Private member bills seek to spotlight marital rape, menstrual leave, national commission for men

Photo credit: PTI NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday visited Rajghat in the national capital and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He was accompanied by former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, leader of opposition Atishi and other party leaders, amid his announcement of a boycott in proceedings related to the Delhi Excise Policy case.The development comes after Kejriwal on Monday said that he would neither appear in person nor be represented by a lawyer in the Delhi high court proceedings linked to the case, alleging bias and conflict of interest. Speaking to reporters, he said he respects the judiciary and the legal system, noting his earlier relief from courts. “It is a matter related to the court. We respect the courts and the legal system of our country because the judiciary acquitted us and also granted us bail. I am having to do this ‘satyagrah’ due to some circumstances which have emerged now. I have expressed these circumstances in my letter to the judge,” he said, news agency PTI reported.The former Delhi chief minister also cited alleged ideological bias and conflict of interest, claiming the judge had links with organisations associated with RSS ideology and pointing to the involvement of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in the case.Earlier, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia also wrote to Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma stating he would not be represented by any lawyer in the matter. “From my side as well, no lawyer will appear. The future of your children is in the hands of Tushar Mehta ji. In such a situation, I do not expect justice from you. I have no option left except Satyagraha,” Sisodia said in his letter, according to party sources.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 MediaVideosMira Road Stabbing Case Under ATS Investigation Over Suspected Radicalisation AngleSalim Dola deported: Inside India’s big crackdown on D-Company’s global narcotics networkPM Narendra Modi’s Football Game In Gangtok Sparks Buzz Over Bengal Poll Message‘No Place For Double Standards’: Rajnath Singh Hails OP SINDOOR At SCO MeetAtishi Hits Back At BJP: Rejects Rijiju’s Claims, Calls AAP a Fast-Growing Political ForceAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune Station123PhotostoriesDiljit Dosanjh took a quick desi trip to Jimmy Fallon’s couch, leaving western fits looking basicWhite foods aren’t always bad: What rice, milk, and garlic actually do for your bodyPM Narendra Modi mesmerised by the biodiversity of this city: Calls it “truly extraordinary”Self healing techniques based on your birth date5 Indian cricketers who own crores-worth luxury farmhouses across India’s most exclusive locations5 exercises that can tone down your thighsHow to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending muchTop 10 fruits you can grow in the UK climate (even in small spaces)7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foods123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna30 minutes ago 0

NEW DELHI: The Union health ministry has asked states to strengthen preparedness across healthcare systems ahead of peak summer, flagging risks from both heatwaves and fire incidents and calling for urgent action.In separate communications, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava directed states and Union Territories to ramp up measures to tackle above-normal heatwave conditions as well as improve fire safety compliance in hospitals.On heat preparedness, the ministry warned that above-normal heatwave days are likely from April to June across East, Central and North-West India, along with parts of the south-east peninsula. Coastal areas of Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh, as well as isolated regions of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka, have also been flagged.States have been asked to ensure operational heatstroke management units at all health facilities, strengthen ambulance readiness, issue early warnings and maintain real-time reporting of heatstroke cases on the IHIP portal. The ministry stressed that proactive planning and close monitoring will be key to preventing avoidable heat-related deaths.In parallel, the Centre has directed states to step up fire safety audits in healthcare facilities, with a nationwide Fire Safety Week from May 4 to 10 covering district hospitals, medical colleges and multi-speciality centres.Hospitals have been asked to conduct fire safety assessments using an updated checklist and submit reports through the IHIP portal, with any gaps to be rectified at the earliest. States have also been told to document activities and submit action-taken reports after the exercise.The ministry noted that fire incidents pose a serious risk in hospitals, especially where critically ill patients depend on uninterrupted care, and called for stricter compliance with safety norms.The twin directives come as temperatures begin to rise across parts of the country, with the Centre pushing states to strengthen preparedness across public health systems during the summer months.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMira Road Stabbing Case Under ATS Investigation Over Suspected Radicalisation AngleSalim Dola deported: Inside India’s big crackdown on D-Company’s global narcotics networkPM Narendra Modi’s Football Game In Gangtok Sparks Buzz Over Bengal Poll Message‘No Place For Double Standards’: Rajnath Singh Hails OP SINDOOR At SCO MeetAtishi Hits Back At BJP: Rejects Rijiju’s Claims, Calls AAP a Fast-Growing Political ForceAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune Station123PhotostoriesSelf healing techniques based on your birth date5 exercises that can tone down your thighsHow to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending muchTop 10 fruits you can grow in the UK climate (even in small spaces)7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foodsIndia’s pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around4 harmful effects of screen time on child development5 dangerous pets that were created by humans against natureArsh Aulakh weds Mehreen Pirzada: Decoding the dreamy pink Anarkali Mehreen Pirzada wore for her Anand Karaj123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna50 minutes ago 0

– The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated a likely return of El Nino conditions as early as May–July this year, with climate models pointing to rapidly rising sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.In its latest Global Seasonal Climate Update, the WMO said there is growing confidence in the onset of El Nino after neutral conditions earlier this year. “After a period of neutral conditions at the start of the year, climate models are now strongly aligned, and there is high confidence in the onset of El Nino, followed by further intensification in the months that follow,” said Wilfran Moufouma Okia.He added, “Models indicate that this may be a strong event, but the so-called spring predictability barrier is a challenge for the certainty of forecasts at this time of year. Forecast confidence generally improves after April.”The report projected “a nearly global dominance of above-normal land surface temperatures” over the next three months, with significant regional variations in rainfall. El Niño, part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), is known to influence global weather, often weakening monsoon systems in parts of Asia.What is El Nino?El Nino is a climate phenomenon marked by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. It occurs irregularly every two to seven years and typically lasts around nine to twelve months. During an El Niño event, the usual easterly trade winds weaken or may reverse, disrupting global weather patterns. This can lead to drier conditions in regions such as Australia, Indonesia and parts of South Asia, while bringing heavier rainfall to parts of the Americas, along with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecasted a below-normal southwest monsoon for 2026, the first such outlook in three years, with rainfall likely at about 92% of the long period average.Even as monsoon concerns mount, a severe heatwave has gripped large parts of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, pushing temperatures well beyond 45°C and intensifying public discomfort. Akola recorded a blistering 46.9°C, the highest in the country, while Amravati (46.8°C), Wardha (46.4°C) and Yavatmal (46.0°C) closely followed. Nagpur touched 45.4°C, its highest of the season so far, as hot winds and dry conditions prevailed.There is little respite in sight, with the IMD issuing an orange alert for Akola, Amravati and Wardha, warning of severe heatwave conditions, while a yellow alert remains in place for Nagpur, Chandrapur and Buldhana.Akola not only topped national charts but also ranked among the hottest places globally, placing third in the world for the day. Amravati (fourth), Wardha (sixth), Yavatmal (eighth) and Nagpur (tenth) also featured in the global top 10, underlining the intensity of the heatwave across the region.In Delhi, authorities have stepped up preparedness. Chief minister Rekha Gupta announced measures including providing ORS solutions in schools and ensuring uninterrupted power and water supply. She has also directed departments to ensure workers are not exposed to peak heat between 1 pm and 4 pm.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 MediaVideosSalim Dola deported: Inside India’s big crackdown on D-Company’s global narcotics networkPM Narendra Modi’s Football Game In Gangtok Sparks Buzz Over Bengal Poll Message‘No Place For Double Standards’: Rajnath Singh Hails OP SINDOOR At SCO MeetAtishi Hits Back At BJP: Rejects Rijiju’s Claims, Calls AAP a Fast-Growing Political ForceAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune StationFour Killed, 70 Hurt As Taliban Blames Pak Strikes, Peace Hopes Shaken123Photostories5 exercises that can tone down your thighsHow to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending much7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foodsIndia’s pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around4 harmful effects of screen time on child development5 dangerous pets that were created by humans against natureArsh Aulakh weds Mehreen Pirzada: Decoding the dreamy pink Anarkali Mehreen Pirzada wore for her Anand Karaj8 characteristics of investor-friendly residential locationsChef Pankaj Bhadouria’s High-Protein Paratha Premix offers 15 g protein per serving123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna1 hour ago 0

. NEW DELHI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday took cognisance of the “lone wolf” stabbing attack on two security guards in Thane, saying it is being viewed as a possible case of self-radicalisation in which the accused allegedly intended to target members of the Hindu community in the name of jihad. He also said investigators are probing whether a wider network or conspiracy was involved.”This appears to be a case of self-radicalisation. Some books and incriminating material were recovered from the accused’s residence. He lived in the United States and had recently returned. Preliminary investigations have revealed that he was radicalised and had a desire to attack members of the Hindu community in the name of jihad, which led him to carry out this incident,” said Fadnavis.“The case is currently being investigated by the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency and the state government is providing full cooperation to these agencies. The scope of the investigation will not be limited to the accused, but it will also investigate the individuals or networks behind his radicalisation. The entire case will be thoroughly investigated to uncover any possible conspiracy,” he added.The statement comes after a suspected “lone wolf” terror attack in the early hours of Monday in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road, a suburb of Mumbai, where a 31-year-old man allegedly stabbed two security guards.According to police, the accused, identified as Jabar Zubair Ansari, initially approached the guards on duty under the pretext of asking for directions. He later returned, questioned them about their religion, and allegedly forced one of them to recite the Islamic Kalma. When the guard was unable to do so, he attacked both men with a sharp-edged weapon, ANI reported citing eyewitness accounts.The victims, Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Ramesh Sen, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. Mishra remains in critical condition, while Sen is undergoing treatment.Police said Ansari was arrested within 90 minutes of the incident after CCTV footage helped identify him. A case of attempted murder has been registered, and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has taken over the investigation.During searches at his residence, investigators reportedly recovered handwritten notes in which he expressed a desire to join ISIS and described the attack as a “first step” towards that goal. Officials are also examining digital evidence from his electronic devices to determine possible links with extremist handlers or networks.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 MediaVideosSalim Dola deported: Inside India’s big crackdown on D-Company’s global narcotics networkPM Narendra Modi’s Football Game In Gangtok Sparks Buzz Over Bengal Poll Message‘No Place For Double Standards’: Rajnath Singh Hails OP SINDOOR At SCO MeetAtishi Hits Back At BJP: Rejects Rijiju’s Claims, Calls AAP a Fast-Growing Political ForceAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune StationFour Killed, 70 Hurt As Taliban Blames Pak Strikes, Peace Hopes Shaken123Photostories5 exercises that can tone down your thighsHow to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending much7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foodsIndia’s pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around4 harmful effects of screen time on child development5 dangerous pets that were created by humans against natureArsh Aulakh weds Mehreen Pirzada: Decoding the dreamy pink Anarkali Mehreen Pirzada wore for her Anand Karaj8 characteristics of investor-friendly residential locationsChef Pankaj Bhadouria’s High-Protein Paratha Premix offers 15 g protein per serving123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna1 hour ago 0