August 6, 2026

2026

Updated: Jan 13, 2026, 14:19 IST

Updated: Jan 13, 2026, 14:19 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

KC Cariappa (Pic credit: Cariappa’s Instagram post) NEW DELHI: Former Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings leg-spinner KC Cariappa has announced his retirement from Indian (BCCI) cricket at the age of 31, bringing the curtain down on a career that promised much and delivered moments he says will stay with him forever.Go Beyond The Boundary…

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‘Mujhe maar kar dikhao’: Bajrang Dal member faces FIR for threatening to burn police station in UP; apologises later

‘Mujhe maar kar dikhao’: Bajrang Dal member faces FIR for threatening to burn police station in UP; apologises later

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

BAREILLY: An FIR was filed against a local Bajrang Dal member who was caught on camera abusing policemen and threatening to burn down the Kemri police station in Rampur district after he was stopped from meeting a detained man without permission, said police.The incident took place on Sunday, and the video was widely circulated online,…

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Nurses protest: New York hospitals affected as 15,000 go on strike — what are their key demands?

Nurses protest: New York hospitals affected as 15,000 go on strike — what are their key demands?

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Nearly 15,000 nurses walked off the job on Monday at some of New York City’s largest private hospitals, marking one of the most significant labour confrontations in the city’s healthcare sector in decades. The strike raised concerns about severe staffing shortages at major medical centres.The walkout affected 10 major hospitals, including NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, Montefiore Medical Center…

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NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday justified his decision to align with Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP ahead of the upcoming local body polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.In an interview with news agency ANI, Pawar said a joint election strategy was decided after it was learnt that votes would split if workers of both factions contested against each other. BMC Becomes Mega Battleground As Thackerays Reunite And Alliances Shift Ahead Of Civic Wars 2026 He, however, added that his decision would not affect his equations with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.NCP–NCP(SP) reunion“I view it very positively,” Pawar said about the alliance between the NCP and the NCP (SP).“It was because of the efforts of the workers that a joint election strategy was decided upon in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The workers knew that if they contested against each other, the votes would be split. That was something they wanted to avoid at all costs. The workers wanted to win the election… Some people from both parties tried to find a solution,” he added.When asked whether both factions of the NCP would merge in the future, Pawar said, “We haven’t thought about that yet because today is the last day of campaigning, so we are focusing more on ensuring that the voting takes place properly. That’s why we haven’t thought about it from that angle.”He added that such a decision could only be taken after leaders of both sides are taken into confidence, and not just workers. “Not just karyakartas, we need to talk to other leaders too because the party is functioning with them, and they have to talk with their leaders.”“Not just party workers, but we will have to discuss with both party leaders. Leaders run the party, so we need to have discussions first,” he added.Cracks within Mahayuti?During the interview, Pawar also dismissed reports of rifts with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after his decision to join hands with Sharad Pawar’s faction.“No, it will not be affected. 100%, it will not happen,” Pawar said, referring to differences between him and the chief minister.He also justified his decision to part ways with the NDA for the local body polls. Recalling how the NCP and Congress allied for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections but contested local body polls separately, he said a similar situation existed between the BJP and the Shiv Sena as well.“Since I’ve been in politics, in all the elections we’ve fought since 1999, we had an alliance with the Congress. We were working together in the Lok Sabha, in Parliament, and fighting elections together. We were fighting on our respective symbols. The same thing happened in the Assembly elections. But in local body elections, to support and empower our respective party workers, we always fought against each other,” Pawar said.“The same thing happened with the BJP and Shiv Sena. In the 2017 elections in Mumbai and Thane, they were fighting against each other. So, there’s no need to think that something very different is happening here,” he added.Local body polls will not impact functioning of Maharashtra govtPawar also affirmed that the three parties contesting separately—BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena—against each other in the local body polls have agreed that the elections will not impact the functioning of the Maharashtra state government, even after results are declared on January 16.This comes after Chief Minister Fadnavis took a swipe at Ajit Pawar for criticising the BJP during the poll campaign.Speaking during an interaction with actor Girija Oak, Fadnavis said the BJP and the NCP had decided well in advance that they would not contest the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic elections as allies, since both were strong parties in the region.“Ajit dada only speaks, but my work speaks. We had already decided that even if we contest against each other, it would be a friendly contest and that we would refrain from criticising each other or each other’s parties. I have followed that rule till now, but his restraint is somewhat shaken,” Fadnavis said.However, Ajit Pawar will not “speak” after January 15, when votes will be cast, Fadnavis said, exuding confidence in the BJP’s performance.‘I have a secular mindset’Pawar also condemned attempts to give the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections a “communal angle”. Reaffirming that he has “a secular mindset”, he said that in a diverse country like India, everyone is an equal citizen.“I do not like this at all. I have a secular mindset. The ideology of Ambedkar does not teach us this. Our country is so big, and those who live in this country are all Indians. If someone is committing treason against the country, action should be taken against them, and they should be given the death penalty. A new law should be made,” Ajit Pawar told ANI.Pawar’s statement comes a day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that the new BMC mayor will be “from the Mahayuti, will be a Hindu, and a Marathi.”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 MediaVideos‘BRICS Brings Countries Together’: Jaishankar Frames Bloc as Global Welfare Platform Under IndiaIndia Rejects Europe’s Pressure To Cut Russia Ties As Germany Pushes Defence Shift Amid Ukraine WarDonald Trump’s Iran Trade Tariff Warning Puts India In A Bind Over Exports, Chabahar And US TiesMinority Killings Shake Bangladesh As Hindu Auto Driver Murder Draws Global Outrage Pressure Mounts’Very Positive Meeting’: Ashwini Vaishnaw Participates In US-Led Ministerial On Critical MineralsCongress MP says India remains “heavily invested emotionally and politically” in Bangladesh”Our Youth Is Creative And Innovative,” PM Modi At Viksit Bharat Dialogue“Deeply Impressed,” CEOs Share Takeaways After Meeting PM Modi | VideoFrom Defence To AI: PM Modi Urges German CEOs To Make India Their Global Manufacturing Base’Real Friends Always…’: Trump’s New Envoy Sergio Gor Pledges To Reset India-US Ties123Photostories8 jungle experiences that only Masai Mara offers and how to visit on a budget7 questions to ask your child’s teacher if your child struggles with attentionWinter Special: How to make traditional home-style Cheeni ke ParatheKerala Assembly elections: The mechanics of electoral competition5 most underrated forms of self-care you’re probably ignoring (But need right now)Discover Your Powerful 2026 Maha Mantra According To Your Birth Date12 must-try three-ingredient breakfast ideas for bachelorsSuniel Shetty films that showcased his acting range from ‘Border’, ‘Hera Pheri’, to ‘Chup Chup Ke’Baby names inspired by rare names of Lord HanumanBreathtaking pictures of Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben’s stylish Hindu wedding123Hot PicksShaksgam ValleyDubai AirportGold rate todayBengaluru newsCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingDonald TrumpCharlie KirkVanessa Bryant and Natalia Bryant Net WorthBrooks Koepka and Jena Sims Net WorthDrake Maye WifeBill GatesConnor McDavid WifeTariffs on Tehran Trade PartnersBengaluru Dental Student SuicideMLB Trade Rumors

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday justified his decision to align with Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP ahead of the upcoming local body polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.In an interview with news agency ANI, Pawar said a joint election strategy was decided after it was learnt that votes would split if workers of both factions contested against each other. BMC Becomes Mega Battleground As Thackerays Reunite And Alliances Shift Ahead Of Civic Wars 2026 He, however, added that his decision would not affect his equations with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.NCP–NCP(SP) reunion“I view it very positively,” Pawar said about the alliance between the NCP and the NCP (SP).“It was because of the efforts of the workers that a joint election strategy was decided upon in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The workers knew that if they contested against each other, the votes would be split. That was something they wanted to avoid at all costs. The workers wanted to win the election… Some people from both parties tried to find a solution,” he added.When asked whether both factions of the NCP would merge in the future, Pawar said, “We haven’t thought about that yet because today is the last day of campaigning, so we are focusing more on ensuring that the voting takes place properly. That’s why we haven’t thought about it from that angle.”He added that such a decision could only be taken after leaders of both sides are taken into confidence, and not just workers. “Not just karyakartas, we need to talk to other leaders too because the party is functioning with them, and they have to talk with their leaders.”“Not just party workers, but we will have to discuss with both party leaders. Leaders run the party, so we need to have discussions first,” he added.Cracks within Mahayuti?During the interview, Pawar also dismissed reports of rifts with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after his decision to join hands with Sharad Pawar’s faction.“No, it will not be affected. 100%, it will not happen,” Pawar said, referring to differences between him and the chief minister.He also justified his decision to part ways with the NDA for the local body polls. Recalling how the NCP and Congress allied for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections but contested local body polls separately, he said a similar situation existed between the BJP and the Shiv Sena as well.“Since I’ve been in politics, in all the elections we’ve fought since 1999, we had an alliance with the Congress. We were working together in the Lok Sabha, in Parliament, and fighting elections together. We were fighting on our respective symbols. The same thing happened in the Assembly elections. But in local body elections, to support and empower our respective party workers, we always fought against each other,” Pawar said.“The same thing happened with the BJP and Shiv Sena. In the 2017 elections in Mumbai and Thane, they were fighting against each other. So, there’s no need to think that something very different is happening here,” he added.Local body polls will not impact functioning of Maharashtra govtPawar also affirmed that the three parties contesting separately—BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena—against each other in the local body polls have agreed that the elections will not impact the functioning of the Maharashtra state government, even after results are declared on January 16.This comes after Chief Minister Fadnavis took a swipe at Ajit Pawar for criticising the BJP during the poll campaign.Speaking during an interaction with actor Girija Oak, Fadnavis said the BJP and the NCP had decided well in advance that they would not contest the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic elections as allies, since both were strong parties in the region.“Ajit dada only speaks, but my work speaks. We had already decided that even if we contest against each other, it would be a friendly contest and that we would refrain from criticising each other or each other’s parties. I have followed that rule till now, but his restraint is somewhat shaken,” Fadnavis said.However, Ajit Pawar will not “speak” after January 15, when votes will be cast, Fadnavis said, exuding confidence in the BJP’s performance.‘I have a secular mindset’Pawar also condemned attempts to give the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections a “communal angle”. Reaffirming that he has “a secular mindset”, he said that in a diverse country like India, everyone is an equal citizen.“I do not like this at all. I have a secular mindset. The ideology of Ambedkar does not teach us this. Our country is so big, and those who live in this country are all Indians. If someone is committing treason against the country, action should be taken against them, and they should be given the death penalty. A new law should be made,” Ajit Pawar told ANI.Pawar’s statement comes a day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that the new BMC mayor will be “from the Mahayuti, will be a Hindu, and a Marathi.”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 MediaVideos‘BRICS Brings Countries Together’: Jaishankar Frames Bloc as Global Welfare Platform Under IndiaIndia Rejects Europe’s Pressure To Cut Russia Ties As Germany Pushes Defence Shift Amid Ukraine WarDonald Trump’s Iran Trade Tariff Warning Puts India In A Bind Over Exports, Chabahar And US TiesMinority Killings Shake Bangladesh As Hindu Auto Driver Murder Draws Global Outrage Pressure Mounts’Very Positive Meeting’: Ashwini Vaishnaw Participates In US-Led Ministerial On Critical MineralsCongress MP says India remains “heavily invested emotionally and politically” in Bangladesh”Our Youth Is Creative And Innovative,” PM Modi At Viksit Bharat Dialogue“Deeply Impressed,” CEOs Share Takeaways After Meeting PM Modi | VideoFrom Defence To AI: PM Modi Urges German CEOs To Make India Their Global Manufacturing Base’Real Friends Always…’: Trump’s New Envoy Sergio Gor Pledges To Reset India-US Ties123Photostories8 jungle experiences that only Masai Mara offers and how to visit on a budget7 questions to ask your child’s teacher if your child struggles with attentionWinter Special: How to make traditional home-style Cheeni ke ParatheKerala Assembly elections: The mechanics of electoral competition5 most underrated forms of self-care you’re probably ignoring (But need right now)Discover Your Powerful 2026 Maha Mantra According To Your Birth Date12 must-try three-ingredient breakfast ideas for bachelorsSuniel Shetty films that showcased his acting range from ‘Border’, ‘Hera Pheri’, to ‘Chup Chup Ke’Baby names inspired by rare names of Lord HanumanBreathtaking pictures of Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben’s stylish Hindu wedding123Hot PicksShaksgam ValleyDubai AirportGold rate todayBengaluru newsCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingDonald TrumpCharlie KirkVanessa Bryant and Natalia Bryant Net WorthBrooks Koepka and Jena Sims Net WorthDrake Maye WifeBill GatesConnor McDavid WifeTariffs on Tehran Trade PartnersBengaluru Dental Student SuicideMLB Trade Rumors

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday justified his decision to align with Sharad Pawar’s faction of the NCP ahead of the upcoming local body polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.In an interview with news agency ANI, Pawar said a joint election strategy was decided after it was learnt that votes would split…

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India-US ties: New Delhi joins critical minerals supply talks in Washington; underlines need for resilient sourcing

India-US ties: New Delhi joins critical minerals supply talks in Washington; underlines need for resilient sourcing

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Ashwini Vaishnaw (ANI image) India on Monday participated in the Finance Ministerial on Securing Critical Minerals Supply Chains hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington. Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw represented the country in the high-level meeting. New Delhi underlined its strong commitment in building…

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REET Mains 2026 exam from January 17: Check exam pattern, marking scheme, and paper-wise schedule here

REET Mains 2026 exam from January 17: Check exam pattern, marking scheme, and paper-wise schedule here

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

REET Mains 2025 exam: The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) will conduct the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET) Mains 2025 from January 17 to January 20, 2026. The examination is being held for the recruitment of Primary (Level 1) and Upper Primary (Level 2) teachers in government schools across Rajasthan.The REET Mains admit card…

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Snoop Dogg censored at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards: Here’s what the rapper said during the live show

Snoop Dogg censored at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards: Here’s what the rapper said during the live show

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Snoop Dogg’s in the house, and the amusement won’t follow? That can’t possibly be right!The OG rapper showed up at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 11, 2026, and here’s the obvious aftermath — things got interesting fast. The hip-hop icon didn’t just bring his style and swagger to Hollywood’s big night; he also…

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Google’s new AI-powered shopping tool for Shopify, Walmart and others is similar to what an upset Amazon sent legal notice to Perplexity over

Google’s new AI-powered shopping tool for Shopify, Walmart and others is similar to what an upset Amazon sent legal notice to Perplexity over

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Google recently unveiled Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), a new open standard for agentic commerce that the search giant claims works across the entire shopping journey — from discovery and buying to post-purchase support. UCP establishes a common language for agents and systems to operate together across consumer surfaces, businesses, and payment providers to enable commerce….

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Minneapolis shooting: DHS shares another video of ‘anti-ICE agitator’ Renee Good minutes before she was killed — watch

Minneapolis shooting: DHS shares another video of ‘anti-ICE agitator’ Renee Good minutes before she was killed — watch

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

US department of homeland security on Sunday released a new video showing the moments just before a federal agent with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The incident has sparked protests, political debate and calls for accountability across the United States. The video, shared by DHS, shows…

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‘Anywhere but India’: A closer look at Bangladesh sports advisor’s explosive claims and ICC’s rebuttal on T20 World Cup venue shift

‘Anywhere but India’: A closer look at Bangladesh sports advisor’s explosive claims and ICC’s rebuttal on T20 World Cup venue shift

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

File Pic: Bangladesh fans cheer for their team in the stands. (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: A day after Bangladesh government’s sports advisor Asif Nazrul sent shockwaves through world cricket by declaring that Bangladesh would play the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 anywhere except India, this report re-examines the allegations he levelled — and why…

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Basmati trade disrupted! What Iran unrest & Trump’s 25% tariffs mean for India’s rice exports, prices – explained

Basmati trade disrupted! What Iran unrest & Trump’s 25% tariffs mean for India’s rice exports, prices – explained

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

IREF pointed out that Indian rice shipments to the US are already levied with a 50% duty. (AI image) India’s rice exports may bear the brunt of escalating tensions in Iran and US President Donald Trump’s latest move to impose 25% tariffs on any country doing trade with Iran. “Effective immediately, any Country doing business…

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NCERT Recruitment 2026 for Groups A, B, C: Online registration closing soon, apply before 16 January

NCERT Recruitment 2026 for Groups A, B, C: Online registration closing soon, apply before 16 January

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has started online applications for 173 non-teaching posts in Group A, B, and C. The registration closes on 16 January 2026, so candidates should apply soon to avoid last-minute issues. These jobs include administrative, technical, and support roles. Posts are open for candidates with 10th pass,…

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‘Stranger Things Season 5’: Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour’s tearful goodbye marks an emotional farewell

‘Stranger Things Season 5’: Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour’s tearful goodbye marks an emotional farewell

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour shared a profoundly moving moment during the final table read for ‘Stranger Things Season 5’. After nearly a decade of bringing Eleven and Hopper to life, their real emotions bubbled up naturally as the script reached its heartfelt close. Fans sensed the series’ end through that raw, shared glance,…

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India’s first Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to launch on 17 Jan: 5 things travellers need to know

India’s first Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to launch on 17 Jan: 5 things travellers need to know

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

India’s first and much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper train is all set to launch on this Saturday (17 January 2026). West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya mentioned during a press conference on Monday, as per PTI. He said the move will significantly boost connectivity in the North Bengal region. The day will mark a historic milestone…

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Maharashtra civic polls: Devendra Fadnavis rides Royal Enfield during Mahayuti roadshow in Nagpur – watch

Maharashtra civic polls: Devendra Fadnavis rides Royal Enfield during Mahayuti roadshow in Nagpur – watch

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Chief Minister Devendraji Fadnavis for the campaign of Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections ‘Road Show’ NAGPUR: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis kickstarted the final day of campaigning for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections on Tuesday with a high-octane roadshow across the city, riding a Royal Enfield. The bike rally drew huge crowds, with supporters cheering, waving…

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