August 2, 2026

. At least five people died and 41 remain missing after a passenger ferry caught fire off Madura Island.Rescuers recovered Nirmal Purja’s body after the avalanche, with all 10 climbers now confirmed dead.Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar called the Mekedatu dam project a “permanent solution” to the Cauvery water dispute.Assam boxer Lovlina Borgohain objected to a Glasgow restaurant displaying an India map without the Northeast.Foreign portfolio investors returned to Indian equities in July, investing Rs 20,200 crore after four months of outflowsHere are the top news stories: Indonesia ferry fire: 5 dead, 41 missing after blaze engulfs passenger vesselAt least five people died and 41 remain missing after the passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire off Indonesia’s Madura Island while carrying around 250 people. Several passengers jumped into the sea as nearby vessels rescued survivors. More than 200 people have been evacuated, while rescue operations continue. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Read full storyNimal Purja’s body found after deadly avalanche that killed 10 climbersThe body of legendary mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja has been recovered after a deadly avalanche struck Broad Peak in PoK, with all 10 members of the expedition now confirmed dead. Rescue teams continue efforts to recover the remaining bodies despite difficult weather. Purja, famed for climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in a record 189 days, is being remembered as one of mountaineering’s greatest figures. Read full story’Mekedatu is permanent solution’: Karnataka CM pushes Cauvery dam projectKarnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar called the Mekedatu dam project the “permanent solution” to the Cauvery water dispute and urged all stakeholders to move forward. He cited recent Supreme Court rulings and the Centre’s position while appealing for dialogue with Tamil Nadu. The project remains opposed by Tamil Nadu over concerns about downstream water availability. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRead full storyLovlina flags missing Northeast on Glasgow restaurant’s India mapCommonwealth Games silver medallist Lovlina Borgohain objected after noticing that the Northeast was missing from an India map printed on napkins and displayed outside a Glasgow restaurant. The Assam boxer said the omission “hurt us” and raised it with the management, which admitted the mistake and promised to correct the branding immediately. Read full storyFPIs return to Indian equities with Rs 20,200 crore July investmentForeign portfolio investors returned to Indian equities in July after four months of continuous selling, investing Rs 20,200 crore. Analysts attributed the comeback to attractive valuations, stronger corporate earnings, rupee stability and improving global sentiment. FPIs also invested heavily in India’s debt market, although they remain net sellers for the year overall. Read full storyGet 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 MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123Photostories7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and moreWhy do pressure cookers whistle? Here’s what actually happens inside123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
. At least five people died and 41 remain missing after a passenger ferry caught fire off Madura Island.Rescuers recovered Nirmal Purja’s body after the avalanche, with all 10 climbers now confirmed dead.Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar called the Mekedatu dam project a “permanent solution” to the Cauvery water dispute.Assam boxer Lovlina Borgohain objected to a Glasgow restaurant displaying an India map without the Northeast.Foreign portfolio investors returned to Indian equities in July, investing Rs 20,200 crore after four months of outflowsHere are the top news stories: Indonesia ferry fire: 5 dead, 41 missing after blaze engulfs passenger vesselAt least five people died and 41 remain missing after the passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire off Indonesia’s Madura Island while carrying around 250 people. Several passengers jumped into the sea as nearby vessels rescued survivors. More than 200 people have been evacuated, while rescue operations continue. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Read full storyNimal Purja’s body found after deadly avalanche that killed 10 climbersThe body of legendary mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja has been recovered after a deadly avalanche struck Broad Peak in PoK, with all 10 members of the expedition now confirmed dead. Rescue teams continue efforts to recover the remaining bodies despite difficult weather. Purja, famed for climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in a record 189 days, is being remembered as one of mountaineering’s greatest figures. Read full story’Mekedatu is permanent solution’: Karnataka CM pushes Cauvery dam projectKarnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar called the Mekedatu dam project the “permanent solution” to the Cauvery water dispute and urged all stakeholders to move forward. He cited recent Supreme Court rulings and the Centre’s position while appealing for dialogue with Tamil Nadu. The project remains opposed by Tamil Nadu over concerns about downstream water availability. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRead full storyLovlina flags missing Northeast on Glasgow restaurant’s India mapCommonwealth Games silver medallist Lovlina Borgohain objected after noticing that the Northeast was missing from an India map printed on napkins and displayed outside a Glasgow restaurant. The Assam boxer said the omission “hurt us” and raised it with the management, which admitted the mistake and promised to correct the branding immediately. Read full storyFPIs return to Indian equities with Rs 20,200 crore July investmentForeign portfolio investors returned to Indian equities in July after four months of continuous selling, investing Rs 20,200 crore. Analysts attributed the comeback to attractive valuations, stronger corporate earnings, rupee stability and improving global sentiment. FPIs also invested heavily in India’s debt market, although they remain net sellers for the year overall. Read full storyGet 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 MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123Photostories7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and moreWhy do pressure cookers whistle? Here’s what actually happens inside123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up


Evening news wrap: Indonesia ferry fire kills 5, rescue teams recover Nirmal Purja's body & more
  • At least five people died and 41 remain missing after a passenger ferry caught fire off Madura Island.
  • Rescuers recovered Nirmal Purja‘s body after the avalanche, with all 10 climbers now confirmed dead.
  • Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar called the Mekedatu dam project a “permanent solution” to the Cauvery water dispute.
  • Assam boxer Lovlina Borgohain objected to a Glasgow restaurant displaying an India map without the Northeast.
  • Foreign portfolio investors returned to Indian equities in July, investing Rs 20,200 crore after four months of outflows

Here are the top news stories:

Indonesia ferry fire: 5 dead, 41 missing after blaze engulfs passenger vessel

At least five people died and 41 remain missing after the passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire off Indonesia’s Madura Island while carrying around 250 people. Several passengers jumped into the sea as nearby vessels rescued survivors. More than 200 people have been evacuated, while rescue operations continue. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Read full story

Nimal Purja’s body found after deadly avalanche that killed 10 climbers

The body of legendary mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja has been recovered after a deadly avalanche struck Broad Peak in PoK, with all 10 members of the expedition now confirmed dead. Rescue teams continue efforts to recover the remaining bodies despite difficult weather. Purja, famed for climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in a record 189 days, is being remembered as one of mountaineering’s greatest figures. Read full story

‘Mekedatu is permanent solution’: Karnataka CM pushes Cauvery dam project

Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar called the Mekedatu dam project the “permanent solution” to the Cauvery water dispute and urged all stakeholders to move forward. He cited recent Supreme Court rulings and the Centre’s position while appealing for dialogue with Tamil Nadu. The project remains opposed by Tamil Nadu over concerns about downstream water availability.

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A scuffle broke out during Pappu Yadav’s press conference after a man questioned him over the Ram Temple skit controversy. NEW DELHI: A scuffle broke out during Independent MP Pappu Yadav’s press conference at his house on Sunday after a man questioned him over the opposition’s Ram Temple skit.Videos from the scene showed party supporters clashing with the man as the confrontation escalated. According to visuals released by ANI, the alleged assailant was carrying a knife when the clash broke out. Further details on the incident were awaited.The altercation comes a day after Varanasi Police registered an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Independent MP Pappu Yadav, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad and several other opposition leaders over a protest in Parliament that allegedly insulted Sanatan Dharma and hurt religious sentiments.The case was registered following complaints by seers, who objected to a symbolic skit staged by INDIA bloc MPs over allegations of financial irregularities in Ram Temple donations.During Friday’s protest outside Parliament, opposition MPs placed donation boxes near the stairs leading to Makar Dwar to highlight the alleged theft of temple offerings. Rahul Gandhi and other MPs were seen putting money into the boxes, while Pappu Yadav, dressed as a temple priest, enacted a scene in which he appeared to slip the donations into his pockets.According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal, the FIR was registered at Kotwali police station based on a complaint by seers, who alleged that the protest “insulted” Sanatan Dharma.Seer Jagatguru Balak Das described Pappu Yadav’s actions as “unforgivable.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”No follower of Sanatan Dharma can forget this act. It has hurt our religious sentiments. So we have demanded that a case be registered,” he said.The protest also raised the issue of alleged police action against student protesters during the July 20 Parliament march. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, SP’s Dharmendra Yadav and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Maji were among those who participated.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses’123Photostories7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decode123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

A scuffle broke out during Pappu Yadav’s press conference after a man questioned him over the Ram Temple skit controversy. NEW DELHI: A scuffle broke out during Independent MP Pappu Yadav’s press conference at his house on Sunday after a man questioned him over the opposition’s Ram Temple skit.Videos from the scene showed party supporters clashing with the man as the confrontation escalated. According to visuals released by ANI, the alleged assailant was carrying a knife when the clash broke out. Further details on the incident were awaited.The altercation comes a day after Varanasi Police registered an FIR against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Independent MP Pappu Yadav, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad and several other opposition leaders over a protest in Parliament that allegedly insulted Sanatan Dharma and hurt religious sentiments.The case was registered following complaints by seers, who objected to a symbolic skit staged by INDIA bloc MPs over allegations of financial irregularities in Ram Temple donations.During Friday’s protest outside Parliament, opposition MPs placed donation boxes near the stairs leading to Makar Dwar to highlight the alleged theft of temple offerings. Rahul Gandhi and other MPs were seen putting money into the boxes, while Pappu Yadav, dressed as a temple priest, enacted a scene in which he appeared to slip the donations into his pockets.According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Banswal, the FIR was registered at Kotwali police station based on a complaint by seers, who alleged that the protest “insulted” Sanatan Dharma.Seer Jagatguru Balak Das described Pappu Yadav’s actions as “unforgivable.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”No follower of Sanatan Dharma can forget this act. It has hurt our religious sentiments. So we have demanded that a case be registered,” he said.The protest also raised the issue of alleged police action against student protesters during the July 20 Parliament march. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, SP’s Dharmendra Yadav and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Maji were among those who participated.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses’123Photostories7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decode123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

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Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen in Kolkata on Friday. (PTI Photo) Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Sunday called for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, arguing that such a law was necessary to eliminate discrimination, especially against women.”All advanced countries have UCC-like laws. Bangladesh, Pakistan and India need a Uniform Civil Code. There should be equal laws for everyone. Women face a great deal of discrimination, and much of it can be removed through a UCC. It is essential,” Nasreen told reporters at a press conference in Kolkata, where she returned after nearly two decades.Last month, the BJP-led West Bengal government constituted a high-level committee to examine a draft Uniform Civil Code for the state.Nasreen left Kolkata in 2007 after protests over the publication of her book Dwikhandito (Split: A Life) forced the then Left Front government to move her out of the West Bengal capital.Talking about her native Bangladesh, the 63-year-old writer claimed that many women, particularly Hindus, continued to face discrimination in the country. Nasreen left Bangladesh in 1994 after facing protests and threats from Islamist groups over her writings.”In Bangladesh, Hindu women do not have equal rights. They cannot inherit their father’s property. If Hindu women are to enjoy freedom and equal rights, a Uniform Civil Code is necessary,” she added.Nasreen also expressed anguish over the disruption during her felicitation ceremony in the city a day earlier, saying she felt “insulted” after noted poet Joy Goswami was forced to leave the stage amid protests by a section of the audience.”Not only was Joy insulted, but I was also insulted because I had invited him,” she stated.The controversy erupted after Nasreen invited Goswami onto the stage and requested him to address the gathering. However, loud objections from a section of the audience forced the celebrated poet to step down without speaking.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRecalling the incident, she said, “In my speech, I had spoken about freedom of expression. Everyone should be allowed to speak. It is not right to stop anyone from expressing their views.”She also questioned the conduct of the protesters: “Those who appreciated my speech were the ones who did not allow him to come on the stage. Didn’t they also question me? It is contradictory. When someone speaks about freedom of expression, people support it, but when a poet is invited to speak, they do not want to hear him. That is not right.”(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123Photostories7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and more123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen in Kolkata on Friday. (PTI Photo) Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Sunday called for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, arguing that such a law was necessary to eliminate discrimination, especially against women.”All advanced countries have UCC-like laws. Bangladesh, Pakistan and India need a Uniform Civil Code. There should be equal laws for everyone. Women face a great deal of discrimination, and much of it can be removed through a UCC. It is essential,” Nasreen told reporters at a press conference in Kolkata, where she returned after nearly two decades.Last month, the BJP-led West Bengal government constituted a high-level committee to examine a draft Uniform Civil Code for the state.Nasreen left Kolkata in 2007 after protests over the publication of her book Dwikhandito (Split: A Life) forced the then Left Front government to move her out of the West Bengal capital.Talking about her native Bangladesh, the 63-year-old writer claimed that many women, particularly Hindus, continued to face discrimination in the country. Nasreen left Bangladesh in 1994 after facing protests and threats from Islamist groups over her writings.”In Bangladesh, Hindu women do not have equal rights. They cannot inherit their father’s property. If Hindu women are to enjoy freedom and equal rights, a Uniform Civil Code is necessary,” she added.Nasreen also expressed anguish over the disruption during her felicitation ceremony in the city a day earlier, saying she felt “insulted” after noted poet Joy Goswami was forced to leave the stage amid protests by a section of the audience.”Not only was Joy insulted, but I was also insulted because I had invited him,” she stated.The controversy erupted after Nasreen invited Goswami onto the stage and requested him to address the gathering. However, loud objections from a section of the audience forced the celebrated poet to step down without speaking.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRecalling the incident, she said, “In my speech, I had spoken about freedom of expression. Everyone should be allowed to speak. It is not right to stop anyone from expressing their views.”She also questioned the conduct of the protesters: “Those who appreciated my speech were the ones who did not allow him to come on the stage. Didn’t they also question me? It is contradictory. When someone speaks about freedom of expression, people support it, but when a poet is invited to speak, they do not want to hear him. That is not right.”(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123Photostories7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and more123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

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Raj Thackeray also weighed in on PM’s remarks condemning abusive language and accused BJP of nurturing a culture of online abuse. MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday launched a sharp attack on industrialists and public figures who praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government while choosing to live abroad, questioning their claims that India had improved significantly under the current administration. Speaking at the 20th anniversary rally of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena in Mumbai, Thackeray cited actors Vivek Oberoi and R Madhavan as examples and linked their decisions to what he described as growing frustration among the country’s youth.Claiming that the government had itself acknowledged in Parliament that entrepreneurs were leaving India, Thackeray argued that many of those who publicly endorse the government’s narrative were unwilling to build their own lives in the country.”Vivek Oberoi, who played Modi’s role in the movie on Modi’s life, lives in Dubai. R. Madhavan, who goes on about how everything became great during Modi’s time and how the country changed, moves to Dubai with his family. If you think Modi has made everything so great, then why are you settling abroad? These people will come here to work in government-sponsored films and then go back to Dubai,” he said.He added that the trend was not limited to actors, saying, “Industrialists are going abroad.”Thackeray said the migration of entrepreneurs and young professionals reflected a deeper crisis of confidence, arguing that Indian cities had failed to provide the quality of life that many young people expected.”This government made a big fuss about ‘Smart Cities.’ Where are those Smart Cities? Not a single city here is proper. Today, kids are going abroad. Why? Because they don’t feel like living here. The cities are ruined; there’s no place to take children out. Abroad, there are excellent roads, fields, gardens, cleanliness, sports complexes, everything. Because of all this, these kids feel like going abroad and settling there. And we feel nothing about it?” he said.The MNS chief also weighed in on Prime Minister Modi’s remarks condemning abusive language directed at him and his mother, saying he agreed that such language was unacceptable but accused the BJP of nurturing a culture of online abuse.”The language used against him was indeed inappropriate. No one should use such language about anyone. It was wrong. But tell this to your people too. Since 2012, the troll army that your party has nurtured trolls everyone, from Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, to Indira Gandhi, to all of us including me, in the filthiest ways. Today, if artists in Maharashtra take a stand against the government, they get trolled. Tell your people about all this sometime. You reap what you sow,” he said.He continued, “The Prime Minister said wrong things were said about his mother. That was indeed wrong. Such things shouldn’t happen. But tell your party people that others have mothers too. Tell the trolls you’ve nurtured. You say, ‘The kids have been forgiven.’ But who will apologize for what your people did? Those who ordered lathis on students, those who split students’ heads open, who will they ever apologize?”Addressing student activists, Thackeray argued that recent protests should not be viewed merely through the lens of the NEET examination controversy. He said the unrest reflected wider concerns over unemployment, privatisation, poor infrastructure, corruption and the lack of opportunities.”The protests that happened weren’t just because of the NEET exam chaos. Go beyond that and think about what’s simmering in the minds of the boys and girls, the young men and women,” he said, warning that further public anger could erupt if those concerns remained unaddressed.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesQuoting Osho, Thackeray rejected the suggestion that the country’s youth had gone astray. “Who says the country’s youth is wandering on the wrong path? If the path-makers have built the wrong path, what’s the fault of the youth?” he said.He urged members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena to understand the aspirations and anxieties of both urban and rural youth in Maharashtra, saying the movement needed to engage with the realities facing the state’s younger generation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123Photostories7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and moreWhy do pressure cookers whistle? Here’s what actually happens inside123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Raj Thackeray also weighed in on PM’s remarks condemning abusive language and accused BJP of nurturing a culture of online abuse. MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday launched a sharp attack on industrialists and public figures who praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government while choosing to live abroad, questioning their claims that India had improved significantly under the current administration. Speaking at the 20th anniversary rally of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena in Mumbai, Thackeray cited actors Vivek Oberoi and R Madhavan as examples and linked their decisions to what he described as growing frustration among the country’s youth.Claiming that the government had itself acknowledged in Parliament that entrepreneurs were leaving India, Thackeray argued that many of those who publicly endorse the government’s narrative were unwilling to build their own lives in the country.”Vivek Oberoi, who played Modi’s role in the movie on Modi’s life, lives in Dubai. R. Madhavan, who goes on about how everything became great during Modi’s time and how the country changed, moves to Dubai with his family. If you think Modi has made everything so great, then why are you settling abroad? These people will come here to work in government-sponsored films and then go back to Dubai,” he said.He added that the trend was not limited to actors, saying, “Industrialists are going abroad.”Thackeray said the migration of entrepreneurs and young professionals reflected a deeper crisis of confidence, arguing that Indian cities had failed to provide the quality of life that many young people expected.”This government made a big fuss about ‘Smart Cities.’ Where are those Smart Cities? Not a single city here is proper. Today, kids are going abroad. Why? Because they don’t feel like living here. The cities are ruined; there’s no place to take children out. Abroad, there are excellent roads, fields, gardens, cleanliness, sports complexes, everything. Because of all this, these kids feel like going abroad and settling there. And we feel nothing about it?” he said.The MNS chief also weighed in on Prime Minister Modi’s remarks condemning abusive language directed at him and his mother, saying he agreed that such language was unacceptable but accused the BJP of nurturing a culture of online abuse.”The language used against him was indeed inappropriate. No one should use such language about anyone. It was wrong. But tell this to your people too. Since 2012, the troll army that your party has nurtured trolls everyone, from Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, to Indira Gandhi, to all of us including me, in the filthiest ways. Today, if artists in Maharashtra take a stand against the government, they get trolled. Tell your people about all this sometime. You reap what you sow,” he said.He continued, “The Prime Minister said wrong things were said about his mother. That was indeed wrong. Such things shouldn’t happen. But tell your party people that others have mothers too. Tell the trolls you’ve nurtured. You say, ‘The kids have been forgiven.’ But who will apologize for what your people did? Those who ordered lathis on students, those who split students’ heads open, who will they ever apologize?”Addressing student activists, Thackeray argued that recent protests should not be viewed merely through the lens of the NEET examination controversy. He said the unrest reflected wider concerns over unemployment, privatisation, poor infrastructure, corruption and the lack of opportunities.”The protests that happened weren’t just because of the NEET exam chaos. Go beyond that and think about what’s simmering in the minds of the boys and girls, the young men and women,” he said, warning that further public anger could erupt if those concerns remained unaddressed.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesQuoting Osho, Thackeray rejected the suggestion that the country’s youth had gone astray. “Who says the country’s youth is wandering on the wrong path? If the path-makers have built the wrong path, what’s the fault of the youth?” he said.He urged members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena to understand the aspirations and anxieties of both urban and rural youth in Maharashtra, saying the movement needed to engage with the realities facing the state’s younger generation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123Photostories7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and moreWhy do pressure cookers whistle? Here’s what actually happens inside123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

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