August 24, 2026

July 2026

Fake gem in mouth: Two Indian tourists’ pre-planned heist of 0K diamond in Singapore’s Chinatown caught on camera

Fake gem in mouth: Two Indian tourists’ pre-planned heist of $200K diamond in Singapore’s Chinatown caught on camera

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Two Indians caught stealing a diamond at a store in Singapore. (AI image) Two Indian tourists Mangroliya Manojkumar Kurjibhai, 41, and Serasiya Milan Ramnikbhai, 30, were arrested at Changi Airport when they were clearing immigration. This happened on June 19. What happened before the arrest is no less than a movie. The duo reached Singapore…

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TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee addresses supporters during Martyrs’ Day function in Kolkata. On 20th July night, Mamata Banerjee refused to leave the Martyrs’ Day stage after her faction alleged that it had been vandalised. Less than two weeks earlier, a protest march led by her had been disrupted by clashes with people the TMC identified as BJP workers. A veteran politician that she is, Mamata refused to take another chance and kept a night-long vigil.There was something faintly Shakespearean about the scene, a former ruler separated from the machinery of her kingdom, surrounded by a diminished circle of loyalists and guarding a stage her faction said had been vandalised.By the next afternoon, she was back on stage, speaking largely extempore. There were fewer people to thank, with the guest list missing its usual glamour quotient, and fewer formalities to observe. The poetry was not as eloquent as in the past. Her Hindi was toned down, now that Delhi was no longer calling. The plans she laid out were not grandiose; in fact, they were skeletal, reflecting a fear of further backstabbing. Yet Didi was in her element, refusing to throw in the towel without a fight. Watch Mamata Banerjee Shuts Door On TMC Rebels, Pushes Opposition Unity Against BJPFor TMC workers, Mamata remains the agni-kanya, the leader who can blaze through opposition by sheer force of action. But this July 21 was an acid test. After the May 4 defeat and the desertion of a large part of the party’s rank and file, Mamata had to prove to her detractors, and perhaps to herself, that she could still draw a crowd without the full weight of the well-oiled party machinery or the organisational muscle of many of her former lieutenants.By that limited yardstick, Mamata passed with flying colours.The breakaway faction cut a sorry figure, with a TOI report citing a paltry attendance of 500, far below Mamata’s gathering. The Congress, which held its own Martyrs’ Day observance, surprisingly managed to cobble together a reasonable gathering. This was no longer the old Dharmatala sea. But Mamata still occupied the largest space.Congress commemorating Martyrs Day What happened on July 21?Martyrs’ Day commemorates 12 Youth Congress workers who were killed in police firing during a procession towards Writers’ Buildings on July 21, 1993. A 13th participant remains missing and is commemorated alongside them. The march was led by Mamata Banerjee and, significantly, the demand was for mandatory photo identity cards for voters. A commission report recently tabled in the state assembly described the firing as “worse than the Jallianwala Bagh massacre”.Former registrar of Calcutta University and professor in the Department of South and Southeast Asian Studies at the same university, Dr Raja Gopal Dhar Chakrabarti, speaking to TOI, recalls that fateful day in 1993, when he believes Mamata protested against “Leftist anarchy”. The frenzy in the crowd was maddening, and many who wanted to join the protest could not reach the venue, he reminisces.According to Chakrabarti, who has diligently tracked the day since then, July 21 has, over the years, morphed into something much bigger. Mamata completely appropriated the event even after leaving the Congress and virtually turned it into the TMC’s annual political day. It measured not merely popular support but organisational obedience. This year, ironically, July 21 became a test of who represented the real TMC.The martyrs’ families, too, remained divided, with members of some families attending the Ritabrata Banerjee-led Trinamool event and others choosing Mamata’s programme. But the loyalty of those who mattered politically appeared to rest firmly with the Kalighat camp.Some martyrs family went to Mamata’s event, others attended Ritabrata’s. Speaking to TOI, political analyst and former Vidyasagar University vice-chancellor Dr.Sibaji Pratim Basu says that Mamata was never short of charisma, right from her early days. This year’s Martyrs’ Day merely reiterated that she still retains the ability to be a natural crowd-puller. Chakrabarti believes that, compared with Mamata’s heyday, this year’s July 21 was a much more tepid affair, but she undoubtedly managed to establish that support remains with her.In the assembly election, the TMC won 80 seats, polling 40.8% of the votes and falling 32.1 lakh votes short of the BJP’s overall tally of 2.92 crore. Thus, while the party received a royal thrashing, fuelled largely by anti-incumbency, its core vote bank remains robust.A lot of water has flowed down the Hooghly since May. The TMC has effectively broken into three parts, with the NCPI parliamentary bloc and the Ritabrata faction splintering from the original party. The NCPI bloc, fronted by Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, has abandoned even the fig leaf of anti-BJP mobilisation that the MLAs led by Ritabrata continue to maintain in Kolkata. A large number of legislators have left Mamata’s camp, with her trusted aide Madan Mitra among the latest defectors. The precise strength of the competing factions remains contested, but the Mamata-led TMC is undoubtedly a much smaller political entity than it was immediately after the election.NCPI bloc at RajghatWith future municipal and panchayat contests looming, its organisational presence could be squeezed further if Bengal’s earlier political pattern repeats itself. In that context, July 21 acquired additional importance. It was virtually a referendum in the people’s court.Reaching for the old playbookDuring her fiery speech, Mamata also doubled down on Abhishek Banerjee’s position in the party hierarchy. At the same time, she reached for tricks from her old playbook that made old-timers fondly turn back the clock by two decades.In 2004 and 2006, the TMC suffered two devastating electoral jolts. The backfiring of the “India Shining” campaign in 2004 meant that NDA ally TMC was reduced to a solitary Lok Sabha seat. In the 2006 assembly election, the party was obliterated, slumping to only 30 seats. Many had written Mamata’s political obituary. However, she rose like a phoenix, aided by some luck, the CPI(M)’s complacent governance and mounting anti-incumbency. But nothing came to her on a platter.What happened on July 21Political observers who closely followed the TMC’s rise during that period recall how Mamata, alongside Mukul Roy, took the long and arduous route of rebuilding the organisation through small meetings in the districts. She rode pillion on a motorcycle to reach places where ordinary people had been affected. Both the Singur and Nandigram movements could have fizzled out if not for her sustained campaigns. The focus on returning to the grassroots, pun intended, was reiterated by the former chief minister this time as well.According to Basu, Mamata managed to break the perception that the CPI(M) was the party of the poor and went on to become the toast of the subalterns. But this time, the competition is more formidable. However, Basu believes that the BJP’s honeymoon period has been incredibly short, although nothing will change on the ground before the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.Chakrabarti, too, echoes similar sentiments about the mood already souring against the BJP, especially over the mass deletions from the Annapurna scheme, and believes Mamata can become a strong challenger again.Taking the long routeThat is where the real test begins. With Bengal’s history of giving incumbents a long rope, her work is cut out for her. Rebuilding the organisation across 294 constituencies is a physically taxing proposition, believes Chakrabarti.Most importantly, who will play the role of Mukul Roy, silently building the organisation and ironing out the rough edges? Roy had largely controlled the organisation during Mamata’s first term and was once described by party insiders as the leader who could run it almost single-handedly. Abhishek Banerjee’s often flashy style of politics is not for the faint-hearted. It is more T20, whereas the need is perhaps for a good old-fashioned Test-match grind.Across Bengal, the TMC lost ground amid concerns over corruption, shoddy governance and the conduct of local leaders. According to Mamata, the corrupt have now left and there is nothing to worry about. That may energise those who stayed. It is not, by itself, an adequate diagnosis of defeat. But Basu believes Mamata still largely retains, among her supporters, the image of being untouched by the stench of corruption, which works in her favour. According to Chakrabarti, Mamata can regain traction but has to be careful about using Abhishek Banerjee. The noted political commentator is of the opinion that leaders may be sceptical about rejoining the TMC if Abhishek continues to be such a vital cog in the wheel.Mamata has, for now, firmly shut the door on those who deserted the party. She also unequivocally backed Abhishek, even asking workers to contact the MP if the need arose. Madan Mitra, speaking from the opposition camp, gave Mamata one month to “leave Abhishek’s hand” if she wanted the leaders back. Mamata, though, appears to be in no mood for reconciliation. She also issued a warning to Suvendu Adhikari, suggesting that she could reveal what he had done during his years as a TMC minister.A new alliance arithmetic?Another interesting facet of Mamata’s speech was her courting of INDIA bloc partners. This was in sharp contrast to her pre-election attitude, when the then chief minister, harbouring larger ambitions, was in no mood to give any ground to either the Congress or the Left. Circumstances have changed, and so has Mamata’s outreach. But will the Congress and the Left play ball? For the Left, the distance may be too great for it to hobnob with the party that displaced it and subsequently occupied much of its political space. For the Congress, however, the TMC remains a more natural ally.Mamata’s prominent photographs at the Congress’s Shahid Minar observance amounted to more than a subtle overture. The Congress used images of her role in the 1993 movement even while accusing the TMC of later turning Martyrs’ Day into a political instrument. It is no secret that the Congress high command has often been warmer towards Mamata than its state leadership. But with Mamata cut to size, the Congress could now seek a far more equitable arrangement in any future alliance. According to Chakrabarti, Muslims are unlikely to ever move towards the BJP. The educated among them may veer towards Naushad Siddiqui of the ISF, but the rest would choose between the TMC and the Congress. Thus, a future tie-up is very much within the realm of possibility.The rebels’ narrowing roadFor the breakaway faction, July 21 was a brutal reality check. Whatever the reasons behind its desertion of the mothership, it is undeniable that most of its leaders originally won because of Mamata’s support. Their options are narrowing. Returning would require Mamata to reopen a door she has publicly bolted. Contesting independently would require them to build a political identity that does not yet exist. Moving closer to the BJP would expose the hollowness of their continuing anti-BJP position. According to Basu, very few would be trusted even by the BJP because of what he describes as their political deceit.Chakrabarti is even more blunt in his assessment, saying that Ritabrata and the members of his rebel team have no future. The political scientist remains flummoxed about what exactly may have forced the likes of Firhad Hakim to cross over. What will keep Mamata worried is that even on July 21, there was a reported public bust-up with Kalyan Banerjee, who left the stage after a brief exchange. The TMC MP denied that there had been an altercation, but the episode nevertheless fed perceptions of continuing tension within the Kalighat camp.Kalyan Banerjee addressing the crowdIt may have been a small disagreement over speaking time. But the message it sent out may be much graver.Beyond the street showMost of those in the crowd appeared to have come on their own, driven by their love for Didi. Leaders such as Madan Mitra and Anubrata Mondal, who had once helped oversee the party’s district mobilisation, are now in the rival camp. But elections require ample funds and organisational heft, not merely the fervent zeal of the dedicated. That is where the TMC will encounter its next big challenge.At the meeting, there was repeated emphasis on Mamata having groomed generations of leaders and on her faith in the youth. But the ledger of the past must be reconciled before the future is planned. Beyond the usual rhetoric of the BJP stealing the election, the TMC needs honest introspection about why it was ousted from power. If the leadership knew about corruption, why did it not act? What will it do differently if the public gives it another chance?According to Raja Gopal Dhar Chakrabarti, the difference between 2006 and 2026 is that, at the time, she was the challenger and people thought highly of her potential, irrespective of the electoral outcome. Now, after three terms in power, the novelty factor has worn off, and few may be willing to give her a second chance very soon.The physical demands of the intense running around needed to rebuild the party may also be extremely taxing for Mamata, Chakrabarti believes. Sibaji Pratim Basu disagrees and cites present Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Morarji Desai as examples of leaders who managed to dominate Indian politics at a more advanced age. July 21 showed that Mamata Banerjee can still own the street. It demonstrated that she is still up for a good political fight. For one afternoon, that was enough. Political resurrection, however, will be a long, tedious path. At 71, Mamata Banerjee will have to run the marathon again. Does she have the stamina for the long haul?Time will tell.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorArghya Prasun RoychowdhuryInterested in politics, policy, data and cricket.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPriyanka Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over Student Protests, Says ‘Students Are Not Terrorists’Houses of Two ‘Pak Sponsored’ Militants Demolished Overnight After Deadly Attack In AnantnagWhy The Indian Army Says The Siliguri Corridor Is No Longer A “Chicken’s Neck”?Tehseen Poonawalla Alleges “Gadkari’s Son Got Richer” Over E20 Fuel Policy37,000 Lives Lost On Known Highway Death Traps In 3 Years: Who Is Responsible?PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts For Paper Leak CasesDelhi Police vs CJP: Dipke Denies Role In ACP Attack, Alleges ‘Outsiders’ Behind ViolenceIndia At UN: J&K Is Integral Part Of India, Pakistan Using Terrorism As State Policy, Says EnvoyJ&K Police Launch Massive Crackdown, Detain Over 2,000 Suspected OGWs After Anantnag Terror AttackBiryani, Langar, Medicines: How India Rallied Behind CJP Protesters At Jantar Mantar123Photostories5 most dangerous birds of prey that rule the skies with deadly precision5 Indian fabrics that were once more valuable than goldWhy does bread smell so irresistible when it’s baking?Think your home is clean? These 7 overlooked spots probably need more attentionArchaeologists believe they have found the world’s oldest clove in an ancient Sri Lankan portThe forgotten Indian textile Princess Diana secretly loved deserves a fashion revivalChoose the best wallet color for Men according to your birth dateDating green flags that matter more than money and looks: 7 signs that reveal someone is emotionally mature, trustworthy and genuinely ready for a healthy, lasting relationship5 Vishnu Mantras That Can Transform Your Life10 ancient cities that vanished without warning: From Pompeii to Mohenjo-daro123Hot PicksMHT CET merit listDelhi metroCJP ProtestNTA NET Answer KeyDU UG admissionsJPSC recruitmentNEET paper controversyAAI recruitment 2026Caitline ClarkTop TrendingOba FemiCJP ProtestersCJPCJP ProtestHyderabad RapeSamras Vidya Setu campaignSupreme CourtZlatan ibrahimovicHarbhajan singhIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19

TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee addresses supporters during Martyrs’ Day function in Kolkata. On 20th July night, Mamata Banerjee refused to leave the Martyrs’ Day stage after her faction alleged that it had been vandalised. Less than two weeks earlier, a protest march led by her had been disrupted by clashes with people the TMC identified as BJP workers. A veteran politician that she is, Mamata refused to take another chance and kept a night-long vigil.There was something faintly Shakespearean about the scene, a former ruler separated from the machinery of her kingdom, surrounded by a diminished circle of loyalists and guarding a stage her faction said had been vandalised.By the next afternoon, she was back on stage, speaking largely extempore. There were fewer people to thank, with the guest list missing its usual glamour quotient, and fewer formalities to observe. The poetry was not as eloquent as in the past. Her Hindi was toned down, now that Delhi was no longer calling. The plans she laid out were not grandiose; in fact, they were skeletal, reflecting a fear of further backstabbing. Yet Didi was in her element, refusing to throw in the towel without a fight. Watch Mamata Banerjee Shuts Door On TMC Rebels, Pushes Opposition Unity Against BJPFor TMC workers, Mamata remains the agni-kanya, the leader who can blaze through opposition by sheer force of action. But this July 21 was an acid test. After the May 4 defeat and the desertion of a large part of the party’s rank and file, Mamata had to prove to her detractors, and perhaps to herself, that she could still draw a crowd without the full weight of the well-oiled party machinery or the organisational muscle of many of her former lieutenants.By that limited yardstick, Mamata passed with flying colours.The breakaway faction cut a sorry figure, with a TOI report citing a paltry attendance of 500, far below Mamata’s gathering. The Congress, which held its own Martyrs’ Day observance, surprisingly managed to cobble together a reasonable gathering. This was no longer the old Dharmatala sea. But Mamata still occupied the largest space.Congress commemorating Martyrs Day What happened on July 21?Martyrs’ Day commemorates 12 Youth Congress workers who were killed in police firing during a procession towards Writers’ Buildings on July 21, 1993. A 13th participant remains missing and is commemorated alongside them. The march was led by Mamata Banerjee and, significantly, the demand was for mandatory photo identity cards for voters. A commission report recently tabled in the state assembly described the firing as “worse than the Jallianwala Bagh massacre”.Former registrar of Calcutta University and professor in the Department of South and Southeast Asian Studies at the same university, Dr Raja Gopal Dhar Chakrabarti, speaking to TOI, recalls that fateful day in 1993, when he believes Mamata protested against “Leftist anarchy”. The frenzy in the crowd was maddening, and many who wanted to join the protest could not reach the venue, he reminisces.According to Chakrabarti, who has diligently tracked the day since then, July 21 has, over the years, morphed into something much bigger. Mamata completely appropriated the event even after leaving the Congress and virtually turned it into the TMC’s annual political day. It measured not merely popular support but organisational obedience. This year, ironically, July 21 became a test of who represented the real TMC.The martyrs’ families, too, remained divided, with members of some families attending the Ritabrata Banerjee-led Trinamool event and others choosing Mamata’s programme. But the loyalty of those who mattered politically appeared to rest firmly with the Kalighat camp.Some martyrs family went to Mamata’s event, others attended Ritabrata’s. Speaking to TOI, political analyst and former Vidyasagar University vice-chancellor Dr.Sibaji Pratim Basu says that Mamata was never short of charisma, right from her early days. This year’s Martyrs’ Day merely reiterated that she still retains the ability to be a natural crowd-puller. Chakrabarti believes that, compared with Mamata’s heyday, this year’s July 21 was a much more tepid affair, but she undoubtedly managed to establish that support remains with her.In the assembly election, the TMC won 80 seats, polling 40.8% of the votes and falling 32.1 lakh votes short of the BJP’s overall tally of 2.92 crore. Thus, while the party received a royal thrashing, fuelled largely by anti-incumbency, its core vote bank remains robust.A lot of water has flowed down the Hooghly since May. The TMC has effectively broken into three parts, with the NCPI parliamentary bloc and the Ritabrata faction splintering from the original party. The NCPI bloc, fronted by Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, has abandoned even the fig leaf of anti-BJP mobilisation that the MLAs led by Ritabrata continue to maintain in Kolkata. A large number of legislators have left Mamata’s camp, with her trusted aide Madan Mitra among the latest defectors. The precise strength of the competing factions remains contested, but the Mamata-led TMC is undoubtedly a much smaller political entity than it was immediately after the election.NCPI bloc at RajghatWith future municipal and panchayat contests looming, its organisational presence could be squeezed further if Bengal’s earlier political pattern repeats itself. In that context, July 21 acquired additional importance. It was virtually a referendum in the people’s court.Reaching for the old playbookDuring her fiery speech, Mamata also doubled down on Abhishek Banerjee’s position in the party hierarchy. At the same time, she reached for tricks from her old playbook that made old-timers fondly turn back the clock by two decades.In 2004 and 2006, the TMC suffered two devastating electoral jolts. The backfiring of the “India Shining” campaign in 2004 meant that NDA ally TMC was reduced to a solitary Lok Sabha seat. In the 2006 assembly election, the party was obliterated, slumping to only 30 seats. Many had written Mamata’s political obituary. However, she rose like a phoenix, aided by some luck, the CPI(M)’s complacent governance and mounting anti-incumbency. But nothing came to her on a platter.What happened on July 21Political observers who closely followed the TMC’s rise during that period recall how Mamata, alongside Mukul Roy, took the long and arduous route of rebuilding the organisation through small meetings in the districts. She rode pillion on a motorcycle to reach places where ordinary people had been affected. Both the Singur and Nandigram movements could have fizzled out if not for her sustained campaigns. The focus on returning to the grassroots, pun intended, was reiterated by the former chief minister this time as well.According to Basu, Mamata managed to break the perception that the CPI(M) was the party of the poor and went on to become the toast of the subalterns. But this time, the competition is more formidable. However, Basu believes that the BJP’s honeymoon period has been incredibly short, although nothing will change on the ground before the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.Chakrabarti, too, echoes similar sentiments about the mood already souring against the BJP, especially over the mass deletions from the Annapurna scheme, and believes Mamata can become a strong challenger again.Taking the long routeThat is where the real test begins. With Bengal’s history of giving incumbents a long rope, her work is cut out for her. Rebuilding the organisation across 294 constituencies is a physically taxing proposition, believes Chakrabarti.Most importantly, who will play the role of Mukul Roy, silently building the organisation and ironing out the rough edges? Roy had largely controlled the organisation during Mamata’s first term and was once described by party insiders as the leader who could run it almost single-handedly. Abhishek Banerjee’s often flashy style of politics is not for the faint-hearted. It is more T20, whereas the need is perhaps for a good old-fashioned Test-match grind.Across Bengal, the TMC lost ground amid concerns over corruption, shoddy governance and the conduct of local leaders. According to Mamata, the corrupt have now left and there is nothing to worry about. That may energise those who stayed. It is not, by itself, an adequate diagnosis of defeat. But Basu believes Mamata still largely retains, among her supporters, the image of being untouched by the stench of corruption, which works in her favour. According to Chakrabarti, Mamata can regain traction but has to be careful about using Abhishek Banerjee. The noted political commentator is of the opinion that leaders may be sceptical about rejoining the TMC if Abhishek continues to be such a vital cog in the wheel.Mamata has, for now, firmly shut the door on those who deserted the party. She also unequivocally backed Abhishek, even asking workers to contact the MP if the need arose. Madan Mitra, speaking from the opposition camp, gave Mamata one month to “leave Abhishek’s hand” if she wanted the leaders back. Mamata, though, appears to be in no mood for reconciliation. She also issued a warning to Suvendu Adhikari, suggesting that she could reveal what he had done during his years as a TMC minister.A new alliance arithmetic?Another interesting facet of Mamata’s speech was her courting of INDIA bloc partners. This was in sharp contrast to her pre-election attitude, when the then chief minister, harbouring larger ambitions, was in no mood to give any ground to either the Congress or the Left. Circumstances have changed, and so has Mamata’s outreach. But will the Congress and the Left play ball? For the Left, the distance may be too great for it to hobnob with the party that displaced it and subsequently occupied much of its political space. For the Congress, however, the TMC remains a more natural ally.Mamata’s prominent photographs at the Congress’s Shahid Minar observance amounted to more than a subtle overture. The Congress used images of her role in the 1993 movement even while accusing the TMC of later turning Martyrs’ Day into a political instrument. It is no secret that the Congress high command has often been warmer towards Mamata than its state leadership. But with Mamata cut to size, the Congress could now seek a far more equitable arrangement in any future alliance. According to Chakrabarti, Muslims are unlikely to ever move towards the BJP. The educated among them may veer towards Naushad Siddiqui of the ISF, but the rest would choose between the TMC and the Congress. Thus, a future tie-up is very much within the realm of possibility.The rebels’ narrowing roadFor the breakaway faction, July 21 was a brutal reality check. Whatever the reasons behind its desertion of the mothership, it is undeniable that most of its leaders originally won because of Mamata’s support. Their options are narrowing. Returning would require Mamata to reopen a door she has publicly bolted. Contesting independently would require them to build a political identity that does not yet exist. Moving closer to the BJP would expose the hollowness of their continuing anti-BJP position. According to Basu, very few would be trusted even by the BJP because of what he describes as their political deceit.Chakrabarti is even more blunt in his assessment, saying that Ritabrata and the members of his rebel team have no future. The political scientist remains flummoxed about what exactly may have forced the likes of Firhad Hakim to cross over. What will keep Mamata worried is that even on July 21, there was a reported public bust-up with Kalyan Banerjee, who left the stage after a brief exchange. The TMC MP denied that there had been an altercation, but the episode nevertheless fed perceptions of continuing tension within the Kalighat camp.Kalyan Banerjee addressing the crowdIt may have been a small disagreement over speaking time. But the message it sent out may be much graver.Beyond the street showMost of those in the crowd appeared to have come on their own, driven by their love for Didi. Leaders such as Madan Mitra and Anubrata Mondal, who had once helped oversee the party’s district mobilisation, are now in the rival camp. But elections require ample funds and organisational heft, not merely the fervent zeal of the dedicated. That is where the TMC will encounter its next big challenge.At the meeting, there was repeated emphasis on Mamata having groomed generations of leaders and on her faith in the youth. But the ledger of the past must be reconciled before the future is planned. Beyond the usual rhetoric of the BJP stealing the election, the TMC needs honest introspection about why it was ousted from power. If the leadership knew about corruption, why did it not act? What will it do differently if the public gives it another chance?According to Raja Gopal Dhar Chakrabarti, the difference between 2006 and 2026 is that, at the time, she was the challenger and people thought highly of her potential, irrespective of the electoral outcome. Now, after three terms in power, the novelty factor has worn off, and few may be willing to give her a second chance very soon.The physical demands of the intense running around needed to rebuild the party may also be extremely taxing for Mamata, Chakrabarti believes. Sibaji Pratim Basu disagrees and cites present Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Morarji Desai as examples of leaders who managed to dominate Indian politics at a more advanced age. July 21 showed that Mamata Banerjee can still own the street. It demonstrated that she is still up for a good political fight. For one afternoon, that was enough. Political resurrection, however, will be a long, tedious path. At 71, Mamata Banerjee will have to run the marathon again. Does she have the stamina for the long haul?Time will tell.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorArghya Prasun RoychowdhuryInterested in politics, policy, data and cricket.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPriyanka Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over Student Protests, Says ‘Students Are Not Terrorists’Houses of Two ‘Pak Sponsored’ Militants Demolished Overnight After Deadly Attack In AnantnagWhy The Indian Army Says The Siliguri Corridor Is No Longer A “Chicken’s Neck”?Tehseen Poonawalla Alleges “Gadkari’s Son Got Richer” Over E20 Fuel Policy37,000 Lives Lost On Known Highway Death Traps In 3 Years: Who Is Responsible?PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts For Paper Leak CasesDelhi Police vs CJP: Dipke Denies Role In ACP Attack, Alleges ‘Outsiders’ Behind ViolenceIndia At UN: J&K Is Integral Part Of India, Pakistan Using Terrorism As State Policy, Says EnvoyJ&K Police Launch Massive Crackdown, Detain Over 2,000 Suspected OGWs After Anantnag Terror AttackBiryani, Langar, Medicines: How India Rallied Behind CJP Protesters At Jantar Mantar123Photostories5 most dangerous birds of prey that rule the skies with deadly precision5 Indian fabrics that were once more valuable than goldWhy does bread smell so irresistible when it’s baking?Think your home is clean? These 7 overlooked spots probably need more attentionArchaeologists believe they have found the world’s oldest clove in an ancient Sri Lankan portThe forgotten Indian textile Princess Diana secretly loved deserves a fashion revivalChoose the best wallet color for Men according to your birth dateDating green flags that matter more than money and looks: 7 signs that reveal someone is emotionally mature, trustworthy and genuinely ready for a healthy, lasting relationship5 Vishnu Mantras That Can Transform Your Life10 ancient cities that vanished without warning: From Pompeii to Mohenjo-daro123Hot PicksMHT CET merit listDelhi metroCJP ProtestNTA NET Answer KeyDU UG admissionsJPSC recruitmentNEET paper controversyAAI recruitment 2026Caitline ClarkTop TrendingOba FemiCJP ProtestersCJPCJP ProtestHyderabad RapeSamras Vidya Setu campaignSupreme CourtZlatan ibrahimovicHarbhajan singhIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19

Vamsikrishna012 mins mins

TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee addresses supporters during Martyrs’ Day function in Kolkata. On 20th July night, Mamata Banerjee refused to leave the Martyrs’ Day stage after her faction alleged that it had been vandalised. Less than two weeks earlier, a protest march led by her had been disrupted by clashes with people the TMC identified…

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Union Bank of India recruitment 2026: Registration begins for 395 managerial posts at unionbankofindia.bank.in; check details

Union Bank of India recruitment 2026: Registration begins for 395 managerial posts at unionbankofindia.bank.in; check details

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Union Bank of India recruitment 2026 The Union Bank of India has started the online registration process for the recruitment of 395 managerial posts across different departments. Eligible candidates can apply through the bank’s official website, unionbankofindia.bank.in.The application process has already begun, and the last date to submit the online application is August 10, 2026….

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Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti’s restored 150-year-old Portuguese villa Casa Zen in Goa with solar panels and mango garden is now up for rent at Rs 75,000 a night |

Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti’s restored 150-year-old Portuguese villa Casa Zen in Goa with solar panels and mango garden is now up for rent at Rs 75,000 a night |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti’s Goa villa (Image Credits Instagram) Arshad Warsi and wife Maria Goretti have restored a 150-year-old Portuguese-style bungalow in Saligao, North Goa, transforming it into Casa Zen which is a five-bedroom heritage property with vibrant interiors, a swimming pool, solar panels and lush gardens. The home is now available for tourists…

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Florida: Florida scientists used female Burmese pythons as live lures to find invasive males in the Everglades, but 3 million camera-trap photos produced only four python detections

Florida: Florida scientists used female Burmese pythons as live lures to find invasive males in the Everglades, but 3 million camera-trap photos produced only four python detections

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Conservancy biologists with a 16ft, 135lb female Burmese python found while radio-tracking a male scout snake in southwest Florida in February 2025. Florida scientists used female Burmese pythons as live lures to find invasive males in the Everglades, but 3 million camera-trap photos produced only four python detections.A study published in the journal Southeastern Naturalist…

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Offline maps, LoRa devices and tear gas hacks: Jantar Mantar protest survival tips trend online | India News

Offline maps, LoRa devices and tear gas hacks: Jantar Mantar protest survival tips trend online | India News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: As protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party continued at Jantar Mantar amid repeated clashes with police, social media has been flooded with “survival guides” offering tips on coping with internet shutdowns, tear gas exposure and police action.From downloading offline maps and using Bluetooth-based messaging apps to carrying antacid solutions for tear gas…

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Priyanka Chopra’s cousin Meerra Chopraa slams CJP supporter for using abusive language for PM Narendra Modi: ‘Is this the youth of today ya NEET ke student?’

Priyanka Chopra’s cousin Meerra Chopraa slams CJP supporter for using abusive language for PM Narendra Modi: ‘Is this the youth of today ya NEET ke student?’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Amid the ongoing protests against the NEET paper leak, while several celebrities have come out in the favour of CJP, now actor Meerra Chopraa, who is Priyanka Chopra’s cousin has voiced her displeasure after a CJP protester was allegedly heard using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a demonstration. On Thursday, Priyanka Chopra’s…

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‘I earn ₹4 lakh a month in India, but I still want to leave’: 26-year-old remote worker reveals why he’s moving to Australia |

‘I earn ₹4 lakh a month in India, but I still want to leave’: 26-year-old remote worker reveals why he’s moving to Australia |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

26-year-old remote worker earning ₹4 lakh a month in India reveals why he wants to leave for Australia despite his high salary. A good salary is often considered the biggest sign of career success. But for many young professionals today, the bigger question is no longer how much they earn. It is where they want…

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These 95-million-year-old flowers bloomed before bees existed and still attract beetles

These 95-million-year-old flowers bloomed before bees existed and still attract beetles

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Image(s): Smithsonian Gardens Magnolia trees are admired around the world for their large, fragrant flowers, but they also preserve one of the oldest evolutionary stories in the plant kingdom. Long before bees, butterflies or many modern flowering plants appeared, magnolias were already blooming across prehistoric landscapes. Fossil evidence suggests the ancestors of modern magnolias evolved…

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Russia revives 28,000-tonne Cold War nuclear giant with hypersonic missiles, returns to Arctic port

Russia revives 28,000-tonne Cold War nuclear giant with hypersonic missiles, returns to Arctic port

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Russia revives 28,000-tonne Cold War nuclear giant with hypersonic missiles, returns to Arctic port Russia’s nuclear-powered battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov has returned to its home port after completing another round of sea trials, moving a step closer to rejoining the Russian Navy following years of extensive modernisation.The warship returned to Severomorsk, the headquarters of Russia’s Northern…

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US President Donald Trump on Thursday said the proposed US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement would only be approved if Saudi Arabia normalises diplomatic relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords, adding that the deal would not permit uranium enrichment or any military nuclear programme.Trump’s remarks come a day after the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear cooperation framework, known as a 123 Agreement, that will now require approval from the US Congress.In a post on social media, Trump said, “The Civil Nuclear Deal (There will be no enrichment of material!) being made between the United States Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia, which pertains only to non-military use such as the ones that Iran and UAE (and others) already have, will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords. The United States is not opposed to Civil (Non-Enriched) Nuclear Facilities.”Trump’s statement marks a shift from the framework announced on Wednesday, under which the two countries agreed to cooperate on Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme. The agreement, signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, lays the groundwork for nuclear cooperation while requiring congressional review before it can take effect.The Trump administration has said the agreement adheres to the highest standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also defended the deal, saying the United States would not enter into any arrangement that increased the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation.The agreement has nevertheless drawn scrutiny from some US lawmakers, who have raised concerns that allowing Saudi Arabia to pursue uranium enrichment for civilian purposes could eventually create pathways for nuclear weapons development.Trump’s latest remarks also appear to narrow the scope of the proposed agreement by insisting there would be “no enrichment of material” and linking final approval to Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel through the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered normalisation agreements signed by Israel with several Arab states during Trump’s first term.The announcement comes as the United States and Israel continue military operations against Iran, with Washington maintaining that Tehran’s uranium enrichment programme could enable it to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies, insisting its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPriyanka Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over Student Protests, Says ‘Students Are Not Terrorists’Houses of Two ‘Pak Sponsored’ Militants Demolished Overnight After Deadly Attack In AnantnagWhy The Indian Army Says The Siliguri Corridor Is No Longer A “Chicken’s Neck”?Tehseen Poonawalla Alleges “Gadkari’s Son Got Richer” Over E20 Fuel Policy37,000 Lives Lost On Known Highway Death Traps In 3 Years: Who Is Responsible?PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts For Paper Leak CasesDelhi Police vs CJP: Dipke Denies Role In ACP Attack, Alleges ‘Outsiders’ Behind ViolenceIndia At UN: J&K Is Integral Part Of India, Pakistan Using Terrorism As State Policy, Says EnvoyJ&K Police Launch Massive Crackdown, Detain Over 2,000 Suspected OGWs After Anantnag Terror AttackBiryani, Langar, Medicines: How India Rallied Behind CJP Protesters At Jantar Mantar123Photostories5 most dangerous birds of prey that rule the skies with deadly precision5 Indian fabrics that were once more valuable than goldWhy does bread smell so irresistible when it’s baking?Think your home is clean? These 7 overlooked spots probably need more attentionArchaeologists believe they have found the world’s oldest clove in an ancient Sri Lankan portThe forgotten Indian textile Princess Diana secretly loved deserves a fashion revivalChoose the best wallet color for Men according to your birth dateDating green flags that matter more than money and looks: 7 signs that reveal someone is emotionally mature, trustworthy and genuinely ready for a healthy, lasting relationship5 Vishnu Mantras That Can Transform Your Life10 ancient cities that vanished without warning: From Pompeii to Mohenjo-daro123Hot PicksMHT CET merit listDelhi metroCJP ProtestNTA NET Answer KeyDU UG admissionsJPSC recruitmentNEET paper controversyAAI recruitment 2026Caitline ClarkTop TrendingOba FemiCJP ProtestersCJPCJP ProtestHyderabad RapeSamras Vidya Setu campaignSupreme CourtZlatan ibrahimovicHarbhajan singhIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said the proposed US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement would only be approved if Saudi Arabia normalises diplomatic relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords, adding that the deal would not permit uranium enrichment or any military nuclear programme.Trump’s remarks come a day after the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear cooperation framework, known as a 123 Agreement, that will now require approval from the US Congress.In a post on social media, Trump said, “The Civil Nuclear Deal (There will be no enrichment of material!) being made between the United States Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia, which pertains only to non-military use such as the ones that Iran and UAE (and others) already have, will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords. The United States is not opposed to Civil (Non-Enriched) Nuclear Facilities.”Trump’s statement marks a shift from the framework announced on Wednesday, under which the two countries agreed to cooperate on Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme. The agreement, signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, lays the groundwork for nuclear cooperation while requiring congressional review before it can take effect.The Trump administration has said the agreement adheres to the highest standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also defended the deal, saying the United States would not enter into any arrangement that increased the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation.The agreement has nevertheless drawn scrutiny from some US lawmakers, who have raised concerns that allowing Saudi Arabia to pursue uranium enrichment for civilian purposes could eventually create pathways for nuclear weapons development.Trump’s latest remarks also appear to narrow the scope of the proposed agreement by insisting there would be “no enrichment of material” and linking final approval to Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel through the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered normalisation agreements signed by Israel with several Arab states during Trump’s first term.The announcement comes as the United States and Israel continue military operations against Iran, with Washington maintaining that Tehran’s uranium enrichment programme could enable it to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies, insisting its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPriyanka Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over Student Protests, Says ‘Students Are Not Terrorists’Houses of Two ‘Pak Sponsored’ Militants Demolished Overnight After Deadly Attack In AnantnagWhy The Indian Army Says The Siliguri Corridor Is No Longer A “Chicken’s Neck”?Tehseen Poonawalla Alleges “Gadkari’s Son Got Richer” Over E20 Fuel Policy37,000 Lives Lost On Known Highway Death Traps In 3 Years: Who Is Responsible?PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts For Paper Leak CasesDelhi Police vs CJP: Dipke Denies Role In ACP Attack, Alleges ‘Outsiders’ Behind ViolenceIndia At UN: J&K Is Integral Part Of India, Pakistan Using Terrorism As State Policy, Says EnvoyJ&K Police Launch Massive Crackdown, Detain Over 2,000 Suspected OGWs After Anantnag Terror AttackBiryani, Langar, Medicines: How India Rallied Behind CJP Protesters At Jantar Mantar123Photostories5 most dangerous birds of prey that rule the skies with deadly precision5 Indian fabrics that were once more valuable than goldWhy does bread smell so irresistible when it’s baking?Think your home is clean? These 7 overlooked spots probably need more attentionArchaeologists believe they have found the world’s oldest clove in an ancient Sri Lankan portThe forgotten Indian textile Princess Diana secretly loved deserves a fashion revivalChoose the best wallet color for Men according to your birth dateDating green flags that matter more than money and looks: 7 signs that reveal someone is emotionally mature, trustworthy and genuinely ready for a healthy, lasting relationship5 Vishnu Mantras That Can Transform Your Life10 ancient cities that vanished without warning: From Pompeii to Mohenjo-daro123Hot PicksMHT CET merit listDelhi metroCJP ProtestNTA NET Answer KeyDU UG admissionsJPSC recruitmentNEET paper controversyAAI recruitment 2026Caitline ClarkTop TrendingOba FemiCJP ProtestersCJPCJP ProtestHyderabad RapeSamras Vidya Setu campaignSupreme CourtZlatan ibrahimovicHarbhajan singhIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said the proposed US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement would only be approved if Saudi Arabia normalises diplomatic relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords, adding that the deal would not permit uranium enrichment or any military nuclear programme.Trump’s remarks come a day after the United States and Saudi Arabia…

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Uttarakhand Technical University cancels two semester exams after alleged paper leak

Uttarakhand Technical University cancels two semester exams after alleged paper leak

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

UTU cancels two semester exams after alleged paper leak The Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University (UTU), Dehradun, has cancelled two current semester examinations after an inquiry found that an external paper setter had allegedly shared questions with students before one of the papers. The decision affects students from 12 institutes affiliated with the…

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Vedika Pinto opens up about filming intimate scenes with Vikrant Massey in ‘Mussafir Cafe’: ‘Once you feel safe, you stop worrying’

Vedika Pinto opens up about filming intimate scenes with Vikrant Massey in ‘Mussafir Cafe’: ‘Once you feel safe, you stop worrying’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Vedika Pinto opens up about filming intimate scenes with Vikrant Massey in ‘Mussafir Cafe’: ‘Once you feel safe, you stop worrying’ Actor Vedika Pinto has spoken about filming intimate sequences with Vikrant Massey in the upcoming romantic drama ‘Mussafir Cafe’. The actress revealed that the team organised intimacy workshops before shooting began, helping the actors…

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Inner stillness and human connection are emerging as the next big wellness trends, says expert

Inner stillness and human connection are emerging as the next big wellness trends, says expert

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Inner stillness and human connection are emerging as the next big wellness trends Wellness is not limited anymore to physical fitness or a healthy diet. Nowadays, experts state that mental well-being also plays an equally significant role in ensuring a well-balanced lifestyle. Speaking about the changes in the perception of wellness, Sitender Sehrawat, founder of…

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Scientists mapped the invisible microbiome of the Great Barrier Reef and found more than 500 new bacterial species and over 300,000 viruses in its waters

Scientists mapped the invisible microbiome of the Great Barrier Reef and found more than 500 new bacterial species and over 300,000 viruses in its waters

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

The Great Barrier Reef near the Whitsunday, Australia, region is viewed from the air (AP photo) Scientists have completed the first comprehensive survey of the microscopic life living in the open waters of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. They have uncovered hundreds of bacterial species which were not know previously and hundreds of thousands of viruses.The…

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