August 11, 2026

Two men sentenced to life imprisonment have challenged their conviction and sentence before the higher court. NEW DELHI: Two men sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) official Ankit Sharma during the 2020 North East Delhi riots have challenged their conviction and sentence before the higher court.The convicts, Nazim and Kasim, were among five people convicted by the Karkardooma court in Delhi in the murder case. The court convicted them and three others, including former MCD councillor Tahir Hussain, on July 13 and sentenced them to life imprisonment on July 31.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines’No connection at all with Tahir’Speaking to ANI earlier, Mohammad Asif, the brother of convicts Nazim and Kasim, claimed that his brothers had been falsely implicated in the case and denied any connection with Tahir Hussain.”We will appeal in the High Court. One of my brothers, the younger one, Kasim, lived in the village. The other one too had gone to the village two days before the incident. Tahir Hussain’s house is very far away; we had no connection at all,” Asif said.Sharma, an IB official, was killed during the communal violence that broke out in North East Delhi in February 2020. His body was later recovered from a drain in the Dayal Pur area.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.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 MediaVideosKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch123PhotostoriesThe tiaras of Brunei royals: A closer look at the lavish jewels behind their most iconic looks10 unique baby boy names that sound both classic and coolOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoonTrying to lose thigh fat by walking? Doctor explains how to walk smarter, not just longer, for better fat-loss resultsHow to walk smart to reduce thigh fat5 stylish ways to recycle your old denim jeans instead of throwing them awayThe parenting lessons children learn without being taught: 7 agreements every couple should makeBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlookMix these 5 things with Castor Oil for incredible hair growth123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
Two men sentenced to life imprisonment have challenged their conviction and sentence before the higher court. NEW DELHI: Two men sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) official Ankit Sharma during the 2020 North East Delhi riots have challenged their conviction and sentence before the higher court.The convicts, Nazim and Kasim, were among five people convicted by the Karkardooma court in Delhi in the murder case. The court convicted them and three others, including former MCD councillor Tahir Hussain, on July 13 and sentenced them to life imprisonment on July 31.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines’No connection at all with Tahir’Speaking to ANI earlier, Mohammad Asif, the brother of convicts Nazim and Kasim, claimed that his brothers had been falsely implicated in the case and denied any connection with Tahir Hussain.”We will appeal in the High Court. One of my brothers, the younger one, Kasim, lived in the village. The other one too had gone to the village two days before the incident. Tahir Hussain’s house is very far away; we had no connection at all,” Asif said.Sharma, an IB official, was killed during the communal violence that broke out in North East Delhi in February 2020. His body was later recovered from a drain in the Dayal Pur area.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.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 MediaVideosKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch123PhotostoriesThe tiaras of Brunei royals: A closer look at the lavish jewels behind their most iconic looks10 unique baby boy names that sound both classic and coolOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoonTrying to lose thigh fat by walking? Doctor explains how to walk smarter, not just longer, for better fat-loss resultsHow to walk smart to reduce thigh fat5 stylish ways to recycle your old denim jeans instead of throwing them awayThe parenting lessons children learn without being taught: 7 agreements every couple should makeBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlookMix these 5 things with Castor Oil for incredible hair growth123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani


Two life convicts challenge sentences in 2020 IB officer Ankit Sharma murder case
Two men sentenced to life imprisonment have challenged their conviction and sentence before the higher court.

NEW DELHI: Two men sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) official Ankit Sharma during the 2020 North East Delhi riots have challenged their conviction and sentence before the higher court.The convicts, Nazim and Kasim, were among five people convicted by the Karkardooma court in Delhi in the murder case. The court convicted them and three others, including former MCD councillor Tahir Hussain, on July 13 and sentenced them to life imprisonment on July 31.

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Pothole-related deaths in India rose by over 53% in five years, from 1,555 in 2020 to 2,385 in 2024. Do you also have a “work in progress” sign permanently living outside your house?One day, someone digs up the road to lay a water pipe. A few days later, another team arrives to fix a cable. Then comes the patchwork. And just when you think the road is finally back to normal, congratulations, it is dug up again.The road outside your house may technically be the same road, but it has seen so many rounds of digging, filling, breaking and repairing that it almost has a career history.And then, inevitably, the potholes arrive.We often blame potholes on bad roads, heavy rain or poor construction. But a pothole is rarely born overnight. In fact, that annoying crater that makes your car suspension groan or sends a two-wheeler rider swerving usually has a long backstory.A crack appears. Water gets in. The road weakens. Traffic keeps pounding it. The surface finally gives way.And if the underlying problem isn’t fixed, filling the hole may only be a temporary solution.The road gets dug up. Again. And again.Before we get to the pothole itself, there is another character in this story: road digging.Roads don’t just carry vehicles. They carry water pipelines, sewage lines, electricity cables, telecom networks and other utilities underneath them. Whenever something needs to be repaired, replaced or newly installed, the road may have to be opened.The problem begins when the road is not restored to the same standard after the work is completed.From a tiny crack to a full-blown pothole, here’s how road damage turns into a recurring cycle of patch and repair.A poorly compacted patch can become weaker than the surrounding pavement. Water can seep into the edges. Traffic repeatedly hits the repaired section. Eventually, cracks appear.And suddenly, the “temporary” patch becomes the next pothole.This is one reason why road maintenance cannot simply mean filling visible holes. What happens underneath the road matters just as much as what you see on top.Every pothole starts smallThe first warning sign is usually something you wouldn’t give a second glance: a tiny crack.Road surfaces are constantly under pressure. India’s roads have to handle enormous traffic volumes, heavy vehicles and, in many parts of the country, intense heat followed by heavy monsoon rain.Temperature changes cause pavement materials to expand and contract. Repeated traffic loads create fatigue. Overloaded vehicles put additional stress on the surface.Then the monsoon arrives.A police officer fills a pothole with stones on a road, at Edappally, in Kochi. (Image credit: PTI)That tiny crack suddenly becomes a doorway.Water is the real troublemakerRain itself isn’t necessarily the villain. Water getting beneath the road is.Once water enters through a crack, it can reach the layers beneath the asphalt. If drainage is poor, clogged or badly designed, the water may remain there instead of being carried away.The result is gradual weakening of the road’s foundation.The surface may still look fine from above. Underneath, however, the supporting layers can lose strength and material can be washed or displaced, creating weak spots and voids.And then traffic does what traffic does best: keeps coming.Then the tyres take overImagine standing on a floor that has suddenly become slightly hollow underneath. Now imagine thousands of vehicles repeatedly pressing down on that same spot.That is essentially what happens to a road whose underlying layers have weakened.With every passing vehicle, the damaged surface experiences another load. Bits of asphalt loosen, the depression grows and eventually the surface collapses.That is your pothole.And once it forms, it can become a vicious cycle.Rainwater collects in the depression. More water finds its way into the surrounding pavement. The edges weaken. Vehicles hit the damaged section. More material breaks away.A small pothole can therefore become a much bigger one surprisingly quickly, especially during the rainy season.Why does the pothole come back after it is fixedNow comes the question every commuter has asked at least once:“Didn’t they just repair this?”Yes. But repairing the hole and repairing the road are not always the same thing.If workers simply fill the visible depression while the layers underneath remain damaged, the surface may fail again.It is a bit like filling a dent in a wall without fixing the leak behind it.The road may look perfect for a while. Then water gets in again, traffic starts pounding the weak section and — hello, pothole.Potholes on Bengaluru roads (Image credit: PTI)This is why preventive maintenance matters. A small crack can often be dealt with before it becomes structural damage. Once the road base itself has deteriorated, the repair becomes more complicated, expensive and disruptive.And not all potholes are equally dangerousA pothole’s danger isn’t determined by its size alone.A small hole on a busy, high-speed road can be far more dangerous than a giant one on an empty lane.For two-wheelers, an unexpected depression can destabilise the vehicle. On a crowded road, a driver trying to avoid a pothole may suddenly brake or swerve. At night, poor lighting can make the defect difficult to spot. During rain, water can completely hide its depth.So the real danger is a combination of the pothole, speed, traffic, visibility and road conditions.What data showsPotholes claimed 9,438 lives across India between 2020 and 2024, with annual fatalities rising from 1,555 in 2020 to 2,385 in 2024 — a jump of more than 53% in five years.Uttar Pradesh accounted for more than half of the national toll, reporting 5,127 deaths. Madhya Pradesh followed with 969 fatalities, while Tamil Nadu recorded 612, Odisha 425, Punjab 414 and Assam 395. Among Union Territories, Delhi reported the highest toll at 50.But the numbers also raise questions about how pothole-related crashes are recorded. States such as Andhra Pradesh and Bihar reported zero crashes, injuries or deaths under this category, even as states such as Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura reported fatalities. Experts say gaps in objective crash-cause reporting could mean the data does not fully capture the scale of the problem.The toll, however, remains below the 2017 peak of 3,597 pothole-related deaths. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the issue in 2018, observing that authorities responsible for maintaining roads were failing in their duties.Can we stop pothole before it becomes a pothole?Fortunately, the answer isn’t simply “keep filling holes”.A 2021 IIT Madras study found that nearly 78% of urban potholes reported by citizens remained unfixed for more than two weeks, with delays particularly serious in high-traffic areas.Technology can help road agencies identify damage earlier through road-condition monitoring, GIS mapping and scanning systems. Quick repair methods can deal with certain defects before they expand.Citizen reporting can also help — provided complaints actually lead to inspection and action.Because the person who encounters a dangerous pothole may not be a road engineer inspecting the highway once a month. It may be a delivery rider passing through it ten times a day.But technology alone won’t solve the problem.Road agencies need better coordination too. If one department digs up a road to lay a cable and another has to repair it later, someone needs to ensure the road is restored properly. Otherwise, the same stretch can enter an endless loop of dig → patch → crack → pothole → repair → dig again.How speed, rain, poor visibility and heavy traffic can turn a road defect into a serious hazard.The pothole is only the final chapterSo, the next time you see a pothole outside your home, remember: that hole probably didn’t just “appear”.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIt may have started as a tiny crack.Then came rainwater. Maybe a badly repaired utility cut. Maybe years of heavy traffic. Maybe poor drainage. Maybe all of them.By the time you notice the crater, the real damage may already be underneath.Which is why the real solution isn’t simply asking, “Who will fill this pothole?”It is asking a much more important question:“Why did this road fail in the first place — and why wasn’t it fixed before it got this bad?”Because if the answer remains unclear, that freshly filled pothole may just be waiting for its next monsoon comeback.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. Her work brings together reportage and analysis, tracking developments in India and abroad while examining the broader social and economic currents shaping public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor123PhotostoriesKeto, Carnivore, High-Protein Diets: Can eating too much protein or too few carbs put your kidneys under stress?The tiaras of Brunei royals: A closer look at the lavish jewels behind their most iconic looks10 unique baby boy names that sound both classic and coolOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoonTrying to lose thigh fat by walking? Doctor explains how to walk smarter, not just longer, for better fat-loss resultsHow to walk smart to reduce thigh fat5 stylish ways to recycle your old denim jeans instead of throwing them awayThe parenting lessons children learn without being taught: 7 agreements every couple should makeBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlook123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

Pothole-related deaths in India rose by over 53% in five years, from 1,555 in 2020 to 2,385 in 2024. Do you also have a “work in progress” sign permanently living outside your house?One day, someone digs up the road to lay a water pipe. A few days later, another team arrives to fix a cable. Then comes the patchwork. And just when you think the road is finally back to normal, congratulations, it is dug up again.The road outside your house may technically be the same road, but it has seen so many rounds of digging, filling, breaking and repairing that it almost has a career history.And then, inevitably, the potholes arrive.We often blame potholes on bad roads, heavy rain or poor construction. But a pothole is rarely born overnight. In fact, that annoying crater that makes your car suspension groan or sends a two-wheeler rider swerving usually has a long backstory.A crack appears. Water gets in. The road weakens. Traffic keeps pounding it. The surface finally gives way.And if the underlying problem isn’t fixed, filling the hole may only be a temporary solution.The road gets dug up. Again. And again.Before we get to the pothole itself, there is another character in this story: road digging.Roads don’t just carry vehicles. They carry water pipelines, sewage lines, electricity cables, telecom networks and other utilities underneath them. Whenever something needs to be repaired, replaced or newly installed, the road may have to be opened.The problem begins when the road is not restored to the same standard after the work is completed.From a tiny crack to a full-blown pothole, here’s how road damage turns into a recurring cycle of patch and repair.A poorly compacted patch can become weaker than the surrounding pavement. Water can seep into the edges. Traffic repeatedly hits the repaired section. Eventually, cracks appear.And suddenly, the “temporary” patch becomes the next pothole.This is one reason why road maintenance cannot simply mean filling visible holes. What happens underneath the road matters just as much as what you see on top.Every pothole starts smallThe first warning sign is usually something you wouldn’t give a second glance: a tiny crack.Road surfaces are constantly under pressure. India’s roads have to handle enormous traffic volumes, heavy vehicles and, in many parts of the country, intense heat followed by heavy monsoon rain.Temperature changes cause pavement materials to expand and contract. Repeated traffic loads create fatigue. Overloaded vehicles put additional stress on the surface.Then the monsoon arrives.A police officer fills a pothole with stones on a road, at Edappally, in Kochi. (Image credit: PTI)That tiny crack suddenly becomes a doorway.Water is the real troublemakerRain itself isn’t necessarily the villain. Water getting beneath the road is.Once water enters through a crack, it can reach the layers beneath the asphalt. If drainage is poor, clogged or badly designed, the water may remain there instead of being carried away.The result is gradual weakening of the road’s foundation.The surface may still look fine from above. Underneath, however, the supporting layers can lose strength and material can be washed or displaced, creating weak spots and voids.And then traffic does what traffic does best: keeps coming.Then the tyres take overImagine standing on a floor that has suddenly become slightly hollow underneath. Now imagine thousands of vehicles repeatedly pressing down on that same spot.That is essentially what happens to a road whose underlying layers have weakened.With every passing vehicle, the damaged surface experiences another load. Bits of asphalt loosen, the depression grows and eventually the surface collapses.That is your pothole.And once it forms, it can become a vicious cycle.Rainwater collects in the depression. More water finds its way into the surrounding pavement. The edges weaken. Vehicles hit the damaged section. More material breaks away.A small pothole can therefore become a much bigger one surprisingly quickly, especially during the rainy season.Why does the pothole come back after it is fixedNow comes the question every commuter has asked at least once:“Didn’t they just repair this?”Yes. But repairing the hole and repairing the road are not always the same thing.If workers simply fill the visible depression while the layers underneath remain damaged, the surface may fail again.It is a bit like filling a dent in a wall without fixing the leak behind it.The road may look perfect for a while. Then water gets in again, traffic starts pounding the weak section and — hello, pothole.Potholes on Bengaluru roads (Image credit: PTI)This is why preventive maintenance matters. A small crack can often be dealt with before it becomes structural damage. Once the road base itself has deteriorated, the repair becomes more complicated, expensive and disruptive.And not all potholes are equally dangerousA pothole’s danger isn’t determined by its size alone.A small hole on a busy, high-speed road can be far more dangerous than a giant one on an empty lane.For two-wheelers, an unexpected depression can destabilise the vehicle. On a crowded road, a driver trying to avoid a pothole may suddenly brake or swerve. At night, poor lighting can make the defect difficult to spot. During rain, water can completely hide its depth.So the real danger is a combination of the pothole, speed, traffic, visibility and road conditions.What data showsPotholes claimed 9,438 lives across India between 2020 and 2024, with annual fatalities rising from 1,555 in 2020 to 2,385 in 2024 — a jump of more than 53% in five years.Uttar Pradesh accounted for more than half of the national toll, reporting 5,127 deaths. Madhya Pradesh followed with 969 fatalities, while Tamil Nadu recorded 612, Odisha 425, Punjab 414 and Assam 395. Among Union Territories, Delhi reported the highest toll at 50.But the numbers also raise questions about how pothole-related crashes are recorded. States such as Andhra Pradesh and Bihar reported zero crashes, injuries or deaths under this category, even as states such as Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura reported fatalities. Experts say gaps in objective crash-cause reporting could mean the data does not fully capture the scale of the problem.The toll, however, remains below the 2017 peak of 3,597 pothole-related deaths. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the issue in 2018, observing that authorities responsible for maintaining roads were failing in their duties.Can we stop pothole before it becomes a pothole?Fortunately, the answer isn’t simply “keep filling holes”.A 2021 IIT Madras study found that nearly 78% of urban potholes reported by citizens remained unfixed for more than two weeks, with delays particularly serious in high-traffic areas.Technology can help road agencies identify damage earlier through road-condition monitoring, GIS mapping and scanning systems. Quick repair methods can deal with certain defects before they expand.Citizen reporting can also help — provided complaints actually lead to inspection and action.Because the person who encounters a dangerous pothole may not be a road engineer inspecting the highway once a month. It may be a delivery rider passing through it ten times a day.But technology alone won’t solve the problem.Road agencies need better coordination too. If one department digs up a road to lay a cable and another has to repair it later, someone needs to ensure the road is restored properly. Otherwise, the same stretch can enter an endless loop of dig → patch → crack → pothole → repair → dig again.How speed, rain, poor visibility and heavy traffic can turn a road defect into a serious hazard.The pothole is only the final chapterSo, the next time you see a pothole outside your home, remember: that hole probably didn’t just “appear”.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIt may have started as a tiny crack.Then came rainwater. Maybe a badly repaired utility cut. Maybe years of heavy traffic. Maybe poor drainage. Maybe all of them.By the time you notice the crater, the real damage may already be underneath.Which is why the real solution isn’t simply asking, “Who will fill this pothole?”It is asking a much more important question:“Why did this road fail in the first place — and why wasn’t it fixed before it got this bad?”Because if the answer remains unclear, that freshly filled pothole may just be waiting for its next monsoon comeback.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. Her work brings together reportage and analysis, tracking developments in India and abroad while examining the broader social and economic currents shaping public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor123PhotostoriesKeto, Carnivore, High-Protein Diets: Can eating too much protein or too few carbs put your kidneys under stress?The tiaras of Brunei royals: A closer look at the lavish jewels behind their most iconic looks10 unique baby boy names that sound both classic and coolOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoonTrying to lose thigh fat by walking? Doctor explains how to walk smarter, not just longer, for better fat-loss resultsHow to walk smart to reduce thigh fat5 stylish ways to recycle your old denim jeans instead of throwing them awayThe parenting lessons children learn without being taught: 7 agreements every couple should makeBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlook123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

Vamsikrishna 0
Car lies damaged after falling rocks and debris from a hillside hit it following continuous heavy rainfall in the Anni area of Kullu Heavy monsoon rains continued to disrupt life across Himachal Pradesh, with 204 roads blocked, 70 people killed in rain-related incidents and damage to public property estimated at more than Rs 910 crore over the past 43 days, according to the latest State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) assessment.The assessment covers the period from June 30 to August 11 and captures the impact of repeated heavy rainfall, landslides, cloudbursts and other weather-related incidents across the hill state.70 disaster deaths, public property damage crosses Rs 910 croreAccording to SEOC data, 70 people have died in direct disaster-related incidents since June 30. Landslides accounted for 14 deaths, while 23 people died after falling from steep slopes, rocks or trees. Seven deaths were caused by snake bites, six by electrocution and four by cloudbursts.Lahaul and Spiti reported the highest number of direct disaster-related deaths at 14, followed by Kangra with 12.The wider toll has also been compounded by road accidents. As many as 93 people have died in road accidents during the same period, with Chamba reporting 16 fatalities, followed by Kullu (13), Sirmaur (12) and Shimla (11), as reproted by ANI.Meanwhile, cumulative damage to public property has reached around Rs 910.35 crore. The Public Works Department has suffered the biggest losses, estimated at Rs 686.36 crore, while damage to the power sector stands at around Rs 203.90 crore.The monsoon has also damaged houses, other private structures, livestock and crops across the state’s 12 districts, adding to losses for affected households.204 roads blocked, power and water infrastructure hitMandi is the worst affected in terms of road connectivity, with 80 roads currently blocked. The Mandi-Kullu route has also been disrupted at Jalogi Dwada. Kullu has reported 56 blocked roads, while 23 roads remain closed in Sirmaur. Two national highways — NH-154 and NH-21 — are also among the affected routes.The road closures have disrupted inter-district connectivity and complicated the movement of essential supplies and emergency response teams.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe monsoon has also damaged the state’s power and drinking water infrastructure. Forty-five distribution transformer regions are currently out of service, including 41 in Sirmaur’s Nahan subdivision.Around 82 drinking water supply schemes have been affected across the state. Sirmaur accounts for 31 of the disrupted schemes, followed by Hamirpur with 11 and Mandi with eight.Authorities and emergency response teams are continuing restoration work, including clearing landslides and debris, reopening roads and restoring power and water supply. However, persistent rainfall and the risk of further landslides continue to hamper relief and restoration efforts.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.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 MediaVideosTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition DemandDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam Row123PhotostoriesKeto, Carnivore, High-Protein Diets: Can eating too much protein or too few carbs put your kidneys under stress?The tiaras of Brunei royals: A closer look at the lavish jewels behind their most iconic looks10 unique baby boy names that sound both classic and coolOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoonTrying to lose thigh fat by walking? Doctor explains how to walk smarter, not just longer, for better fat-loss resultsHow to walk smart to reduce thigh fat5 stylish ways to recycle your old denim jeans instead of throwing them awayThe parenting lessons children learn without being taught: 7 agreements every couple should makeBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlook123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

Car lies damaged after falling rocks and debris from a hillside hit it following continuous heavy rainfall in the Anni area of Kullu Heavy monsoon rains continued to disrupt life across Himachal Pradesh, with 204 roads blocked, 70 people killed in rain-related incidents and damage to public property estimated at more than Rs 910 crore over the past 43 days, according to the latest State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) assessment.The assessment covers the period from June 30 to August 11 and captures the impact of repeated heavy rainfall, landslides, cloudbursts and other weather-related incidents across the hill state.70 disaster deaths, public property damage crosses Rs 910 croreAccording to SEOC data, 70 people have died in direct disaster-related incidents since June 30. Landslides accounted for 14 deaths, while 23 people died after falling from steep slopes, rocks or trees. Seven deaths were caused by snake bites, six by electrocution and four by cloudbursts.Lahaul and Spiti reported the highest number of direct disaster-related deaths at 14, followed by Kangra with 12.The wider toll has also been compounded by road accidents. As many as 93 people have died in road accidents during the same period, with Chamba reporting 16 fatalities, followed by Kullu (13), Sirmaur (12) and Shimla (11), as reproted by ANI.Meanwhile, cumulative damage to public property has reached around Rs 910.35 crore. The Public Works Department has suffered the biggest losses, estimated at Rs 686.36 crore, while damage to the power sector stands at around Rs 203.90 crore.The monsoon has also damaged houses, other private structures, livestock and crops across the state’s 12 districts, adding to losses for affected households.204 roads blocked, power and water infrastructure hitMandi is the worst affected in terms of road connectivity, with 80 roads currently blocked. The Mandi-Kullu route has also been disrupted at Jalogi Dwada. Kullu has reported 56 blocked roads, while 23 roads remain closed in Sirmaur. Two national highways — NH-154 and NH-21 — are also among the affected routes.The road closures have disrupted inter-district connectivity and complicated the movement of essential supplies and emergency response teams.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe monsoon has also damaged the state’s power and drinking water infrastructure. Forty-five distribution transformer regions are currently out of service, including 41 in Sirmaur’s Nahan subdivision.Around 82 drinking water supply schemes have been affected across the state. Sirmaur accounts for 31 of the disrupted schemes, followed by Hamirpur with 11 and Mandi with eight.Authorities and emergency response teams are continuing restoration work, including clearing landslides and debris, reopening roads and restoring power and water supply. However, persistent rainfall and the risk of further landslides continue to hamper relief and restoration efforts.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.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 MediaVideosTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition DemandDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam Row123PhotostoriesKeto, Carnivore, High-Protein Diets: Can eating too much protein or too few carbs put your kidneys under stress?The tiaras of Brunei royals: A closer look at the lavish jewels behind their most iconic looks10 unique baby boy names that sound both classic and coolOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoonTrying to lose thigh fat by walking? Doctor explains how to walk smarter, not just longer, for better fat-loss resultsHow to walk smart to reduce thigh fat5 stylish ways to recycle your old denim jeans instead of throwing them awayThe parenting lessons children learn without being taught: 7 agreements every couple should makeBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlook123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

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The programme offers a stipend of up to Rs 75,000 that will be disbursed upon the successful completion of the internship NEW DELHI: Indian Army has opened its establishments to student interns through the second edition of the Indian Army Internship Programme (IAIP) hosted on the AICTE national internship portal and has expanded this programme this year by adding 43 specialised projects.The programme offers a stipend of up to Rs 75,000 that will be disbursed upon the successful completion of the internship and fulfillment of all program requirements. The final stipend amount will be based on the intern’s overall attendance during the period.The internships cover AI, cybersecurity, robotics, drones and counter-drone systems, hospital information systems, wargaming and simulation, and strategic communication. Through this internship programme, Indian Army envisions creating a strong ecosystem where education, technology and national service converge to prepare the next generation of innovators. The internship offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and professional exposure with the Army.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Army started the pilot project in May 2025. The specialised tech-infusion trials, which began in 2025 focusing on wargaming, simulation and niche research, has now expanded into a structured multi-project initiative across army directorates offering up to 43 specialised tracks.The Army has already received over 77,000 applications since the programme opening, and the last date to apply is set as Aug 15. “A student can apply for multiple Indian Army internship opportunities, but a student can accept only one internship offer letter. Before accepting an offer letter, ensure it is the opportunity that best matches student’s skills, interests, and career aspirations,” the AICTE website said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor123PhotostoriesKeto, Carnivore, High-Protein Diets: Can eating too much protein or too few carbs put your kidneys under stress?The tiaras of Brunei royals: A closer look at the lavish jewels behind their most iconic looks10 unique baby boy names that sound both classic and coolOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoonTrying to lose thigh fat by walking? Doctor explains how to walk smarter, not just longer, for better fat-loss resultsHow to walk smart to reduce thigh fat5 stylish ways to recycle your old denim jeans instead of throwing them awayThe parenting lessons children learn without being taught: 7 agreements every couple should makeBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlook123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

The programme offers a stipend of up to Rs 75,000 that will be disbursed upon the successful completion of the internship NEW DELHI: Indian Army has opened its establishments to student interns through the second edition of the Indian Army Internship Programme (IAIP) hosted on the AICTE national internship portal and has expanded this programme this year by adding 43 specialised projects.The programme offers a stipend of up to Rs 75,000 that will be disbursed upon the successful completion of the internship and fulfillment of all program requirements. The final stipend amount will be based on the intern’s overall attendance during the period.The internships cover AI, cybersecurity, robotics, drones and counter-drone systems, hospital information systems, wargaming and simulation, and strategic communication. Through this internship programme, Indian Army envisions creating a strong ecosystem where education, technology and national service converge to prepare the next generation of innovators. The internship offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and professional exposure with the Army.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Army started the pilot project in May 2025. The specialised tech-infusion trials, which began in 2025 focusing on wargaming, simulation and niche research, has now expanded into a structured multi-project initiative across army directorates offering up to 43 specialised tracks.The Army has already received over 77,000 applications since the programme opening, and the last date to apply is set as Aug 15. “A student can apply for multiple Indian Army internship opportunities, but a student can accept only one internship offer letter. Before accepting an offer letter, ensure it is the opportunity that best matches student’s skills, interests, and career aspirations,” the AICTE website said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor123PhotostoriesKeto, Carnivore, High-Protein Diets: Can eating too much protein or too few carbs put your kidneys under stress?The tiaras of Brunei royals: A closer look at the lavish jewels behind their most iconic looks10 unique baby boy names that sound both classic and coolOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoonTrying to lose thigh fat by walking? Doctor explains how to walk smarter, not just longer, for better fat-loss resultsHow to walk smart to reduce thigh fat5 stylish ways to recycle your old denim jeans instead of throwing them awayThe parenting lessons children learn without being taught: 7 agreements every couple should makeBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlook123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

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(Representative Image) Tests showed that ethanol-blended diesel did not meet the required flash point specifications (Photo: PTI). NEW DELHI: Blending ethanol with diesel may not be viable after tests by state-owned oil retailers found that it sharply lowers the fuel’s flash point, even as the govt is exploring ethanol’s use as an alternative cooking fuel to cut dependence on imported LPG.In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, minister of state for petroleum Suresh Gopi said oil retailers had conducted scientific evaluations of ethanol-diesel blending through their research and development centres in collaboration with accredited laboratories and automobile manufacturers.The tests showed that ethanol-blended diesel did not meet the required flash point specifications. The flash point was lowered drastically due to the presence of ethanol, minister said. Watch OMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsIn a separate reply, Gopi said isobutanol was currently not being blended with diesel.Govt, however, is exploring use of ethanol as a clean cooking fuel, which could help reduce LPG import dependence as well as provide an avenue to utilise surplus ethanol production capacity in the country.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesLPG Equipment Research Centre (LERC), a joint undertaking of Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL, has undertaken development efforts for clean cooking solutions based on ethanol, Gopi said.The initiative assumes significance as India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirements and is seeking to expand the use of ethanol beyond transport sector. Govt has so far focused its ethanol blending programme on petrol and has achieved the 20% blending target.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoonTrying to lose thigh fat by walking? Doctor explains how to walk smarter, not just longer, for better fat-loss resultsHow to walk smart to reduce thigh fat5 stylish ways to recycle your old denim jeans instead of throwing them awayThe parenting lessons children learn without being taught: 7 agreements every couple should makeBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlookMix these 5 things with Castor Oil for incredible hair growthKKR cricketer Ramandeep Singh and actress Charlie Chauhan’s love story: From keeping it private to a dreamy ceremonyNatasha Poonawalla makes a case for maximalist dressing in an archival Versace Banarasi skirt suit123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

(Representative Image) Tests showed that ethanol-blended diesel did not meet the required flash point specifications (Photo: PTI). NEW DELHI: Blending ethanol with diesel may not be viable after tests by state-owned oil retailers found that it sharply lowers the fuel’s flash point, even as the govt is exploring ethanol’s use as an alternative cooking fuel to cut dependence on imported LPG.In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, minister of state for petroleum Suresh Gopi said oil retailers had conducted scientific evaluations of ethanol-diesel blending through their research and development centres in collaboration with accredited laboratories and automobile manufacturers.The tests showed that ethanol-blended diesel did not meet the required flash point specifications. The flash point was lowered drastically due to the presence of ethanol, minister said. Watch OMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsIn a separate reply, Gopi said isobutanol was currently not being blended with diesel.Govt, however, is exploring use of ethanol as a clean cooking fuel, which could help reduce LPG import dependence as well as provide an avenue to utilise surplus ethanol production capacity in the country.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesLPG Equipment Research Centre (LERC), a joint undertaking of Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL, has undertaken development efforts for clean cooking solutions based on ethanol, Gopi said.The initiative assumes significance as India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirements and is seeking to expand the use of ethanol beyond transport sector. Govt has so far focused its ethanol blending programme on petrol and has achieved the 20% blending target.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoonTrying to lose thigh fat by walking? Doctor explains how to walk smarter, not just longer, for better fat-loss resultsHow to walk smart to reduce thigh fat5 stylish ways to recycle your old denim jeans instead of throwing them awayThe parenting lessons children learn without being taught: 7 agreements every couple should makeBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlookMix these 5 things with Castor Oil for incredible hair growthKKR cricketer Ramandeep Singh and actress Charlie Chauhan’s love story: From keeping it private to a dreamy ceremonyNatasha Poonawalla makes a case for maximalist dressing in an archival Versace Banarasi skirt suit123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

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