April 1, 2026

NEW DELHI: The net deletion of around 47 lakh electors from Bihar’s rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) and the consequent shrinking of the state’s voter base to 7.4 crore is among factors that may have pushed up Phase 1 polling percentage to record levels, EC officials said.Officers attribute the rise partly to better voter connect achieved through house-to-house visits by booth level officers (BLOs) and parties’ booth level agents (BLAs) to distribute and collect forms. Opposition protests against SIR, including Rahul Gandhi’s ‘voter adhikaar’ yatra, also ensured the Bihar poll campaign began early. “The sharp divisions over SIR created a high level of contestation, generating public interest and encouraging electors to vote,” said an officer.Interestingly, the difference between Bihar’s Phase 1 turnout and its 2024 Lok Sabha turnout-8.4 percentage points-nearly matches the 8.7% deletions from the June 2025 roll that listed 7.9 crore electors.Officials said it’s hard to assess how much SIR deletions contributed to higher turnout. “SIR eliminated bogus entries – of dead, shifted or ineligible – which earlier enabled impersonation,” said an EC officer.They added that EC’s resolve in conducting SIR exercise amid criticism, and high media scrutiny motivated voters to turn up in large numbers.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123PhotostoriesBollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefits123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

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NEW DELHI: The net deletion of around 47 lakh electors from Bihar’s rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) and the consequent shrinking of the state’s voter base to 7.4 crore is among factors that may have pushed up Phase 1 polling percentage to record levels, EC officials said.Officers attribute the rise partly to better voter connect achieved through house-to-house visits by booth level officers (BLOs) and parties’ booth level agents (BLAs) to distribute and collect forms. Opposition protests against SIR, including Rahul Gandhi’s ‘voter adhikaar’ yatra, also ensured the Bihar poll campaign began early. “The sharp divisions over SIR created a high level of contestation, generating public interest and encouraging electors to vote,” said an officer.Interestingly, the difference between Bihar’s Phase 1 turnout and its 2024 Lok Sabha turnout-8.4 percentage points-nearly matches the 8.7% deletions from the June 2025 roll that listed 7.9 crore electors.Officials said it’s hard to assess how much SIR deletions contributed to higher turnout. “SIR eliminated bogus entries – of dead, shifted or ineligible – which earlier enabled impersonation,” said an EC officer.They added that EC’s resolve in conducting SIR exercise amid criticism, and high media scrutiny motivated voters to turn up in large numbers.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123PhotostoriesBollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefits123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane


EC: Sharp divide over SIR created interest in polls, boosted turnout

NEW DELHI: The net deletion of around 47 lakh electors from Bihar’s rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) and the consequent shrinking of the state’s voter base to 7.4 crore is among factors that may have pushed up Phase 1 polling percentage to record levels, EC officials said.Officers attribute the rise partly to better voter connect achieved through house-to-house visits by booth level officers (BLOs) and parties’ booth level agents (BLAs) to distribute and collect forms. Opposition protests against SIR, including Rahul Gandhi’s ‘voter adhikaar’ yatra, also ensured the Bihar poll campaign began early. “The sharp divisions over SIR created a high level of contestation, generating public interest and encouraging electors to vote,” said an officer.Interestingly, the difference between Bihar’s Phase 1 turnout and its 2024 Lok Sabha turnout-8.4 percentage points-nearly matches the 8.7% deletions from the June 2025 roll that listed 7.9 crore electors.Officials said it’s hard to assess how much SIR deletions contributed to higher turnout. “SIR eliminated bogus entries – of dead, shifted or ineligible – which earlier enabled impersonation,” said an EC officer.They added that EC’s resolve in conducting SIR exercise amid criticism, and high media scrutiny motivated voters to turn up in large numbers.





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. Dozens of Maoist cadres surrendered across Bastar in Chhattisgarh and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra on the final day of Union home minister Amit Shah’s March 31 deadline to end left-wing extremism, while Odisha declared itself free of Naxalite influence and scrapped its surrender and rehabilitation policy for those who failed to lay down arms on Tuesday.In Gadchiroli, for long one of the worst affected by Maoist violence, officials described the surrender of nine from Chhattisgarh as significant due to their role in operations spanning both states. Verification will precede rehabilitation benefits, including financial aid and skill training. The Centre has already reclassified Gadchiroli and Gondia in Maharashtra from Maoist-affected districts to “legacy and thrust” category — the final stage before full normalisation.Officials said coordinated strategy combining sustained security operations and incentives had weakened insurgent morale and encouraged surrenders.Odisha police said CPI(Maoist) had collapsed in the state with no fresh recruitment. Nine districts that once reported Maoist presence have now been cleared, leaving only a small patch in Kandhamal with limited activity. Forces remain on alert to prevent a resurgence. Only 2 Districts Still Labelled LWE-Affected With this, only Bijapur in Chhattisgarh and West Singhbhum in Jharkhand remain categorised as Maoist-affected districts across the country. On Tuesday, at least 35 insurgents surrendered across five Bastar districts — 25 in Bijapur, five in Dantewada, two each in Sukma and Kanker, and one in Narayanpur — as security forces tightened pressure on Maoist networks. Nine more Maoists crossed the Indravati river from Chhattisgarh forests into Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli and surrendered with weapons and explosives.Security forces found 93 weapons, over 7kg of gold and Rs 2.9 crore cash from Maoist dumps in Bijapur alone, with the total haul valued at more than Rs 14 crore. In Dantewada, five cadres linked to the Dandakaranya special zonal committee surrendered. Police said intelligence provided by them led to the seizure of 40 weapons, including SLR and Insas rifles. SP Gaurav Rai said the surrender of “last five active Maoists” had rendered the district Naxal-free.29 Naxal cadres give up arms in 3 Chhattisgarh districtsBijapur police reported the surrender of 25 cadres, including members of area committees, alongside confiscation of weapons such as AK-47s. In Sukma, two women carrying rewards of Rs 8 lakh each surrendered. Forces seized Rs 10 lakh cash and rifles. SP Kiran Chavan said the district’s Maoist network had been “nearly dismantled”.Kanker saw two surrenders with an AK-47 rifle. SP Nikhil Rakhecha said 11 cadres had returned to mainstream in six days, though about 14 Maoists, including divisional committee-level members Chander and Rupi, were still active.Around nine lower-rung cadres are believed to be active in Kandhamal forests. “They may either be neutralised or arrested,” ADG (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda added.About the AuthorRashmi DroliaRashmi is a Special Correspondent with The Times of India in Chhattisgarh. She covers Politics, Left Wing Extremism, Crime and Human Rights among other areas of news value.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow An Indian LPG Tanker Took An Unusual Route To Escape Strait Of HormuzTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? 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. Dozens of Maoist cadres surrendered across Bastar in Chhattisgarh and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra on the final day of Union home minister Amit Shah’s March 31 deadline to end left-wing extremism, while Odisha declared itself free of Naxalite influence and scrapped its surrender and rehabilitation policy for those who failed to lay down arms on Tuesday.In Gadchiroli, for long one of the worst affected by Maoist violence, officials described the surrender of nine from Chhattisgarh as significant due to their role in operations spanning both states. Verification will precede rehabilitation benefits, including financial aid and skill training. The Centre has already reclassified Gadchiroli and Gondia in Maharashtra from Maoist-affected districts to “legacy and thrust” category — the final stage before full normalisation.Officials said coordinated strategy combining sustained security operations and incentives had weakened insurgent morale and encouraged surrenders.Odisha police said CPI(Maoist) had collapsed in the state with no fresh recruitment. Nine districts that once reported Maoist presence have now been cleared, leaving only a small patch in Kandhamal with limited activity. Forces remain on alert to prevent a resurgence. Only 2 Districts Still Labelled LWE-Affected With this, only Bijapur in Chhattisgarh and West Singhbhum in Jharkhand remain categorised as Maoist-affected districts across the country. On Tuesday, at least 35 insurgents surrendered across five Bastar districts — 25 in Bijapur, five in Dantewada, two each in Sukma and Kanker, and one in Narayanpur — as security forces tightened pressure on Maoist networks. Nine more Maoists crossed the Indravati river from Chhattisgarh forests into Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli and surrendered with weapons and explosives.Security forces found 93 weapons, over 7kg of gold and Rs 2.9 crore cash from Maoist dumps in Bijapur alone, with the total haul valued at more than Rs 14 crore. In Dantewada, five cadres linked to the Dandakaranya special zonal committee surrendered. Police said intelligence provided by them led to the seizure of 40 weapons, including SLR and Insas rifles. SP Gaurav Rai said the surrender of “last five active Maoists” had rendered the district Naxal-free.29 Naxal cadres give up arms in 3 Chhattisgarh districtsBijapur police reported the surrender of 25 cadres, including members of area committees, alongside confiscation of weapons such as AK-47s. In Sukma, two women carrying rewards of Rs 8 lakh each surrendered. Forces seized Rs 10 lakh cash and rifles. SP Kiran Chavan said the district’s Maoist network had been “nearly dismantled”.Kanker saw two surrenders with an AK-47 rifle. SP Nikhil Rakhecha said 11 cadres had returned to mainstream in six days, though about 14 Maoists, including divisional committee-level members Chander and Rupi, were still active.Around nine lower-rung cadres are believed to be active in Kandhamal forests. “They may either be neutralised or arrested,” ADG (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda added.About the AuthorRashmi DroliaRashmi is a Special Correspondent with The Times of India in Chhattisgarh. She covers Politics, Left Wing Extremism, Crime and Human Rights among other areas of news value.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow An Indian LPG Tanker Took An Unusual Route To Escape Strait Of HormuzTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? 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. SRINAGAR: The withdrawal of security of several legislators and politicians rocked the J&K Assembly on Tuesday after the governing National Conference (NC) raised the issue and flayed the LG administration for the removal of security at its headquarters in Srinagar, Nawai Subha, even after a recent attack on party president Farooq Abdullah, saying the move risked the lives of its leader and MLAs.Police and security in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir fall under lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha.Echoing concerns raised by NC members, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said the national flag would not be safe in Kashmir if those holding it were unsafe. “Security issues shouldn’t be taken casually in J&K,” Rather said, adding that the administration should either declare J&K a risk-free place for politicians and political parties, or ensure proper security.“Recently, Dr Farooq Abdullah had a narrow escape, and after that, you withdrew security from the NC office, where he goes regularly, which is unfortunate,” the Speaker said. “It is a question of those who raise the Tricolour; they should remain safe.”Congress, too, claimed that the security of its J&K unit chief, Tariq Hameed Karra, had been withdrawn and that police had informed him that they did not have petrol for the escort vehicles and security guards.Earlier, the issue was flagged by NC legislators, with Hasnain Masoodi saying that instead of increasing security at the NC office after the attack on Abdullah, it had been withdrawn, and Nazir Gurezi asserting that the LG administration would be responsible if there was any untoward development. Javed Baig alleged that NC was being particularly targeted, and questioned why security at BJP and RSS offices had not been withdrawn.Salman Sagar, NC MLA from Hazratbal, said security of three Srinagar MLAs had been withdrawn despite being “on the hitlist” of terrorists. “The SHO in my area is telling me not to visit my constituency after 4 pm, and this is happening in Srinagar,” he said.Nizamuddin Bhat, Congress legislator from Bandipora, said security was a common concern for all parties in J&K and should not be treated as a largesse by the administration. He said Karra had told the SSP concerned that he was willing to provide petrol himself, but the security was still removed. Bhat said his own security, too, had been withdrawn despite being from the volatile Bandipora district.Even BJP’s S S Slathia demanded that govt should restore the security of everyone, but added that NC shouldn’t blame BJP, RSS or the LG.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow An Indian LPG Tanker Took An Unusual Route To Escape Strait Of HormuzTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency SecretMajor Boost Of India’s Maritime Capabilities, Indian Navy Gets 2 Warships & Survey Vessel In Single Day’Played Bangladeshi National Anthem’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress In Assam Over Infiltration’Nalanda Revival Signals…’: EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role In Shaping Multipolar World123PhotostoriesExclusive – Prince Narula opens up on The 50, reacts to claims of using Elvish Yadav’s name for TRP, and addresses Rajat Dalal’s allegations about giving up the Ticket to Finale out of fear6 foods to combine with avocado to boost fiber intake and how to consume themUnanswered questions in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ that keep the story alive beyond the screen5 cars that perfectly blend vintage charm with modern appealEnjoyed ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’? 5 series like this you should add to your watchlistIPL 2026: How Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma met his wife Pratima Singh: From sport stars to parents5 things to know before entering an age-gap relationshipNutrition expert explains how regular potatoes can be used as a gut and liver-boosting food, simple recipe inside5 times Bollywood actresses proved that loud polka dots are the new quiet luxuryRachel McAdams, Emily Blunt to Jason Momoa: Stars who rejected roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

. SRINAGAR: The withdrawal of security of several legislators and politicians rocked the J&K Assembly on Tuesday after the governing National Conference (NC) raised the issue and flayed the LG administration for the removal of security at its headquarters in Srinagar, Nawai Subha, even after a recent attack on party president Farooq Abdullah, saying the move risked the lives of its leader and MLAs.Police and security in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir fall under lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha.Echoing concerns raised by NC members, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said the national flag would not be safe in Kashmir if those holding it were unsafe. “Security issues shouldn’t be taken casually in J&K,” Rather said, adding that the administration should either declare J&K a risk-free place for politicians and political parties, or ensure proper security.“Recently, Dr Farooq Abdullah had a narrow escape, and after that, you withdrew security from the NC office, where he goes regularly, which is unfortunate,” the Speaker said. “It is a question of those who raise the Tricolour; they should remain safe.”Congress, too, claimed that the security of its J&K unit chief, Tariq Hameed Karra, had been withdrawn and that police had informed him that they did not have petrol for the escort vehicles and security guards.Earlier, the issue was flagged by NC legislators, with Hasnain Masoodi saying that instead of increasing security at the NC office after the attack on Abdullah, it had been withdrawn, and Nazir Gurezi asserting that the LG administration would be responsible if there was any untoward development. Javed Baig alleged that NC was being particularly targeted, and questioned why security at BJP and RSS offices had not been withdrawn.Salman Sagar, NC MLA from Hazratbal, said security of three Srinagar MLAs had been withdrawn despite being “on the hitlist” of terrorists. “The SHO in my area is telling me not to visit my constituency after 4 pm, and this is happening in Srinagar,” he said.Nizamuddin Bhat, Congress legislator from Bandipora, said security was a common concern for all parties in J&K and should not be treated as a largesse by the administration. He said Karra had told the SSP concerned that he was willing to provide petrol himself, but the security was still removed. Bhat said his own security, too, had been withdrawn despite being from the volatile Bandipora district.Even BJP’s S S Slathia demanded that govt should restore the security of everyone, but added that NC shouldn’t blame BJP, RSS or the LG.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow An Indian LPG Tanker Took An Unusual Route To Escape Strait Of HormuzTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? Pakistani Cleric Stuns India, Reveals Kashmir’s Dark Insurgency SecretMajor Boost Of India’s Maritime Capabilities, Indian Navy Gets 2 Warships & Survey Vessel In Single Day’Played Bangladeshi National Anthem’: Rajnath Singh Slams Congress In Assam Over Infiltration’Nalanda Revival Signals…’: EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role In Shaping Multipolar World123PhotostoriesExclusive – Prince Narula opens up on The 50, reacts to claims of using Elvish Yadav’s name for TRP, and addresses Rajat Dalal’s allegations about giving up the Ticket to Finale out of fear6 foods to combine with avocado to boost fiber intake and how to consume themUnanswered questions in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ that keep the story alive beyond the screen5 cars that perfectly blend vintage charm with modern appealEnjoyed ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’? 5 series like this you should add to your watchlistIPL 2026: How Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma met his wife Pratima Singh: From sport stars to parents5 things to know before entering an age-gap relationshipNutrition expert explains how regular potatoes can be used as a gut and liver-boosting food, simple recipe inside5 times Bollywood actresses proved that loud polka dots are the new quiet luxuryRachel McAdams, Emily Blunt to Jason Momoa: Stars who rejected roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe123Hot PicksIncome Tax Changes from April 1stPost office small savings schemesNASA Artemis IIAmazon treeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Match TodayRajasthan Board 12th Science ResultVaibhav SooryavanshiKarnataka 1st PUC ResultsUS Iran WarKolkata Assembly ElectionBihar Temple NewsRavindra JadejaDrake Maye InjuryBank Holiday this week

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. NEW DELHI: With the Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 becoming law with President of India Droupadi Murmu’s assent on Monday, all eyes are now on the way forward as the amendments do away with the provisions in the 2019 law that allowed “self-perceived gender identity” to be the basis for self-determination and identification for approval for transgender certificate by the district magistrate.The amended definition of “transgender persons” makes it clear that it will not include persons with “different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities”. A medical board headed by the chief medical officer has been introduced. Going forward the district magistrate will issue a certificate of transgender identity, after examining the recommendation of the medical board cited as “authority” to be constituted by the central or state governments. Moreover, the DM will also have the option to seek assistance from medical experts.While the TG community members are exploring the legal route to challenge the enacted amendments in Court, they wonder what will be the fate of the over 32,000 TG certificates issued so far based on self-perceived identity and those pending approval. Member of the National Council for Transgender Persons Abhina Aher told TOI that the community was planning to take legal recourse as the Bill violates the landmark NALSA judgement of 2014 that affirmed the right to self-determination of transgender persons. A visit to the National Portal for Transgender Persons linked to the website of the ministry of social justice and empowerment shows that the total number of applications received stands at 37362. The portal puts the number of TG certificates issued so far at 32660, and of these, TG identity cards have been issued to 32630 persons. As many as 5833 applicants have not been found eligible, and 4794 applications were pending approval as of Tuesday.In this backdrop, youth like Akash (name changed) are a worried lot. A transman from Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri who is currently in Delhi for coaching as he aspires to sit for the civil services examination, Akash says he is fearful of what lies ahead. “ I got my TG certificate on March 18 but will this certificate stay valid? The amendments don’t even mention transman or transwoman in the definition and take away the right to self-perceived identification. So, what happens to me and others in the same situation? Who will stand up to secure our rights and protect us from exploitation?” Akash asked.The amended definition of “transgender person” lays down that it includes a person having such socio-cultural identities as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta, or eunuch, or a person with intersex variations specified below or a person who, at birth, has a congenital variation in one or more of the following sex characteristics as compared to male or female development.— primary sexual characteristicsexternal genitaliachromosomal patternsgonadal developmentendogenous hormone production or response, or such other medical conditions.The definition also includes “any person or child who has been, by force, allurement, inducement, deceit or undue influence, either with or without consent, compelled to assume, adopt, or outwardly present a transgender identity, by mutilation, emasculation, castration, amputation, or any surgical, chemical, or hormonal procedure or otherwise.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow An Indian LPG Tanker Took An Unusual Route To Escape Strait Of HormuzTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? 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. NEW DELHI: With the Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 becoming law with President of India Droupadi Murmu’s assent on Monday, all eyes are now on the way forward as the amendments do away with the provisions in the 2019 law that allowed “self-perceived gender identity” to be the basis for self-determination and identification for approval for transgender certificate by the district magistrate.The amended definition of “transgender persons” makes it clear that it will not include persons with “different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities”. A medical board headed by the chief medical officer has been introduced. Going forward the district magistrate will issue a certificate of transgender identity, after examining the recommendation of the medical board cited as “authority” to be constituted by the central or state governments. Moreover, the DM will also have the option to seek assistance from medical experts.While the TG community members are exploring the legal route to challenge the enacted amendments in Court, they wonder what will be the fate of the over 32,000 TG certificates issued so far based on self-perceived identity and those pending approval. Member of the National Council for Transgender Persons Abhina Aher told TOI that the community was planning to take legal recourse as the Bill violates the landmark NALSA judgement of 2014 that affirmed the right to self-determination of transgender persons. A visit to the National Portal for Transgender Persons linked to the website of the ministry of social justice and empowerment shows that the total number of applications received stands at 37362. The portal puts the number of TG certificates issued so far at 32660, and of these, TG identity cards have been issued to 32630 persons. As many as 5833 applicants have not been found eligible, and 4794 applications were pending approval as of Tuesday.In this backdrop, youth like Akash (name changed) are a worried lot. A transman from Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri who is currently in Delhi for coaching as he aspires to sit for the civil services examination, Akash says he is fearful of what lies ahead. “ I got my TG certificate on March 18 but will this certificate stay valid? The amendments don’t even mention transman or transwoman in the definition and take away the right to self-perceived identification. So, what happens to me and others in the same situation? Who will stand up to secure our rights and protect us from exploitation?” Akash asked.The amended definition of “transgender person” lays down that it includes a person having such socio-cultural identities as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta, or eunuch, or a person with intersex variations specified below or a person who, at birth, has a congenital variation in one or more of the following sex characteristics as compared to male or female development.— primary sexual characteristicsexternal genitaliachromosomal patternsgonadal developmentendogenous hormone production or response, or such other medical conditions.The definition also includes “any person or child who has been, by force, allurement, inducement, deceit or undue influence, either with or without consent, compelled to assume, adopt, or outwardly present a transgender identity, by mutilation, emasculation, castration, amputation, or any surgical, chemical, or hormonal procedure or otherwise.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow An Indian LPG Tanker Took An Unusual Route To Escape Strait Of HormuzTrump Ready To End Iran War Despite Hormuz Blockade?; Iran’s Oil Revenues Soar Thanks To Trump’s War’India’s Silence Helpful To US, Israel And Gulf States’: Former Deputy NSA Pankaj Saran On Iran WarBig April Financial Reset: New Rules For UPI, ATM, PAN, FASTag, Railway Booking To Impact Daily Life’Like Political Vultures’: PM Modi Slams Congress For ‘Spreading Fear’ Amid West Asia CrisisFallen Leaves To Cooking Fuel: IIT Bombay Develops Indigenous Technology To Tackle LPG Crisis‘One Roti’ For Survival? 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