May 21, 2026

A key accused linked to the 2019 Pulwama attack was reportedly shot dead in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reviving focus on cross-border militancy.An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tailstrike during landing, prompting an aircraft inspection and flight disruptions.Satirical online group Cockroach Janta Party had its X account withheld in India, days after it gained traction over remarks linked to the CJI.The Calcutta HC has directed the CBI to form an SIT to investigate allegations that parts of the RG Kar rape and murder case were suppressed, intensifying scrutiny of the high-profile probe. Watch Pulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirA US congressional report said at least 42 American military aircraft were lost or damaged during operations against Iran, highlighting the rising cost of the conflict.Here are your top stories of the dayPulwama attack mastermind killed in PoKHamza Burhan, an alleged mastermind linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Burhan had been designated a terrorist by the Indian government in 2022 and was associated with the banned outfit Al Badr. The development has renewed attention on individuals linked to one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces in recent years. Read full storyAir India flight suffers tailstrike during Bengaluru landingAn Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru experienced a tailstrike while landing at Kempegowda International Airport, though all passengers and crew disembarked safely. The airline said the aircraft had been grounded for detailed inspection and that the incident would be investigated according to established procedures. The return Bengaluru-Delhi flight was cancelled as a result. Read full storyCockroach Janta Party account withheld in IndiaThe X account of the satirical online collective Cockroach Janta Party has been withheld in India shortly after the group gained viral attention. The movement emerged following controversy over remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing, though he later clarified that his comments had been misrepresented. The group has since launched a new account and continued posting political satire online. Read full storyCalcutta High Court orders fresh SIT probe into alleged RG Kar cover-upThe Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to constitute a Special Investigation Team under its joint director (East) to examine allegations that aspects of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case were “hushed up”. The court also asked the SIT to submit a detailed status report by June 25, amid continuing judicial scrutiny of the investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a trainee doctor on hospital premises. Read full storyUS report details heavy aircraft losses in Iran operationsA report by the Congressional Research Service said at least 42 US military aircraft were lost or damaged during operations against Iran launched on February 28. The reported losses include fighter jets, drones, refuelling aircraft and surveillance planes, while the estimated cost of the campaign has risen to $29 billion. The findings underline the growing military and financial strain of the conflict for Washington. Read full storyAbout 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 MediaVideosPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two Municipalities123Photostories5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escapeLove nail art but nails keep breaking? Use rice water this way if you want STRONG NAILS10 ways to stay calm under pressure, as per psychology123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
A key accused linked to the 2019 Pulwama attack was reportedly shot dead in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reviving focus on cross-border militancy.An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tailstrike during landing, prompting an aircraft inspection and flight disruptions.Satirical online group Cockroach Janta Party had its X account withheld in India, days after it gained traction over remarks linked to the CJI.The Calcutta HC has directed the CBI to form an SIT to investigate allegations that parts of the RG Kar rape and murder case were suppressed, intensifying scrutiny of the high-profile probe. Watch Pulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirA US congressional report said at least 42 American military aircraft were lost or damaged during operations against Iran, highlighting the rising cost of the conflict.Here are your top stories of the dayPulwama attack mastermind killed in PoKHamza Burhan, an alleged mastermind linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Burhan had been designated a terrorist by the Indian government in 2022 and was associated with the banned outfit Al Badr. The development has renewed attention on individuals linked to one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces in recent years. Read full storyAir India flight suffers tailstrike during Bengaluru landingAn Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru experienced a tailstrike while landing at Kempegowda International Airport, though all passengers and crew disembarked safely. The airline said the aircraft had been grounded for detailed inspection and that the incident would be investigated according to established procedures. The return Bengaluru-Delhi flight was cancelled as a result. Read full storyCockroach Janta Party account withheld in IndiaThe X account of the satirical online collective Cockroach Janta Party has been withheld in India shortly after the group gained viral attention. The movement emerged following controversy over remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing, though he later clarified that his comments had been misrepresented. The group has since launched a new account and continued posting political satire online. Read full storyCalcutta High Court orders fresh SIT probe into alleged RG Kar cover-upThe Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to constitute a Special Investigation Team under its joint director (East) to examine allegations that aspects of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case were “hushed up”. The court also asked the SIT to submit a detailed status report by June 25, amid continuing judicial scrutiny of the investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a trainee doctor on hospital premises. Read full storyUS report details heavy aircraft losses in Iran operationsA report by the Congressional Research Service said at least 42 US military aircraft were lost or damaged during operations against Iran launched on February 28. The reported losses include fighter jets, drones, refuelling aircraft and surveillance planes, while the estimated cost of the campaign has risen to billion. The findings underline the growing military and financial strain of the conflict for Washington. Read full storyAbout 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 MediaVideosPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two Municipalities123Photostories5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escapeLove nail art but nails keep breaking? Use rice water this way if you want STRONG NAILS10 ways to stay calm under pressure, as per psychology123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana


Evening news wrap: Pulwama attack mastermind killed in PoK; Air India flight suffers tailstrike & more

A key accused linked to the 2019 Pulwama attack was reportedly shot dead in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reviving focus on cross-border militancy.An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tailstrike during landing, prompting an aircraft inspection and flight disruptions.Satirical online group Cockroach Janta Party had its X account withheld in India, days after it gained traction over remarks linked to the CJI.The Calcutta HC has directed the CBI to form an SIT to investigate allegations that parts of the RG Kar rape and murder case were suppressed, intensifying scrutiny of the high-profile probe.A US congressional report said at least 42 American military aircraft were lost or damaged during operations against Iran, highlighting the rising cost of the conflict.Here are your top stories of the day

Pulwama attack mastermind killed in PoK

Hamza Burhan, an alleged mastermind linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Burhan had been designated a terrorist by the Indian government in 2022 and was associated with the banned outfit Al Badr. The development has renewed attention on individuals linked to one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces in recent years. Read full story

Air India flight suffers tailstrike during Bengaluru landing

An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru experienced a tailstrike while landing at Kempegowda International Airport, though all passengers and crew disembarked safely. The airline said the aircraft had been grounded for detailed inspection and that the incident would be investigated according to established procedures. The return Bengaluru-Delhi flight was cancelled as a result. Read full story

Cockroach Janta Party account withheld in India

The X account of the satirical online collective Cockroach Janta Party has been withheld in India shortly after the group gained viral attention. The movement emerged following controversy over remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing, though he later clarified that his comments had been misrepresented. The group has since launched a new account and continued posting political satire online. Read full story

Calcutta High Court orders fresh SIT probe into alleged RG Kar cover-up

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to constitute a Special Investigation Team under its joint director (East) to examine allegations that aspects of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case were “hushed up”. The court also asked the SIT to submit a detailed status report by June 25, amid continuing judicial scrutiny of the investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a trainee doctor on hospital premises. Read full story

US report details heavy aircraft losses in Iran operations

A report by the Congressional Research Service said at least 42 US military aircraft were lost or damaged during operations against Iran launched on February 28. The reported losses include fighter jets, drones, refuelling aircraft and surveillance planes, while the estimated cost of the campaign has risen to $29 billion. The findings underline the growing military and financial strain of the conflict for Washington. Read full story



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ANI file photo The world India built its partnerships on is shifting and shifting fast.Washington is increasingly transactional, with tariffs and trade threats making America a partner India values but can no longer rely on exclusively. China remains India’s largest trading partner, but unresolved border tensions and a deepening strategic rivalry make dependence on China a risk New Delhi is actively working to reduce. And Russia, a friendship built over decades, is quietly fraying, the war in Ukraine has isolated Russia and made deep engagement with the Kremlin a diplomatic liability India can ill afford. Furthermore, Ongoing Middle East conflicts threaten India’s economic stability by disrupting energy, shipping, and expatriate welfare.So the question sitting at the heart of India’s foreign policy today is simple if not them, then who?The answer, with growing conviction in New Delhi, is Europe. And at the centre of India’s European bet is a partnership that in a telling sign of the times the internet noticed before the diplomats did.Clips of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of multilateral summits have generated millions of views across India and Europe. The warmth is visible and unscripted, two leaders who appear to genuinely enjoy each other’s company. And in the transactional world of modern diplomacy, that is rarer than it sounds.But here’s what most people scrolling past those clips don’t realise.While the world was watching the chemistry, India was building the architecture, a corridor anchoring Italy to India’s supply chain ambitions, and a free trade agreement with Europe that could be the most consequential economic deal India signs this decade.This is that story. Meloni, since taking office in 2022, has approached India not through the tired lens of old European paternalism but as what India actually is, a civilisational power, a manufacturing giant in the making, and a geopolitical force that Europe can no longer afford to treat as a developing-world afterthought. In Modi, she found a counterpart who prizes directness, responds to genuine respect, and brings his own extraordinary public reach to every room he enters.Their political instincts rhyme. Their audiences overlap more than either capital’s foreign ministry would formally acknowledge. And in an era where public sentiment shapes diplomatic momentum, two leaders who can generate popular interest in a bilateral relationship are a strategic asset to each other. People are watching. That matters!But behind the rapport lies something more durable than chemistry.India and Italy have not always been natural allies. For years, the relationship carried the weight of real damage. The AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter scam poisoned defence cooperation for nearly a decade. Italian firm Finmeccanica was blacklisted, contracts were cancelled, and the very mention of India-Italy defence ties conjured images of courtrooms rather than collaboration. Then came the Italian marines case, two soldiers accused of killing Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast in 2012, a legal battle that ground through international tribunals and strained diplomatic tempers on both sides.Trust, once bruised, is slow to heal. But it does heal.The Joint Strategic Plan of Action 2025–2029, agreed between the two governments, is not a declaration of goodwill. It is an operational roadmap covering defence, technology, energy, connectivity and trade. New frameworks for defence industrial cooperation are being built. Italy brings aerospace, naval and cybersecurity sophistication, India brings scale, ambition and a modernisation programme of historic proportions.On trade, bilateral exchange has crossed 16.77 billion US dollars, with a joint target of 20 billion euros by 2029. Italy is already India’s fourth largest trading partner within the European Union. Tata Motors’ 3.8 billion euro acquisition of the Iveco Group, the single largest Indian investment ever made on Italian soil, signals that this is no longer a relationship of pleasantries. India is planting flags in European manufacturing.Then there is IMEEC the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, perhaps the most geopolitically significant infrastructure initiative India has backed in recent years.IMEEC is an alternative to chokepoints. A hedge against disruption. A new artery connecting India through the Gulf and the Middle East all the way into Europe, building resilience into supply chains that the pandemic and geopolitical shocks have exposed as dangerously fragile.Italy is not merely a signatory to this corridor. It is its western anchor. The Sparkle-Airtel Blue-Raman submarine cable now live connects India digitally to the port of Genoa. That is not a metaphor. That is fibre optic infrastructure binding two economies in real time, with more to follow.For India, IMEEC is about energy security and supply chain sovereignty. For Italy, it is a generational opportunity to position itself as Europe’s gateway to the Indo-Pacific. Both sides need this to work. Both sides are invested in ways that go beyond formal commitment.And then there is the biggest prize of all.Speaking at the European Round Table for Industry in Gothenburg, Sweden attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and the continent’s most senior business leaders, Modi made India’s most direct and public pitch yet for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, stating that it will open new opportunities in trade, technology, manufacturing and resilient supply chains, while cementing India’s place as Europe’s most trusted economic partner. The pitch was comprehensive and deliberately forward-looking. PM Modi called for collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electronics, clean energy, telecom infrastructure, mobility, healthcare and deep-tech manufacturing, framing the FTA not as a tariff negotiation but as the foundation for building diversified, resilient supply chains together. He also pointed to India’s young workforce as a structural advantage for Europe at a time when the continent is ageing and labour shortages are biting across key industries.The EU is the world’s largest single market. An FTA would give Indian exporters, manufacturers and services firms access to nearly 450 million high-income consumers, with Italy, as one of Europe’s largest economies and India’s most enthusiastic advocate within the bloc, positioning itself to be the agreement’s first mover.Italy isn’t just a friend inside Europe. It is, increasingly, India’s most effective voice inside the room where European trade policy is made.India and Italy have had their years of drift, their diplomatic bruises, their courtroom dramas. That history is real. In some quarters, the trust deficit lingers.But what the Modi-Meloni relationship represents today is something more durable than a summit or a viral clip. It is the consolidation of a recalibrated partnership built on interests that are no longer peripheral but strategic, and powered by two leaders who understand each other in ways that make officials in both foreign ministries move faster than they otherwise would.IMEEC provides the corridor. The FTA will provide the framework. The Modi-Meloni bond provides the political will to make both move.In a world where Washington is unpredictable, Beijing is complicated and Moscow is constrained, Europe is no longer India’s backup plan.Europe is the plan.About the AuthorDivya KocharEight years in the newsroom and still asking uncomfortable questions politely. She has interviewed politicians, defence experts, celebrities and international affairs specialists (100+ and counting), and somehow made all of them interesting. Believes great news shouldn’t need a dictionary. Travels a lot, reads too much, loves animals unconditionally and thinks peace is always the answer.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCJP X Account Withheld In India After Crossing 200K Followers In Just Four Days | WatchFIR Sought Against Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit ShahAir India Flight AI2651 Hits Tail During Landing, Aircraft Grounded For Inspection At BengaluruViral Cockroach Janta Party Overtakes Congress And BJP In Instagram Followers Race | WatchPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US Delegation123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: Fish, face or stars? What you see first reveals if you are easy-going, deep connector or big-picture visionaryCoconut water vs coconut milk: Which works better for summer hair growth?5 enchanting villages in England that are straight out of a fantasy landTamannaah Bhatia’s red silk midi dress and emerald choker are a total fashion winHow to grow spinach at home faster than you think: Simple step-by-step guide for beginnersPapaya or Papaya Chaat: Which gives lower sugar spike and how to eat the fruit right7 coolest small towns in India to escape the summer heat in 2026The best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant in June in AustraliaSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

ANI file photo The world India built its partnerships on is shifting and shifting fast.Washington is increasingly transactional, with tariffs and trade threats making America a partner India values but can no longer rely on exclusively. China remains India’s largest trading partner, but unresolved border tensions and a deepening strategic rivalry make dependence on China a risk New Delhi is actively working to reduce. And Russia, a friendship built over decades, is quietly fraying, the war in Ukraine has isolated Russia and made deep engagement with the Kremlin a diplomatic liability India can ill afford. Furthermore, Ongoing Middle East conflicts threaten India’s economic stability by disrupting energy, shipping, and expatriate welfare.So the question sitting at the heart of India’s foreign policy today is simple if not them, then who?The answer, with growing conviction in New Delhi, is Europe. And at the centre of India’s European bet is a partnership that in a telling sign of the times the internet noticed before the diplomats did.Clips of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of multilateral summits have generated millions of views across India and Europe. The warmth is visible and unscripted, two leaders who appear to genuinely enjoy each other’s company. And in the transactional world of modern diplomacy, that is rarer than it sounds.But here’s what most people scrolling past those clips don’t realise.While the world was watching the chemistry, India was building the architecture, a corridor anchoring Italy to India’s supply chain ambitions, and a free trade agreement with Europe that could be the most consequential economic deal India signs this decade.This is that story. Meloni, since taking office in 2022, has approached India not through the tired lens of old European paternalism but as what India actually is, a civilisational power, a manufacturing giant in the making, and a geopolitical force that Europe can no longer afford to treat as a developing-world afterthought. In Modi, she found a counterpart who prizes directness, responds to genuine respect, and brings his own extraordinary public reach to every room he enters.Their political instincts rhyme. Their audiences overlap more than either capital’s foreign ministry would formally acknowledge. And in an era where public sentiment shapes diplomatic momentum, two leaders who can generate popular interest in a bilateral relationship are a strategic asset to each other. People are watching. That matters!But behind the rapport lies something more durable than chemistry.India and Italy have not always been natural allies. For years, the relationship carried the weight of real damage. The AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter scam poisoned defence cooperation for nearly a decade. Italian firm Finmeccanica was blacklisted, contracts were cancelled, and the very mention of India-Italy defence ties conjured images of courtrooms rather than collaboration. Then came the Italian marines case, two soldiers accused of killing Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast in 2012, a legal battle that ground through international tribunals and strained diplomatic tempers on both sides.Trust, once bruised, is slow to heal. But it does heal.The Joint Strategic Plan of Action 2025–2029, agreed between the two governments, is not a declaration of goodwill. It is an operational roadmap covering defence, technology, energy, connectivity and trade. New frameworks for defence industrial cooperation are being built. Italy brings aerospace, naval and cybersecurity sophistication, India brings scale, ambition and a modernisation programme of historic proportions.On trade, bilateral exchange has crossed 16.77 billion US dollars, with a joint target of 20 billion euros by 2029. Italy is already India’s fourth largest trading partner within the European Union. Tata Motors’ 3.8 billion euro acquisition of the Iveco Group, the single largest Indian investment ever made on Italian soil, signals that this is no longer a relationship of pleasantries. India is planting flags in European manufacturing.Then there is IMEEC the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, perhaps the most geopolitically significant infrastructure initiative India has backed in recent years.IMEEC is an alternative to chokepoints. A hedge against disruption. A new artery connecting India through the Gulf and the Middle East all the way into Europe, building resilience into supply chains that the pandemic and geopolitical shocks have exposed as dangerously fragile.Italy is not merely a signatory to this corridor. It is its western anchor. The Sparkle-Airtel Blue-Raman submarine cable now live connects India digitally to the port of Genoa. That is not a metaphor. That is fibre optic infrastructure binding two economies in real time, with more to follow.For India, IMEEC is about energy security and supply chain sovereignty. For Italy, it is a generational opportunity to position itself as Europe’s gateway to the Indo-Pacific. Both sides need this to work. Both sides are invested in ways that go beyond formal commitment.And then there is the biggest prize of all.Speaking at the European Round Table for Industry in Gothenburg, Sweden attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and the continent’s most senior business leaders, Modi made India’s most direct and public pitch yet for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, stating that it will open new opportunities in trade, technology, manufacturing and resilient supply chains, while cementing India’s place as Europe’s most trusted economic partner. The pitch was comprehensive and deliberately forward-looking. PM Modi called for collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electronics, clean energy, telecom infrastructure, mobility, healthcare and deep-tech manufacturing, framing the FTA not as a tariff negotiation but as the foundation for building diversified, resilient supply chains together. He also pointed to India’s young workforce as a structural advantage for Europe at a time when the continent is ageing and labour shortages are biting across key industries.The EU is the world’s largest single market. An FTA would give Indian exporters, manufacturers and services firms access to nearly 450 million high-income consumers, with Italy, as one of Europe’s largest economies and India’s most enthusiastic advocate within the bloc, positioning itself to be the agreement’s first mover.Italy isn’t just a friend inside Europe. It is, increasingly, India’s most effective voice inside the room where European trade policy is made.India and Italy have had their years of drift, their diplomatic bruises, their courtroom dramas. That history is real. In some quarters, the trust deficit lingers.But what the Modi-Meloni relationship represents today is something more durable than a summit or a viral clip. It is the consolidation of a recalibrated partnership built on interests that are no longer peripheral but strategic, and powered by two leaders who understand each other in ways that make officials in both foreign ministries move faster than they otherwise would.IMEEC provides the corridor. The FTA will provide the framework. The Modi-Meloni bond provides the political will to make both move.In a world where Washington is unpredictable, Beijing is complicated and Moscow is constrained, Europe is no longer India’s backup plan.Europe is the plan.About the AuthorDivya KocharEight years in the newsroom and still asking uncomfortable questions politely. She has interviewed politicians, defence experts, celebrities and international affairs specialists (100+ and counting), and somehow made all of them interesting. Believes great news shouldn’t need a dictionary. Travels a lot, reads too much, loves animals unconditionally and thinks peace is always the answer.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCJP X Account Withheld In India After Crossing 200K Followers In Just Four Days | WatchFIR Sought Against Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit ShahAir India Flight AI2651 Hits Tail During Landing, Aircraft Grounded For Inspection At BengaluruViral Cockroach Janta Party Overtakes Congress And BJP In Instagram Followers Race | WatchPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US Delegation123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: Fish, face or stars? What you see first reveals if you are easy-going, deep connector or big-picture visionaryCoconut water vs coconut milk: Which works better for summer hair growth?5 enchanting villages in England that are straight out of a fantasy landTamannaah Bhatia’s red silk midi dress and emerald choker are a total fashion winHow to grow spinach at home faster than you think: Simple step-by-step guide for beginnersPapaya or Papaya Chaat: Which gives lower sugar spike and how to eat the fruit right7 coolest small towns in India to escape the summer heat in 2026The best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant in June in AustraliaSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: In four days of securing Kerala chief minister post, Congress leader VD Satheesan has found himself at the centre of a political storm that is not over policy or governance, but over his name.Congress leaders have now criticised its own CM for the name he chose to publicly use while taking his constitutional oaths.The row erupted after Satheesan used his full legal name, ‘Vadasseri Damodara Menon Satheesan’, while taking oath as chief minister on May 18 and again while taking oath as an MLA of the 16th Kerala legislative assembly on Thursday.What’s in the name?The controversy stems largely from the contrast with Satheesan’s earlier public political identity.When he took oath as an MLA in 2021, he had identified himself simply as ‘VD Satheesan’. This time, however, he chose to use the expanded version of his name at two high-profile constitutional ceremonies. ‘Menon’ surname belongs to the upper caste Nair community in Kerala.Satheesan was chosen for the top post by the Congress high command after the party won the recent assembly elections, wrestling power from Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government after 10 years. After Satheesan’s move, critics within his own party argued that foregrounding a caste title sits uneasily with the party’s secular and inclusive image.According to PTI, some Congress insiders also felt there was a political “message” in the move, especially amid criticism from the BJP and the CPM over the Congress-led UDF’s engagement with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Jamaat-e-Islami.Some within the Congress interpret the use of surname Menon as an attempt to signal outreach towards sections of Hindu voters at a time when identity politics is becoming sharper in Kerala.Congress leader Jinto John in a post on Facebook, said that a Congress party that does not carry caste surnames is more inclusive. He wrote that he would use ‘Jinto John’ instead of ‘Thekkumkattil John Roman Catholic Jinto’, invoking the name of the community he belongs to. “My politics is also shaped by my convictions, a slightly left-leaning Congress consciousness,” he added.Similarly, another Congress leader, VR Anoop in a social media posting, suggested that the CM Satheesan should take more time to read Ambedkar. He argued that caste in Kerala continued to function as “social capital and social power”.Referring to Satheesan’s public image as a serious reader, Anoop wrote on social media: “Even amid the pressures of official responsibilities, since you find time for reading, you should also find more time to read Ambedkar.”The issue gained further attention because two influential Hindu community organisations, the Nair Service Society (NSS) and the SNDP Yogam, were reportedly not enthusiastic about Satheesan’s elevation as chief minister, PTI reported.Satheesan asks what’s wrong in it? Amid criticism from his own party leaders, Satheesan defended his decision and asked, “why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name?”Satheesan, however, strongly rejected suggestions that the move carried caste or political messaging.Addressing reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the CM said he had intentionally used his full name to honour his late parents.”Why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name? Shouldn’t I remember him?” Satheesan asked, according to ANI.”That is my father’s name. I am sad that I couldn’t take my mother’s name too. Both of them passed before I became an MLA. I took my father’s name. It is common to do that,” he said.He further added: “Even in the passport, it is written like that. Since there was no option to tell my mother’s name, I remembered her in my mind. It is a matter of pride to speak my parents’ name.”The ‘Vande Mataram’ controversyAmid controversy over the use of surname, Satheesan’s oath ceremony as CM had also triggered a separate political debate after the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was rendered during the swearing-in of the new UDF cabinet.Satheesan later clarified that the government had no prior information that the complete version of the song would be played.”We did not know that Vande Mataram would be rendered in full. The instructions came from Lok Bhavan. We realised it only when it began being sung in its entirety while we were standing there,” he said on Wednesday, according to ANI.”It was not possible to interrupt it midway. Usually, only the national anthem is sung by the end of the event. Now this too is included. We had no prior information,” he added.The CPM, meanwhile criticised the move, saying rendering portions excluded by the Congress Working Committee in 1937 was “a wrong and inappropriate step”.”It was the Congress Working Committee itself that took the position that rendering all portions of Vande Mataram was not suitable for a plural society,” the CPM said in a statement.The party further stated: “No action that weakens a plural society should come from the side of the government. At a time when attempts to divide people on communal lines are becoming more active, no action that harms secularism should come from any side.”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 MediaVideosCJP X Account Withheld In India After Crossing 200K Followers In Just Four Days | WatchFIR Sought Against Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit ShahAir India Flight AI2651 Hits Tail During Landing, Aircraft Grounded For Inspection At BengaluruViral Cockroach Janta Party Overtakes Congress And BJP In Instagram Followers Race | WatchPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US Delegation123PhotostoriesCoconut water vs coconut milk: Which works better for summer hair growth?5 enchanting villages in England that are straight out of a fantasy landTamannaah Bhatia’s red silk midi dress and emerald choker are a total fashion winHow to grow spinach at home faster than you think: Simple step-by-step guide for beginnersPapaya or Papaya Chaat: Which gives lower sugar spike and how to eat the fruit right7 coolest small towns in India to escape the summer heat in 2026The best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant in June in AustraliaSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

NEW DELHI: In four days of securing Kerala chief minister post, Congress leader VD Satheesan has found himself at the centre of a political storm that is not over policy or governance, but over his name.Congress leaders have now criticised its own CM for the name he chose to publicly use while taking his constitutional oaths.The row erupted after Satheesan used his full legal name, ‘Vadasseri Damodara Menon Satheesan’, while taking oath as chief minister on May 18 and again while taking oath as an MLA of the 16th Kerala legislative assembly on Thursday.What’s in the name?The controversy stems largely from the contrast with Satheesan’s earlier public political identity.When he took oath as an MLA in 2021, he had identified himself simply as ‘VD Satheesan’. This time, however, he chose to use the expanded version of his name at two high-profile constitutional ceremonies. ‘Menon’ surname belongs to the upper caste Nair community in Kerala.Satheesan was chosen for the top post by the Congress high command after the party won the recent assembly elections, wrestling power from Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government after 10 years. After Satheesan’s move, critics within his own party argued that foregrounding a caste title sits uneasily with the party’s secular and inclusive image.According to PTI, some Congress insiders also felt there was a political “message” in the move, especially amid criticism from the BJP and the CPM over the Congress-led UDF’s engagement with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Jamaat-e-Islami.Some within the Congress interpret the use of surname Menon as an attempt to signal outreach towards sections of Hindu voters at a time when identity politics is becoming sharper in Kerala.Congress leader Jinto John in a post on Facebook, said that a Congress party that does not carry caste surnames is more inclusive. He wrote that he would use ‘Jinto John’ instead of ‘Thekkumkattil John Roman Catholic Jinto’, invoking the name of the community he belongs to. “My politics is also shaped by my convictions, a slightly left-leaning Congress consciousness,” he added.Similarly, another Congress leader, VR Anoop in a social media posting, suggested that the CM Satheesan should take more time to read Ambedkar. He argued that caste in Kerala continued to function as “social capital and social power”.Referring to Satheesan’s public image as a serious reader, Anoop wrote on social media: “Even amid the pressures of official responsibilities, since you find time for reading, you should also find more time to read Ambedkar.”The issue gained further attention because two influential Hindu community organisations, the Nair Service Society (NSS) and the SNDP Yogam, were reportedly not enthusiastic about Satheesan’s elevation as chief minister, PTI reported.Satheesan asks what’s wrong in it? Amid criticism from his own party leaders, Satheesan defended his decision and asked, “why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name?”Satheesan, however, strongly rejected suggestions that the move carried caste or political messaging.Addressing reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the CM said he had intentionally used his full name to honour his late parents.”Why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name? Shouldn’t I remember him?” Satheesan asked, according to ANI.”That is my father’s name. I am sad that I couldn’t take my mother’s name too. Both of them passed before I became an MLA. I took my father’s name. It is common to do that,” he said.He further added: “Even in the passport, it is written like that. Since there was no option to tell my mother’s name, I remembered her in my mind. It is a matter of pride to speak my parents’ name.”The ‘Vande Mataram’ controversyAmid controversy over the use of surname, Satheesan’s oath ceremony as CM had also triggered a separate political debate after the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was rendered during the swearing-in of the new UDF cabinet.Satheesan later clarified that the government had no prior information that the complete version of the song would be played.”We did not know that Vande Mataram would be rendered in full. The instructions came from Lok Bhavan. We realised it only when it began being sung in its entirety while we were standing there,” he said on Wednesday, according to ANI.”It was not possible to interrupt it midway. Usually, only the national anthem is sung by the end of the event. Now this too is included. We had no prior information,” he added.The CPM, meanwhile criticised the move, saying rendering portions excluded by the Congress Working Committee in 1937 was “a wrong and inappropriate step”.”It was the Congress Working Committee itself that took the position that rendering all portions of Vande Mataram was not suitable for a plural society,” the CPM said in a statement.The party further stated: “No action that weakens a plural society should come from the side of the government. At a time when attempts to divide people on communal lines are becoming more active, no action that harms secularism should come from any side.”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 MediaVideosCJP X Account Withheld In India After Crossing 200K Followers In Just Four Days | WatchFIR Sought Against Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit ShahAir India Flight AI2651 Hits Tail During Landing, Aircraft Grounded For Inspection At BengaluruViral Cockroach Janta Party Overtakes Congress And BJP In Instagram Followers Race | WatchPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US Delegation123PhotostoriesCoconut water vs coconut milk: Which works better for summer hair growth?5 enchanting villages in England that are straight out of a fantasy landTamannaah Bhatia’s red silk midi dress and emerald choker are a total fashion winHow to grow spinach at home faster than you think: Simple step-by-step guide for beginnersPapaya or Papaya Chaat: Which gives lower sugar spike and how to eat the fruit right7 coolest small towns in India to escape the summer heat in 2026The best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant in June in AustraliaSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Vamsikrishna 0
The Indian summer is notorious for extreme heat, which can become life‑threatening during heat waves when temperatures often exceed 45 degrees Celsius. Each year, certain cities stand out as the hottest due to regional geography and climatic conditions. A look at the top 10 hottest cities in India shows that high temperatures are widespread across the country.States such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, and parts of Odisha frequently record some of the highest readings. These temperatures are typically driven by dry conditions, intense solar radiation, and inland locations that reduce cooling from coastal winds. As reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this list offers a factual snapshot of India’s most heat‑affected urban and semi‑urban areas.List of hottest cities in IndiaRankCityState/RegionTemperature1BandaUttar Pradesh48°C2KhajurahoMadhya Pradesh47.4°C3WardhaMaharashtra (Vidarbha)47.1°C4RohtakHaryana46.9°C5NagpurMaharashtra (Vidarbha)46.6°C6NowgongMadhya Pradesh46.6°C7Sri GanganagarRajasthan46.5°C8AmravatiMaharashtra (Vidarbha)46.4°C9ChandrapurMaharashtra (Vidarbha)46.2°C10HamirpurUttar Pradesh46.2°CSource: IMD10 Hottest cities in IndiaBanda, Uttar Pradesh | 48°CAccording to the information in the dataset, Banda had the maximum temperature of 48.0°C, thus ranking last in the Indian heat index. Banda is located in the Bundelkhand area, where the climate is semi-arid with hot weather characterised by long hot summers and less rainfall. The period is marked by strong hot winds referred to locally as “loo.” This means that it feels much hotter than it actually is during those periods.Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh | 47.4°CThe city of Khajuraho, known for the presence of temples listed under UNESCO World Heritage, is also home to some of the hottest summers experienced in the country, with daytime temperatures soaring up to 47.4°C. Situated in the Bundelkhand region, the area consists of rocky ground, vegetation, and low moisture content in the soil, leading to quick heating of the surface during the daytime. The heat usually lacks humidity, thus giving rise to a deceptive feeling of comfort that places stress on the body anyway.Wardha, Maharashtra | 47.1°CThe city of Wardha in the Vidarbha district of the state of Maharashtra had an extreme temperature reading of 47.1°C, adding more strength to the already established belief that Vidarbha is one of the hottest parts of India. The district does not have any coastline and thus does not experience any cooling effects from water bodies. The terrain of Wardha, being mostly agriculture-based, traps a lot of heat energy emitted from the sun.Rohtak, Haryana | 46.9°CThe maximum temperature reached by Rohtak was 46.9° Celsius, indicating the harshness of the climate in the plains of Northern India. Haryana’s terrain is mostly made up of flat farming lands, which means that any heat that exists in the area will be evenly distributed. Rohtak itself is a place where the climate shows strong continental characteristics, and hence, there are more chances of high temperatures because of the lack of oceanic influence.Nagpur, Maharashtra | 46.6°CNagpur is frequently called the geographical centre of India due to the high temperature of 46.6°C experienced there. The fact that Nagpur is an inland area determines the absence of cooling influences of the ocean, which allows for temperatures to rise substantially during the pre-monsoon season. Besides, Nagpur is characterised by dry air, which means there will be no cloud coverage due to the low humidity level, and, consequently, more sunlight will be received.Nowgong, Madhya Pradesh | 46.6°CIn Madhya Pradesh, the temperature in Nowgong was equivalent to that in Nagpur at 46.6°C. This demonstrates the intensity of heat conditions prevailing in the Bundelkhand region of central India. This area has been described as being characterised by arid conditions and a scarcity of vegetation. This results in faster heating on the Earth’s surface due to the absence of cooling from the presence of vegetation. In addition, the climate in the region is heavily influenced by the continental climate, leading to high temperatures during the day.Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan | 46.5°CSri Ganganagar recorded 46.5°C, a reflection of Rajasthan’s desert-influenced climate. Located near the Thar Desert region, the city experiences intense solar radiation and extremely low humidity levels during summer. The dry air allows sunlight to heat the ground rapidly, leading to high daytime temperatures. Unlike humid climates, dry heat in Sri Ganganagar can fluctuate sharply between day and night, but daytime conditions remain particularly harsh. Amravati, Maharashtra | 46.4°CThe maximum temperature of 46.4°C was observed in Amravati, which reflects the increasing trend of heat waves occurring in the Vidarbha district of Maharashtra state. The surroundings of Amravati consist of agricultural fields that readily absorb heat when exposed directly to the sun’s rays. The climate of Vidarbha is characterised by dry atmosphere, lesser rain in the pre-monsoon season, and strong solar radiation resulting in frequent occurrence of heat waves in the area.Chandrapur, Maharashtra | 46.2°CChandrapur recorded an average high temperature of 46.2°C. This place joins other cities in Vidarbha that have witnessed extreme hot conditions. The district is noted for having industries along with dense forests in its environment, but this combination does not help in bringing down summer temperatures. This is because of the dry continental wind and high intensity of sunlight during the summer. Geography plays an important role in accumulating heat, particularly in times of lower humidity levels.Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh | 46.2°CIn Hamirpur, the temperature was reported as 46.2°C, which indicates that the weather was extremely hot in the Bundelkhand area of Uttar Pradesh. The geographical features of the area include a rocky surface with less vegetation cover, as well as poor water absorption capacity in the soil. Thus, it heats up very quickly due to exposure to the sun.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’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two MunicipalitiesFalta Re-Poll Begins After Irregularities; Voters Say They Can Finally Vote Without FearTMC Alleges Post-Poll Violence, Harassment Of Workers During Kolkata Protest123Photostories5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escapeLove nail art but nails keep breaking? Use rice water this way if you want STRONG NAILS10 ways to stay calm under pressure, as per psychology123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeGold rate todayUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

The Indian summer is notorious for extreme heat, which can become life‑threatening during heat waves when temperatures often exceed 45 degrees Celsius. Each year, certain cities stand out as the hottest due to regional geography and climatic conditions. A look at the top 10 hottest cities in India shows that high temperatures are widespread across the country.States such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, and parts of Odisha frequently record some of the highest readings. These temperatures are typically driven by dry conditions, intense solar radiation, and inland locations that reduce cooling from coastal winds. As reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this list offers a factual snapshot of India’s most heat‑affected urban and semi‑urban areas.List of hottest cities in IndiaRankCityState/RegionTemperature1BandaUttar Pradesh48°C2KhajurahoMadhya Pradesh47.4°C3WardhaMaharashtra (Vidarbha)47.1°C4RohtakHaryana46.9°C5NagpurMaharashtra (Vidarbha)46.6°C6NowgongMadhya Pradesh46.6°C7Sri GanganagarRajasthan46.5°C8AmravatiMaharashtra (Vidarbha)46.4°C9ChandrapurMaharashtra (Vidarbha)46.2°C10HamirpurUttar Pradesh46.2°CSource: IMD10 Hottest cities in IndiaBanda, Uttar Pradesh | 48°CAccording to the information in the dataset, Banda had the maximum temperature of 48.0°C, thus ranking last in the Indian heat index. Banda is located in the Bundelkhand area, where the climate is semi-arid with hot weather characterised by long hot summers and less rainfall. The period is marked by strong hot winds referred to locally as “loo.” This means that it feels much hotter than it actually is during those periods.Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh | 47.4°CThe city of Khajuraho, known for the presence of temples listed under UNESCO World Heritage, is also home to some of the hottest summers experienced in the country, with daytime temperatures soaring up to 47.4°C. Situated in the Bundelkhand region, the area consists of rocky ground, vegetation, and low moisture content in the soil, leading to quick heating of the surface during the daytime. The heat usually lacks humidity, thus giving rise to a deceptive feeling of comfort that places stress on the body anyway.Wardha, Maharashtra | 47.1°CThe city of Wardha in the Vidarbha district of the state of Maharashtra had an extreme temperature reading of 47.1°C, adding more strength to the already established belief that Vidarbha is one of the hottest parts of India. The district does not have any coastline and thus does not experience any cooling effects from water bodies. The terrain of Wardha, being mostly agriculture-based, traps a lot of heat energy emitted from the sun.Rohtak, Haryana | 46.9°CThe maximum temperature reached by Rohtak was 46.9° Celsius, indicating the harshness of the climate in the plains of Northern India. Haryana’s terrain is mostly made up of flat farming lands, which means that any heat that exists in the area will be evenly distributed. Rohtak itself is a place where the climate shows strong continental characteristics, and hence, there are more chances of high temperatures because of the lack of oceanic influence.Nagpur, Maharashtra | 46.6°CNagpur is frequently called the geographical centre of India due to the high temperature of 46.6°C experienced there. The fact that Nagpur is an inland area determines the absence of cooling influences of the ocean, which allows for temperatures to rise substantially during the pre-monsoon season. Besides, Nagpur is characterised by dry air, which means there will be no cloud coverage due to the low humidity level, and, consequently, more sunlight will be received.Nowgong, Madhya Pradesh | 46.6°CIn Madhya Pradesh, the temperature in Nowgong was equivalent to that in Nagpur at 46.6°C. This demonstrates the intensity of heat conditions prevailing in the Bundelkhand region of central India. This area has been described as being characterised by arid conditions and a scarcity of vegetation. This results in faster heating on the Earth’s surface due to the absence of cooling from the presence of vegetation. In addition, the climate in the region is heavily influenced by the continental climate, leading to high temperatures during the day.Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan | 46.5°CSri Ganganagar recorded 46.5°C, a reflection of Rajasthan’s desert-influenced climate. Located near the Thar Desert region, the city experiences intense solar radiation and extremely low humidity levels during summer. The dry air allows sunlight to heat the ground rapidly, leading to high daytime temperatures. Unlike humid climates, dry heat in Sri Ganganagar can fluctuate sharply between day and night, but daytime conditions remain particularly harsh. Amravati, Maharashtra | 46.4°CThe maximum temperature of 46.4°C was observed in Amravati, which reflects the increasing trend of heat waves occurring in the Vidarbha district of Maharashtra state. The surroundings of Amravati consist of agricultural fields that readily absorb heat when exposed directly to the sun’s rays. The climate of Vidarbha is characterised by dry atmosphere, lesser rain in the pre-monsoon season, and strong solar radiation resulting in frequent occurrence of heat waves in the area.Chandrapur, Maharashtra | 46.2°CChandrapur recorded an average high temperature of 46.2°C. This place joins other cities in Vidarbha that have witnessed extreme hot conditions. The district is noted for having industries along with dense forests in its environment, but this combination does not help in bringing down summer temperatures. This is because of the dry continental wind and high intensity of sunlight during the summer. Geography plays an important role in accumulating heat, particularly in times of lower humidity levels.Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh | 46.2°CIn Hamirpur, the temperature was reported as 46.2°C, which indicates that the weather was extremely hot in the Bundelkhand area of Uttar Pradesh. The geographical features of the area include a rocky surface with less vegetation cover, as well as poor water absorption capacity in the soil. Thus, it heats up very quickly due to exposure to the sun.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’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two MunicipalitiesFalta Re-Poll Begins After Irregularities; Voters Say They Can Finally Vote Without FearTMC Alleges Post-Poll Violence, Harassment Of Workers During Kolkata Protest123Photostories5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escapeLove nail art but nails keep breaking? Use rice water this way if you want STRONG NAILS10 ways to stay calm under pressure, as per psychology123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeGold rate todayUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

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ANI file photo NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the Centre of failing to address concerns over the NEET paper leak controversy, demanding the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and calling for a stronger examination system to prevent future leaks. Rahul said the Congress would continue its fight for students affected by repeated paper leak allegations across the country.”We won’t stop until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns and a strong, secure system is put in place to stop paper leaks in the country. This fight is for every student whose future this failed government has stolen,” Rahul Gandhi said through a post on X. Rahul alleged that students across the country had been forced to protest over repeated exam paper leaks and accused the government of failing to take responsibility for the issue. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “When Modi Ji was making reels of handing out sweets in Italy – the youth of India, tormented by paper leaks, were taking to the streets demanding justice.”The Congress MP further claimed that the NEET paper leak had “ruined the futures of lakhs of students” and alleged that several students had lost their lives.He also criticised the centre for not removing Dharmendra Pradhan and accused BJP-ruled states of using force against protesters demanding action over the issue.“A government that answers students’ questions with lathis doesn’t run on accountability – it runs on fear,” Rahul said, adding that the opposition would continue its campaign over examination reforms and accountability.Congress workers on Thursday marched towards the BJP state headquarters to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET UG examination. Police stopped the protesters at barricades, used water cannons to disperse the crowd and detained several demonstrators during the protest.The NEET-UG examination for admission to undergraduate medical courses, conducted on May 3, was cancelled two days later following allegations of a paper leak. The Centre subsequently ordered a comprehensive CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the exam.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 MediaVideosPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two Municipalities123PhotostoriesTamannaah Bhatia’s red silk midi dress and emerald choker are a total fashion winPapaya or Papaya Chaat: Which gives lower sugar spike and how to eat the fruit right7 coolest small towns in India to escape the summer heat in 2026The best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant in June in AustraliaSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

ANI file photo NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the Centre of failing to address concerns over the NEET paper leak controversy, demanding the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and calling for a stronger examination system to prevent future leaks. Rahul said the Congress would continue its fight for students affected by repeated paper leak allegations across the country.”We won’t stop until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns and a strong, secure system is put in place to stop paper leaks in the country. This fight is for every student whose future this failed government has stolen,” Rahul Gandhi said through a post on X. Rahul alleged that students across the country had been forced to protest over repeated exam paper leaks and accused the government of failing to take responsibility for the issue. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “When Modi Ji was making reels of handing out sweets in Italy – the youth of India, tormented by paper leaks, were taking to the streets demanding justice.”The Congress MP further claimed that the NEET paper leak had “ruined the futures of lakhs of students” and alleged that several students had lost their lives.He also criticised the centre for not removing Dharmendra Pradhan and accused BJP-ruled states of using force against protesters demanding action over the issue.“A government that answers students’ questions with lathis doesn’t run on accountability – it runs on fear,” Rahul said, adding that the opposition would continue its campaign over examination reforms and accountability.Congress workers on Thursday marched towards the BJP state headquarters to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET UG examination. Police stopped the protesters at barricades, used water cannons to disperse the crowd and detained several demonstrators during the protest.The NEET-UG examination for admission to undergraduate medical courses, conducted on May 3, was cancelled two days later following allegations of a paper leak. The Centre subsequently ordered a comprehensive CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the exam.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 MediaVideosPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two Municipalities123PhotostoriesTamannaah Bhatia’s red silk midi dress and emerald choker are a total fashion winPapaya or Papaya Chaat: Which gives lower sugar spike and how to eat the fruit right7 coolest small towns in India to escape the summer heat in 2026The best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant in June in AustraliaSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

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