June 25, 2026

2026

‘Beyond The Kerala Story’: Makers drop title reveal and release date announcement teaser; ‘This time, it hurts more’

‘Beyond The Kerala Story’: Makers drop title reveal and release date announcement teaser; ‘This time, it hurts more’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The sequel to ‘The Kerala Story,’ titled ‘Beyond The Kerala Story,’ has been announced with a teaser revealing its February 27, 2026 release. Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the film promises a deeper, more impactful narrative. Filmed under strict security in Kerala, the sequel aims to explore a more harrowing story, building on the controversial…

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From Greenland to Cuba: After Venezuela strikes, Trump’s warning blitz spans continents; who’s next?

From Greenland to Cuba: After Venezuela strikes, Trump’s warning blitz spans continents; who’s next?

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

US President Donald Trump has issued a series of blunt warnings to multiple countries over the past few hours, signalling an increasingly confrontational posture across regions.The remarks came a day after an audacious US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to New York to face…

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UAE weather Forecast: Cooler temperatures, partly cloudy skies and possibility of light rain | World News

UAE weather Forecast: Cooler temperatures, partly cloudy skies and possibility of light rain | World News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The UAE will see cooler temperatures today, partly cloudy skies, light winds, rising humidity, and possible northern rain/Representative Image A shift in weather conditions is taking shape across the country today, bringing cooler air, increasing cloud cover, and a slight chance of rainfall in some northern areas, according to the National Centre of Meteorology.The National…

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Suvendu Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: West Bengal leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Monday sent a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, dismissing CM Mamata Banerjee’s “desperate lies” about the SIR exercise and her latest request to the Election Commission to halt it. The BJP leader said her concerns were “nothing but pure fiction.”Adhikari’s letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar came two days after Banerjee wrote expressing concern over what she described as “serious irregularities, procedural violations and administrative lapses” during the SIR.In his counter-argument, Adhikari described Banerjee’s allegations as a “desperate attempt to sabotage a vital and timely democratic exercise.”“The SIR is not, as she falsely portrays, an ‘unplanned, ill-prepared, and ad hoc’ farce, but a meticulously orchestrated national initiative aimed at purging the system of duplicate, bogus, and ineligible entries that have inflated voter lists and undermined the sanctity of our democracy,” the letter read.Adhikari further accused her administration of attempting to disrupt the exercise.“It is clear as daylight that the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s outrage stems from the counterfactual reality: the SIR is proving devastatingly counterproductive to her party’s prospects in the upcoming 2026 Assembly Elections, as it lays bare the ‘extras’ – fictitious voters, ghosts of the deceased, and illegal infiltrators; that her Administration and Party Cadres have systematically shielded and thrived upon,” the letter further read.The BJP leader emphasised that the SIR had been implemented after “extensive nationwide consultations with comprehensive training modules disseminated to over 50,000 Booth Level Officers and Electoral Registration Officers in West Bengal alone.”He rejected the chief minister’s allegations of server failures and data mismatches during the SIR exercise.“IT systems, far from being ‘defective and unreliable,’ have processed millions of entries seamlessly, with real-time dashboards ensuring transparency,” Adhikari further wrote.He also accused the Trinamool Congress of attempting to disrupt the SIR by intimidating officials, orchestrating protests and spreading disinformation online.“The Hon’ble Chief Minister’s litany of grievances is not only factually inaccurate but a deliberate distortion designed to malign the ECI as ‘politically motivated’ and to manufacture a false narrative of widespread discomfort and disenfranchisement. In truth, it is her own Administration and Party machinery that have colluded to sabotage the SIR at every turn: intimidating field officials (as in the case of Electoral Roll Observer; Shri C Murugan) through mob vandalism, veiled threats and bureaucratic hurdles, flooding social media with disinformation campaigns, and orchestrating orchestrated protests to create an atmosphere of negativity and fear. These unholy acts seek to portray the ECI’s lawful diligence as harassment, when in reality, the Commission’s actions are safeguarding the franchise of genuine voters while weeding out the fraudulent. Such tactics are a shameful assault on Democratic institutions, and I urge the ECI to remain vigilant against these machinations,” Adhikari’s letter read.Responding to allegations of excessive verification and procedural gaps, Adhikari wrote that checks for “logical discrepancies” such as spelling or age mismatches are part of a gold standard verification process.He defended the appointment of neutral observers and the exclusion of booth-level agents from hearings. Adhikari further stated that these steps were necessary to prevent partisan interference. Regarding document deletions and rejections, he stressed that all removals follow strict due process under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with appeals mechanisms in place.Adhikari urged the EC to continue the SIR “undaunted, fortified by the unwavering support of the democratic masses.” He further described the exercise as “not an assault on the Constitution but its truest vindication, purging the shadows that have eclipsed our polls for too long.”What Mamata Banerjee wroteBanerjee, in her letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, warned that if the SIR was allowed to continue in its present form, it would result in “irreparable damage, large-scale disenfranchisement of eligible voters, and a direct assault on the foundational principles of democratic governance.”She called the exercise “unplanned, arbitrary and adhoc” and urged the poll body to halt it if glitches remained unrectified.The chief minister highlighted the strain on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and other frontline staff, claiming the process had been “crippled from day one” due to poor training, server failures, confusion over mandatory documentation and the near impossibility of meeting voters during their work hours.She said BLOs were being forced to work “far beyond human limits” while managing their primary duties as teachers or anganwadi workers, and cautioned that the credibility of voter rolls itself was at risk.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari & Salman Khurshid Raise Concerns Over US Attack In Venezuela’Whole Of Jammu And Kashmir Should Be Reunited With India’: British MP Bob Blackman’Can Raise Tariffs Very Quickly’: Trump Warns India Over Russian Oil Imports, Praises PM Modi’Indian Firms Have Long Experience In Dealing With Venezuela Oil’: Expert On Opportunity For India”Sport Should Be Kept Apart From Politics” Tharoor On Mustafizur RowProbe Reveals Red Fort Blast Module Used ‘Ghost’ SIM Cards For Encrypted ChatsMatter Of Deep Concern: MEA Reacts To US Strikes On Venezuela, Urges Restraint’Lunatic Rulers’: Shashi Tharoor, Singhvi, Owaisi, Other Indian Leaders On US Strikes In VenezuelaIndian Army Raises Bhairav Special Force With Over One Lakh Drone Operatives For Modern WarfareCM Revanth Reddy’s Remarks In Telangana Assembly Sparks Row, BRS Slams ‘Filthy Language’123Photostories6 spots in India that are currently freezing, with temperatures dipping close to –20°CWhy 90s dating rules could actually save modern love in 20265 top traditional Indian Cheeses worth adding to your dietDays of the week and their ruling deitiesWinter Special: How to make restaurant-style Methi Matar Malai for lunch at homeYour Birth Date Reveals Your Mahabharata CharacterSix things one should secretly donate in a temple for good luck and blessings as per traditional beliefIron, B12, magnesium: The silent deficiencies many women normalizeTop 5 important conversation to have with your toddler about privacy and safetyBest dressed at the Critics Choice Awards 2026123Hot PicksUS strikes VenezuelaVande Bharat Sleeper TrainPublic holidays January 2026Gold rate todayUmar Khalid BailCigarette tax hikeBank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Suvendu Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: West Bengal leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Monday sent a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, dismissing CM Mamata Banerjee’s “desperate lies” about the SIR exercise and her latest request to the Election Commission to halt it. The BJP leader said her concerns were “nothing but pure fiction.”Adhikari’s letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar came two days after Banerjee wrote expressing concern over what she described as “serious irregularities, procedural violations and administrative lapses” during the SIR.In his counter-argument, Adhikari described Banerjee’s allegations as a “desperate attempt to sabotage a vital and timely democratic exercise.”“The SIR is not, as she falsely portrays, an ‘unplanned, ill-prepared, and ad hoc’ farce, but a meticulously orchestrated national initiative aimed at purging the system of duplicate, bogus, and ineligible entries that have inflated voter lists and undermined the sanctity of our democracy,” the letter read.Adhikari further accused her administration of attempting to disrupt the exercise.“It is clear as daylight that the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s outrage stems from the counterfactual reality: the SIR is proving devastatingly counterproductive to her party’s prospects in the upcoming 2026 Assembly Elections, as it lays bare the ‘extras’ – fictitious voters, ghosts of the deceased, and illegal infiltrators; that her Administration and Party Cadres have systematically shielded and thrived upon,” the letter further read.The BJP leader emphasised that the SIR had been implemented after “extensive nationwide consultations with comprehensive training modules disseminated to over 50,000 Booth Level Officers and Electoral Registration Officers in West Bengal alone.”He rejected the chief minister’s allegations of server failures and data mismatches during the SIR exercise.“IT systems, far from being ‘defective and unreliable,’ have processed millions of entries seamlessly, with real-time dashboards ensuring transparency,” Adhikari further wrote.He also accused the Trinamool Congress of attempting to disrupt the SIR by intimidating officials, orchestrating protests and spreading disinformation online.“The Hon’ble Chief Minister’s litany of grievances is not only factually inaccurate but a deliberate distortion designed to malign the ECI as ‘politically motivated’ and to manufacture a false narrative of widespread discomfort and disenfranchisement. In truth, it is her own Administration and Party machinery that have colluded to sabotage the SIR at every turn: intimidating field officials (as in the case of Electoral Roll Observer; Shri C Murugan) through mob vandalism, veiled threats and bureaucratic hurdles, flooding social media with disinformation campaigns, and orchestrating orchestrated protests to create an atmosphere of negativity and fear. These unholy acts seek to portray the ECI’s lawful diligence as harassment, when in reality, the Commission’s actions are safeguarding the franchise of genuine voters while weeding out the fraudulent. Such tactics are a shameful assault on Democratic institutions, and I urge the ECI to remain vigilant against these machinations,” Adhikari’s letter read.Responding to allegations of excessive verification and procedural gaps, Adhikari wrote that checks for “logical discrepancies” such as spelling or age mismatches are part of a gold standard verification process.He defended the appointment of neutral observers and the exclusion of booth-level agents from hearings. Adhikari further stated that these steps were necessary to prevent partisan interference. Regarding document deletions and rejections, he stressed that all removals follow strict due process under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with appeals mechanisms in place.Adhikari urged the EC to continue the SIR “undaunted, fortified by the unwavering support of the democratic masses.” He further described the exercise as “not an assault on the Constitution but its truest vindication, purging the shadows that have eclipsed our polls for too long.”What Mamata Banerjee wroteBanerjee, in her letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, warned that if the SIR was allowed to continue in its present form, it would result in “irreparable damage, large-scale disenfranchisement of eligible voters, and a direct assault on the foundational principles of democratic governance.”She called the exercise “unplanned, arbitrary and adhoc” and urged the poll body to halt it if glitches remained unrectified.The chief minister highlighted the strain on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and other frontline staff, claiming the process had been “crippled from day one” due to poor training, server failures, confusion over mandatory documentation and the near impossibility of meeting voters during their work hours.She said BLOs were being forced to work “far beyond human limits” while managing their primary duties as teachers or anganwadi workers, and cautioned that the credibility of voter rolls itself was at risk.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari & Salman Khurshid Raise Concerns Over US Attack In Venezuela’Whole Of Jammu And Kashmir Should Be Reunited With India’: British MP Bob Blackman’Can Raise Tariffs Very Quickly’: Trump Warns India Over Russian Oil Imports, Praises PM Modi’Indian Firms Have Long Experience In Dealing With Venezuela Oil’: Expert On Opportunity For India”Sport Should Be Kept Apart From Politics” Tharoor On Mustafizur RowProbe Reveals Red Fort Blast Module Used ‘Ghost’ SIM Cards For Encrypted ChatsMatter Of Deep Concern: MEA Reacts To US Strikes On Venezuela, Urges Restraint’Lunatic Rulers’: Shashi Tharoor, Singhvi, Owaisi, Other Indian Leaders On US Strikes In VenezuelaIndian Army Raises Bhairav Special Force With Over One Lakh Drone Operatives For Modern WarfareCM Revanth Reddy’s Remarks In Telangana Assembly Sparks Row, BRS Slams ‘Filthy Language’123Photostories6 spots in India that are currently freezing, with temperatures dipping close to –20°CWhy 90s dating rules could actually save modern love in 20265 top traditional Indian Cheeses worth adding to your dietDays of the week and their ruling deitiesWinter Special: How to make restaurant-style Methi Matar Malai for lunch at homeYour Birth Date Reveals Your Mahabharata CharacterSix things one should secretly donate in a temple for good luck and blessings as per traditional beliefIron, B12, magnesium: The silent deficiencies many women normalizeTop 5 important conversation to have with your toddler about privacy and safetyBest dressed at the Critics Choice Awards 2026123Hot PicksUS strikes VenezuelaVande Bharat Sleeper TrainPublic holidays January 2026Gold rate todayUmar Khalid BailCigarette tax hikeBank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Suvendu Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee (Images/Agencies) NEW DELHI: West Bengal leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Monday sent a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, dismissing CM Mamata Banerjee’s “desperate lies” about the SIR exercise and her latest request to the Election Commission to halt it. The BJP leader said her concerns were…

Read More
‘Your four overs matter more’: Dwayne Bravo reveals MS Dhoni’s quiet masterclass in on-field leadership | Cricket News

‘Your four overs matter more’: Dwayne Bravo reveals MS Dhoni’s quiet masterclass in on-field leadership | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

File Pic: Dwayne Bravo and MS Dhoni (TOI Photo) NEW DELHI: Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has offered a rare insight into MS Dhoni’s famed man-management, recalling a telling moment from the 2018 Indian Premier League that summed up why the former India captain remains one of cricket’s most instinctive leaders.Go Beyond The Boundary…

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Gold price today: How much the yellow metal costs on January 5, 2026; check rates in Mumbai, Delhi & more

Gold price today: How much the yellow metal costs on January 5, 2026; check rates in Mumbai, Delhi & more

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Gold prices climbed strongly on Monday after last week’s pullback, with futures gaining momentum amid fresh geopolitical concerns surrounding South American oil producing nation, Venezuela, and growing focus on upcoming US macroeconomic indicators. In the domestic market, February gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) rose by Rs 1,509, or 1.11%, to Rs 1,37,270…

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Ranveer Singh treats Deepika Padukone to comfort Indian food at New York restaurant ahead of her birthday – PICS

Ranveer Singh treats Deepika Padukone to comfort Indian food at New York restaurant ahead of her birthday – PICS

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

It’s Deepika Padukone’s birthday today and her hubby, Ranveer Singh seemed to have got the celebrations started by treating her to something homely while holidaying in New York City. Ranveer reportedly added a homely touch to their celebrations by treating the birthday girl to a comforting Indian meal, ahead of her birthday. The star couple…

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6 spots in India that are currently freezing, with temperatures dipping close to –20°C

6 spots in India that are currently freezing, with temperatures dipping close to –20°C

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Winter has gripped the Himalayan belt of India hard, with temperatures dipping to well below zero in many places. Even as many parts of the country are waking up to chilly mornings and battling cold waves, a few high-altitude destinations are reeling under severe winter conditions, with temperatures dropping to double-digit sub-zero. Those areas, defined…

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Ashley St Clair alleges Elon Musk’s Grok ‘undressed’ her childhood images; sparking AI safety concerns

Ashley St Clair alleges Elon Musk’s Grok ‘undressed’ her childhood images; sparking AI safety concerns

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Ashley St Clair has accused Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok of generating sexually suggestive edits of her photographs without consent, including images taken when she was only 14 years old. The allegations have surfaced amid growing concern over Grok’s ability to digitally alter images on X in response to explicit user prompts. St Clair, a…

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Saudi Arabia rolls out new saudization rules with SAR 8,000 wage for engineers | World News

Saudi Arabia rolls out new saudization rules with SAR 8,000 wage for engineers | World News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Saudi Arabia enforces new saudization rules, giving engineers SAR 8,000 wage and boosting procurement jobs/Representative Image Saudi Arabia is stepping up efforts to increase local workforce participation in specialized jobs. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has unveiled two major decisions that set higher saudization targets and introduce minimum wage standards, aiming to…

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‘Game of Thrones’ stars Rose Leslie and Kit Harrington’s home burglarized; one of many houses hit in Suffolk during Christmas season – Reports

‘Game of Thrones’ stars Rose Leslie and Kit Harrington’s home burglarized; one of many houses hit in Suffolk during Christmas season – Reports

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Suffolk’s peaceful charm has been marred by a series of burglaries, igniting fears among its residents, particularly when beloved stars Rose Leslie and Kit Harington discovered their picturesque home had been invaded. With the festive season just around the corner, the thieves focused their efforts on a valuable outbuilding, leaving the community in disarray. Actors…

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Ten tech trends to watch in 2026

Ten tech trends to watch in 2026

Vamsikrishna011 mins mins

After years of AI hype, 2026 brings a reality check. Companies need to prove their billion-dollar bets are worth it. Data centres are spreading globally, straining power grids. AI agents are moving from pilots to production. Robots are getting smarter. New hardware forms are arriving. Meanwhile, tech billionaires keep getting richer. The gap between hype…

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