August 21, 2026

July 2026

Quote of the day by King Charles: “I’m a dangerous person because…” – a powerful lesson on caring deeply, speaking up and standing by your convictions | World News

Quote of the day by King Charles: “I’m a dangerous person because…” – a powerful lesson on caring deeply, speaking up and standing by your convictions | World News

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Staying neutral often feels like the safer option, in workplaces, in public life, in almost any situation where a strong opinion might invite criticism. King Charles III, speaking as Prince of Wales, described the opposite instinct with a self-deprecating joke. “I’m a dangerous person because I mind about things,” he said. He was not describing…

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TMC vs TMC: Mamata urges EC to wrap up Trinamool dispute, opposes more time for rival camp | India News

TMC vs TMC: Mamata urges EC to wrap up Trinamool dispute, opposes more time for rival camp | India News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to conclude its inquiry into the rival claims over the party, alleging that the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction had failed to submit its response despite being granted two extensions.In a fresh letter to the poll panel, Mamata said her faction had submitted its…

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Kangana Ranaut takes inspiration from PM Narendra Modi, posts selfie video on Guru Purnima as she defends her ‘gutter chaap’ comment: ‘Sadak pe aake aap mere aaradhya ko gaali nahi de sakte’

Kangana Ranaut takes inspiration from PM Narendra Modi, posts selfie video on Guru Purnima as she defends her ‘gutter chaap’ comment: ‘Sadak pe aake aap mere aaradhya ko gaali nahi de sakte’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Kangana Ranaut has shared a selfie-style video on Instagram, revealing that she drew inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media videos while defending her controversial comments about the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protesters. The actor-turned-MP reiterated that her criticism was aimed at what she considers inappropriate conduct during the demonstrations and also extended Guru…

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Before helping transform electric lighting, Lewis Howard Latimer’s first patent made one overlooked part of train travel far more bearable

Before helping transform electric lighting, Lewis Howard Latimer’s first patent made one overlooked part of train travel far more bearable

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

For many people, Lewis Howard Latimer is remembered for his later work on electric lighting and his association with Thomas Edison. Yet years before he became involved in the electrical industry, he helped solve a far more ordinary problem that affected railway passengers every day. Travelling by train in the nineteenth century was becoming increasingly…

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PoK on the boil: Polls, a deadly crackdown by Pakistani forces and a region in turmoil

PoK on the boil: Polls, a deadly crackdown by Pakistani forces and a region in turmoil

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

According to Dawn, police form the first layer of security, followed by Pakistan Rangers and the Federal Constabulary, while the Pakistan Army serves as the third layer Pakistan’s legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) are taking place under an unprecedented security blanket, with thousands of police, paramilitary personnel and around 2,100 army…

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Anthony Fauci invokes Fifth Amendment at Senate hearing on Covid response | World News

Anthony Fauci invokes Fifth Amendment at Senate hearing on Covid response | World News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Former US Chief Medical Advisor Dr Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment during a Republican-led Senate hearing on Wednesday, declining to answer questions about his role in the federal COVID-19 response after being subpoenaed to appear.Fauci, who led the nation’s pandemic response, said he was acting on legal advice and described the decision as difficult….

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Jul 29, 2026, 21:46 IST

Jul 29, 2026, 21:46 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Medical staff rushed into the ring within seconds to attend to the injured boxer Refiloe Thai. (Video grab) A terrifying knockout at the 2026 Commonwealth Games left spectators stunned after Wales’ Orlando Holley-Sotomi blasted Lesotho’s Refiloe Thai through the ropes during their men’s 70kg boxing quarterfinal, prompting an immediate medical response inside the ring.The frightening…

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From Dharmendra’s Rs 60 crore Juhu house to 100 acre farmhouse in Lonavla , a house in Manali and more: Inside Sunny Deol’s lavish property portfolio

From Dharmendra’s Rs 60 crore Juhu house to 100 acre farmhouse in Lonavla , a house in Manali and more: Inside Sunny Deol’s lavish property portfolio

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Sunny Deol has been making headlines following the launch of the trailer for his upcoming film ‘Batwara 1947’. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the Partition-era drama also stars Shabana Azmi and Preity G Zinta and is slated to hit theatres on August 14, 2026.The trailer launch turned into an emotional affair when Santoshi recalled veteran actor…

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Scientists have built a sonar-guided drone that can find and hunt mosquitoes in mid-air without using insecticides

Scientists have built a sonar-guided drone that can find and hunt mosquitoes in mid-air without using insecticides

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Mosquitoes are among the world’s deadliest animals, spreading diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika and yellow fever that affect hundreds of millions of people every year. While traditional mosquito control relies on insecticides, bed nets and habitat management, researchers are now exploring a high-tech alternative. An experimental autonomous drone uses ultrasonic phased-array sonar, artificial intelligence…

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What India needs to do to respond to emerging global challenges, high crude oil prices: Finance Ministry outlines

What India needs to do to respond to emerging global challenges, high crude oil prices: Finance Ministry outlines

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The report cautioned that a sustained increase in global crude oil prices could once again put pressure on both the fiscal deficit and the current account balance. Amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict, the Finance Ministry in its monthly economic review has called for reinventing approach to dealing with the evolving global challenges. India will need…

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US: Gladwin residents asked not to use toilet, shower after lightning damages wastewater plant | World News

US: Gladwin residents asked not to use toilet, shower after lightning damages wastewater plant | World News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Gladwin residents asked not to use toilet/Image: AI Representative Image Residents of Gladwin, a city in the US state of Michigan, have been asked to avoid flushing toilets, using sinks, taking showers and running other plumbing fixtures after a lightning strike damaged the city’s wastewater treatment plant.City officials said the treatment facility was struck during…

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NEW DELHI: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Uttar Pradesh, in association with the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of IT and Electronics, on Wednesday organised the CII Uttar Pradesh AI Tech Summit 2026 in Lucknow, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, startups and academia to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in driving innovation, economic growth and digital transformation.Addressing the summit, Uttar Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma said artificial intelligence had become a necessity rather than a technology of the future and presented significant opportunities across governance, business, education, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing.He said the state was committed to building a robust AI ecosystem by promoting innovation, strengthening digital infrastructure, supporting startups and developing a future-ready workforce through collaboration between the government, industry and academia.Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, Alok Kumar said Uttar Pradesh was establishing two Deep Tech Hubs and advancing its vision of developing Lucknow as an AI City to promote innovation, research and AI-led entrepreneurship. He urged industry stakeholders to partner in curriculum development, training, internships and mentorship programmes to prepare young professionals for AI-driven industries.CII Uttar Pradesh Chairman and Avadh Rail Infra Ltd Managing Director Abhishek Saraff said artificial intelligence represented the foundation of the next industrial transformation and offered Uttar Pradesh an opportunity to emerge as a national leader in the sector. He said CII would work with the government, industry, academia and startups to promote responsible AI adoption, innovation and skill development.ADROSONIC CEO and Managing Director Mayank said Uttar Pradesh was emerging as a preferred destination for advanced manufacturing and technology-led innovation, backed by policy support, infrastructure and a growing industrial ecosystem. He encouraged industries to adopt AI and Industry 4.0 technologies while investing in innovation and workforce upskilling.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesInMobi Global Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs and Public Policy Officer Dr Subi Chaturvedi said Uttar Pradesh had the potential to become a leading AI hub, with Lucknow playing a key role in developing the next generation of technology leaders. She said building an AI-first future required a strong foundation based on five pillars: compute, data, talent, applications and trust.Tata Consultancy Services Head of Zonal Operations (NGM) Dr Ajai Kumar Singh said Uttar Pradesh was steadily emerging as India’s AI powerhouse, supported by progressive government policies, a vibrant startup ecosystem and growing industry participation. He said the vision of developing Lucknow as India’s AI City could position the state as a leading destination for AI-driven innovation, talent and technology-led growth.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? IIT Madras Director And Exam Reforms Task Force Member Draws Political FireKhawaja Asif Calls POK Protesters “Enemies Like India” Amid Deadly Crackdown; Statement Sparks StirLok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Ruckus Over Rahul’s ‘Shooting’ Charge Against Amit Shah’Put Pellets Into Blood Of Our Students,’ Rahul Gandhi’s Attack On Hm Shah In LS Sparks Uproar’Student, Idiot, Andhbhakt’: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘3 Categories’ Remark Sparks Row In Lok SabhaPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad Protest123PhotostoriesFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegationsWhy airplane windows are round: The engineering mistake that changed aviation foreverNot a 5 a.m. person? Try these 7 simple morning habits insteadWho Is Isha Rikhi? Badshah’s wife’s emotional post sparks separation rumours6 ways to make hard-boiled eggs easier to peel; Physics explains why one method works best5 psychology-backed lessons every father should teach his son about people and lifePaid menstrual leave to unlimited paid time off: 6 things a female CEO does that men may not imagine!Hollywood celebs who spoke about their ADHD, dyslexia and other mental health issues5 lessons from 80-year-old Canadian fitness influencer, Joan MacDonald, that can get you moving5 Plants you think are attractive, but are actually invasive in nature123Hot PicksMCC new rulesJalen HurtsDelhi Lakshmi YojanaTN CM Vijay’s new officeRussian sanctions billCWG 2026 GamesSmartphone exportsTN supplementary resultsNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingTony RomosJantar Mantar ProtestKarnataka SuicideBJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna ArrestGurgaon Road RageAbhijeet Dipke Marriage ProposalsUGC PG ProgrammeWeather TomorrowPalani Mutt Temple Land CaseStock Market Up

NEW DELHI: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Uttar Pradesh, in association with the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of IT and Electronics, on Wednesday organised the CII Uttar Pradesh AI Tech Summit 2026 in Lucknow, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, startups and academia to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in driving innovation, economic growth and digital transformation.Addressing the summit, Uttar Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma said artificial intelligence had become a necessity rather than a technology of the future and presented significant opportunities across governance, business, education, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing.He said the state was committed to building a robust AI ecosystem by promoting innovation, strengthening digital infrastructure, supporting startups and developing a future-ready workforce through collaboration between the government, industry and academia.Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, Alok Kumar said Uttar Pradesh was establishing two Deep Tech Hubs and advancing its vision of developing Lucknow as an AI City to promote innovation, research and AI-led entrepreneurship. He urged industry stakeholders to partner in curriculum development, training, internships and mentorship programmes to prepare young professionals for AI-driven industries.CII Uttar Pradesh Chairman and Avadh Rail Infra Ltd Managing Director Abhishek Saraff said artificial intelligence represented the foundation of the next industrial transformation and offered Uttar Pradesh an opportunity to emerge as a national leader in the sector. He said CII would work with the government, industry, academia and startups to promote responsible AI adoption, innovation and skill development.ADROSONIC CEO and Managing Director Mayank said Uttar Pradesh was emerging as a preferred destination for advanced manufacturing and technology-led innovation, backed by policy support, infrastructure and a growing industrial ecosystem. He encouraged industries to adopt AI and Industry 4.0 technologies while investing in innovation and workforce upskilling.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesInMobi Global Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs and Public Policy Officer Dr Subi Chaturvedi said Uttar Pradesh had the potential to become a leading AI hub, with Lucknow playing a key role in developing the next generation of technology leaders. She said building an AI-first future required a strong foundation based on five pillars: compute, data, talent, applications and trust.Tata Consultancy Services Head of Zonal Operations (NGM) Dr Ajai Kumar Singh said Uttar Pradesh was steadily emerging as India’s AI powerhouse, supported by progressive government policies, a vibrant startup ecosystem and growing industry participation. He said the vision of developing Lucknow as India’s AI City could position the state as a leading destination for AI-driven innovation, talent and technology-led growth.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? IIT Madras Director And Exam Reforms Task Force Member Draws Political FireKhawaja Asif Calls POK Protesters “Enemies Like India” Amid Deadly Crackdown; Statement Sparks StirLok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Ruckus Over Rahul’s ‘Shooting’ Charge Against Amit Shah’Put Pellets Into Blood Of Our Students,’ Rahul Gandhi’s Attack On Hm Shah In LS Sparks Uproar’Student, Idiot, Andhbhakt’: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘3 Categories’ Remark Sparks Row In Lok SabhaPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad Protest123PhotostoriesFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegationsWhy airplane windows are round: The engineering mistake that changed aviation foreverNot a 5 a.m. person? Try these 7 simple morning habits insteadWho Is Isha Rikhi? Badshah’s wife’s emotional post sparks separation rumours6 ways to make hard-boiled eggs easier to peel; Physics explains why one method works best5 psychology-backed lessons every father should teach his son about people and lifePaid menstrual leave to unlimited paid time off: 6 things a female CEO does that men may not imagine!Hollywood celebs who spoke about their ADHD, dyslexia and other mental health issues5 lessons from 80-year-old Canadian fitness influencer, Joan MacDonald, that can get you moving5 Plants you think are attractive, but are actually invasive in nature123Hot PicksMCC new rulesJalen HurtsDelhi Lakshmi YojanaTN CM Vijay’s new officeRussian sanctions billCWG 2026 GamesSmartphone exportsTN supplementary resultsNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingTony RomosJantar Mantar ProtestKarnataka SuicideBJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna ArrestGurgaon Road RageAbhijeet Dipke Marriage ProposalsUGC PG ProgrammeWeather TomorrowPalani Mutt Temple Land CaseStock Market Up

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Uttar Pradesh, in association with the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of IT and Electronics, on Wednesday organised the CII Uttar Pradesh AI Tech Summit 2026 in Lucknow, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, startups and academia to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in driving innovation,…

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Jul 29, 2026, 21:32 IST

Jul 29, 2026, 21:32 IST

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10), center, reacts after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Lionel Messi left one of his World Cup opponents pleasantly surprised after greeting him in English before Argentina’s knockout match against Cape Verde, despite…

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India-US trade pact: Piyush Goyal explains the one condition to seal the deal

India-US trade pact: Piyush Goyal explains the one condition to seal the deal

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The long proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement will enter its first phase only after Washington restores India’s tariff competitiveness against rival exporting nations, Addressing concerns around the much awaited trade pact, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday, said that the understanding reached between the two countries was based on India receiving a comparative…

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Swiss scientists have created a living building material that grows stronger by pulling carbon dioxide from the air

Swiss scientists have created a living building material that grows stronger by pulling carbon dioxide from the air

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

However, the construction industry accounts for a great part of the global CO₂ footprint due to massive emissions of carbon dioxide while producing cement and concrete. Although some success has been achieved by architects and engineers in the creation of alternatives, there is still no such type of sustainable building material that would not only…

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Anthony Smith arrest update: Former UFC star granted 0K bond as judge orders no contact with wife

Anthony Smith arrest update: Former UFC star granted $500K bond as judge orders no contact with wife

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Anthony Smith (Image Via Getty) Former UFC fighter Anthony Smith could soon be released from jail after a Nebraska judge set his bond at $500,000 during his first court appearance. The 38-year-old was arrested earlier this week on three felony charges, including terroristic threats, first-degree false imprisonment, and domestic violence causing serious bodily injury. While…

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Researchers mapped 5,600km of Canada’s coast using 170 years of records; kelp persistence reached 88% in cold waters but fell to 52% in warmer sheltered areas

Researchers mapped 5,600km of Canada’s coast using 170 years of records; kelp persistence reached 88% in cold waters but fell to 52% in warmer sheltered areas

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Centennial persistence of kelp forests on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Canada Researchers have reconstructed nearly 170 years of the history of kelp forests along Canada’s Pacific coast, finding that colder, wave-exposed waters off Vancouver Island protected most kelp forests while warmer, sheltered areas lost nearly half of them.The study mapped about 5,600 kilometres…

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BJP counters Rahul’s ‘not allowed to speak’ claim in Lok Sabha NEW DELHI: BJP MP Sambit Patra on Wednesday hit back at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his claim that he was not allowed to speak in the House, saying the Congress leader was given an opportunity to speak and that the objections raised during his speech were related to parliamentary rules.Patra also defended parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju and defence minister Rajnath Singh, rejecting Rahul’s allegation that he was repeatedly interrupted and prevented from completing his speech.The BJP leader’s remarks came after Rahul addressed a press conference following a stormy Lok Sabha session, during which the Congress leader alleged that he was denied an opportunity to speak after holding union home minister Amit Shah responsible for alleged police brutality against student protesters during the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.Reacting to Gandhi’s claim, Patra said several opposition MPs, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, had been given an opportunity to participate in the debate and questioned why Rahul Gandhi would have been denied the same opportunity.”At 6 PM today, Rahul Gandhi once again held a press conference and tried to mislead people by distorting the facts. First, he alleged that he was not allowed to speak. I have said this repeatedly: when 45 Members were given an opportunity to speak, why would Rahul Gandhi not be allowed to speak? When Priyanka Vadra was given an opportunity to speak, and she too made several allegations, why would Rahul Gandhi not be allowed to speak? Rahul Gandhi was given a full opportunity to speak, but he could not do so,” Patra said.Congress MP had earlier alleged that he repeatedly asked Speaker Om Birla to restore order in the House so that he could continue speaking.”As you saw today, the leader of the opposition was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. Multiple times, I asked the Speaker to bring order to the House so that I could speak. Multiple times, Rajnath Singh ji and others were allowed to speak, but I was not allowed to speak,” Gandhi said at his press conference.Gandhi alleged that the reason given to him was his remarks holding Shah responsible for the alleged police action against protesting students. He further claimed that he was told he could continue speaking if he apologised, but said he refused to do so.The Lok Sabha proceedings had witnessed sharp exchanges during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The Bill was eventually passed by the House after a prolonged debate.Patra accused Gandhi of ‘shifting the goalposts’ after the BJP rejected his allegation that students were shot at during the protest.”If there’s one person from whom you should learn how to shift the goalposts, it is Rahul Gandhi. I went back and listened to what Rahul Gandhi said in the House today. He said that students were shot at and that the Home Minister had ordered the firing,” Patra said.He said BJP leaders, including Jitendra Singh, Piyush Goyal and Rijiju, had already stated that no firing took place and challenged Gandhi to produce evidence.”If you have any evidence of bullets being fired, show it. If you have any ballistic report, produce it. So now Rahul Gandhi has shifted the goalposts. This habit of changing the goalposts is an old one for him,” Patra said.Patra also questioned Gandhi’s claim that he had personally seen Shah speaking continuously with police officers and Jitendra Singh over the phone during the protest.”In his press conference today, Rahul Gandhi claimed that he personally saw the Home Minister speaking continuously with police officers over the phone and also speaking with Jitendra Singh. How did he see that? Was he sitting inside the Home Minister’s office?” Patra said.Patra defends Rijiju, Rajnath SinghPatra also defended the conduct of Rijiju and Rajnath Singh during the proceedings, saying the parliamentary affairs minister’s objections were justified under the rules of the House.”Rahul Gandhi alleged that Kiren Rijiju and Rajnath Singh interrupted him, while he himself was not given an opportunity to speak. First of all, the two or three objections raised by Kiren Rijiju were entirely justified. Those objections were regarding the use of the unparliamentary word which, under the rules of Parliament, cannot be used on the floor of the House. As the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, it was his responsibility to seek clarification on that,” Patra said.He said Rijiju had not acted aggressively and instead asked Gandhi to follow parliamentary rules.”Kiren Rijiju’s demeanour, body language, and choice of words reflected decency, humility, and composure. He was not angry. In a calm manner, he said, ‘We want to hear you. Please do not use the word, because the House functions according to parliamentary rules,'” Patra said.Patra also said Rajnath Singh had appealed to Gandhi to continue his speech and asked members of the Treasury Benches to listen to the Leader of Opposition.”Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made only one appeal. He said, ‘Rahul ji, please speak,’ and appealed to the members of the Treasury Benches to listen to Rahul Gandhi carefully. What greater example of democratic tradition could there be than that?” Patra said.Rahul alleges police brutality against studentsThe Parliament row came against the backdrop of a larger political dispute over the alleged police action against students who participated in the July 20 march towards Parliament.Gandhi, in his press conference, repeated his allegations that students were subjected to excessive force and claimed that pellet guns, electric batons and lathis fitted with nails were used during the crackdown.”They were shot with pellet guns. One boy who was shot with a pellet gun is most likely to lose his eye and may not be able to see. I have seen the AIIMS medical certificate, which shows that he was shot with pellet guns. Shock batons were used, not just normal lathis, lathis with nails. Where did the police get this idea from?” Gandhi said.He also alleged that Shah was responsible for the alleged police action and demanded his removal.”Now there are two possibilities. Either Amit Shah gave the order to shoot people with pellet guns, beat people with lathis with nails, and use electric batons, or he did not know it was happening. If he did not know, he is incompetent. If he ordered it, he is culpable. In either case, he has to go. And every single child who has been beaten must know this,” Gandhi said.Rahul also demanded an independent probe into the alleged police action, which is being monitored by the Supreme Court.BJP rejects firing allegationPatra separately rejected Rahul’s allegation that police fired bullets at students during the protest and said the Congress leader was making baseless claims against the Home Minister.”Rahul Gandhi said that the students were shot at under the orders of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Piyush Goyal, Kiren Rijiju and even BJP in its press conference has explicitly cleared that no firing took place. If there are any cartridges, ballistic reports, please show,” Patra said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe also questioned Gandhi’s claim that Shah had ordered the alleged firing.”Rahul Gandhi claimed to have heard the conversation of the Union Home Minister, how is it possible? He earlier lied about Late Manohar Parrikar and Late Sushma Swaraj on Rafael deal. Now he is making such claims,” Patra said.The BJP has accused Gandhi of spreading misinformation and attempting to create confusion over the events surrounding the student protests.The party has also demanded that Gandhi apologise for what it described as baseless allegations made inside Parliament.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorPriyanshi RastogiPriyanshi Rastogi is a journalist with The Times of India. She primarily covers national and international news, along with business affairs. Her work focuses on the latest political events, in-depth explainers, features, offbeat articles and viral social media trending stories.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? IIT Madras Director And Exam Reforms Task Force Member Draws Political FireKhawaja Asif Calls POK Protesters “Enemies Like India” Amid Deadly Crackdown; Statement Sparks StirLok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Ruckus Over Rahul’s ‘Shooting’ Charge Against Amit Shah’Put Pellets Into Blood Of Our Students,’ Rahul Gandhi’s Attack On Hm Shah In LS Sparks Uproar’Student, Idiot, Andhbhakt’: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘3 Categories’ Remark Sparks Row In Lok SabhaPoJK Burns Amid Violence And Protests: Why The World’s Silence And The Crisis Matter To IndiaFirst Direct Freight Train to Nepal! How One Railway Journey Could Transform India-Nepal TradeDelhi Police Denies ‘Mystery Truck’ Conspiracy Linked To Chalo Sansad Protest123PhotostoriesFrom alleging ex-wife Shweta Tiwari’s affair with her Kasautii co-star Cezanne Khan to claiming he Wasn’t allowed to meet their daughter; Raja Chaudhary makes serious allegationsMeghalaya’s Lakadong Turmeric has 10% curcumin, the highest among Indian varieties: What does this actually means for your healthWhy airplane windows are round: The engineering mistake that changed aviation foreverNot a 5 a.m. person? Try these 7 simple morning habits insteadWho Is Isha Rikhi? Badshah’s wife’s emotional post sparks separation rumours6 ways to make hard-boiled eggs easier to peel; Physics explains why one method works best5 psychology-backed lessons every father should teach his son about people and lifePaid menstrual leave to unlimited paid time off: 6 things a female CEO does that men may not imagine!Hollywood celebs who spoke about their ADHD, dyslexia and other mental health issues5 lessons from 80-year-old Canadian fitness influencer, Joan MacDonald, that can get you moving123Hot PicksMCC new rulesJalen HurtsDelhi Lakshmi YojanaTN CM Vijay’s new officeRussian sanctions billCWG 2026 GamesSmartphone exportsTN supplementary resultsNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingTony RomosJantar Mantar ProtestKarnataka SuicideBJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna ArrestGurgaon Road RageAbhijeet Dipke Marriage ProposalsUGC PG ProgrammeWeather TomorrowPalani Mutt Temple Land CaseStock Market Up

BJP counters Rahul’s ‘not allowed to speak’ claim in Lok Sabha NEW DELHI: BJP MP Sambit Patra on Wednesday hit back at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his claim that he was not allowed to speak in the House, saying the Congress leader was given an opportunity to speak and that the objections raised during his speech were related to parliamentary rules.Patra also defended parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju and defence minister Rajnath Singh, rejecting Rahul’s allegation that he was repeatedly interrupted and prevented from completing his speech.The BJP leader’s remarks came after Rahul addressed a press conference following a stormy Lok Sabha session, during which the Congress leader alleged that he was denied an opportunity to speak after holding union home minister Amit Shah responsible for alleged police brutality against student protesters during the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.Reacting to Gandhi’s claim, Patra said several opposition MPs, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, had been given an opportunity to participate in the debate and questioned why Rahul Gandhi would have been denied the same opportunity.”At 6 PM today, Rahul Gandhi once again held a press conference and tried to mislead people by distorting the facts. First, he alleged that he was not allowed to speak. I have said this repeatedly: when 45 Members were given an opportunity to speak, why would Rahul Gandhi not be allowed to speak? When Priyanka Vadra was given an opportunity to speak, and she too made several allegations, why would Rahul Gandhi not be allowed to speak? Rahul Gandhi was given a full opportunity to speak, but he could not do so,” Patra said.Congress MP had earlier alleged that he repeatedly asked Speaker Om Birla to restore order in the House so that he could continue speaking.”As you saw today, the leader of the opposition was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. Multiple times, I asked the Speaker to bring order to the House so that I could speak. Multiple times, Rajnath Singh ji and others were allowed to speak, but I was not allowed to speak,” Gandhi said at his press conference.Gandhi alleged that the reason given to him was his remarks holding Shah responsible for the alleged police action against protesting students. He further claimed that he was told he could continue speaking if he apologised, but said he refused to do so.The Lok Sabha proceedings had witnessed sharp exchanges during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The Bill was eventually passed by the House after a prolonged debate.Patra accused Gandhi of ‘shifting the goalposts’ after the BJP rejected his allegation that students were shot at during the protest.”If there’s one person from whom you should learn how to shift the goalposts, it is Rahul Gandhi. I went back and listened to what Rahul Gandhi said in the House today. He said that students were shot at and that the Home Minister had ordered the firing,” Patra said.He said BJP leaders, including Jitendra Singh, Piyush Goyal and Rijiju, had already stated that no firing took place and challenged Gandhi to produce evidence.”If you have any evidence of bullets being fired, show it. If you have any ballistic report, produce it. So now Rahul Gandhi has shifted the goalposts. This habit of changing the goalposts is an old one for him,” Patra said.Patra also questioned Gandhi’s claim that he had personally seen Shah speaking continuously with police officers and Jitendra Singh over the phone during the protest.”In his press conference today, Rahul Gandhi claimed that he personally saw the Home Minister speaking continuously with police officers over the phone and also speaking with Jitendra Singh. How did he see that? Was he sitting inside the Home Minister’s office?” Patra said.Patra defends Rijiju, Rajnath SinghPatra also defended the conduct of Rijiju and Rajnath Singh during the proceedings, saying the parliamentary affairs minister’s objections were justified under the rules of the House.”Rahul Gandhi alleged that Kiren Rijiju and Rajnath Singh interrupted him, while he himself was not given an opportunity to speak. First of all, the two or three objections raised by Kiren Rijiju were entirely justified. Those objections were regarding the use of the unparliamentary word which, under the rules of Parliament, cannot be used on the floor of the House. As the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, it was his responsibility to seek clarification on that,” Patra said.He said Rijiju had not acted aggressively and instead asked Gandhi to follow parliamentary rules.”Kiren Rijiju’s demeanour, body language, and choice of words reflected decency, humility, and composure. He was not angry. In a calm manner, he said, ‘We want to hear you. Please do not use the word, because the House functions according to parliamentary rules,'” Patra said.Patra also said Rajnath Singh had appealed to Gandhi to continue his speech and asked members of the Treasury Benches to listen to the Leader of Opposition.”Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made only one appeal. He said, ‘Rahul ji, please speak,’ and appealed to the members of the Treasury Benches to listen to Rahul Gandhi carefully. What greater example of democratic tradition could there be than that?” Patra said.Rahul alleges police brutality against studentsThe Parliament row came against the backdrop of a larger political dispute over the alleged police action against students who participated in the July 20 march towards Parliament.Gandhi, in his press conference, repeated his allegations that students were subjected to excessive force and claimed that pellet guns, electric batons and lathis fitted with nails were used during the crackdown.”They were shot with pellet guns. One boy who was shot with a pellet gun is most likely to lose his eye and may not be able to see. I have seen the AIIMS medical certificate, which shows that he was shot with pellet guns. Shock batons were used, not just normal lathis, lathis with nails. Where did the police get this idea from?” Gandhi said.He also alleged that Shah was responsible for the alleged police action and demanded his removal.”Now there are two possibilities. Either Amit Shah gave the order to shoot people with pellet guns, beat people with lathis with nails, and use electric batons, or he did not know it was happening. If he did not know, he is incompetent. If he ordered it, he is culpable. In either case, he has to go. And every single child who has been beaten must know this,” Gandhi said.Rahul also demanded an independent probe into the alleged police action, which is being monitored by the Supreme Court.BJP rejects firing allegationPatra separately rejected Rahul’s allegation that police fired bullets at students during the protest and said the Congress leader was making baseless claims against the Home Minister.”Rahul Gandhi said that the students were shot at under the orders of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Piyush Goyal, Kiren Rijiju and even BJP in its press conference has explicitly cleared that no firing took place. If there are any cartridges, ballistic reports, please show,” Patra said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe also questioned Gandhi’s claim that Shah had ordered the alleged firing.”Rahul Gandhi claimed to have heard the conversation of the Union Home Minister, how is it possible? He earlier lied about Late Manohar Parrikar and Late Sushma Swaraj on Rafael deal. Now he is making such claims,” Patra said.The BJP has accused Gandhi of spreading misinformation and attempting to create confusion over the events surrounding the student protests.The party has also demanded that Gandhi apologise for what it described as baseless allegations made inside Parliament.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorPriyanshi RastogiPriyanshi Rastogi is a journalist with The Times of India. She primarily covers national and international news, along with business affairs. Her work focuses on the latest political events, in-depth explainers, features, offbeat articles and viral social media trending stories.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP ProtestersWho Is V Kamakoti? 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Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

BJP counters Rahul’s ‘not allowed to speak’ claim in Lok Sabha NEW DELHI: BJP MP Sambit Patra on Wednesday hit back at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his claim that he was not allowed to speak in the House, saying the Congress leader was given an opportunity to speak and that the…

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