countries discussed the progress of this pivotal relationship since the first such dialogue was held in Australia…

Read More
‘Virat, I know you get a lot of attention’: Kohli called ‘heartbeat’ of RCB dressing room after IPL title

‘Virat, I know you get a lot of attention’: Kohli called ‘heartbeat’ of RCB dressing room after IPL title

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli once again proved why he is one of cricket’s biggest match-winners, scoring an unbeaten 75 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL final in Ahmedabad. Chasing 156, Kohli guided the team home and finished the season with 675 runs. Head coach Andy Flower praised…

Read More
India’s manufacturing PMI rises to 3-month high in May on strong domestic demand

India’s manufacturing PMI rises to 3-month high in May on strong domestic demand

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

India’s manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in three months in May, supported by strong domestic demand, infrastructure-led activity and rising new business orders, even as higher costs linked to the Middle East conflict continued to weigh on manufacturers, a monthly survey showed on Monday.The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)…

Read More