July 22, 2026

India

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed apprehension over the Centre’s decision to introduce the third-language curriculum under the National Education Policy from Class 9.While hearing the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against a Madras High Court order directing the state to facilitate the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district, a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan orally asked the Centre to reconsider the policy across all school boards.However, the bench was not directly dealing with the issue of the new CBSE policy.Another apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, is already examining challenges to the new CBSE policy and recently refused to stay the notification.What the top court saidThe top court observed that introducing a third language in Class 9 would increase the stress levels of students.The bench suggested that if the new policy is introduced in Class 5 or Class 6, students would be better able to cope with it.”Union of India, please don’t have a third language from Class 9 onwards. It would unnecessarily increase the stress level of students,” the bench said.”If you want to introduce a new language, then please do it at the Class 5 or Class 6 level, but not at Class 9. Class 9 is full of stress; it starts from Class 8 onwards,” it added.”In our day, students were introduced to Class 10 concepts as early as Class 8… What about today’s students? Don’t start a new language in Class 9. Start it in Class 6. I’m recalling my experience from 1976,” Justice Nagarathna said.The bench also said that the National Education Policy does not make Hindi compulsory as the third language.”In middle school, the third language was introduced because that was required for SSLC. It was Kannada for those who had Hindi as their second language, and vice versa. Sanskrit was also there. The earlier, the better,” she said.The top court also advised the Tamil Nadu government not to oppose the Centre’s education policy merely because it originated from the Union government.”You may have your education system, but don’t prevent the Central government schools. Don’t have this attitude that it is the Union government, so why should we accept it,” the bench observed.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 MediaVideosCongress Rejects Punjab Leadership Change As Rahul Gandhi Backs Raja Warring’s ContinuanceDelhi HC Directs Govt Doctors to Monitor Sonam Wangchuk as Hunger Strike Enters Day 19Modi Hails India-UK Trade Deal As Duty-Free Access Opens New Opportunities For ExportersNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly Elections123PhotostoriesTransform your home with these 5 beautiful wind chime ideas that add charm and soothing soundsJagannath Rath Yatra 2026: 5 interesting facts about the largest chariot festival in the worldWhy Italian women never seem tired or stressed after 40? 8 simple daily habits every Indian woman needs to steal right nowMonsoon health alert: Why fungal skin infections spike during the rainy season, and the simple daily habits doctors say can help prevent them10 Cleaning mistakes guests notice the moment they walk into your homeWorld Snakes Day 2026: Celebrating India’s iconic snake species10 types of traditional Pooris and calories per servingWhy children suddenly stop telling their parents everything around age 12Why airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasoned123Hot PicksDU Round 1 Seat AllocationDiesel export priceStock market todayBank holiday todayAlex SunnyManipur JusticeRaghuram RajanAP POLYCET Phase 2 counsellingSonam WangchukTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Mumbai Goa Highway AccidentBengaluru Law Student MurderBihar Railway Employee MurderSiya GoyalTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed apprehension over the Centre’s decision to introduce the third-language curriculum under the National Education Policy from Class 9.While hearing the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against a Madras High Court order directing the state to facilitate the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district, a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan orally asked the Centre to reconsider the policy across all school boards.However, the bench was not directly dealing with the issue of the new CBSE policy.Another apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, is already examining challenges to the new CBSE policy and recently refused to stay the notification.What the top court saidThe top court observed that introducing a third language in Class 9 would increase the stress levels of students.The bench suggested that if the new policy is introduced in Class 5 or Class 6, students would be better able to cope with it.”Union of India, please don’t have a third language from Class 9 onwards. It would unnecessarily increase the stress level of students,” the bench said.”If you want to introduce a new language, then please do it at the Class 5 or Class 6 level, but not at Class 9. Class 9 is full of stress; it starts from Class 8 onwards,” it added.”In our day, students were introduced to Class 10 concepts as early as Class 8… What about today’s students? Don’t start a new language in Class 9. Start it in Class 6. I’m recalling my experience from 1976,” Justice Nagarathna said.The bench also said that the National Education Policy does not make Hindi compulsory as the third language.”In middle school, the third language was introduced because that was required for SSLC. It was Kannada for those who had Hindi as their second language, and vice versa. Sanskrit was also there. The earlier, the better,” she said.The top court also advised the Tamil Nadu government not to oppose the Centre’s education policy merely because it originated from the Union government.”You may have your education system, but don’t prevent the Central government schools. Don’t have this attitude that it is the Union government, so why should we accept it,” the bench observed.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 MediaVideosCongress Rejects Punjab Leadership Change As Rahul Gandhi Backs Raja Warring’s ContinuanceDelhi HC Directs Govt Doctors to Monitor Sonam Wangchuk as Hunger Strike Enters Day 19Modi Hails India-UK Trade Deal As Duty-Free Access Opens New Opportunities For ExportersNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly Elections123PhotostoriesTransform your home with these 5 beautiful wind chime ideas that add charm and soothing soundsJagannath Rath Yatra 2026: 5 interesting facts about the largest chariot festival in the worldWhy Italian women never seem tired or stressed after 40? 8 simple daily habits every Indian woman needs to steal right nowMonsoon health alert: Why fungal skin infections spike during the rainy season, and the simple daily habits doctors say can help prevent them10 Cleaning mistakes guests notice the moment they walk into your homeWorld Snakes Day 2026: Celebrating India’s iconic snake species10 types of traditional Pooris and calories per servingWhy children suddenly stop telling their parents everything around age 12Why airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasoned123Hot PicksDU Round 1 Seat AllocationDiesel export priceStock market todayBank holiday todayAlex SunnyManipur JusticeRaghuram RajanAP POLYCET Phase 2 counsellingSonam WangchukTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Mumbai Goa Highway AccidentBengaluru Law Student MurderBihar Railway Employee MurderSiya GoyalTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed apprehension over the Centre’s decision to introduce the third-language curriculum under the National Education Policy from Class 9.While hearing the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against a Madras High Court order directing the state to facilitate the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in every district, a bench…

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‘Stressful for students’: SC tells Centre not to introduce 3rd language in Class 9 NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Thursday observed that introducing a third language in Class 9 under the National Education Policy would put undue pressure on students as they begin preparing for their board examinations.The court said Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) introduction of third language from Class 9 increases stress level of students.(CBSE) has made the study of three languages compulsory for students from Class IX. The board has also clarified that there will be no Board examination for the third language (R3) in Class X.”No that is very bad. 9th standard is stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in 9th? You introduce it in 6th. When we were there in our school we had both ICSE and SSLC. We were taught both syllabus. Only at the end of 9th standard we had to select,” Justice BV Nagarathna, who was hearing plea challenging Madras high court direction to establish Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in each district, said according to Live Law.”… Union of India please don’t have 3rd language in 9th standard. CBSE ICSE State board 10th standard is a board exam. From the end of 8th standard onwards, the pressure starts. The chapter on Light which was in SSLC 10th standard was taught to us in 8th standard ICSE. Prepairing for us for 10th,” Justice Nagarathna further reiterated.The case arises from the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against a Madras high court order that directed the setting up of a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in every district of the state. The high court had ruled that refusing permission for JNVs deprived students of their freedom to choose where they wanted to study and was not in line with the objectives of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. It also instructed the state to arrange temporary facilities for 240 students in each district until permanent schools were established.However, in December 2017, the Supreme Court stayed the high court’s directions after the Tamil Nadu government challenged the verdict. During a hearing on December 15, 2025, the apex court asked the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government to hold discussions on the possibility of establishing JNVs in the state. It directed both sides to identify suitable land for schools in every district and submit the outcome of their consultations before the court, describing the exercise as an effort to encourage cooperative discussions between the Union and the state rather than impose an immediate decision.In 2025, ;the Supreme Court also asked both the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government “not to make it into a language issue” while hearing the state’s plea challenging a Madras high court order.The observation was made by a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan after senior counsel P Wilson, appearing for the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, argued that the Centre should adopt a two-language formula in line with the state’s policy instead of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.As the Centre’s counsel began to respond, the bench urged both parties to refrain from turning the matter into a language issue. 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 MediaVideosModi Hails India-UK Trade Deal As Duty-Free Access Opens New Opportunities For ExportersNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At Convocation123PhotostoriesWhy Italian women never seem tired or stressed after 40? 8 simple daily habits every Indian woman needs to steal right nowMonsoon health alert: Why fungal skin infections spike during the rainy season, and the simple daily habits doctors say can help prevent them10 Cleaning mistakes guests notice the moment they walk into your homeWorld Snakes Day 2026: Celebrating India’s iconic snake species10 types of traditional Pooris and calories per servingWhy children suddenly stop telling their parents everything around age 12Why airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasonedYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personality123Hot PicksDU Round 1 Seat AllocationDiesel export priceStock market todayBank holiday todayAlex SunnyManipur JusticeRaghuram RajanAP POLYCET Phase 2 counsellingSonam WangchukTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Mumbai Goa Highway AccidentBengaluru Law Student MurderBihar Railway Employee MurderSiya GoyalTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

‘Stressful for students’: SC tells Centre not to introduce 3rd language in Class 9 NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Thursday observed that introducing a third language in Class 9 under the National Education Policy would put undue pressure on students as they begin preparing for their board examinations.The court said Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) introduction of third language from Class 9 increases stress level of students.(CBSE) has made the study of three languages compulsory for students from Class IX. The board has also clarified that there will be no Board examination for the third language (R3) in Class X.”No that is very bad. 9th standard is stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in 9th? You introduce it in 6th. When we were there in our school we had both ICSE and SSLC. We were taught both syllabus. Only at the end of 9th standard we had to select,” Justice BV Nagarathna, who was hearing plea challenging Madras high court direction to establish Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in each district, said according to Live Law.”… Union of India please don’t have 3rd language in 9th standard. CBSE ICSE State board 10th standard is a board exam. From the end of 8th standard onwards, the pressure starts. The chapter on Light which was in SSLC 10th standard was taught to us in 8th standard ICSE. Prepairing for us for 10th,” Justice Nagarathna further reiterated.The case arises from the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against a Madras high court order that directed the setting up of a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in every district of the state. The high court had ruled that refusing permission for JNVs deprived students of their freedom to choose where they wanted to study and was not in line with the objectives of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. It also instructed the state to arrange temporary facilities for 240 students in each district until permanent schools were established.However, in December 2017, the Supreme Court stayed the high court’s directions after the Tamil Nadu government challenged the verdict. During a hearing on December 15, 2025, the apex court asked the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government to hold discussions on the possibility of establishing JNVs in the state. It directed both sides to identify suitable land for schools in every district and submit the outcome of their consultations before the court, describing the exercise as an effort to encourage cooperative discussions between the Union and the state rather than impose an immediate decision.In 2025, ;the Supreme Court also asked both the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government “not to make it into a language issue” while hearing the state’s plea challenging a Madras high court order.The observation was made by a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan after senior counsel P Wilson, appearing for the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, argued that the Centre should adopt a two-language formula in line with the state’s policy instead of the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.As the Centre’s counsel began to respond, the bench urged both parties to refrain from turning the matter into a language issue. 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 MediaVideosModi Hails India-UK Trade Deal As Duty-Free Access Opens New Opportunities For ExportersNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At Convocation123PhotostoriesWhy Italian women never seem tired or stressed after 40? 8 simple daily habits every Indian woman needs to steal right nowMonsoon health alert: Why fungal skin infections spike during the rainy season, and the simple daily habits doctors say can help prevent them10 Cleaning mistakes guests notice the moment they walk into your homeWorld Snakes Day 2026: Celebrating India’s iconic snake species10 types of traditional Pooris and calories per servingWhy children suddenly stop telling their parents everything around age 12Why airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasonedYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personality123Hot PicksDU Round 1 Seat AllocationDiesel export priceStock market todayBank holiday todayAlex SunnyManipur JusticeRaghuram RajanAP POLYCET Phase 2 counsellingSonam WangchukTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Mumbai Goa Highway AccidentBengaluru Law Student MurderBihar Railway Employee MurderSiya GoyalTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

‘Stressful for students’: SC tells Centre not to introduce 3rd language in Class 9 NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Thursday observed that introducing a third language in Class 9 under the National Education Policy would put undue pressure on students as they begin preparing for their board examinations.The court said Central Board of Secondary Education’s…

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‘AAP Launches Petition Against E20 Petrol: Demand Fuel Choice and Fair Pricing | India News

‘AAP Launches Petition Against E20 Petrol: Demand Fuel Choice and Fair Pricing | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

AAP opposes mandatory E20 Petrol, launches public petition (ANI image) NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday urged people to support an online petition opposing the mandatory use of E20 petrol, alleging that the fuel leads to lower mileage and vehicle damage.Sharing the campaign on X, Bharadwaj appealed to motorists facing…

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The animated film was originally scheduled to release on July 10, just days before the annual Rath Yatra festival. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea challenging the Orissa high court’s order staying the release of the animated film “Mahaprabhu Jagannath”, which has become the centre of a controversy over its portrayal of Lord Jagannath.The development comes a day after the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) urged the makers to postpone the film’s release, alleging that it presents a fictional version of the deity’s life that is inconsistent with Hindu scriptures.The appeal was made by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the titular king of Puri and chairman of the SJTMC, the highest decision-making body of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple.The animated film was originally scheduled to release on July 10, just days before the annual Rath Yatra festival.Referring to the trailer already circulating on social media, Deb said it depicts “a completely fictitious story of Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu” and claimed that the narrative does not conform to the sacred texts associated with Lord Jagannath.”The official trailer of this movie, which has been released and is in circulation on social media, portrays a completely fictitious story of Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu. The story is contrary to the sacred narrations in our scriptures,” he said.Deb maintained that any attempt to depict the glory of Lord Jagannath should remain faithful to scriptural accounts, particularly those documented by Maharshi Vedavyasa, who compiled the Vedas and Puranas and described Lord Jagannath as the accessible form of Lord Krishna.He warned that a “distorted and fictitious” portrayal of the deity could deeply offend millions of devotees across the world.”I therefore appeal to the producers of this movie, Ele Animations Pvt Ltd of Bhubaneswar, to postpone the release of this movie in theatres or social media platforms until the contents of the movie are authenticated by experts appointed by Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA),” Deb told PTI.The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is one of the key committees under the SJTMC. The producers of Mahaprabhu Jagannath are yet to respond publicly to the objections raised by the temple authorities. 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 MediaVideosModi Hails India-UK Trade Deal As Duty-Free Access Opens New Opportunities For ExportersNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At Convocation123PhotostoriesWhy children suddenly stop telling their parents everything around age 12Why airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasonedYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume it123Hot PicksDU Round 1 Seat AllocationDiesel export priceStock market todayBank holiday todayAlex SunnyManipur JusticeRaghuram RajanAP POLYCET Phase 2 counsellingSonam WangchukTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Mumbai Goa Highway AccidentBengaluru Law Student MurderBihar Railway Employee MurderSiya GoyalTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

The animated film was originally scheduled to release on July 10, just days before the annual Rath Yatra festival. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea challenging the Orissa high court’s order staying the release of the animated film “Mahaprabhu Jagannath”, which has become the centre of a controversy over its portrayal of Lord Jagannath.The development comes a day after the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) urged the makers to postpone the film’s release, alleging that it presents a fictional version of the deity’s life that is inconsistent with Hindu scriptures.The appeal was made by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the titular king of Puri and chairman of the SJTMC, the highest decision-making body of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple.The animated film was originally scheduled to release on July 10, just days before the annual Rath Yatra festival.Referring to the trailer already circulating on social media, Deb said it depicts “a completely fictitious story of Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu” and claimed that the narrative does not conform to the sacred texts associated with Lord Jagannath.”The official trailer of this movie, which has been released and is in circulation on social media, portrays a completely fictitious story of Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu. The story is contrary to the sacred narrations in our scriptures,” he said.Deb maintained that any attempt to depict the glory of Lord Jagannath should remain faithful to scriptural accounts, particularly those documented by Maharshi Vedavyasa, who compiled the Vedas and Puranas and described Lord Jagannath as the accessible form of Lord Krishna.He warned that a “distorted and fictitious” portrayal of the deity could deeply offend millions of devotees across the world.”I therefore appeal to the producers of this movie, Ele Animations Pvt Ltd of Bhubaneswar, to postpone the release of this movie in theatres or social media platforms until the contents of the movie are authenticated by experts appointed by Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA),” Deb told PTI.The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is one of the key committees under the SJTMC. The producers of Mahaprabhu Jagannath are yet to respond publicly to the objections raised by the temple authorities. 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 MediaVideosModi Hails India-UK Trade Deal As Duty-Free Access Opens New Opportunities For ExportersNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At Convocation123PhotostoriesWhy children suddenly stop telling their parents everything around age 12Why airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasonedYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume it123Hot PicksDU Round 1 Seat AllocationDiesel export priceStock market todayBank holiday todayAlex SunnyManipur JusticeRaghuram RajanAP POLYCET Phase 2 counsellingSonam WangchukTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Mumbai Goa Highway AccidentBengaluru Law Student MurderBihar Railway Employee MurderSiya GoyalTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The animated film was originally scheduled to release on July 10, just days before the annual Rath Yatra festival. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea challenging the Orissa high court’s order staying the release of the animated film “Mahaprabhu Jagannath”, which has become the centre of a controversy over…

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Rahul Gandhi Rage Against Paper Leak Scandal in Uttarakhand: A Call to Action | India News

Rahul Gandhi Rage Against Paper Leak Scandal in Uttarakhand: A Call to Action | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Rahul Gandhi to visit Dehradun (X) NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, ahead of the Dehradun leg of the Congress’ ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign on July 17, said Uttarakhand has become the “epicentre of paper leaks” and accused the BJP government of failing to curb examination irregularities despite introducing anti-cheating laws.In a…

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The look of Kolkata’s trams has changed down the years, from this one negotiating a busy junction, to a more modern avatar (below) rolling down the leafy Maidan At the Tollygunge Tram Depot, amid rows of ageing tramcars that have quietly watched the city change, one vehicle still draws attention. Tram No. 201 stands ready for service. To generations of cinema lovers, it is instantly recognisable. In the 1966 Hindi classic Baharein Phir Bhi Aayengi , the tram glides across the Maidan in the song ‘Suno Suno Miss Chatterjee’, becoming as much a part of the frame as the actors themselves.But No. 201 has another story to tell. It was never built for Kolkata. It once ran on the streets of Bombay. When the western metropolis dismantled its tram system in the 1960s, the Calcutta Tramways Company bought several of its tramcars. No. 201 was among them. Six decades later, it waits for another chapter — one that may finally arrive.For the first time in years, hope has returned to the city’s tramways.One of the earliest transport announcements made by Bengal’s new govt was its decision to revive the city’s tram network — a dramatic reversal of the previous administration’s policy, which had steadily dismantled routes, paved over tracks and reduced the system to a handful of heritage services.The govt has already engaged RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) to prepare a comprehensive blueprint for the revival of what remains the oldest surviving tram system in the Asia-Pacific region.Transport minister Arjun Singh says the plan is not merely symbolic. “The revival of the tram was promised by none other than our Prime Minister Narendra Modiji. It is therefore not merely a commitment; it is one of our highest priorities,” Singh said.The plans go well beyond preserving nostalgia. “Along with restoring heritage trams, we are exploring battery-operated trams that can run without overhead electric wires. This will allow us to expand the tram network into new areas while preserving the city’s historic character,” he added.Among the govt’s more ambitious proposals is a tram corridor connecting two of Bengal’s most important pilgrimage centres — Kalighat and Dakshineswar — along the banks of the Ganga and the Adi Ganga. If realised, it could become one of India’s most scenic urban transport corridors.A 153-Year JourneyThe story of Kolkata is inseparable from the story of its tram.Long before the Metro transformed urban commuting, the tram shaped the city’s geography, economy and neighbourhoods.The first horse-drawn tram rolled out on Feb 24, 1873, covering just 3. 9km between Armenian Ghat and Sealdah. The objective was simple: to connect Kolkata’s river port with its rapidly expanding railway network. Armenian Ghat even housed a railway booking office for passengers travelling to Howrah.The real revolution came in 1902, when Kolkata introduced electric traction, replacing horsepower with electricity generated at its own power station in Nonapukur. It marked the beginning of one of the world’s earliest electric urban transport systems.In 1943 came another historic milestone. When the new Howrah Bridge — later named Rabindra Setu — opened to traffic, the first public transport vehicle allowed to cross it was a tram.By the 1950s, Kolkata’s tramways had entered their golden age. Nearly 470 tramcars carried close to 410 million passengers annually, making the tram the backbone of the city’s public transport network.Was Decline Engineered?The decline, tram historians argue, was never inevitable. According to tram researcher Sagnik Gupta, successive planning decisions gradually disconnected the network from the very locations that generated the highest passenger traffic.The first major setback came in the 1970s, when tram access to Sealdah was removed during construction of the Sealdah Flyover.The Howrah terminus followed in the early 1990s, with authorities arguing that heavier steel-bodied trams could adversely affect the bridge — an explanation that tram experts continue to dispute.The Ballygunge-Gariahat connection disappeared. Several Howrah routes, including Bandhaghat and Shibpur, were shut. Later, the Behala-Joka line was isolated after the construction of the Taratala Flyover and eventually closed.“Each closure reduced ridership, which in turn was cited as justification for further closures,” said Mahadeb Shi, a tram enthusiast and filmmaker.The last major investment came in the 1980s, when the World Bank supported modernisation worth Rs 46.2 crore. Seventy-five new tramcars were built, 60 refurbished and more than 100 modernised. But the momentum faded.A Heritage Worth SavingDespite decades of neglect, Kolkata’s tramways retain something no other city has.Many of its wooden-bodied tramcars are over a century old and remain operational — an engineering achievement unmatched anywhere in the world. Debasis Bhattacharya, president of the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA), has spent more than three decades fighting to save the network.“It is music to my ears that the govt wants to revive the tram,” he says. “At one point, we had almost lost hope as tracks were being covered with bitumen despite court orders. Successive govts paralysed the tram, cut passenger access and then declared it unviable.”The turning point came when citizens, environmentalists and tram enthusiasts approached Calcutta High Court through multiple public interest litigations. A Division Bench headed by T. S. Sivagnanam halted the bituminisation of tram tracks and set up an expert committee to prepare recommendations for revival. That legal intervention has kept alive the possibility of a wider restoration, said Pradeep Kakkar of People United for Better Living in Calcutta (PUBLIC).Transport For FutureSupporters argue that bringing back the tram is not about preserving a museum piece. It is about building a sustainable transport system for the future.Kolkata’s experience could matter beyond Bengal. As Metro networks expand, Indian cities still need clean, high-capacity transport for shorter neighbourhood journeys. Modern trams can serve as feeders, carry more passengers than buses and run without local emissions. Kolkata’s revival could act as an example for other Indian cities.International experts agree. Roberto D’Andrea, a former Melbourne tram conductor who has organised the cultural exchange festival Tramjatra between Melbourne and Kolkata since 1996, describes the proposal as “the biggest transport news of 2026”.“Kolkata should not merely preserve its tram, it should expand it. The tram… can play a major role in fighting climate change,” he says.Environmentalists make a similar point. Vinay Jaju of SwitchON Foundation believes low-carbon public transport, combined with cycling and walking infrastructure, offers cities one of the most effective responses to both climate change and worsening urban pollution.Legal environmentalist Rittwik Dutta of the Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE) points to London’s experience as a warning. London abandoned its electric tramways in 1952 in favour of diesel buses. Only months later, the city experienced the catastrophic Great Smog, a disaster that many historians believe was aggravated by rising vehicular emissions.“Abolishing Kolkata’s tram would have been a very expensive mistake,” Dutta says.A Second ChanceFor decades, Kolkata’s tram became a symbol of decline — a slower vehicle overtaken by faster roads, flyovers and buses. Yet history has an unusual way of returning.Around the world, cities that once dismantled tramways are now rebuilding them as climate-friendly mass transit systems. Modern tram networks have emerged in cities from Paris and Sydney to Dubai and Shenzhen.Kolkata, remarkably, never lost its tram altogether. It simply allowed it to fade. Now, at 153 years old, the world’s oldest surviving electric tram system may finally get the second chance it has long awaited.If the govt’s plans materialise, Tram No. 201 may once again leave the Tollygunge depot — not merely as a relic from a classic film, but as a symbol of a city rediscovering one of its greatest gifts.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosModi Hails India-UK Trade Deal As Duty-Free Access Opens New Opportunities For ExportersNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At Convocation123PhotostoriesWhy airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasonedYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signs123Hot PicksDU Round 1 Seat AllocationDiesel export priceMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Mumbai Goa Highway AccidentFortniteTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

The look of Kolkata’s trams has changed down the years, from this one negotiating a busy junction, to a more modern avatar (below) rolling down the leafy Maidan At the Tollygunge Tram Depot, amid rows of ageing tramcars that have quietly watched the city change, one vehicle still draws attention. Tram No. 201 stands ready for service. To generations of cinema lovers, it is instantly recognisable. In the 1966 Hindi classic Baharein Phir Bhi Aayengi , the tram glides across the Maidan in the song ‘Suno Suno Miss Chatterjee’, becoming as much a part of the frame as the actors themselves.But No. 201 has another story to tell. It was never built for Kolkata. It once ran on the streets of Bombay. When the western metropolis dismantled its tram system in the 1960s, the Calcutta Tramways Company bought several of its tramcars. No. 201 was among them. Six decades later, it waits for another chapter — one that may finally arrive.For the first time in years, hope has returned to the city’s tramways.One of the earliest transport announcements made by Bengal’s new govt was its decision to revive the city’s tram network — a dramatic reversal of the previous administration’s policy, which had steadily dismantled routes, paved over tracks and reduced the system to a handful of heritage services.The govt has already engaged RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) to prepare a comprehensive blueprint for the revival of what remains the oldest surviving tram system in the Asia-Pacific region.Transport minister Arjun Singh says the plan is not merely symbolic. “The revival of the tram was promised by none other than our Prime Minister Narendra Modiji. It is therefore not merely a commitment; it is one of our highest priorities,” Singh said.The plans go well beyond preserving nostalgia. “Along with restoring heritage trams, we are exploring battery-operated trams that can run without overhead electric wires. This will allow us to expand the tram network into new areas while preserving the city’s historic character,” he added.Among the govt’s more ambitious proposals is a tram corridor connecting two of Bengal’s most important pilgrimage centres — Kalighat and Dakshineswar — along the banks of the Ganga and the Adi Ganga. If realised, it could become one of India’s most scenic urban transport corridors.A 153-Year JourneyThe story of Kolkata is inseparable from the story of its tram.Long before the Metro transformed urban commuting, the tram shaped the city’s geography, economy and neighbourhoods.The first horse-drawn tram rolled out on Feb 24, 1873, covering just 3. 9km between Armenian Ghat and Sealdah. The objective was simple: to connect Kolkata’s river port with its rapidly expanding railway network. Armenian Ghat even housed a railway booking office for passengers travelling to Howrah.The real revolution came in 1902, when Kolkata introduced electric traction, replacing horsepower with electricity generated at its own power station in Nonapukur. It marked the beginning of one of the world’s earliest electric urban transport systems.In 1943 came another historic milestone. When the new Howrah Bridge — later named Rabindra Setu — opened to traffic, the first public transport vehicle allowed to cross it was a tram.By the 1950s, Kolkata’s tramways had entered their golden age. Nearly 470 tramcars carried close to 410 million passengers annually, making the tram the backbone of the city’s public transport network.Was Decline Engineered?The decline, tram historians argue, was never inevitable. According to tram researcher Sagnik Gupta, successive planning decisions gradually disconnected the network from the very locations that generated the highest passenger traffic.The first major setback came in the 1970s, when tram access to Sealdah was removed during construction of the Sealdah Flyover.The Howrah terminus followed in the early 1990s, with authorities arguing that heavier steel-bodied trams could adversely affect the bridge — an explanation that tram experts continue to dispute.The Ballygunge-Gariahat connection disappeared. Several Howrah routes, including Bandhaghat and Shibpur, were shut. Later, the Behala-Joka line was isolated after the construction of the Taratala Flyover and eventually closed.“Each closure reduced ridership, which in turn was cited as justification for further closures,” said Mahadeb Shi, a tram enthusiast and filmmaker.The last major investment came in the 1980s, when the World Bank supported modernisation worth Rs 46.2 crore. Seventy-five new tramcars were built, 60 refurbished and more than 100 modernised. But the momentum faded.A Heritage Worth SavingDespite decades of neglect, Kolkata’s tramways retain something no other city has.Many of its wooden-bodied tramcars are over a century old and remain operational — an engineering achievement unmatched anywhere in the world. Debasis Bhattacharya, president of the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA), has spent more than three decades fighting to save the network.“It is music to my ears that the govt wants to revive the tram,” he says. “At one point, we had almost lost hope as tracks were being covered with bitumen despite court orders. Successive govts paralysed the tram, cut passenger access and then declared it unviable.”The turning point came when citizens, environmentalists and tram enthusiasts approached Calcutta High Court through multiple public interest litigations. A Division Bench headed by T. S. Sivagnanam halted the bituminisation of tram tracks and set up an expert committee to prepare recommendations for revival. That legal intervention has kept alive the possibility of a wider restoration, said Pradeep Kakkar of People United for Better Living in Calcutta (PUBLIC).Transport For FutureSupporters argue that bringing back the tram is not about preserving a museum piece. It is about building a sustainable transport system for the future.Kolkata’s experience could matter beyond Bengal. As Metro networks expand, Indian cities still need clean, high-capacity transport for shorter neighbourhood journeys. Modern trams can serve as feeders, carry more passengers than buses and run without local emissions. Kolkata’s revival could act as an example for other Indian cities.International experts agree. Roberto D’Andrea, a former Melbourne tram conductor who has organised the cultural exchange festival Tramjatra between Melbourne and Kolkata since 1996, describes the proposal as “the biggest transport news of 2026”.“Kolkata should not merely preserve its tram, it should expand it. The tram… can play a major role in fighting climate change,” he says.Environmentalists make a similar point. Vinay Jaju of SwitchON Foundation believes low-carbon public transport, combined with cycling and walking infrastructure, offers cities one of the most effective responses to both climate change and worsening urban pollution.Legal environmentalist Rittwik Dutta of the Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment (LIFE) points to London’s experience as a warning. London abandoned its electric tramways in 1952 in favour of diesel buses. Only months later, the city experienced the catastrophic Great Smog, a disaster that many historians believe was aggravated by rising vehicular emissions.“Abolishing Kolkata’s tram would have been a very expensive mistake,” Dutta says.A Second ChanceFor decades, Kolkata’s tram became a symbol of decline — a slower vehicle overtaken by faster roads, flyovers and buses. Yet history has an unusual way of returning.Around the world, cities that once dismantled tramways are now rebuilding them as climate-friendly mass transit systems. Modern tram networks have emerged in cities from Paris and Sydney to Dubai and Shenzhen.Kolkata, remarkably, never lost its tram altogether. It simply allowed it to fade. Now, at 153 years old, the world’s oldest surviving electric tram system may finally get the second chance it has long awaited.If the govt’s plans materialise, Tram No. 201 may once again leave the Tollygunge depot — not merely as a relic from a classic film, but as a symbol of a city rediscovering one of its greatest gifts.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosModi Hails India-UK Trade Deal As Duty-Free Access Opens New Opportunities For ExportersNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At Convocation123PhotostoriesWhy airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasonedYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signs123Hot PicksDU Round 1 Seat AllocationDiesel export priceMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Mumbai Goa Highway AccidentFortniteTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

The look of Kolkata’s trams has changed down the years, from this one negotiating a busy junction, to a more modern avatar (below) rolling down the leafy Maidan At the Tollygunge Tram Depot, amid rows of ageing tramcars that have quietly watched the city change, one vehicle still draws attention. Tram No. 201 stands ready…

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File photo Jobs, exports, talent and investment increasingly depend on urban India. Three reforms can turn cities from growth constraints into productive assetsIndia’s economic destiny will be decided in its cities. This is a no brainer. They concentrate people, ideas, capital and markets in ways no other mode of human habitation can. India’s transition to a high-income Viksit Bharat will happen on the back of vibrant, well-functioning cities — as has happened everywhere else.For India, the stakes are higher than most. Unlike East Asia, whose rise was powered by manufacturing, India’s competitive edge lies in services. IT, BPO, financial services and over 2,000 global capability centres (GCC) currently employing 2.3 million professionals have driven exports and highvalue jobs for two decades. Services exports now rival merchandise exports. All these industries are urban. They live or die by whether cities can attract skilled talent and investors, provide reliable infrastructure and offer a quality of life that allows firms to compete globally.The liveability of Bengaluru or Gurgaon is not a municipal detail in an era where professionals are mobile. It is a national economic variable that shapes whether India’s brightest build their futures at home or in Singapore, Dubai or London.India has made real progress. Metro rail now operates approximately 1000km in about 20 cities (compared with 229km across less than five cities in 2013). Airports and highways have improved dramatically. Household tap water and sanitation coverage has expanded sharply and are now universal in urban areas with high public awareness. Digital governance has simplified access to civic services.But the gaps that remain are large enough to threaten the entire growth story.MumbaiStart with how we plan our cities. If cities are to drive growth, there is almost no economic visioning or planning for them. Cities and their economies are left to architects and master plans which freeze their future based on a ground truth which is dynamic and fast changing. There is little attempt to identify the strengths of cities — current and potential — and plan to leverage those for rapid economic growth.BengaluruInfrastructure, mobility, housing, services and quality of life need to be designed in line with this growth vision. Singapore, Dubai, and even New York and London have economic blueprints guiding their planning. These are city regions with trillion dollar economies. Hyderabad in the 1990s showed glimpses of such planning. India needs to do much more economic planning for cities for Viksit Bharat to become a reality.Time lost in rush hour.Take air. Delhi is consistently ranked among the world’s most polluted capitals, with annual PM2. 5 concentrations 20 times WHO guidelines. Indian cities dominate global lists of the most polluted urban centres. This is not an unsolvable problem. Mexico City, once a byword for pollution, cut pollution through sustained, coordinated policy. India has yet to mount an effort of comparable seriousness.Basic services tell a similar story. Tap connections may have multiplied but almost no Indian city delivers water 24×7, forcing households to invest in tanks, pumps and purifiers — a private tax on public failure. Waste collection now exceeds 90% in many cities, without scientific processing, leaving mountains of legacy waste — Ghazipur in Delhi, Deonar in Mumbai — towering over neighbourhoods.The future is urban-and closeOr consider the humble footpath. Indian cities are designed for vehicles, not people. In most cities, a majority of roads lack continuous, usable footpaths, even though walking accounts for a third or more of all trips. Cities in Europe and East Asia treat walkability as basic infrastructure; we treat it as an afterthought to be sacrificed whenever a road becomes congested. Behind all this lies a financing failure. India invests roughly 0.6-1.5% of GDP a year in urban infrastructure, against the 3-5% that rapidly urbanising economies have typically invested during their fastest growth phases.Cities spend little, they raise even less.Municipal revenues have stagnated. The World Bank estimates India needs around 0 billion in urban investment over 15 years — about billion a year. Interestingly, cities can finance themselves, given freedom and flexibility.Waste collection by cityThe good news: none of this is intractable. India does not lack entrepreneurial energy or private capital. It lacks a policy framework that lets cities grow.Three reforms matter most.1. Economic planningNot to be confused with more masterplanning. India mistakes detailed regulation for strategic foresight. No govt can predict where every colony or commercial district should stand 50 years hence. What it can predict are regional engines of growth: the Chennai-Bengaluru corridor, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad region, and emerging clusters around Hyderabad and Pune. Govt’s job is to think 50 years ahead — secure land, preserve transport corridors, and build trunk infrastructure early: rail, metro, water, sewage, power. Once those foundations exist, markets should decide the rest. Planning should enable growth, not micromanage it.2. RegulationRegulation that expands supply instead of strangling it. India’s housing affordability crisis is substantially self-inflicted. Low floor space index in cities should be relaxed for a premium, creating more floor space and generating revenue. Rigid FAR (floor-to-area ratio), archaic land-use conversion rules, and slow approvals make development costlier everywhere. The fixes are known: liberalise FAR wherever infrastructure permits, densify around metro stations, legalise mixed-use development, and digitise building approvals. Such reforms would unlock enormous private investment, expand housing supply and cut costs.3. Fix urban finance & governanceNo city can deliver world-class infrastructure on village-level finances and borrowed authority. Municipalities need stronger property tax systems, deeper municipal bond markets and predictable state transfers. But money without power will not suffice. Empower mayors and commissioners to plan, execute and be judged — and citizens will know exactly whom to hold responsible.By 2050, nearly 900 million Indians will live in urban areas — a number larger than the current population of the US and Western Europe combined. Cities already generate about 60% of India’s GDP, rising to 70% within a decade.The debate must therefore move beyond treating cities as administrative units needing periodic maintenance. Cities are productive assets — generators of jobs, innovation, exports and tax revenue. Investing in cities is not welfare; it is among the highestreturn investments.India’s rise to Viksit Bharat will be anchored in the quality of its cities. Get urbanisation right, and growth, tourism, talent and global standing follow. Get it wrong, and every one of those ambitions becomes harder — perhaps impossible — to achieve.The author is former CEO, NITI AayogGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal Matters123PhotostoriesWhy airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasonedYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signs123Hot PicksDak PrescottNFL Trade RumorsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Jon JrudenFortniteTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

File photo Jobs, exports, talent and investment increasingly depend on urban India. Three reforms can turn cities from growth constraints into productive assetsIndia’s economic destiny will be decided in its cities. This is a no brainer. They concentrate people, ideas, capital and markets in ways no other mode of human habitation can. India’s transition to a high-income Viksit Bharat will happen on the back of vibrant, well-functioning cities — as has happened everywhere else.For India, the stakes are higher than most. Unlike East Asia, whose rise was powered by manufacturing, India’s competitive edge lies in services. IT, BPO, financial services and over 2,000 global capability centres (GCC) currently employing 2.3 million professionals have driven exports and highvalue jobs for two decades. Services exports now rival merchandise exports. All these industries are urban. They live or die by whether cities can attract skilled talent and investors, provide reliable infrastructure and offer a quality of life that allows firms to compete globally.The liveability of Bengaluru or Gurgaon is not a municipal detail in an era where professionals are mobile. It is a national economic variable that shapes whether India’s brightest build their futures at home or in Singapore, Dubai or London.India has made real progress. Metro rail now operates approximately 1000km in about 20 cities (compared with 229km across less than five cities in 2013). Airports and highways have improved dramatically. Household tap water and sanitation coverage has expanded sharply and are now universal in urban areas with high public awareness. Digital governance has simplified access to civic services.But the gaps that remain are large enough to threaten the entire growth story.MumbaiStart with how we plan our cities. If cities are to drive growth, there is almost no economic visioning or planning for them. Cities and their economies are left to architects and master plans which freeze their future based on a ground truth which is dynamic and fast changing. There is little attempt to identify the strengths of cities — current and potential — and plan to leverage those for rapid economic growth.BengaluruInfrastructure, mobility, housing, services and quality of life need to be designed in line with this growth vision. Singapore, Dubai, and even New York and London have economic blueprints guiding their planning. These are city regions with trillion dollar economies. Hyderabad in the 1990s showed glimpses of such planning. India needs to do much more economic planning for cities for Viksit Bharat to become a reality.Time lost in rush hour.Take air. Delhi is consistently ranked among the world’s most polluted capitals, with annual PM2. 5 concentrations 20 times WHO guidelines. Indian cities dominate global lists of the most polluted urban centres. This is not an unsolvable problem. Mexico City, once a byword for pollution, cut pollution through sustained, coordinated policy. India has yet to mount an effort of comparable seriousness.Basic services tell a similar story. Tap connections may have multiplied but almost no Indian city delivers water 24×7, forcing households to invest in tanks, pumps and purifiers — a private tax on public failure. Waste collection now exceeds 90% in many cities, without scientific processing, leaving mountains of legacy waste — Ghazipur in Delhi, Deonar in Mumbai — towering over neighbourhoods.The future is urban-and closeOr consider the humble footpath. Indian cities are designed for vehicles, not people. In most cities, a majority of roads lack continuous, usable footpaths, even though walking accounts for a third or more of all trips. Cities in Europe and East Asia treat walkability as basic infrastructure; we treat it as an afterthought to be sacrificed whenever a road becomes congested. Behind all this lies a financing failure. India invests roughly 0.6-1.5% of GDP a year in urban infrastructure, against the 3-5% that rapidly urbanising economies have typically invested during their fastest growth phases.Cities spend little, they raise even less.Municipal revenues have stagnated. The World Bank estimates India needs around $840 billion in urban investment over 15 years — about $55 billion a year. Interestingly, cities can finance themselves, given freedom and flexibility.Waste collection by cityThe good news: none of this is intractable. India does not lack entrepreneurial energy or private capital. It lacks a policy framework that lets cities grow.Three reforms matter most.1. Economic planningNot to be confused with more masterplanning. India mistakes detailed regulation for strategic foresight. No govt can predict where every colony or commercial district should stand 50 years hence. What it can predict are regional engines of growth: the Chennai-Bengaluru corridor, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad region, and emerging clusters around Hyderabad and Pune. Govt’s job is to think 50 years ahead — secure land, preserve transport corridors, and build trunk infrastructure early: rail, metro, water, sewage, power. Once those foundations exist, markets should decide the rest. Planning should enable growth, not micromanage it.2. RegulationRegulation that expands supply instead of strangling it. India’s housing affordability crisis is substantially self-inflicted. Low floor space index in cities should be relaxed for a premium, creating more floor space and generating revenue. Rigid FAR (floor-to-area ratio), archaic land-use conversion rules, and slow approvals make development costlier everywhere. The fixes are known: liberalise FAR wherever infrastructure permits, densify around metro stations, legalise mixed-use development, and digitise building approvals. Such reforms would unlock enormous private investment, expand housing supply and cut costs.3. Fix urban finance & governanceNo city can deliver world-class infrastructure on village-level finances and borrowed authority. Municipalities need stronger property tax systems, deeper municipal bond markets and predictable state transfers. But money without power will not suffice. Empower mayors and commissioners to plan, execute and be judged — and citizens will know exactly whom to hold responsible.By 2050, nearly 900 million Indians will live in urban areas — a number larger than the current population of the US and Western Europe combined. Cities already generate about 60% of India’s GDP, rising to 70% within a decade.The debate must therefore move beyond treating cities as administrative units needing periodic maintenance. Cities are productive assets — generators of jobs, innovation, exports and tax revenue. Investing in cities is not welfare; it is among the highestreturn investments.India’s rise to Viksit Bharat will be anchored in the quality of its cities. Get urbanisation right, and growth, tourism, talent and global standing follow. Get it wrong, and every one of those ambitions becomes harder — perhaps impossible — to achieve.The author is former CEO, NITI AayogGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNDA Eyes Fresh Push For Women’s Quota Bill As Supriya Sule Opens Door To SupportBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal Matters123PhotostoriesWhy airplane food tastes bland even when it’s perfectly seasonedYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signs123Hot PicksDak PrescottNFL Trade RumorsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Jon JrudenFortniteTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Jobs, exports, talent and investment increasingly depend on urban India. Three reforms can turn cities from growth constraints into productive assetsIndia’s economic destiny will be decided in its cities. This is a no brainer. They concentrate people, ideas, capital and markets in ways no other mode of human habitation can. India’s transition to a high-income…

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The FDA clarified that the action was based on alleged violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raided a Pune shop owned by the family of Siya Goyal, one of the accused in the murder of realtor Ketan Agarwal, and seized food products worth more than Rs 8 lakh over alleged violations of food safety norms.The inspection was carried out at M/s BG Goyal & Company, owned by Pravin Goyal, Siya Goyal’s father, in Pune’s Market Yard on July 14. Officials said 4,172 kg of food products valued at Rs 8,14,630 were seized after the establishment was allegedly found operating a storeroom without a licence, violating labelling norms and stocking products suspected to be substandard or unsafe.The FDA clarified that the action was based on alleged violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act and has not stated that the raid was linked to the ongoing murder investigation involving Siya Goyal.During the inspection, officials collected four samples for laboratory analysis. The samples included ‘Sant’ and ‘Sadhu’ brand turmeric powder, sesame seeds and soya mini chunks. The seized stock comprised 598 kg of one brand of turmeric powder, 1,258 kg of another brand, 538 kg of sesame seeds and 1,778 kg of soya mini chunks.According to the FDA, the firm had also failed to make the necessary corrections to its licence details. “Considering the violations, a notice has been issued directing the firm to stop its business activities until further orders,” an official said.The raid was conducted by Food Safety Officers KL Sonkamble and Pratik Jadhav under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Nilesh Khose. Pune Zone functions under Joint Commissioner (Food) DW Bhogawade.Meanwhile, the investigation into Ketan Agarwal’s death continues. Siya Goyal (20) and her boyfriend Chetan Chaudhary (22) are in judicial custody after being accused of pushing Agarwal, her fiancé, off a cliff at Lohagad Fort in Pune district during a trek on June 18.Police have also sent a Crime Branch team to Rajasthan after learning that Goyal and Chaudhary had travelled there in December last year. Investigators are probing whether the pair secretly married at a temple, although officials said no CCTV footage was found to confirm the claim.Separately, investigators are verifying a Snapchat message allegedly sent by Goyal in May in which she reportedly told a friend that her planned wedding to Agarwal “was not going to take place”, weeks before his death.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 MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123PhotostoriesYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals123Hot PicksDak PrescottNFL Trade RumorsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Jon JrudenFortniteTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

The FDA clarified that the action was based on alleged violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raided a Pune shop owned by the family of Siya Goyal, one of the accused in the murder of realtor Ketan Agarwal, and seized food products worth more than Rs 8 lakh over alleged violations of food safety norms.The inspection was carried out at M/s BG Goyal & Company, owned by Pravin Goyal, Siya Goyal’s father, in Pune’s Market Yard on July 14. Officials said 4,172 kg of food products valued at Rs 8,14,630 were seized after the establishment was allegedly found operating a storeroom without a licence, violating labelling norms and stocking products suspected to be substandard or unsafe.The FDA clarified that the action was based on alleged violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act and has not stated that the raid was linked to the ongoing murder investigation involving Siya Goyal.During the inspection, officials collected four samples for laboratory analysis. The samples included ‘Sant’ and ‘Sadhu’ brand turmeric powder, sesame seeds and soya mini chunks. The seized stock comprised 598 kg of one brand of turmeric powder, 1,258 kg of another brand, 538 kg of sesame seeds and 1,778 kg of soya mini chunks.According to the FDA, the firm had also failed to make the necessary corrections to its licence details. “Considering the violations, a notice has been issued directing the firm to stop its business activities until further orders,” an official said.The raid was conducted by Food Safety Officers KL Sonkamble and Pratik Jadhav under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Nilesh Khose. Pune Zone functions under Joint Commissioner (Food) DW Bhogawade.Meanwhile, the investigation into Ketan Agarwal’s death continues. Siya Goyal (20) and her boyfriend Chetan Chaudhary (22) are in judicial custody after being accused of pushing Agarwal, her fiancé, off a cliff at Lohagad Fort in Pune district during a trek on June 18.Police have also sent a Crime Branch team to Rajasthan after learning that Goyal and Chaudhary had travelled there in December last year. Investigators are probing whether the pair secretly married at a temple, although officials said no CCTV footage was found to confirm the claim.Separately, investigators are verifying a Snapchat message allegedly sent by Goyal in May in which she reportedly told a friend that her planned wedding to Agarwal “was not going to take place”, weeks before his death.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 MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123PhotostoriesYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals123Hot PicksDak PrescottNFL Trade RumorsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Jon JrudenFortniteTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The FDA clarified that the action was based on alleged violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raided a Pune shop owned by the family of Siya Goyal, one of the accused in the murder of realtor Ketan Agarwal, and seized food products worth…

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Medical staff check on environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike as part of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi NEW DELHI: Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday said he is “not in good shape, but not so bad” as his indefinite hunger strike against alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak entered Day 19.In a video message shared on X, Wangchuk urged people to join the scheduled march to Parliament on July 20 rather than asking him to break his fast.”Thousands of you have sent me messages asking me to end my hunger strike and eat something. Many senior leaders have come to meet me—some speaking with affection, others urging me sternly. Some have even appealed to the court, asking the government to force-feed me,” Wangchuk said.”There are two things I want to say. First, even if I break my fast, what will change? What message will that send? The only message the government will receive is that there is no need for accountability. People sit on a protest, and then they simply leave,” he added.Despite his deteriorating health, Wangchuk asserted that he can continue his hunger strike for “several more days” and said that his heart and core health are still functioning well.”Second, my condition is not such that I will die in 24 days. I have undergone many medical tests, and for someone who has been fasting for 18 days, the results have been quite normal. I even had an ECG today, and it was not bad. So I can continue for several more days. Yes, I am weak. My muscles are wasting away, but my heart and core health are still functioning well,” he said.”So instead of only asking me to end my fast, I request all of you to take one small step yourselves. On July 20, come out in such large numbers that a clear message reaches the government,” he added.This comes as Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed that Wangchuk has been losing muscle mass and is in “immense pain”, adding that the activist has lost 8.5 kg since the beginning of his fast.Earlier in the day, a plea was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking to force-feed Wangchuk and shift him to a government hospital.According to the petition, Wangchuk’s condition has worsened significantly, and he could lose his life within two days if the hunger strike continues. It urged the court to intervene immediately, arguing that saving his life is of paramount importance.Earlier, several Opposition leaders appealed to Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, which began on June 20, is demanding Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations. The organisation has announced a march to Parliament on July 20.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 MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123PhotostoriesYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals123Hot PicksDak PrescottHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Jon JrudenBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Medical staff check on environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike as part of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi NEW DELHI: Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday said he is “not in good shape, but not so bad” as his indefinite hunger strike against alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak entered Day 19.In a video message shared on X, Wangchuk urged people to join the scheduled march to Parliament on July 20 rather than asking him to break his fast.”Thousands of you have sent me messages asking me to end my hunger strike and eat something. Many senior leaders have come to meet me—some speaking with affection, others urging me sternly. Some have even appealed to the court, asking the government to force-feed me,” Wangchuk said.”There are two things I want to say. First, even if I break my fast, what will change? What message will that send? The only message the government will receive is that there is no need for accountability. People sit on a protest, and then they simply leave,” he added.Despite his deteriorating health, Wangchuk asserted that he can continue his hunger strike for “several more days” and said that his heart and core health are still functioning well.”Second, my condition is not such that I will die in 24 days. I have undergone many medical tests, and for someone who has been fasting for 18 days, the results have been quite normal. I even had an ECG today, and it was not bad. So I can continue for several more days. Yes, I am weak. My muscles are wasting away, but my heart and core health are still functioning well,” he said.”So instead of only asking me to end my fast, I request all of you to take one small step yourselves. On July 20, come out in such large numbers that a clear message reaches the government,” he added.This comes as Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed that Wangchuk has been losing muscle mass and is in “immense pain”, adding that the activist has lost 8.5 kg since the beginning of his fast.Earlier in the day, a plea was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking to force-feed Wangchuk and shift him to a government hospital.According to the petition, Wangchuk’s condition has worsened significantly, and he could lose his life within two days if the hunger strike continues. It urged the court to intervene immediately, arguing that saving his life is of paramount importance.Earlier, several Opposition leaders appealed to Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, which began on June 20, is demanding Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations. The organisation has announced a march to Parliament on July 20.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 MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123PhotostoriesYour liver may be silently failing: Doctor reveals 8 warning signs most people mistake for everyday health problems10 comforting and traditional sooji dishes for breakfast5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals123Hot PicksDak PrescottHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Jon JrudenBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Medical staff check on environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike as part of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi NEW DELHI: Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday said he is “not in good shape, but not so bad” as his indefinite hunger strike against alleged…

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MOTIHARI: At the age of 68, when most people begin slowing down, Habiban Khatoon stepped into a courtroom to fight for what she believed was rightfully hers – possession of 1 katha and 4 dhur of land. She finally received justice 35 years later, at the age of 103.The order led to celebrations in the family of Habiban, a resident of Bihar’s East Champaran district, who fought the decades-long legal battle against all odds. Their only regret is that her husband, Naimullah Ansari, is no longer alive to witness the moment. The dispute dates back to 1993, when Habiban’s eldest son Rahamtullah bought a plot of land from a villager, Afaque Ahmad, in his mother’s name. His cousin, Liaquat Hussain, too bought the same piece of land from Afaque two days after the registration of Habiban’s deed and took possession of it.Habiban filed a title suit against Liaquat in the court of Motihari sadar munsif in March 1994. After years of proceedings, she finally got a favourable order, but Liaquat challenged it before the district judge’s court in 2004. As the district judge also ruled in her favour, Liaquat moved HC in 2014. The HC, too ruled against him, but Habiban’s wait continued. She approached the sadar munsif court in 2014, seeking possession of the land. But the proceedings were delayed because of transfer of sadar munsifs and then Covid. After nearly 12 years, the proceedings finally became active again and she got possession of the land on Tuesday. However, justice came at a heavy cost as she had to sell all her valuables to bear the legal expenses. – Chandra Bhushan PandeyGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorChandra Bhushan PandeyAssociated with TOI for the last 25 years. A postgraduate in Political Science from BRA BU Muzaffarpur, I cover India-Nepal border news and activities of cross-border smuggling of arms, fake currency and narcotics, Integrated custom check post, Terrorist activities, college and university news, Civic, cultural affairs, flood and drought, agriculture news, Irrigation system, sports and other spot news.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

MOTIHARI: At the age of 68, when most people begin slowing down, Habiban Khatoon stepped into a courtroom to fight for what she believed was rightfully hers – possession of 1 katha and 4 dhur of land. She finally received justice 35 years later, at the age of 103.The order led to celebrations in the family of Habiban, a resident of Bihar’s East Champaran district, who fought the decades-long legal battle against all odds. Their only regret is that her husband, Naimullah Ansari, is no longer alive to witness the moment. The dispute dates back to 1993, when Habiban’s eldest son Rahamtullah bought a plot of land from a villager, Afaque Ahmad, in his mother’s name. His cousin, Liaquat Hussain, too bought the same piece of land from Afaque two days after the registration of Habiban’s deed and took possession of it.Habiban filed a title suit against Liaquat in the court of Motihari sadar munsif in March 1994. After years of proceedings, she finally got a favourable order, but Liaquat challenged it before the district judge’s court in 2004. As the district judge also ruled in her favour, Liaquat moved HC in 2014. The HC, too ruled against him, but Habiban’s wait continued. She approached the sadar munsif court in 2014, seeking possession of the land. But the proceedings were delayed because of transfer of sadar munsifs and then Covid. After nearly 12 years, the proceedings finally became active again and she got possession of the land on Tuesday. However, justice came at a heavy cost as she had to sell all her valuables to bear the legal expenses. – Chandra Bhushan PandeyGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorChandra Bhushan PandeyAssociated with TOI for the last 25 years. A postgraduate in Political Science from BRA BU Muzaffarpur, I cover India-Nepal border news and activities of cross-border smuggling of arms, fake currency and narcotics, Integrated custom check post, Terrorist activities, college and university news, Civic, cultural affairs, flood and drought, agriculture news, Irrigation system, sports and other spot news.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

MOTIHARI: At the age of 68, when most people begin slowing down, Habiban Khatoon stepped into a courtroom to fight for what she believed was rightfully hers – possession of 1 katha and 4 dhur of land. She finally received justice 35 years later, at the age of 103.The order led to celebrations in the…

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Representative image MUMBAI: Home Credit India Finance, a subsidiary of TVS Holdings, signed a share purchase agreement on Wednesday, to acquire Varthana Finance which specialises in lending for education, in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 967 crore.The transaction will result in Varthana becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Home Credit India, and a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of TVS Holdings after completion. Besides Home Credit, TVS group has a presence in financial services through TVS Credit Services, with offerings across consumer, retail, and commercial finance.The acquisition is expected to help diversify the portfolio, improve business mix, and create synergies in distribution, technology, and risk management.The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to conclude within nine months from the execution of the SPA. The transaction is in the non-banking financial services sector and aims to expand the acquirer’s presence in secured and longer-tenure lending.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Representative image MUMBAI: Home Credit India Finance, a subsidiary of TVS Holdings, signed a share purchase agreement on Wednesday, to acquire Varthana Finance which specialises in lending for education, in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 967 crore.The transaction will result in Varthana becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Home Credit India, and a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of TVS Holdings after completion. Besides Home Credit, TVS group has a presence in financial services through TVS Credit Services, with offerings across consumer, retail, and commercial finance.The acquisition is expected to help diversify the portfolio, improve business mix, and create synergies in distribution, technology, and risk management.The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to conclude within nine months from the execution of the SPA. The transaction is in the non-banking financial services sector and aims to expand the acquirer’s presence in secured and longer-tenure lending.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

MUMBAI: Home Credit India Finance, a subsidiary of TVS Holdings, signed a share purchase agreement on Wednesday, to acquire Varthana Finance which specialises in lending for education, in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 967 crore.The transaction will result in Varthana becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Home Credit India, and a step-down wholly owned…

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File photo: Ficci president Anant Goenka Ficci president Anant Goenka, who is the vice-chairman of the RPG Group, believes that the economic momentum is sustaining, especially after oil prices moderated. He tells TOI that the trade deals are positive and it is now for industry to take advantage of it. Excerpts:What is your assessment of the first quarter performance of the corporate sector?Overall demand continues to be robust and growth remains good. So, despite inflationary impact, the positive momentum that we saw post GST 2.0 continues to be good: a good 3-4% uplift on the previous baseline levels. Margin impact is going to be there, but it will be fairly mixed. Sectors that have seen generally good momentum would be automotive, banking, telecom. IT remains under pressure. But on margin side, particularly manufacturing sector, there is stress and it will continue, possibly, into Q2, because of inventory.How much uncertainty is there because of what happens to the US tariffs as the 10% tariffs will be removed this month?Section 301 will also bring in around a similar level of tariff, 10-12%. It’s an important relationship for us and we are working closely. What I understand is that we are looking at a competitive advantage and that’s where we are holding on, but it’s really the last leg of discussions. It is our largest export market and Indian exporters are also diversifying into other markets and trade deals are being implemented.The UK FTA kicked in on Wednesday, and there are others in the pipeline. Is industry prepared in terms of capacity addition and other things to meet the additional demand?The potential is very large. A lot of B2B partnership connections have been established and it will get more intense when these agreements get going. Once industry sees around 80% capacity utilisation, it goes for the next level of capacity. I don’t think capacity is going to be going up saying, okay, FTA is coming in.The few areas of focus for us will be making sure, from a business side, we are working on building relationships, quality improvement. It is from the business side that we have to really work on making sure that we convert these agreements into actual action. Once these frameworks are set, we will be able to take advantage of it. We have a very small share of UK imports, and there is tremendous opportunity for us across sectors, be it textiles or footwear or other sectors. The other thing is the comprehensiveness of this agreement really makes it a model agreement for all. It’s just not trade, but movement of people, social security benefits, IP protection, review mechanisms.Overall capacity addition has been a concern for govt. Do you see a pickup or will the war impact it?Last year, private capex was around Rs 6 lakh crore. So, investment continues. The point is, just the uncertainty that happened because of the war and inflation, although GST injected a lot of momentum. In my own company, whatever we anticipated by 2028-29 is already happening. So, we are going ahead with substantially more capex than we had planned as demand is exceeding supply.There are concerns of goods being dumped from China. Is there a need to step up trade defence mechanism, such as anti-dumping duty?There is fair amount of overcapacity, particularly in China, and we are seeing increased dumping. There are industries where DGTR has been able to establish injury because of dumping. A large share of those (recommendations) have not been accepted, or have been rejected. From industry side, it would be good to get some more clarity on the reason for rejection.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

File photo: Ficci president Anant Goenka Ficci president Anant Goenka, who is the vice-chairman of the RPG Group, believes that the economic momentum is sustaining, especially after oil prices moderated. He tells TOI that the trade deals are positive and it is now for industry to take advantage of it. Excerpts:What is your assessment of the first quarter performance of the corporate sector?Overall demand continues to be robust and growth remains good. So, despite inflationary impact, the positive momentum that we saw post GST 2.0 continues to be good: a good 3-4% uplift on the previous baseline levels. Margin impact is going to be there, but it will be fairly mixed. Sectors that have seen generally good momentum would be automotive, banking, telecom. IT remains under pressure. But on margin side, particularly manufacturing sector, there is stress and it will continue, possibly, into Q2, because of inventory.How much uncertainty is there because of what happens to the US tariffs as the 10% tariffs will be removed this month?Section 301 will also bring in around a similar level of tariff, 10-12%. It’s an important relationship for us and we are working closely. What I understand is that we are looking at a competitive advantage and that’s where we are holding on, but it’s really the last leg of discussions. It is our largest export market and Indian exporters are also diversifying into other markets and trade deals are being implemented.The UK FTA kicked in on Wednesday, and there are others in the pipeline. Is industry prepared in terms of capacity addition and other things to meet the additional demand?The potential is very large. A lot of B2B partnership connections have been established and it will get more intense when these agreements get going. Once industry sees around 80% capacity utilisation, it goes for the next level of capacity. I don’t think capacity is going to be going up saying, okay, FTA is coming in.The few areas of focus for us will be making sure, from a business side, we are working on building relationships, quality improvement. It is from the business side that we have to really work on making sure that we convert these agreements into actual action. Once these frameworks are set, we will be able to take advantage of it. We have a very small share of UK imports, and there is tremendous opportunity for us across sectors, be it textiles or footwear or other sectors. The other thing is the comprehensiveness of this agreement really makes it a model agreement for all. It’s just not trade, but movement of people, social security benefits, IP protection, review mechanisms.Overall capacity addition has been a concern for govt. Do you see a pickup or will the war impact it?Last year, private capex was around Rs 6 lakh crore. So, investment continues. The point is, just the uncertainty that happened because of the war and inflation, although GST injected a lot of momentum. In my own company, whatever we anticipated by 2028-29 is already happening. So, we are going ahead with substantially more capex than we had planned as demand is exceeding supply.There are concerns of goods being dumped from China. Is there a need to step up trade defence mechanism, such as anti-dumping duty?There is fair amount of overcapacity, particularly in China, and we are seeing increased dumping. There are industries where DGTR has been able to establish injury because of dumping. A large share of those (recommendations) have not been accepted, or have been rejected. From industry side, it would be good to get some more clarity on the reason for rejection.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

File photo: Ficci president Anant Goenka Ficci president Anant Goenka, who is the vice-chairman of the RPG Group, believes that the economic momentum is sustaining, especially after oil prices moderated. He tells TOI that the trade deals are positive and it is now for industry to take advantage of it. Excerpts:What is your assessment of…

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File photo: Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: Supreme Court has taken exception to the recent order of Patna high court that removing a woman’s salwar and pressing her breasts do not constitute attempt to rape.Patna high court had held that the acts amounted to the offence of outraging a woman’s modesty and quashed a man’s conviction for attempt to rape.The matter was raised before a CJI Surya Kant-led bench by senior lawyer Shobha Gupta, who said such objectionable orders were being passed regularly.Taking note of the high court order passed on July 9, the bench expressed serious concern and said that judges should conduct research and take note of apex court rulings.”It is directed that all courts shall follow the expression contained in the handbook. States to issue instructions to all police stations to follow handbooks while registering FIR and filing chargesheet. We will upload a reasoned judgement also,” the bench said, while approving a report prepared by National Judicial Academy’s expert committee which contains guidelines on judicial sensitivity in sexual offence cases.Supreme Court has been expressing concerns over observations by judges and taken suo motu cognisance in two cases. Last year, Allahabad high court ruled that grabbing a child’s breasts, breaking the drawstrings of her pajamas and attempting to drag her beneath a culvert do not constitute the offence of rape or attempt to rape. In another case, Allahabad high court, while granting bail to an accused in a rape case, said the complainant had “herself invited trouble” by agreeing to go to the applicant’s house after getting drunk.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

File photo: Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: Supreme Court has taken exception to the recent order of Patna high court that removing a woman’s salwar and pressing her breasts do not constitute attempt to rape.Patna high court had held that the acts amounted to the offence of outraging a woman’s modesty and quashed a man’s conviction for attempt to rape.The matter was raised before a CJI Surya Kant-led bench by senior lawyer Shobha Gupta, who said such objectionable orders were being passed regularly.Taking note of the high court order passed on July 9, the bench expressed serious concern and said that judges should conduct research and take note of apex court rulings.”It is directed that all courts shall follow the expression contained in the handbook. States to issue instructions to all police stations to follow handbooks while registering FIR and filing chargesheet. We will upload a reasoned judgement also,” the bench said, while approving a report prepared by National Judicial Academy’s expert committee which contains guidelines on judicial sensitivity in sexual offence cases.Supreme Court has been expressing concerns over observations by judges and taken suo motu cognisance in two cases. Last year, Allahabad high court ruled that grabbing a child’s breasts, breaking the drawstrings of her pajamas and attempting to drag her beneath a culvert do not constitute the offence of rape or attempt to rape. In another case, Allahabad high court, while granting bail to an accused in a rape case, said the complainant had “herself invited trouble” by agreeing to go to the applicant’s house after getting drunk.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

File photo: Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: Supreme Court has taken exception to the recent order of Patna high court that removing a woman’s salwar and pressing her breasts do not constitute attempt to rape.Patna high court had held that the acts amounted to the offence of outraging a woman’s modesty and quashed a…

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File photo: PM Modi with Union home minister Amit Shah NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Wednesday met home minister Amit Shah and BJP chief Nitin Nabin in what was seen as another round of deliberations by the brass over the party’s list of office-bearers.Though there was no official word on the meeting, speculation over party’s expected list of office-bearers and a likely reshuffle in the Union council of ministers has continued for quite some time now.Sources said the new team under Nabin will soon be announced, and an overhaul of organisational bodies at the national level, including its top decision-making body of parliamentary board, is on the cards.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

File photo: PM Modi with Union home minister Amit Shah NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Wednesday met home minister Amit Shah and BJP chief Nitin Nabin in what was seen as another round of deliberations by the brass over the party’s list of office-bearers.Though there was no official word on the meeting, speculation over party’s expected list of office-bearers and a likely reshuffle in the Union council of ministers has continued for quite some time now.Sources said the new team under Nabin will soon be announced, and an overhaul of organisational bodies at the national level, including its top decision-making body of parliamentary board, is on the cards.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

File photo: PM Modi with Union home minister Amit Shah NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Wednesday met home minister Amit Shah and BJP chief Nitin Nabin in what was seen as another round of deliberations by the brass over the party’s list of office-bearers.Though there was no official word on the meeting, speculation over party’s…

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Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a writ petition filed by one Mohibulla Mondal challenging the Bengal govt’s decision to cancel ration cards of those whose names were deleted from the voter list on the ground of doubtful citizenship following Special Intensive Revision (SIR).Appearing for the petitioner from Nadia district, senior advocate Shadan Farasat told a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana that ration cards of persons whose names were deleted from the voter list after SIR are being cancelled despite the top court restricting the SIR to electoral roll revision and clarifying that final determination of citizenship would have to be done by the Union government.The bench said since Mondal has already filed an appeal before the tribunal concerned challenging the deletion of his name from the voter list, a favourable outcome of these proceedings would ensure the inclusion of his name in the electoral roll and automatically, the other welfare benefits would follow. It asked the tribunal to decide Mondal’s appeal in two months.However, the bench said it was aware of its earlier order restricting SIR exercise to revision of the poll roll and said the issue of alleged linking of SIR deletion to cancellation of ration cards would have to be challenged in HC.Mondal said he was issued a digital ration card in Jan 2016 in the National Food Security Authority (NFSA) Priority Household category by the Bengal government.He said his right to food and right to life are in jeopardy because of the denial of subsidised food grains through a PDS outlet in his village. Supreme Court asked him to approach the high court.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a writ petition filed by one Mohibulla Mondal challenging the Bengal govt’s decision to cancel ration cards of those whose names were deleted from the voter list on the ground of doubtful citizenship following Special Intensive Revision (SIR).Appearing for the petitioner from Nadia district, senior advocate Shadan Farasat told a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana that ration cards of persons whose names were deleted from the voter list after SIR are being cancelled despite the top court restricting the SIR to electoral roll revision and clarifying that final determination of citizenship would have to be done by the Union government.The bench said since Mondal has already filed an appeal before the tribunal concerned challenging the deletion of his name from the voter list, a favourable outcome of these proceedings would ensure the inclusion of his name in the electoral roll and automatically, the other welfare benefits would follow. It asked the tribunal to decide Mondal’s appeal in two months.However, the bench said it was aware of its earlier order restricting SIR exercise to revision of the poll roll and said the issue of alleged linking of SIR deletion to cancellation of ration cards would have to be challenged in HC.Mondal said he was issued a digital ration card in Jan 2016 in the National Food Security Authority (NFSA) Priority Household category by the Bengal government.He said his right to food and right to life are in jeopardy because of the denial of subsidised food grains through a PDS outlet in his village. Supreme Court asked him to approach the high court.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a writ petition filed by one Mohibulla Mondal challenging the Bengal govt’s decision to cancel ration cards of those whose names were deleted from the voter list on the ground of doubtful citizenship following Special Intensive Revision (SIR).Appearing for the petitioner from Nadia district, senior…

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Brooms before bouquets: Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari at a ‘Swachhata Se Swagat’ drive in Kolkata NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi’s visits to states are increasingly being preceded by organised cleanliness drives under the ‘Swachhata Se Swagat’ banner, giving new vigour to a campaign he has long championed.Across BJP-governed states, administrations and party units are converting the familiar pre-VVIP spruce-up into a public campaign. CMs, ministers, lawmakers, civic workers and residents are being mobilised to sweep roads, clear markets and clean ghats and other public spaces before Modi arrives – giving the political welcome a ‘Swachh Bharat’ imprint.The latest rollout is in Haryana, where CM Nayab Saini has launched a statewide drive ahead of Modi’s July 17 visit to Jind. Saini began the exercise in Panchkula by sweeping a market and planting a sapling. Ministers, MPs, MLAs and local representatives have been asked to lead similar drives across districts until the PM’s arrival.The campaign also dovetails with the purpose of Modi’s visit. He is scheduled to flag off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train on the Jind-Sonipat route and launch development projects, allowing the state to link the welcome with cleanliness, citizen participation and green mobility.The template gathered visibility during Modi’s June visits to Odisha and WB. Odisha organised cleanliness activities under the slogan before his June 20 programme. Kolkata followed with a six-day operation across all 144 municipal wards and 16 boroughs, involving residents and civic personnel. CM Suvendu Adhikari and other public representatives also joined the exercise at public spaces.Videos of a passenger train running between Madurai and Rameswaram recently went viral after a traveller showed its coach, washrooms and floor remaining remarkably clean even after a 170 km journey. That episode provides an instructive counterpoint to the political campaign.’Swachhata Se Swagat’ can generate attention, marshal administrative resources and place senior netas behind brooms. Its real success, however, will be measured after the cavalcade leaves – by whether the clean roads, stations and public spaces remain that way.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Brooms before bouquets: Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari at a ‘Swachhata Se Swagat’ drive in Kolkata NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi’s visits to states are increasingly being preceded by organised cleanliness drives under the ‘Swachhata Se Swagat’ banner, giving new vigour to a campaign he has long championed.Across BJP-governed states, administrations and party units are converting the familiar pre-VVIP spruce-up into a public campaign. CMs, ministers, lawmakers, civic workers and residents are being mobilised to sweep roads, clear markets and clean ghats and other public spaces before Modi arrives – giving the political welcome a ‘Swachh Bharat’ imprint.The latest rollout is in Haryana, where CM Nayab Saini has launched a statewide drive ahead of Modi’s July 17 visit to Jind. Saini began the exercise in Panchkula by sweeping a market and planting a sapling. Ministers, MPs, MLAs and local representatives have been asked to lead similar drives across districts until the PM’s arrival.The campaign also dovetails with the purpose of Modi’s visit. He is scheduled to flag off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train on the Jind-Sonipat route and launch development projects, allowing the state to link the welcome with cleanliness, citizen participation and green mobility.The template gathered visibility during Modi’s June visits to Odisha and WB. Odisha organised cleanliness activities under the slogan before his June 20 programme. Kolkata followed with a six-day operation across all 144 municipal wards and 16 boroughs, involving residents and civic personnel. CM Suvendu Adhikari and other public representatives also joined the exercise at public spaces.Videos of a passenger train running between Madurai and Rameswaram recently went viral after a traveller showed its coach, washrooms and floor remaining remarkably clean even after a 170 km journey. That episode provides an instructive counterpoint to the political campaign.’Swachhata Se Swagat’ can generate attention, marshal administrative resources and place senior netas behind brooms. Its real success, however, will be measured after the cavalcade leaves – by whether the clean roads, stations and public spaces remain that way.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Brooms before bouquets: Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari at a ‘Swachhata Se Swagat’ drive in Kolkata NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi’s visits to states are increasingly being preceded by organised cleanliness drives under the ‘Swachhata Se Swagat’ banner, giving new vigour to a campaign he has long championed.Across BJP-governed states, administrations and party units are…

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File photo NEW DELHI: National Medical Commission has approved 9,911 additional undergraduate seats, taking the country’s total MBBS capacity to a record 1,36,939 for the 2026-27 academic session.The seat matrix released by the regulator also shows 1,27,028 renewed seats apart from the additional ones, approved through new medical colleges and increased intake in existing institutions. The expansion comes at a time when over 22 lakh candidates appear for NEET-UG every year, with the demand for MBBS seats continuing to far exceed availability.Explaining the sharp rise in the number of MBBS seats, Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) president M K Ramesh said the increase was driven by changes introduced under Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023.”Earlier, a medical college could apply for an increase in MBBS seats only after its first batch had completed four-and-a-half to five years. Under the 2023 regulations, that restriction has been removed. Colleges can now seek an increase in intake from the second year itself, provided they meet the prescribed norms,” Ramesh told TOI.The approved seat matrix, which excludes Institutes of National Importance such as AIIMS and JIPMER, covers 823 medical colleges across the country, including 441 govt and 382 private institutions, and will form the basis for this year’s counselling. NMC said the matrix could be revised if required following decisions of the Appeal Committee or any other competent authority.With MBBS seats touching a record high, India is expected to expand its medical workforce. The Centre estimates the country’s doctor-population ratio at 1:811, compared with the widely cited benchmark of one doctor per 1,000 population.But NMC also warned medical colleges against admitting students beyond the sanctioned intake, saying any violation would attract regulatory and penal action under NMC Act, 2019. Colleges have been asked to verify their approved seat matrix before counselling begins and report any discrepancies to MARB.Of the 9,911 additional MBBS seats, 2,400 are in 25 newly established medical colleges (seven govt and 18 private), while the remaining 7,511 have come from enhanced intake in existing colleges. Private institutions accounted for nearly 79% of the additional seats approved this year.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

File photo NEW DELHI: National Medical Commission has approved 9,911 additional undergraduate seats, taking the country’s total MBBS capacity to a record 1,36,939 for the 2026-27 academic session.The seat matrix released by the regulator also shows 1,27,028 renewed seats apart from the additional ones, approved through new medical colleges and increased intake in existing institutions. The expansion comes at a time when over 22 lakh candidates appear for NEET-UG every year, with the demand for MBBS seats continuing to far exceed availability.Explaining the sharp rise in the number of MBBS seats, Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) president M K Ramesh said the increase was driven by changes introduced under Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023.”Earlier, a medical college could apply for an increase in MBBS seats only after its first batch had completed four-and-a-half to five years. Under the 2023 regulations, that restriction has been removed. Colleges can now seek an increase in intake from the second year itself, provided they meet the prescribed norms,” Ramesh told TOI.The approved seat matrix, which excludes Institutes of National Importance such as AIIMS and JIPMER, covers 823 medical colleges across the country, including 441 govt and 382 private institutions, and will form the basis for this year’s counselling. NMC said the matrix could be revised if required following decisions of the Appeal Committee or any other competent authority.With MBBS seats touching a record high, India is expected to expand its medical workforce. The Centre estimates the country’s doctor-population ratio at 1:811, compared with the widely cited benchmark of one doctor per 1,000 population.But NMC also warned medical colleges against admitting students beyond the sanctioned intake, saying any violation would attract regulatory and penal action under NMC Act, 2019. Colleges have been asked to verify their approved seat matrix before counselling begins and report any discrepancies to MARB.Of the 9,911 additional MBBS seats, 2,400 are in 25 newly established medical colleges (seven govt and 18 private), while the remaining 7,511 have come from enhanced intake in existing colleges. Private institutions accounted for nearly 79% of the additional seats approved this year.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: National Medical Commission has approved 9,911 additional undergraduate seats, taking the country’s total MBBS capacity to a record 1,36,939 for the 2026-27 academic session.The seat matrix released by the regulator also shows 1,27,028 renewed seats apart from the additional ones, approved through new medical colleges and increased intake in existing institutions. The expansion…

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File photo NEW DELHI: People who fail to report births and deaths to authorities within two years may face a stricter registration process under a proposed amendment to the law governing civil registration.The Centre has proposed that births and deaths reported after two years can be registered only on the order of a first-class judicial magistrate, replacing the existing provision under which such cases can be approved by a district magistrate (DM), sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) or executive magistrate.The proposed amendment to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, piloted by the home ministry, was placed before the Cabinet Wednesday, TOI has learnt.People familiar with the proposal said the objective is to tighten delayed registration and ensure near real-time recording of births and deaths, crucial for policy planning and governance. It will also check misuse through greater scrutiny.Every birth and death must be registered with the local registrar within 21 days through the digital Civil Registration System (CRS). If reported after 30 days but within one year, registration is allowed only with the written permission of the district registrar or another designated authority, on payment of the prescribed fee and submission of a self-attested document.Under Section 13(3), delays beyond one year can currently be authorised by a district magistrate, SDM or executive magistrate with jurisdiction. The proposed amendment would retain this arrangement for delays of up to two years.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

File photo NEW DELHI: People who fail to report births and deaths to authorities within two years may face a stricter registration process under a proposed amendment to the law governing civil registration.The Centre has proposed that births and deaths reported after two years can be registered only on the order of a first-class judicial magistrate, replacing the existing provision under which such cases can be approved by a district magistrate (DM), sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) or executive magistrate.The proposed amendment to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, piloted by the home ministry, was placed before the Cabinet Wednesday, TOI has learnt.People familiar with the proposal said the objective is to tighten delayed registration and ensure near real-time recording of births and deaths, crucial for policy planning and governance. It will also check misuse through greater scrutiny.Every birth and death must be registered with the local registrar within 21 days through the digital Civil Registration System (CRS). If reported after 30 days but within one year, registration is allowed only with the written permission of the district registrar or another designated authority, on payment of the prescribed fee and submission of a self-attested document.Under Section 13(3), delays beyond one year can currently be authorised by a district magistrate, SDM or executive magistrate with jurisdiction. The proposed amendment would retain this arrangement for delays of up to two years.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBageshwar Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s Brother Arrested For Firing At Farmer In Madhya Pradesh’Abhishek Has Done No Wrong’: Mamata Banerjee Defends Nephew Amid TMC Rebellion“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PAC123Photostories5 long-haired dog breeds that win hearts with their looks and personalityLooking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every dayWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: People who fail to report births and deaths to authorities within two years may face a stricter registration process under a proposed amendment to the law governing civil registration.The Centre has proposed that births and deaths reported after two years can be registered only on the order of a first-class judicial magistrate, replacing…

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