July 22, 2026

India

Vishwa Mangalya Sabha press conference Vrishali Joshi, national organising secretary of Vishwa Mangalya Sabha, on Wednesday announced that the organisation will hold its two-day “Prabodhan” (awareness) meeting for North India in Delhi on July 23 and 24.A similar meeting for South India will be held in Hyderabad.Joshi clarified that Vishwa Mangalya Sabha is neither a branch nor an affiliate of the RSS, but said RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is the organisation’s patron and guide.She noted that recently, the outfit held women’s conventions in 23 states, including Delhi, with the participation of approximately 700,000 women.She further said Bhagwat will, for the first time, deliver a lecture and interact with women on the theme of “motherhood”. He will speak at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi and the Sevalal Banjara Bhavan in Hyderabad.Around 280 women delegates from across North India are expected to attend the Delhi leg of the “Prabodhan” meeting at the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra in Chanakyapuri.Meanwhile, around 700 to 800 women from Delhi and other North Indian states are expected to attend Bhagwat’s address at the special programme at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, while about 1,300 delegates are likely to participate in the Hyderabad event.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | Hyderabad123PhotostoriesWorld’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 adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists123Hot 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

Vishwa Mangalya Sabha press conference Vrishali Joshi, national organising secretary of Vishwa Mangalya Sabha, on Wednesday announced that the organisation will hold its two-day “Prabodhan” (awareness) meeting for North India in Delhi on July 23 and 24.A similar meeting for South India will be held in Hyderabad.Joshi clarified that Vishwa Mangalya Sabha is neither a branch nor an affiliate of the RSS, but said RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is the organisation’s patron and guide.She noted that recently, the outfit held women’s conventions in 23 states, including Delhi, with the participation of approximately 700,000 women.She further said Bhagwat will, for the first time, deliver a lecture and interact with women on the theme of “motherhood”. He will speak at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi and the Sevalal Banjara Bhavan in Hyderabad.Around 280 women delegates from across North India are expected to attend the Delhi leg of the “Prabodhan” meeting at the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra in Chanakyapuri.Meanwhile, around 700 to 800 women from Delhi and other North Indian states are expected to attend Bhagwat’s address at the special programme at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, while about 1,300 delegates are likely to participate in the Hyderabad event.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | Hyderabad123PhotostoriesWorld’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 adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists123Hot 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

Vishwa Mangalya Sabha press conference Vrishali Joshi, national organising secretary of Vishwa Mangalya Sabha, on Wednesday announced that the organisation will hold its two-day “Prabodhan” (awareness) meeting for North India in Delhi on July 23 and 24.A similar meeting for South India will be held in Hyderabad.Joshi clarified that Vishwa Mangalya Sabha is neither a…

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‘Satluj’ stars Diljit Dosanjh in lead role NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering making certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory for films released on OTT platforms, sources said on Wednesday.The move would require amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as OTT content currently does not come under the CBFC’s purview.The development comes amid the controversy over the film “Satluj,” which was released on streaming platform Zee5 without CBFC certification.Part III of the IT Rules empowers the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to invoke Section 69A of the Information Technology Act to regulate OTT content that falls outside the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) purview.Section 69A allows the government to block online content on grounds including India’s sovereignty and integrity, defence, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states and public order.A Centre-appointed committee that examined the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer is learnt to have recommended that the ban on its public streaming remain in place, citing concerns that the film allegedly undermines India’s sovereignty and integrity.Government to act against ZEE5?Meanwhile, a senior government functionary said action could also be initiated against ZEE5 for releasing Satluj while it was still under review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had recommended several cuts.ZEE5 took down the film on July 3, two days after its release, following a government order citing national security concerns.On reports of Satluj being screened at private venues without certification, the functionary said it was the responsibility of the respective state governments to enforce the law and take action against those violating it.The film is being screened privately at several locations, including gurdwaras across Punjab, with the issue becoming increasingly politicised ahead of the Assembly elections due early next year.Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj chronicles the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra was abducted and murdered by Punjab Police personnel in 1995.(With PTI inputs)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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123PhotostoriesYoung, 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 adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?123Hot 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 CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

‘Satluj’ stars Diljit Dosanjh in lead role NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering making certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory for films released on OTT platforms, sources said on Wednesday.The move would require amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as OTT content currently does not come under the CBFC’s purview.The development comes amid the controversy over the film “Satluj,” which was released on streaming platform Zee5 without CBFC certification.Part III of the IT Rules empowers the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to invoke Section 69A of the Information Technology Act to regulate OTT content that falls outside the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) purview.Section 69A allows the government to block online content on grounds including India’s sovereignty and integrity, defence, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states and public order.A Centre-appointed committee that examined the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer is learnt to have recommended that the ban on its public streaming remain in place, citing concerns that the film allegedly undermines India’s sovereignty and integrity.Government to act against ZEE5?Meanwhile, a senior government functionary said action could also be initiated against ZEE5 for releasing Satluj while it was still under review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which had recommended several cuts.ZEE5 took down the film on July 3, two days after its release, following a government order citing national security concerns.On reports of Satluj being screened at private venues without certification, the functionary said it was the responsibility of the respective state governments to enforce the law and take action against those violating it.The film is being screened privately at several locations, including gurdwaras across Punjab, with the issue becoming increasingly politicised ahead of the Assembly elections due early next year.Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj chronicles the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra was abducted and murdered by Punjab Police personnel in 1995.(With PTI inputs)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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123PhotostoriesYoung, 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 adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?123Hot 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 CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

‘Satluj’ stars Diljit Dosanjh in lead role NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering making certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandatory for films released on OTT platforms, sources said on Wednesday.The move would require amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as OTT content currently…

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Kunal Kamra, Chandrashekhar Azad join CJP protest on day 25 NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest seeking Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination drew fresh support on Wednesday, with comedian Kunal Kamra and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad joining demonstrators at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.Kamra attended the protest wearing a T-shirt featuring Mahatma Gandhi, while Azad met education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has now been on an indefinite hunger strike for 18 days. The CJP-led agitation itself has continued for 25 days.Welcoming Azad’s participation, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke said, “A big thank you to Bhim Army Chief sir for joining CJP’s protest today and extending his support to our movement. Your presence has lifted the spirits of the students who have been protesting for the past 25 days.”CJP has called for a mass hunger strike on Thursday. “Tomorrow, July 16th, join us for 1-day mass hunger strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the students of this country,” it said.Tharoor extends supportCongress MP Shashi Tharoor also expressed support for the students’ agitation, publishing an open letter addressed to the protesters at Jantar Mantar in which he described himself as “deeply troubled” by the challenges facing young Indians. Recalling his own middle-class upbringing, Tharoor said his education had depended on a fair and merit-based examination system. “This is personal for me. I was born to a middle-class family… For a family like ours, merit was not a slogan. Scholarships, fair examinations, honest results — these were the only way one salary could carry three children’s dreams,” he wrote.Film personalities appeal to WangchukAs Wangchuk’s fast entered its third week, several members of the film fraternity appealed to him to end the hunger strike, saying his health was vital for the movement.Veteran actor Shabana Azmi shared a message on Instagram, urging Wangchuk to prioritise his health while continuing his campaign for justice.”Our country needs people like you. You have stood up against injustice and stood firmly for the truth. We are proud of you. We earnestly request you to end your fast because your guidance inspires and strengthens our students. This is a long struggle, and it is important that you remain healthy so you can continue to lead it. We stand with you,” she wrote.Actor Soni Razdan also appealed to Wangchuk to call off the fast, posting, “Dear Sonam Wangchuk, For your health we all do pray. Please do not leave us in this way. Please live to fight another day. Please stay. Please end your fast today. We need you. Don’t leave us.”Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap criticised the government’s response to the protest, describing Wangchuk as a “braveheart”.”There was a time when hunger strike had some meaning. People don’t go on hunger strike just like that. It’s really troubling when the system becomes so indifferent to people’s lives. Only a man as empathetic and a believer of truth and justice has the courage to do that.”I don’t have the courage to do what Sonam Wangchuk is doing. But the silence from the powers to be is deafening to the point that it is a proof of their guilt and their murderous intent. I stand with the braveheart that Sonom Wangchuk is,” he wrote on Instagram Stories.The appeals come a day after veteran actor Zeenat Aman urged the government to begin a dialogue with Wangchuk, saying India should not “sit back and watch one of its greatest minds be sacrificed”. Actor Omi Vaidya had also called attention to Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.Health remains under close watchAccording to the latest medical updates on Wangchuk’s health, issued by the CJP, he “very weak” and is under round-the-clock medical observation.The bulletin said his weight has fallen to 57.15 kg, down 400 grams in the last 24 hours, taking his total weight loss since the hunger strike began to 8.9 kg. His blood pressure was recorded at 105/76, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL, oxygen saturation at 97%, while doctors described his hydration levels as fair.Medical teams said Wangchuk remains conscious and mentally alert but requires continuous monitoring as his indefinite fast continues.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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123PhotostoriesYoung, 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 adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?123Hot 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 CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Kunal Kamra, Chandrashekhar Azad join CJP protest on day 25 NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest seeking Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination drew fresh support on Wednesday, with comedian Kunal Kamra and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad joining demonstrators at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.Kamra attended the protest wearing a T-shirt featuring Mahatma Gandhi, while Azad met education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has now been on an indefinite hunger strike for 18 days. The CJP-led agitation itself has continued for 25 days.Welcoming Azad’s participation, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke said, “A big thank you to Bhim Army Chief sir for joining CJP’s protest today and extending his support to our movement. Your presence has lifted the spirits of the students who have been protesting for the past 25 days.”CJP has called for a mass hunger strike on Thursday. “Tomorrow, July 16th, join us for 1-day mass hunger strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the students of this country,” it said.Tharoor extends supportCongress MP Shashi Tharoor also expressed support for the students’ agitation, publishing an open letter addressed to the protesters at Jantar Mantar in which he described himself as “deeply troubled” by the challenges facing young Indians. Recalling his own middle-class upbringing, Tharoor said his education had depended on a fair and merit-based examination system. “This is personal for me. I was born to a middle-class family… For a family like ours, merit was not a slogan. Scholarships, fair examinations, honest results — these were the only way one salary could carry three children’s dreams,” he wrote.Film personalities appeal to WangchukAs Wangchuk’s fast entered its third week, several members of the film fraternity appealed to him to end the hunger strike, saying his health was vital for the movement.Veteran actor Shabana Azmi shared a message on Instagram, urging Wangchuk to prioritise his health while continuing his campaign for justice.”Our country needs people like you. You have stood up against injustice and stood firmly for the truth. We are proud of you. We earnestly request you to end your fast because your guidance inspires and strengthens our students. This is a long struggle, and it is important that you remain healthy so you can continue to lead it. We stand with you,” she wrote.Actor Soni Razdan also appealed to Wangchuk to call off the fast, posting, “Dear Sonam Wangchuk, For your health we all do pray. Please do not leave us in this way. Please live to fight another day. Please stay. Please end your fast today. We need you. Don’t leave us.”Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap criticised the government’s response to the protest, describing Wangchuk as a “braveheart”.”There was a time when hunger strike had some meaning. People don’t go on hunger strike just like that. It’s really troubling when the system becomes so indifferent to people’s lives. Only a man as empathetic and a believer of truth and justice has the courage to do that.”I don’t have the courage to do what Sonam Wangchuk is doing. But the silence from the powers to be is deafening to the point that it is a proof of their guilt and their murderous intent. I stand with the braveheart that Sonom Wangchuk is,” he wrote on Instagram Stories.The appeals come a day after veteran actor Zeenat Aman urged the government to begin a dialogue with Wangchuk, saying India should not “sit back and watch one of its greatest minds be sacrificed”. Actor Omi Vaidya had also called attention to Wangchuk’s deteriorating health.Health remains under close watchAccording to the latest medical updates on Wangchuk’s health, issued by the CJP, he “very weak” and is under round-the-clock medical observation.The bulletin said his weight has fallen to 57.15 kg, down 400 grams in the last 24 hours, taking his total weight loss since the hunger strike began to 8.9 kg. His blood pressure was recorded at 105/76, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL, oxygen saturation at 97%, while doctors described his hydration levels as fair.Medical teams said Wangchuk remains conscious and mentally alert but requires continuous monitoring as his indefinite fast continues.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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123PhotostoriesYoung, 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 adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?123Hot 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 CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Kunal Kamra, Chandrashekhar Azad join CJP protest on day 25 NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest seeking Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination drew fresh support on Wednesday, with comedian Kunal Kamra and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad joining demonstrators at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.Kamra attended the…

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‘If Ramchandra married once, Rahim too should marry once’: MP CM Mohan Yadav’s UCC pitch | India News

‘If Ramchandra married once, Rahim too should marry once’: MP CM Mohan Yadav’s UCC pitch | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

‘If Ramchandra married once, Rahim too should marry once’: MP CM Mohan Yadav’s UCC pitch NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday strongly backed the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying there should not be different personal laws for people of different religions and that everyone should be treated equally…

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Mamata stands firmly behind nephew amid rebellion in TMC NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday strongly defended her nephew and party’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, saying he had ‘done no wrong’ and would remain in politics for the next 50 years. Her remarks came as the party continues to face defections and an internal rebellion over his growing influence.Earlier in the day, senior TMC MLA Madan Mitra quit the Mamata Banerjee-led faction and joined the rival camp headed by Ritabrata Banerjee. Mitra had blamed Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership style for his decision and claimed his request for Abhishek to step aside temporarily had been rejected.Addressing party workers through a Facebook live interaction, Mamata dismissed the criticism against Abhishek and accused rebel leaders of unfairly targeting him.”They should learn from Abhishek Banerjee. Had they managed things better, perhaps they too could have obtained relief. Those who are now claiming that Abhishek Banerjee is making excuses should remember that he is holding up a mirror to them. Their criticism is merely an excuse to target him. They know Abhishek has done no wrong. That is precisely why they are afraid that he will remain in politics for the next 50 years,” she said.Backing her nephew, Mamata said Abhishek had faced investigations without compromising.”Abhishek Banerjee has been turned into an excuse. His family members were summoned. Had he wanted, he could have got relief. But he did not run away from the battlefield. The way he has continued to fight, all his flaws have been forgiven. He is fighting like a tiger,” she said.Striking a defiant note, Mamata accused the BJP of using central agencies and police to engineer defections and said she was prepared to rebuild the Trinamool Congress from scratch if necessary. She also alleged that her political opponents wanted her dead.”They wanted me to suffer a heart attack. But I will live till I see your end,” she said.Referring to Madan Mitra’s exit, Mamata linked his decision to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons issued to his wife and two sons in connection with the alleged municipal recruitment scam.”We understood that Madan Mitra might switch camps as he and his family had received summons; those who have a ‘setting’ are joining BJP’s ‘washing machine’,” she said.The TMC chief also alleged that central agencies and police were being used to engineer defections from her party.”We still have 18 MPs in Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha; those MPs who have joined ‘setting company’ have done so because they are afraid of police,” she said.She asserted that a few leaders leaving would not weaken the party.”A few leaders leaving party won’t weaken TMC, will continue our fight as people’s love remains our ultimate symbol,” she said.Mamata also apologised to the people for the actions of leaders who had left the party.”We have learnt lessons, want to apologise on behalf of ‘traitors’ who sided with BJP,” she said.The TMC chief vowed to rebuild the organisation if required, saying the party had overcome difficult phases before and would continue its political fight.The latest development come amid the biggest organisational crisis in the TMC since its formation in 1998. Several senior leaders and MLAs have joined the rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, with many blaming Abhishek Banerjee’s growing authority within the party.The rebellion has also spread to Parliament, with several Lok Sabha MPs breaking away from the Mamata Banerjee-led camp. Rival groups are now operating parallel organisational structures, making the leadership battle the central issue within the party.Mamata’s latest remarks are seen as her strongest public endorsement of Abhishek Banerjee since the split, signalling that she remains firmly behind him despite the growing rebellion and continued defections from the party.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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories10 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 adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”123Hot 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 CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Mamata stands firmly behind nephew amid rebellion in TMC NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday strongly defended her nephew and party’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, saying he had ‘done no wrong’ and would remain in politics for the next 50 years. Her remarks came as the party continues to face defections and an internal rebellion over his growing influence.Earlier in the day, senior TMC MLA Madan Mitra quit the Mamata Banerjee-led faction and joined the rival camp headed by Ritabrata Banerjee. Mitra had blamed Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership style for his decision and claimed his request for Abhishek to step aside temporarily had been rejected.Addressing party workers through a Facebook live interaction, Mamata dismissed the criticism against Abhishek and accused rebel leaders of unfairly targeting him.”They should learn from Abhishek Banerjee. Had they managed things better, perhaps they too could have obtained relief. Those who are now claiming that Abhishek Banerjee is making excuses should remember that he is holding up a mirror to them. Their criticism is merely an excuse to target him. They know Abhishek has done no wrong. That is precisely why they are afraid that he will remain in politics for the next 50 years,” she said.Backing her nephew, Mamata said Abhishek had faced investigations without compromising.”Abhishek Banerjee has been turned into an excuse. His family members were summoned. Had he wanted, he could have got relief. But he did not run away from the battlefield. The way he has continued to fight, all his flaws have been forgiven. He is fighting like a tiger,” she said.Striking a defiant note, Mamata accused the BJP of using central agencies and police to engineer defections and said she was prepared to rebuild the Trinamool Congress from scratch if necessary. She also alleged that her political opponents wanted her dead.”They wanted me to suffer a heart attack. But I will live till I see your end,” she said.Referring to Madan Mitra’s exit, Mamata linked his decision to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons issued to his wife and two sons in connection with the alleged municipal recruitment scam.”We understood that Madan Mitra might switch camps as he and his family had received summons; those who have a ‘setting’ are joining BJP’s ‘washing machine’,” she said.The TMC chief also alleged that central agencies and police were being used to engineer defections from her party.”We still have 18 MPs in Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha; those MPs who have joined ‘setting company’ have done so because they are afraid of police,” she said.She asserted that a few leaders leaving would not weaken the party.”A few leaders leaving party won’t weaken TMC, will continue our fight as people’s love remains our ultimate symbol,” she said.Mamata also apologised to the people for the actions of leaders who had left the party.”We have learnt lessons, want to apologise on behalf of ‘traitors’ who sided with BJP,” she said.The TMC chief vowed to rebuild the organisation if required, saying the party had overcome difficult phases before and would continue its political fight.The latest development come amid the biggest organisational crisis in the TMC since its formation in 1998. Several senior leaders and MLAs have joined the rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, with many blaming Abhishek Banerjee’s growing authority within the party.The rebellion has also spread to Parliament, with several Lok Sabha MPs breaking away from the Mamata Banerjee-led camp. Rival groups are now operating parallel organisational structures, making the leadership battle the central issue within the party.Mamata’s latest remarks are seen as her strongest public endorsement of Abhishek Banerjee since the split, signalling that she remains firmly behind him despite the growing rebellion and continued defections from the party.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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories10 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 adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”123Hot 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 CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Mamata stands firmly behind nephew amid rebellion in TMC NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday strongly defended her nephew and party’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, saying he had ‘done no wrong’ and would remain in politics for the next 50 years. Her remarks came as the party continues to face…

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Tharoor urged Sonam Wangchuk to end his strike NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday penned an open letter expressing solidarity with the students protesting at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, while urging climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike.He appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, saying the climate activist had “awakened the conscience of the nation”. “To Shri Sonam Wangchuk-ji, my heartfelt appeal: please end your fast. You have awakened the conscience of the nation; that is what a fast is meant to do. India needs your voice for the long road ahead,” he said, in an open letter.With Parliament in session again from Monday, we will have an opportunity to raise the students’ issues in the highest forum of our democracy. That’s where the problem should be addressed, not by fasting unto death. Please heed my plea. And finally, to the Government: I respectfully urge you to reach out and engage in the dialogue our democracy owes its young citizens. That is not weakness; that is statesmanship,” he added.Further addressing the protesters as “dear young friends”, Tharoor said he was writing “not as a politician or an MP, but as someone deeply troubled by what is happening to your generation of young Indians.”Talking about his own upbringing in a middle-class family, the Congress leader said merit-based examinations had enabled him to pursue higher education and build his career, arguing that a fair examination system remains the only pathway for millions of young Indians from lower, and middle-income households.”When that ladder is broken — papers leaked, examinations cancelled, trust destroyed — the children of the rich and powerful do not suffer. They have other ladders. It is your dreams, and your families’ sacrifices… that are betrayed,” he wrote.Backing the students’ protest, Tharoor said their anger reflected “the anguish of a generation that did everything right and was still betrayed”, adding that peaceful demonstrations had given voice to the concerns of young IndiansTharoor also urged the Centre to engage with the protesters, saying dialogue with young citizens was “not weakness; that is statesmanship.”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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories10 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 adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”123Hot 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 CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Tharoor urged Sonam Wangchuk to end his strike NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday penned an open letter expressing solidarity with the students protesting at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, while urging climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike.He appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, saying the climate activist had “awakened the conscience of the nation”. “To Shri Sonam Wangchuk-ji, my heartfelt appeal: please end your fast. You have awakened the conscience of the nation; that is what a fast is meant to do. India needs your voice for the long road ahead,” he said, in an open letter.With Parliament in session again from Monday, we will have an opportunity to raise the students’ issues in the highest forum of our democracy. That’s where the problem should be addressed, not by fasting unto death. Please heed my plea. And finally, to the Government: I respectfully urge you to reach out and engage in the dialogue our democracy owes its young citizens. That is not weakness; that is statesmanship,” he added.Further addressing the protesters as “dear young friends”, Tharoor said he was writing “not as a politician or an MP, but as someone deeply troubled by what is happening to your generation of young Indians.”Talking about his own upbringing in a middle-class family, the Congress leader said merit-based examinations had enabled him to pursue higher education and build his career, arguing that a fair examination system remains the only pathway for millions of young Indians from lower, and middle-income households.”When that ladder is broken — papers leaked, examinations cancelled, trust destroyed — the children of the rich and powerful do not suffer. They have other ladders. It is your dreams, and your families’ sacrifices… that are betrayed,” he wrote.Backing the students’ protest, Tharoor said their anger reflected “the anguish of a generation that did everything right and was still betrayed”, adding that peaceful demonstrations had given voice to the concerns of young IndiansTharoor also urged the Centre to engage with the protesters, saying dialogue with young citizens was “not weakness; that is statesmanship.”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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories10 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 adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”123Hot 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 CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Tharoor urged Sonam Wangchuk to end his strike NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday penned an open letter expressing solidarity with the students protesting at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, while urging climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike.He appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, saying…

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Evening news wrap: Delhi HC seeks Centre’s reply on Sonam Wangchuk’s PIL; Madan Mitra quits Mamata camp & more | India News

Evening news wrap: Delhi HC seeks Centre’s reply on Sonam Wangchuk’s PIL; Madan Mitra quits Mamata camp & more | India News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Delhi high court sought responses from the Centre and Delhi government on a PIL seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. TMC MLA Madan Mitra resigned from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction and joined the rebel camp led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The Union Cabinet approved seven major decisions covering semiconductors, mobile phone manufacturing, fertiliser,…

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China’s ‘project of the century’ near Arunachal Pradesh fuels concerns over water security, seismic risks and strategic leverage (Image credit: PTI ) NEW DELHI: China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, known downstream as the Brahmaputra, has renewed concerns in India over water security, seismic safety, ecological impacts and the strategic implications of Beijing’s growing control over infrastructure on a transboundary river.The project, commonly known as the Medog Dam or the Yarlung Tsangpo Hydropower Project, is being built at the river’s dramatic “Great Bend” in Medog County in Tibet, where the river makes a sharp U-turn before entering Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River. The site lies close to India’s eastern border, with Gelling, Norbuling and Bishing among the nearest Indian locations.According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Chinese Premier Li Qiang described the hydropower project as the “project of the century” while inaugurating construction.Where is the dam being built?The dam is coming up on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet’s Medog County, one of the world’s deepest river gorges. Over a stretch of nearly 50 kilometres, the river drops around 2,000 metres, creating one of the world’s richest hydropower resources.Scientists have warned that the project could affect one of the world’s richest mountain ecosystems.According to SCMP, the project will comprise five cascade hydropower stations capable of generating around 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, more than three times the annual output of China’s Three Gorges Dam.The project is estimated to cost around 1.2 trillion yuan (about 7 billion), making it the costliest hydropower project ever undertaken, according to the newspaper.Why is the Brahmaputra strategically important?The Brahmaputra is one of Asia’s most important transboundary rivers. Known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the Siang (or Dihang) in Arunachal Pradesh and the Jamuna in Bangladesh, it flows through China, India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.Stretching roughly 2,900 kilometres, the river drains a basin of around 580,000 square kilometres shared by China, India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. China accounts for the largest share of the basin.The Brahmaputra is the ninth-largest river in the world by discharge and among the world’s largest braided rivers. It is a lifeline for irrigation, agriculture, transportation, fisheries and hydropower across northeastern India and Bangladesh.Can China stop the Brahmaputra from flowing into India?Hydrologists say China cannot permanently stop the Brahmaputra from flowing into India because the river receives substantial additional water from heavy monsoon rainfall and numerous tributaries after entering Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.However, experts say a massive upstream reservoir would enable China to regulate the timing and volume of water releases to a certain extent.According to a Reuters report on India’s hydropower strategy, New Delhi fears an upstream Chinese dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo could reduce dry-season flows by as much as 85% under certain operating scenarios, although there is no publicly available evidence suggesting China intends to do so.Indian officials and strategic analysts fear Beijing could gain greater leverage by controlling key infrastructure upstream.Experts also distinguish between water diversion and flow regulation. China’s project has been described as a hydropower dam rather than a diversion scheme. Run-of-the-river hydropower projects generally release water downstream after generating electricity, although reservoirs can alter seasonal flows and the timing of releases.Why is India concerned?India’s concerns extend beyond water availability.According to SCMP, New Delhi increasingly views the project through the prism of national security because the river flows through Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as “South Tibet.”Indian officials and strategic analysts fear Beijing could gain greater leverage by controlling key infrastructure upstream.Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently described the project as a potential “water bomb”, warning that river flows could “dry up considerably” while the reservoir is being filled and that sudden releases could increase flood risks downstream, according to SCMP.Experts have also pointed to the absence of a comprehensive water-sharing treaty governing the Brahmaputra between India and China.Geological concerns over the mega damBeyond geopolitics, the project’s location has become the focus of growing scientific scrutiny.According to a PTI report citing the South China Morning Post, Chinese geologists have identified an active fault line beneath the hydropower project that could affect its long-term structural stability.The findings were published in the Chinese-language journal Sedimentary Geology and Tethyan Geology under the supervision of the China Geological Survey.The study found that the Paizhen Fault, an active geological fracture in the eastern Himalayas, has remained active since the Pleistocene.According to the researchers, prolonged tectonic activity has weakened surrounding rock formations, making dam foundations, bridges, roads, tunnels and reservoir infrastructure more vulnerable.”The Paizhen area is located within the reservoir area of the Yarlung Tsangpo downstream hydropower station,” the researchers wrote.They warned that earthquakes could trigger landslides and rock collapses that may threaten engineering infrastructure. The study cited the 2017 magnitude 6.9 Milin earthquake as evidence that the region remains seismically active.China’s responseChinese authorities have consistently rejected suggestions that the project poses risks to downstream countries.According to PTI, Beijing has repeatedly maintained that the hydropower project has undergone extensive geological surveys and meets the highest engineering standards.An official Chinese statement issued in December 2024 described it as a safe project that prioritises ecological protection.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the project had undergone decades of scientific studies and environmental assessments. According to SCMP, she said China would continue maintaining communication with downstream countries while strengthening cooperation on disaster prevention and mitigation.Chinese officials have also maintained that the project will not adversely affect downstream water flows.Environmental concernsScientists have warned that the project could affect one of the world’s richest mountain ecosystems.According to SCMP, Sichuan-based geologist Fan Xiao described the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon as a rare biodiversity hotspot located in a geologically unstable region.He warned that constructing multiple mega hydropower stations involving high dams, large reservoirs and extensive tunnel systems could increase landslide risks and cause irreversible environmental damage.Fan also questioned official claims that large hydropower projects are entirely “green”, arguing that the long-term geological and ecological costs remain uncertain.Researchers have additionally raised concerns about the displacement of local communities and the possible impact on culturally significant Tibetan sites.China suspended hydrological data sharing in 2017: MEAConcerns over China’s management of transboundary rivers are not new.In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on February 8, 2018, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that China did not provide hydrological information on either the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Zangbo) or the Sutlej (Langqen Zangbo) during the 2017 flood season despite existing bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).Responding to an unstarred question, then Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd.) said China had informed India that the interruption was due to “technical reasons.”The MEA said India continued to monitor transboundary rivers for any abnormalities and regularly raised river-related issues through the India-China Expert Level Mechanism (ELM), established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels.China resumed Brahmaputra data sharing in 2018China resumed sharing hydrological data on the Siang River, the main stem of the Brahmaputra in India, on May 15, 2018, under the bilateral MoU that requires Beijing to provide river flow information during the flood season from May 15 to October 15, according to officials in India’s then Ministry of Water Resources.The resumption followed concerns in India after China suspended data sharing during the 73-day Doklam standoff in 2017. While many analysts viewed the suspension as linked to deteriorating bilateral ties, Beijing maintained that the interruption was caused by the upgrading of hydrological monitoring stations in Tibet.Data sharing resumed after the 11th meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-Border Rivers in Hangzhou in March 2018. Following the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said China would continue cooperation on hydrological information.The original MoU on sharing hydrological data for the Brahmaputra was signed in 2002 and renewed in 2008 and 2013. India and China also have a separate agreement covering the Sutlej River, originally signed in 2005 and renewed in 2010.Could earthquakes threaten the project?The project sits along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, one of the world’s most seismically active regions.According to the Chinese geological study reported by PTI, the Paizhen Fault has remained active into the Holocene period, with geological evidence suggesting movement as recently as 9,500 years ago.The researchers recommended reinforcing vulnerable slopes and constructing retaining structures to minimise landslide risks.The region has also witnessed glacier collapses and landslides in recent years.According to SCMP, Sayanangshu Modak, a researcher at the University of Arizona, cited the massive 2021 glacier collapse near the Great Bend that temporarily blocked the river and sharply raised water levels, saying such cascading events highlight the vulnerability of large hydropower infrastructure in the region.Could the dam become a geopolitical lever?Several analysts believe the project could reshape the strategic balance between China and India.According to SCMP, Sayanangshu Modak said the project would not only showcase China’s engineering capabilities but also strengthen its strategic influence in the region.He also noted that India has accelerated dam construction downstream as part of its own strategy to strengthen water utilisation rights.Shanghai-based security analyst Ni Lexiong told SCMP that although China considers the project an internal matter, the dam could effectively provide Beijing with additional geopolitical leverage because of its upstream location.”It would effectively create geopolitical leverage vis-a-vis India diplomatically,” he said.However, Liu Zongyi, a senior fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, argued that concerns over China’s ability to manipulate river flows were overstated and maintained that the project would not fundamentally alter bilateral relations.India’s responseIndia has responded by accelerating hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh.According to Reuters, New Delhi has approved investments of more than billion for two major hydroelectric projects along the Brahmaputra.The 1,720 MW Kamala project, estimated at 260.7 billion rupees, will be developed jointly by NHPC and the Arunachal Pradesh government.The 1,200 MW Kalai-II project, costing 141 billion rupees, will be implemented by THDC India Ltd in partnership with the state government.Reuters also reported that India plans to develop more than 76 GW of hydropower capacity in the Brahmaputra basin by 2047 through a transmission investment programme worth billion.These projects are intended to strengthen India’s energy security while reinforcing its strategic presence along the eastern Himalayan frontier.What happens next?Construction of the Medog mega dam is expected to take at least a decade because of the engineering challenges posed by the Himalayan terrain. According to SCMP, the project is expected to begin operations in the 2030s.As construction advances, the project is likely to remain under close scientific and geopolitical scrutiny.For India, the debate extends beyond electricity generation. The central questions are whether China’s control over major upstream infrastructure could alter river management, affect downstream ecology, complicate disaster response, or become another strategic factor in an already complex India-China relationship.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

China’s ‘project of the century’ near Arunachal Pradesh fuels concerns over water security, seismic risks and strategic leverage (Image credit: PTI ) NEW DELHI: China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, known downstream as the Brahmaputra, has renewed concerns in India over water security, seismic safety, ecological impacts and the strategic implications of Beijing’s growing control over infrastructure on a transboundary river.The project, commonly known as the Medog Dam or the Yarlung Tsangpo Hydropower Project, is being built at the river’s dramatic “Great Bend” in Medog County in Tibet, where the river makes a sharp U-turn before entering Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River. The site lies close to India’s eastern border, with Gelling, Norbuling and Bishing among the nearest Indian locations.According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Chinese Premier Li Qiang described the hydropower project as the “project of the century” while inaugurating construction.Where is the dam being built?The dam is coming up on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet’s Medog County, one of the world’s deepest river gorges. Over a stretch of nearly 50 kilometres, the river drops around 2,000 metres, creating one of the world’s richest hydropower resources.Scientists have warned that the project could affect one of the world’s richest mountain ecosystems.According to SCMP, the project will comprise five cascade hydropower stations capable of generating around 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, more than three times the annual output of China’s Three Gorges Dam.The project is estimated to cost around 1.2 trillion yuan (about $167 billion), making it the costliest hydropower project ever undertaken, according to the newspaper.Why is the Brahmaputra strategically important?The Brahmaputra is one of Asia’s most important transboundary rivers. Known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the Siang (or Dihang) in Arunachal Pradesh and the Jamuna in Bangladesh, it flows through China, India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.Stretching roughly 2,900 kilometres, the river drains a basin of around 580,000 square kilometres shared by China, India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. China accounts for the largest share of the basin.The Brahmaputra is the ninth-largest river in the world by discharge and among the world’s largest braided rivers. It is a lifeline for irrigation, agriculture, transportation, fisheries and hydropower across northeastern India and Bangladesh.Can China stop the Brahmaputra from flowing into India?Hydrologists say China cannot permanently stop the Brahmaputra from flowing into India because the river receives substantial additional water from heavy monsoon rainfall and numerous tributaries after entering Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.However, experts say a massive upstream reservoir would enable China to regulate the timing and volume of water releases to a certain extent.According to a Reuters report on India’s hydropower strategy, New Delhi fears an upstream Chinese dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo could reduce dry-season flows by as much as 85% under certain operating scenarios, although there is no publicly available evidence suggesting China intends to do so.Indian officials and strategic analysts fear Beijing could gain greater leverage by controlling key infrastructure upstream.Experts also distinguish between water diversion and flow regulation. China’s project has been described as a hydropower dam rather than a diversion scheme. Run-of-the-river hydropower projects generally release water downstream after generating electricity, although reservoirs can alter seasonal flows and the timing of releases.Why is India concerned?India’s concerns extend beyond water availability.According to SCMP, New Delhi increasingly views the project through the prism of national security because the river flows through Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as “South Tibet.”Indian officials and strategic analysts fear Beijing could gain greater leverage by controlling key infrastructure upstream.Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently described the project as a potential “water bomb”, warning that river flows could “dry up considerably” while the reservoir is being filled and that sudden releases could increase flood risks downstream, according to SCMP.Experts have also pointed to the absence of a comprehensive water-sharing treaty governing the Brahmaputra between India and China.Geological concerns over the mega damBeyond geopolitics, the project’s location has become the focus of growing scientific scrutiny.According to a PTI report citing the South China Morning Post, Chinese geologists have identified an active fault line beneath the hydropower project that could affect its long-term structural stability.The findings were published in the Chinese-language journal Sedimentary Geology and Tethyan Geology under the supervision of the China Geological Survey.The study found that the Paizhen Fault, an active geological fracture in the eastern Himalayas, has remained active since the Pleistocene.According to the researchers, prolonged tectonic activity has weakened surrounding rock formations, making dam foundations, bridges, roads, tunnels and reservoir infrastructure more vulnerable.”The Paizhen area is located within the reservoir area of the Yarlung Tsangpo downstream hydropower station,” the researchers wrote.They warned that earthquakes could trigger landslides and rock collapses that may threaten engineering infrastructure. The study cited the 2017 magnitude 6.9 Milin earthquake as evidence that the region remains seismically active.China’s responseChinese authorities have consistently rejected suggestions that the project poses risks to downstream countries.According to PTI, Beijing has repeatedly maintained that the hydropower project has undergone extensive geological surveys and meets the highest engineering standards.An official Chinese statement issued in December 2024 described it as a safe project that prioritises ecological protection.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the project had undergone decades of scientific studies and environmental assessments. According to SCMP, she said China would continue maintaining communication with downstream countries while strengthening cooperation on disaster prevention and mitigation.Chinese officials have also maintained that the project will not adversely affect downstream water flows.Environmental concernsScientists have warned that the project could affect one of the world’s richest mountain ecosystems.According to SCMP, Sichuan-based geologist Fan Xiao described the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon as a rare biodiversity hotspot located in a geologically unstable region.He warned that constructing multiple mega hydropower stations involving high dams, large reservoirs and extensive tunnel systems could increase landslide risks and cause irreversible environmental damage.Fan also questioned official claims that large hydropower projects are entirely “green”, arguing that the long-term geological and ecological costs remain uncertain.Researchers have additionally raised concerns about the displacement of local communities and the possible impact on culturally significant Tibetan sites.China suspended hydrological data sharing in 2017: MEAConcerns over China’s management of transboundary rivers are not new.In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on February 8, 2018, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that China did not provide hydrological information on either the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Zangbo) or the Sutlej (Langqen Zangbo) during the 2017 flood season despite existing bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).Responding to an unstarred question, then Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd.) said China had informed India that the interruption was due to “technical reasons.”The MEA said India continued to monitor transboundary rivers for any abnormalities and regularly raised river-related issues through the India-China Expert Level Mechanism (ELM), established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels.China resumed Brahmaputra data sharing in 2018China resumed sharing hydrological data on the Siang River, the main stem of the Brahmaputra in India, on May 15, 2018, under the bilateral MoU that requires Beijing to provide river flow information during the flood season from May 15 to October 15, according to officials in India’s then Ministry of Water Resources.The resumption followed concerns in India after China suspended data sharing during the 73-day Doklam standoff in 2017. While many analysts viewed the suspension as linked to deteriorating bilateral ties, Beijing maintained that the interruption was caused by the upgrading of hydrological monitoring stations in Tibet.Data sharing resumed after the 11th meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-Border Rivers in Hangzhou in March 2018. Following the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said China would continue cooperation on hydrological information.The original MoU on sharing hydrological data for the Brahmaputra was signed in 2002 and renewed in 2008 and 2013. India and China also have a separate agreement covering the Sutlej River, originally signed in 2005 and renewed in 2010.Could earthquakes threaten the project?The project sits along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, one of the world’s most seismically active regions.According to the Chinese geological study reported by PTI, the Paizhen Fault has remained active into the Holocene period, with geological evidence suggesting movement as recently as 9,500 years ago.The researchers recommended reinforcing vulnerable slopes and constructing retaining structures to minimise landslide risks.The region has also witnessed glacier collapses and landslides in recent years.According to SCMP, Sayanangshu Modak, a researcher at the University of Arizona, cited the massive 2021 glacier collapse near the Great Bend that temporarily blocked the river and sharply raised water levels, saying such cascading events highlight the vulnerability of large hydropower infrastructure in the region.Could the dam become a geopolitical lever?Several analysts believe the project could reshape the strategic balance between China and India.According to SCMP, Sayanangshu Modak said the project would not only showcase China’s engineering capabilities but also strengthen its strategic influence in the region.He also noted that India has accelerated dam construction downstream as part of its own strategy to strengthen water utilisation rights.Shanghai-based security analyst Ni Lexiong told SCMP that although China considers the project an internal matter, the dam could effectively provide Beijing with additional geopolitical leverage because of its upstream location.”It would effectively create geopolitical leverage vis-a-vis India diplomatically,” he said.However, Liu Zongyi, a senior fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, argued that concerns over China’s ability to manipulate river flows were overstated and maintained that the project would not fundamentally alter bilateral relations.India’s responseIndia has responded by accelerating hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh.According to Reuters, New Delhi has approved investments of more than $4 billion for two major hydroelectric projects along the Brahmaputra.The 1,720 MW Kamala project, estimated at 260.7 billion rupees, will be developed jointly by NHPC and the Arunachal Pradesh government.The 1,200 MW Kalai-II project, costing 141 billion rupees, will be implemented by THDC India Ltd in partnership with the state government.Reuters also reported that India plans to develop more than 76 GW of hydropower capacity in the Brahmaputra basin by 2047 through a transmission investment programme worth $77 billion.These projects are intended to strengthen India’s energy security while reinforcing its strategic presence along the eastern Himalayan frontier.What happens next?Construction of the Medog mega dam is expected to take at least a decade because of the engineering challenges posed by the Himalayan terrain. According to SCMP, the project is expected to begin operations in the 2030s.As construction advances, the project is likely to remain under close scientific and geopolitical scrutiny.For India, the debate extends beyond electricity generation. The central questions are whether China’s control over major upstream infrastructure could alter river management, affect downstream ecology, complicate disaster response, or become another strategic factor in an already complex India-China relationship.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna010 mins mins

China’s ‘project of the century’ near Arunachal Pradesh fuels concerns over water security, seismic risks and strategic leverage (Image credit: PTI ) NEW DELHI: China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, known downstream as the Brahmaputra, has renewed concerns in India over water security, seismic safety, ecological impacts and the…

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EC releases revised SIR schedule for electoral rolls NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday released a revised schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in six states, updating the dates for draft publication and final electoral rolls.The revised schedule covers Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. The exercise is being carried out with different qualifying dates for voters in each state.For Delhi, where the qualifying date is July 1, the draft electoral roll will now be published on August 17, while the final electoral roll will be published on October 19.The same schedule will apply to Karnataka, where the qualifying date is October 1. The draft roll will be published on August 17 and the final roll on October 19.For Telangana, also with a qualifying date of October 1, the draft electoral roll will be published on August 10, while the final roll will be released on October 12.In Punjab, where the qualifying date is October 1, the draft electoral roll will be published on August 13 and the final roll on October 12.For Haryana and Andhra Pradesh, both with a qualifying date of July 1, the draft electoral rolls will now be published on July 31, while the final electoral rolls will be released on October 3.The revised schedule follows the Election Commission’s earlier decision to extend the ongoing SIR exercise in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana by 10 days, allowing voters more time to submit their enumeration forms.Under the extension, booth level officers (BLOs) will continue house-to-house visits until July 24 to collect enumeration forms. Earlier, the deadline had been set for July 14.The EC had also revised the timeline for claims and objections in these two states. Voters can now file claims and objections between July 31 and August 30, while their disposal will continue until September 28. The final electoral rolls for both states will be published on October 3, instead of the earlier scheduled date of September 22.The poll panel has said the Special Intensive Revision aims to update electoral rolls by including eligible voters and removing duplicate, deceased, shifted, absent and foreign voters. The Phase 3 SIR exercise is currently underway in 16 states and three Union Territories.The Election Commission has also made it mandatory for new applicants seeking inclusion in the electoral rolls through Form 6 to provide details related to their parents’ SIR records. According to EC officials, the declaration will help map electors more efficiently and reduce the number of supporting documents required from new voters. Officials said applicants using the online Form 6 portal will not be able to complete their application without filling in the declaration.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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

EC releases revised SIR schedule for electoral rolls NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday released a revised schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in six states, updating the dates for draft publication and final electoral rolls.The revised schedule covers Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. The exercise is being carried out with different qualifying dates for voters in each state.For Delhi, where the qualifying date is July 1, the draft electoral roll will now be published on August 17, while the final electoral roll will be published on October 19.The same schedule will apply to Karnataka, where the qualifying date is October 1. The draft roll will be published on August 17 and the final roll on October 19.For Telangana, also with a qualifying date of October 1, the draft electoral roll will be published on August 10, while the final roll will be released on October 12.In Punjab, where the qualifying date is October 1, the draft electoral roll will be published on August 13 and the final roll on October 12.For Haryana and Andhra Pradesh, both with a qualifying date of July 1, the draft electoral rolls will now be published on July 31, while the final electoral rolls will be released on October 3.The revised schedule follows the Election Commission’s earlier decision to extend the ongoing SIR exercise in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana by 10 days, allowing voters more time to submit their enumeration forms.Under the extension, booth level officers (BLOs) will continue house-to-house visits until July 24 to collect enumeration forms. Earlier, the deadline had been set for July 14.The EC had also revised the timeline for claims and objections in these two states. Voters can now file claims and objections between July 31 and August 30, while their disposal will continue until September 28. The final electoral rolls for both states will be published on October 3, instead of the earlier scheduled date of September 22.The poll panel has said the Special Intensive Revision aims to update electoral rolls by including eligible voters and removing duplicate, deceased, shifted, absent and foreign voters. The Phase 3 SIR exercise is currently underway in 16 states and three Union Territories.The Election Commission has also made it mandatory for new applicants seeking inclusion in the electoral rolls through Form 6 to provide details related to their parents’ SIR records. According to EC officials, the declaration will help map electors more efficiently and reduce the number of supporting documents required from new voters. Officials said applicants using the online Form 6 portal will not be able to complete their application without filling in the declaration.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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

EC releases revised SIR schedule for electoral rolls NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday released a revised schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in six states, updating the dates for draft publication and final electoral rolls.The revised schedule covers Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. The exercise…

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2020 Delhi riots case: Court allows Umar Khalid 2 family video meetings every week NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Wednesday allowed activist Umar Khalid’s plea seeking restoration of two video meetings with his family every week in jail. The court observed that Khalid had been using the facility for the past six years without violating any jail rules.The order comes after jail authorities reduced the number of weekly video meetings from two to one in May 2026.The Karkardooma Court directed that Khalid’s earlier facility be restored, observing that there was no material to justify the reduction.Allowing the plea, the court observed that Khalid had been availing the facility for six years without any breach of prison rules and found no reason to continue the restriction.Khalid has been lodged in jail in connection with the larger conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots.The case relates to allegations that Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and several others were part of a larger conspiracy behind the riots that broke out during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). The violence claimed 53 lives and left more than 700 people injured.The accused have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.The latest order comes days after a Delhi court rejected fresh bail pleas filed by Khalid and Imam. They had argued that their prolonged incarceration without the trial beginning violated their fundamental right to personal liberty and cited recent Supreme Court observations that “bail is the rule” even under the UAPA in appropriate cases.However, the court dismissed their pleas, observing that the Supreme Court had already refused them bail on January 5, 2026, while granting relief to five co-accused. The apex court had held that Khalid and Imam stood on a “qualitatively different footing” because of their alleged role in the larger conspiracy. It had also directed that they could renew their bail pleas only after protected witnesses were examined or after one year, whichever was earlier.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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

2020 Delhi riots case: Court allows Umar Khalid 2 family video meetings every week NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Wednesday allowed activist Umar Khalid’s plea seeking restoration of two video meetings with his family every week in jail. The court observed that Khalid had been using the facility for the past six years without violating any jail rules.The order comes after jail authorities reduced the number of weekly video meetings from two to one in May 2026.The Karkardooma Court directed that Khalid’s earlier facility be restored, observing that there was no material to justify the reduction.Allowing the plea, the court observed that Khalid had been availing the facility for six years without any breach of prison rules and found no reason to continue the restriction.Khalid has been lodged in jail in connection with the larger conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots.The case relates to allegations that Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and several others were part of a larger conspiracy behind the riots that broke out during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). The violence claimed 53 lives and left more than 700 people injured.The accused have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.The latest order comes days after a Delhi court rejected fresh bail pleas filed by Khalid and Imam. They had argued that their prolonged incarceration without the trial beginning violated their fundamental right to personal liberty and cited recent Supreme Court observations that “bail is the rule” even under the UAPA in appropriate cases.However, the court dismissed their pleas, observing that the Supreme Court had already refused them bail on January 5, 2026, while granting relief to five co-accused. The apex court had held that Khalid and Imam stood on a “qualitatively different footing” because of their alleged role in the larger conspiracy. It had also directed that they could renew their bail pleas only after protected witnesses were examined or after one year, whichever was earlier.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 MediaVideosExplained: 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

2020 Delhi riots case: Court allows Umar Khalid 2 family video meetings every week NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Wednesday allowed activist Umar Khalid’s plea seeking restoration of two video meetings with his family every week in jail. The court observed that Khalid had been using the facility for the past six years without…

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Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj leaders switch to BJP ahead of Bankipur bypoll NEW DELHI: In a setback to Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor ahead of the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, several party leaders, including candidates who contested the 2025 Bihar assembly elections on the party’s ticket, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday.The leaders who joined the BJP included renowned mathematician KC Sinha, Ritesh Ranjan alias Bittu Singh, Gopal Singh and Jan Suraaj Kisan Morcha district president Braj Kishore Sinha.KC Sinha had contested from Kumhrar, Ritesh Ranjan alias Bittu Singh from Digha and Gopal Singh from Maner in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections as Jan Suraaj candidates.The development comes ahead of the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, scheduled for July 30, where Prashant Kishor is contesting against BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha.Welcoming the new entrants, Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi said the party was attracting leaders from across the political spectrum because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.”Inspired by the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, there has been a rush among politicians of opposition parties across the country to join the saffron party. People from all over the country want to join it,” Saraogi told reporters.He said the new entrants would strengthen the BJP organisation in the state.KC Sinha said he joined the BJP to contribute to India’s development through education.”In the current situation, national interest is paramount. Amid the clouds of war hovering across the world, the hands of the central government need to be strengthened so that India’s voice can resonate globally. India had once led the world as a Vishwaguru and must regain that position, especially through excellence in education,” he said.Ritesh Ranjan Singh apologised for joining Jan Suraaj and reaffirmed his commitment to the BJP.”I just want to say that one should never act in the heat of the moment. Whatever I did, I apologise for that. ‘Jeena yahan, marna yahan, iske siwa jana kahan’,” he said, quoting a popular Hindi film song.Calling his induction into the BJP a ‘homecoming’, Gopal Singh said he had earlier worked with the party in the 1990s.”When I contested on a Jan Suraaj ticket from Maner last year, I realised there was no vision there, only hollow talk. Above all, an arrogant person can never run an organisation. That is why we have returned to our home,” he said.The Bankipur bypoll was necessitated after BJP leader and former state minister Nitin Nabin resigned from the assembly seat following his elevation as the party’s national president.Prashant Kishor, a former election strategist who founded Jan Suraaj after ending his political consultancy career, is contesting his first-ever election from the BJP stronghold. In his nomination affidavit, he declared movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 96 crore. The affidavit also stated that he holds a 100 per cent controlling stake in a private company that donated Rs 85 crore to the Jan Suraaj Party and Rs 50 lakh to the Jan Suraaj Foundation during the 2024-25 financial year.According to the affidavit, Kishor has eight pending criminal cases but has not been convicted in any of them.The Bankipur assembly bypoll will be held on July 30, while the counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.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 MediaVideosKGMU 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators123PhotostoriesNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramas123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj leaders switch to BJP ahead of Bankipur bypoll NEW DELHI: In a setback to Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor ahead of the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, several party leaders, including candidates who contested the 2025 Bihar assembly elections on the party’s ticket, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday.The leaders who joined the BJP included renowned mathematician KC Sinha, Ritesh Ranjan alias Bittu Singh, Gopal Singh and Jan Suraaj Kisan Morcha district president Braj Kishore Sinha.KC Sinha had contested from Kumhrar, Ritesh Ranjan alias Bittu Singh from Digha and Gopal Singh from Maner in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections as Jan Suraaj candidates.The development comes ahead of the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, scheduled for July 30, where Prashant Kishor is contesting against BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha.Welcoming the new entrants, Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi said the party was attracting leaders from across the political spectrum because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.”Inspired by the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, there has been a rush among politicians of opposition parties across the country to join the saffron party. People from all over the country want to join it,” Saraogi told reporters.He said the new entrants would strengthen the BJP organisation in the state.KC Sinha said he joined the BJP to contribute to India’s development through education.”In the current situation, national interest is paramount. Amid the clouds of war hovering across the world, the hands of the central government need to be strengthened so that India’s voice can resonate globally. India had once led the world as a Vishwaguru and must regain that position, especially through excellence in education,” he said.Ritesh Ranjan Singh apologised for joining Jan Suraaj and reaffirmed his commitment to the BJP.”I just want to say that one should never act in the heat of the moment. Whatever I did, I apologise for that. ‘Jeena yahan, marna yahan, iske siwa jana kahan’,” he said, quoting a popular Hindi film song.Calling his induction into the BJP a ‘homecoming’, Gopal Singh said he had earlier worked with the party in the 1990s.”When I contested on a Jan Suraaj ticket from Maner last year, I realised there was no vision there, only hollow talk. Above all, an arrogant person can never run an organisation. That is why we have returned to our home,” he said.The Bankipur bypoll was necessitated after BJP leader and former state minister Nitin Nabin resigned from the assembly seat following his elevation as the party’s national president.Prashant Kishor, a former election strategist who founded Jan Suraaj after ending his political consultancy career, is contesting his first-ever election from the BJP stronghold. In his nomination affidavit, he declared movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 96 crore. The affidavit also stated that he holds a 100 per cent controlling stake in a private company that donated Rs 85 crore to the Jan Suraaj Party and Rs 50 lakh to the Jan Suraaj Foundation during the 2024-25 financial year.According to the affidavit, Kishor has eight pending criminal cases but has not been convicted in any of them.The Bankipur assembly bypoll will be held on July 30, while the counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.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 MediaVideosKGMU 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators123PhotostoriesNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramas123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj leaders switch to BJP ahead of Bankipur bypoll NEW DELHI: In a setback to Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor ahead of the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, several party leaders, including candidates who contested the 2025 Bihar assembly elections on the party’s ticket, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday.The leaders who…

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KNPP targeted by ‘serious’ data leak. (Image source: Reuters) NEW DELHI: A ransomware group has published thousands of files allegedly linked to India’s largest nuclear power plant, Kudankulam, in what experts warn could pose a “serious” risk to the facility’s safety.The hacker group World Leaks posted on the dark web what it claims are more than 19,000 sensitive files related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. The documents are part of a larger cache of approximately 858,000 files allegedly stolen from Reliance Group, one of the contractors involved in the project.Reliance Group confirmed a “partial breach” of its data on a server hosted by third-party Indian data centre provider Yotta, to Reuters. They added that the government had been informed. The company did not disclose what data had been breached.What the leaked files containReuters reviewed the leaked documents, dated from 2016 to mid-2025 , but could not verify their authenticity. The files reportedly include engineering blueprints for ventilation and cooling systems, floor layouts of a common control room, equipment inspection reports, supplier lists and vendor proposals, meeting records and insurance policies.The documents primarily relate to Units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam plant, which are currently under construction and expected to be operational by 2027. They do not appear to include designs for the nuclear reactors’ core systems, which are supplied by Russia’s state-owned Rosatom.Experts warn of security risksNickolas Roth, a senior director at the Nuclear Threat Initiative, said the data breach could pose a “serious” risk to the plant’s safety. “They could show an adversary not just who has access to the project but which systems that access reaches,” he told Reuters.Although no evidence suggests that operational reactor systems were compromised, cybersecurity experts say the leaked information could still be valuable to hostile actors. Attackers could potentially exploit vulnerabilities within associated infrastructure or third-party suppliers.Investigation underwayIndia’s Computer Emergency Response Team is investigating the breach alongside the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, according to a source familiar with the matter. Yotta, the data centre provider, said it detected suspicious activity on a server on May 29 and that the suspected ransomware execution was prevented, but Reliance Infrastructure later informed it of claims of a data breach.Neither the Department of Atomic Energy nor the Prime Minister’s Office publicly commented on the investigation conducted by Reuters. World Leaks, which has previously targeted Tata Group and Nike, did not respond to requests for comment.The incident comes amid growing concerns over cybersecurity across India’s critical infrastructure. According to cybersecurity company Surfshark, India recorded 28.9 million compromised accounts last year, making it one of the countries most affected by data breaches globally.A recent industry survey found that 73% of Indian organisations surveyed were “unaware if they have ever been attacked” while 57% lack cyber hygiene practices.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 MediaVideosKGMU 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators123PhotostoriesAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your garden123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

KNPP targeted by ‘serious’ data leak. (Image source: Reuters) NEW DELHI: A ransomware group has published thousands of files allegedly linked to India’s largest nuclear power plant, Kudankulam, in what experts warn could pose a “serious” risk to the facility’s safety.The hacker group World Leaks posted on the dark web what it claims are more than 19,000 sensitive files related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. The documents are part of a larger cache of approximately 858,000 files allegedly stolen from Reliance Group, one of the contractors involved in the project.Reliance Group confirmed a “partial breach” of its data on a server hosted by third-party Indian data centre provider Yotta, to Reuters. They added that the government had been informed. The company did not disclose what data had been breached.What the leaked files containReuters reviewed the leaked documents, dated from 2016 to mid-2025 , but could not verify their authenticity. The files reportedly include engineering blueprints for ventilation and cooling systems, floor layouts of a common control room, equipment inspection reports, supplier lists and vendor proposals, meeting records and insurance policies.The documents primarily relate to Units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam plant, which are currently under construction and expected to be operational by 2027. They do not appear to include designs for the nuclear reactors’ core systems, which are supplied by Russia’s state-owned Rosatom.Experts warn of security risksNickolas Roth, a senior director at the Nuclear Threat Initiative, said the data breach could pose a “serious” risk to the plant’s safety. “They could show an adversary not just who has access to the project but which systems that access reaches,” he told Reuters.Although no evidence suggests that operational reactor systems were compromised, cybersecurity experts say the leaked information could still be valuable to hostile actors. Attackers could potentially exploit vulnerabilities within associated infrastructure or third-party suppliers.Investigation underwayIndia’s Computer Emergency Response Team is investigating the breach alongside the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, according to a source familiar with the matter. Yotta, the data centre provider, said it detected suspicious activity on a server on May 29 and that the suspected ransomware execution was prevented, but Reliance Infrastructure later informed it of claims of a data breach.Neither the Department of Atomic Energy nor the Prime Minister’s Office publicly commented on the investigation conducted by Reuters. World Leaks, which has previously targeted Tata Group and Nike, did not respond to requests for comment.The incident comes amid growing concerns over cybersecurity across India’s critical infrastructure. According to cybersecurity company Surfshark, India recorded 28.9 million compromised accounts last year, making it one of the countries most affected by data breaches globally.A recent industry survey found that 73% of Indian organisations surveyed were “unaware if they have ever been attacked” while 57% lack cyber hygiene practices.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 MediaVideosKGMU 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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators123PhotostoriesAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your garden123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

KNPP targeted by ‘serious’ data leak. (Image source: Reuters) NEW DELHI: A ransomware group has published thousands of files allegedly linked to India’s largest nuclear power plant, Kudankulam, in what experts warn could pose a “serious” risk to the facility’s safety.The hacker group World Leaks posted on the dark web what it claims are more…

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Calcutta HC NEW DELHI: The Calcutta high court on Wednesday allowed the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) faction to hold its annual July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally at a site near the Birla Planetarium instead of its traditional venue in front of Victoria House in central Kolkata.Justice Saugata Bhattacharya directed the Kolkata Police to shift the venue, citing the need to ensure smooth traffic movement and maintain law and order.The court said allowing the rally at its traditional venue in front of Victoria House was not feasible as it would also severely disrupt traffic connecting north and central Kolkata.The TMC has been holding the Martyrs’ Day rally in front of Victoria House at Esplanade in central Kolkata for years.The court noted that two other July 21 rallies — one by the Congress and another by the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rival TMC faction — are also scheduled in the Esplanade area and directed the police to deploy adequate personnel to maintain law and order.Justice Bhattacharya directed the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction to limit attendance to around 2,500 people and hold the rally between 12 pm and 3:30 pm on the rally day. The organisers were also asked to submit the names and contact details of 20 volunteers to the Kolkata Police to ensure compliance with the court’s directions.During the hearing, the TMC faction submitted that it has held the July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally at Victoria House almost every year since 1993 and challenged the Kolkata Police’s prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) around the venue. It proposed alternative locations, including Metro Channel and the Birla Planetarium.The BJP-led state government opposed holding the rally near the other two events, citing potential law and order concerns, and also objected to the Birla Planetarium venue because of nearby hospitals and schools.The Martyrs’ Day rally commemorates the 13 Congress workers killed during a protest in 1993, when Mamata Banerjee was the president of the Youth Congress, the Congress party’s youth wing. The event has since become the TMC’s annual Martyrs’ Day programme.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 MediaVideosIndia-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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay Raina123PhotostoriesAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your garden123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Calcutta HC NEW DELHI: The Calcutta high court on Wednesday allowed the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) faction to hold its annual July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally at a site near the Birla Planetarium instead of its traditional venue in front of Victoria House in central Kolkata.Justice Saugata Bhattacharya directed the Kolkata Police to shift the venue, citing the need to ensure smooth traffic movement and maintain law and order.The court said allowing the rally at its traditional venue in front of Victoria House was not feasible as it would also severely disrupt traffic connecting north and central Kolkata.The TMC has been holding the Martyrs’ Day rally in front of Victoria House at Esplanade in central Kolkata for years.The court noted that two other July 21 rallies — one by the Congress and another by the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rival TMC faction — are also scheduled in the Esplanade area and directed the police to deploy adequate personnel to maintain law and order.Justice Bhattacharya directed the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction to limit attendance to around 2,500 people and hold the rally between 12 pm and 3:30 pm on the rally day. The organisers were also asked to submit the names and contact details of 20 volunteers to the Kolkata Police to ensure compliance with the court’s directions.During the hearing, the TMC faction submitted that it has held the July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally at Victoria House almost every year since 1993 and challenged the Kolkata Police’s prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) around the venue. It proposed alternative locations, including Metro Channel and the Birla Planetarium.The BJP-led state government opposed holding the rally near the other two events, citing potential law and order concerns, and also objected to the Birla Planetarium venue because of nearby hospitals and schools.The Martyrs’ Day rally commemorates the 13 Congress workers killed during a protest in 1993, when Mamata Banerjee was the president of the Youth Congress, the Congress party’s youth wing. The event has since become the TMC’s annual Martyrs’ Day programme.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 MediaVideosIndia-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-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay Raina123PhotostoriesAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your garden123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Calcutta high court on Wednesday allowed the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) faction to hold its annual July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally at a site near the Birla Planetarium instead of its traditional venue in front of Victoria House in central Kolkata.Justice Saugata Bhattacharya directed the Kolkata Police to shift the venue,…

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A plea has been filed seeking medical intervention for Wangchuk NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28.This comes after activist-lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini moved the Delhi High Court through a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention for Wangchuk. The plea urged the court to direct the Centre and the Delhi government to shift the climate activist to a government hospital, arguing that his health had deteriorated significantly and that the State has a constitutional duty to protect life. It also sought directions for medically supervised treatment, including the administration of a liquid diet if necessary, even if carried out against his wishes. Watch Sonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In Delhi”The simple thing to be done is to take him to a government hospital and force feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals by way of a liquid diet which are necessary for the human body to survive,” it said.Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28 after joining protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations. Organisers have claimed that Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg since beginning the fast, raising concerns over his health. Several Opposition leaders have backed the issues raised by Wangchuk while urging him to end the hunger strike. Author Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh have also appealed to him to call off the fast while expressing support for his demands.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123PhotostoriesPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience says123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

A plea has been filed seeking medical intervention for Wangchuk NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28.This comes after activist-lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini moved the Delhi High Court through a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention for Wangchuk. The plea urged the court to direct the Centre and the Delhi government to shift the climate activist to a government hospital, arguing that his health had deteriorated significantly and that the State has a constitutional duty to protect life. It also sought directions for medically supervised treatment, including the administration of a liquid diet if necessary, even if carried out against his wishes. Watch Sonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In Delhi”The simple thing to be done is to take him to a government hospital and force feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals by way of a liquid diet which are necessary for the human body to survive,” it said.Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28 after joining protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations. Organisers have claimed that Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg since beginning the fast, raising concerns over his health. Several Opposition leaders have backed the issues raised by Wangchuk while urging him to end the hunger strike. Author Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh have also appealed to him to call off the fast while expressing support for his demands.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123PhotostoriesPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience says123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

A plea has been filed seeking medical intervention for Wangchuk NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June…

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Madan Mitra, Ritabrata Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Madan Mitra on Wednesday resigned from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the party and joined the rebel TMC faction headed by Ritabrata Banerjee, dealing another setback to the former chief minister’s camp.His exit comes amid a series of defections from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction, with several senior leaders and MLAs joining the rival group led by Ritabrata Banerjee in recent weeks following the political split in the party.Speaking to reporters after joining the rebel camp, Mitra accused TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee of refusing to step aside despite the party’s crisis.”I had suggested to Abhishek Banerjee that he step aside for six months or a year. I told him, let us build the party, and then you can come back and take your seat, but he refused. He said, ‘I won’t leave the party.’ The party is sinking; the boat has gone under. People are dying. Yet, the party decided, or rather it was forced to accept, that everyone else could die, but Abhishek had to be saved. It is deeply saddening.”Mitra alleged that the party had become centred around one individual instead of functioning collectively.”The party belongs to everyone, yet it seems to have been reduced to serving only Abhishek. I earnestly request Mamata ji to come. Let us view this as a marathon. We will surely cross paths along the way. Let us see which horse surges ahead.”He said he had resigned from all organisational positions in the Trinamool Congress and no longer considered himself part of the party.”I have resigned from all the positions. Though I remain an MLA. I have left everything associated with Trinamool. That means I am no longer a Trinamool MLA in the functional sense.””I have only changed my room, not my house. I am very much in the TMC,” Mitra told reporters after meeting the rebel leader.The development comes a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned Mitra’s wife and his two sons for questioning in connection with its money laundering investigation into the alleged municipal recruitment scam in West Bengal.According to the ED, the summons were issued after investigators found financial transactions involving the family members during the course of the probe. The agency has asked them to appear next week to record their statements.The case relates to alleged irregularities in appointments to various municipal bodies in West Bengal. The ED is investigating the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on predicate offences registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).The agency had earlier conducted searches at multiple premises linked to Mitra in June this year, while the CBI had also searched his residence in October 2025 as part of its investigation into the same case.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123PhotostoriesPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience says123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Madan Mitra, Ritabrata Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Madan Mitra on Wednesday resigned from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the party and joined the rebel TMC faction headed by Ritabrata Banerjee, dealing another setback to the former chief minister’s camp.His exit comes amid a series of defections from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction, with several senior leaders and MLAs joining the rival group led by Ritabrata Banerjee in recent weeks following the political split in the party.Speaking to reporters after joining the rebel camp, Mitra accused TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee of refusing to step aside despite the party’s crisis.”I had suggested to Abhishek Banerjee that he step aside for six months or a year. I told him, let us build the party, and then you can come back and take your seat, but he refused. He said, ‘I won’t leave the party.’ The party is sinking; the boat has gone under. People are dying. Yet, the party decided, or rather it was forced to accept, that everyone else could die, but Abhishek had to be saved. It is deeply saddening.”Mitra alleged that the party had become centred around one individual instead of functioning collectively.”The party belongs to everyone, yet it seems to have been reduced to serving only Abhishek. I earnestly request Mamata ji to come. Let us view this as a marathon. We will surely cross paths along the way. Let us see which horse surges ahead.”He said he had resigned from all organisational positions in the Trinamool Congress and no longer considered himself part of the party.”I have resigned from all the positions. Though I remain an MLA. I have left everything associated with Trinamool. That means I am no longer a Trinamool MLA in the functional sense.””I have only changed my room, not my house. I am very much in the TMC,” Mitra told reporters after meeting the rebel leader.The development comes a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned Mitra’s wife and his two sons for questioning in connection with its money laundering investigation into the alleged municipal recruitment scam in West Bengal.According to the ED, the summons were issued after investigators found financial transactions involving the family members during the course of the probe. The agency has asked them to appear next week to record their statements.The case relates to alleged irregularities in appointments to various municipal bodies in West Bengal. The ED is investigating the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on predicate offences registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).The agency had earlier conducted searches at multiple premises linked to Mitra in June this year, while the CBI had also searched his residence in October 2025 as part of its investigation into the same case.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123PhotostoriesPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience says123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Madan Mitra, Ritabrata Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Madan Mitra on Wednesday resigned from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the party and joined the rebel TMC faction headed by Ritabrata Banerjee, dealing another setback to the former chief minister’s camp.His exit comes amid a series of defections from the Mamata Banerjee-led…

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NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janata Party announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16 in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk who is on a indefinite fast against examination irregularities and NEET paper leak.”Tomorrow, July 16th, join us for 1-day mass hunger strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the students of this country,” the party said in a post on X.This comes as Wangchuk’s health continued to deteriorate as the hunger strike entered Day 18.CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has said Wangchuk has been losing muscle mass and is in “immense pain”, adding the activist has lost 8.5 kg since the beginning of his fast. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been protesting at Jantar Mantar for the past 25 days over the NEET issue, unveiled a five-point examination reform charter and claimed that support for its agitation was growing across political parties.Earlier in the day, a plea was filed in the Delhi high court seeking to force-feed activist Sonam Wangchuk and shift the activist to a government hospitalAccording 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.The petition argued that the authorities should shift Wangchuk to a government hospital and, if necessary, administer a medically supervised liquid diet containing essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals to prevent his condition from worsening. It maintained that such intervention, even if carried out against his wishes, was necessary to preserve his life.”The simple thing to be done is to take him to a government hospital and force feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals by way of a liquid diet which are necessary for the human body to survive,” it said.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123PhotostoriesMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience saysIndia gets plenty of sun, so why are millions still vitamin D deficient? Expert explains the silent health crisisAre fewer toys better for your child? What happened when a German kindergarten removed every toy for three months123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janata Party announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16 in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk who is on a indefinite fast against examination irregularities and NEET paper leak.”Tomorrow, July 16th, join us for 1-day mass hunger strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the students of this country,” the party said in a post on X.This comes as Wangchuk’s health continued to deteriorate as the hunger strike entered Day 18.CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has said Wangchuk has been losing muscle mass and is in “immense pain”, adding the activist has lost 8.5 kg since the beginning of his fast. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been protesting at Jantar Mantar for the past 25 days over the NEET issue, unveiled a five-point examination reform charter and claimed that support for its agitation was growing across political parties.Earlier in the day, a plea was filed in the Delhi high court seeking to force-feed activist Sonam Wangchuk and shift the activist to a government hospitalAccording 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.The petition argued that the authorities should shift Wangchuk to a government hospital and, if necessary, administer a medically supervised liquid diet containing essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals to prevent his condition from worsening. It maintained that such intervention, even if carried out against his wishes, was necessary to preserve his life.”The simple thing to be done is to take him to a government hospital and force feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals by way of a liquid diet which are necessary for the human body to survive,” it said.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123PhotostoriesMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience saysIndia gets plenty of sun, so why are millions still vitamin D deficient? Expert explains the silent health crisisAre fewer toys better for your child? What happened when a German kindergarten removed every toy for three months123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janata Party announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16 in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk who is on a indefinite fast against examination irregularities and NEET paper leak.“Tomorrow, July 16th, join us for 1-day mass hunger strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the students of this country,” the party said…

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The agreements officially came into effect on Wednesday, establishing a new framework for trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the coming into force of the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security, calling it a “significant moment” in bilateral ties that will deepen economic cooperation and create new opportunities for businesses, workers and farmers.In a post on X, PM Modi said the two agreements would strengthen economic linkages between the two countries and deliver tangible benefits across several sectors.”This is a significant moment in the India-United Kingdom partnership! With the coming into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Agreement on Social Security, our economic linkages are going to get even deeper. Together, these agreements translate our shared ambition into tangible opportunities for our people. The CETA will give fresh momentum to our farmers, entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Several vibrant sectors will gain stronger access to the UK market. It will also deepen cooperation in technology, professional services and innovation, while supporting greater mobility for skilled Indian talent.”The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of the accompanying social security pact, saying it would “provide invaluable support to Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK and strengthen the competitiveness of Indian enterprises.””The social security agreement will provide invaluable support to Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK and strengthen the competitiveness of Indian enterprises. This moment reflects the trust between our democracies and our resolve to build a forward-looking partnership driven by trade, technology, investment and innovation. India and the UK will continue working together for shared prosperity,” he added.The agreements officially came into effect on Wednesday, establishing a new framework for trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the trade pact provides zero-duty market access for nearly 99 per cent of India’s exports, covering almost 100 per cent of the total trade value. He said it would create new opportunities for labour-intensive industries, MSMEs, farmers, manufacturers and the services sector.The agreement removes tariffs on sectors including textiles, garments, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, chemicals, electronics, marine products, furniture and sports goods. It also grants zero-duty access to all agricultural products except chicken, pork, eggs, rice and sugar, while 97.1 per cent of tariff lines for processed food products will receive duty-free access.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123Photostories5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience saysIndia gets plenty of sun, so why are millions still vitamin D deficient? Expert explains the silent health crisisAre fewer toys better for your child? What happened when a German kindergarten removed every toy for three monthsExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

The agreements officially came into effect on Wednesday, establishing a new framework for trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the coming into force of the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security, calling it a “significant moment” in bilateral ties that will deepen economic cooperation and create new opportunities for businesses, workers and farmers.In a post on X, PM Modi said the two agreements would strengthen economic linkages between the two countries and deliver tangible benefits across several sectors.”This is a significant moment in the India-United Kingdom partnership! With the coming into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Agreement on Social Security, our economic linkages are going to get even deeper. Together, these agreements translate our shared ambition into tangible opportunities for our people. The CETA will give fresh momentum to our farmers, entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Several vibrant sectors will gain stronger access to the UK market. It will also deepen cooperation in technology, professional services and innovation, while supporting greater mobility for skilled Indian talent.”The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of the accompanying social security pact, saying it would “provide invaluable support to Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK and strengthen the competitiveness of Indian enterprises.””The social security agreement will provide invaluable support to Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK and strengthen the competitiveness of Indian enterprises. This moment reflects the trust between our democracies and our resolve to build a forward-looking partnership driven by trade, technology, investment and innovation. India and the UK will continue working together for shared prosperity,” he added.The agreements officially came into effect on Wednesday, establishing a new framework for trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the trade pact provides zero-duty market access for nearly 99 per cent of India’s exports, covering almost 100 per cent of the total trade value. He said it would create new opportunities for labour-intensive industries, MSMEs, farmers, manufacturers and the services sector.The agreement removes tariffs on sectors including textiles, garments, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, chemicals, electronics, marine products, furniture and sports goods. It also grants zero-duty access to all agricultural products except chicken, pork, eggs, rice and sugar, while 97.1 per cent of tariff lines for processed food products will receive duty-free access.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123Photostories5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience saysIndia gets plenty of sun, so why are millions still vitamin D deficient? Expert explains the silent health crisisAre fewer toys better for your child? What happened when a German kindergarten removed every toy for three monthsExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The agreements officially came into effect on Wednesday, establishing a new framework for trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the coming into force of the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security, calling it a “significant moment”…

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NEW DELHI: NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Wednesday dismissed speculation that her party could back the Centre’s proposed Delimitation Bill, saying it has neither discussed the legislation with anyone nor been approached for support.While addressing the media, Sule said the NCP (SP) would decide its stand only after the Bill is introduced in Parliament and after consultations within the INDIA bloc.”We have neither held discussions with anyone regarding delimitation, nor has anyone approached us about it. We will formulate our stance once the bill is introduced,” Sule said.”However, we will discuss any upcoming bill in detail within the INDIA alliance. Parties like the DMK, SP, and ourselves had stated that we would consider the 50% quota issue,” she added.Sule also asserted that the opposition had never demanded delimitation and had instead sought only the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament.”The INDIA alliance did not demand the delimitation; we demand that 33% reservation for women should be implemented. During the previous Budget Session, Kiren Rijiju had invited Asaduddin Owaisi, me, and Arvind Sawant,” the NCP (SP) MP said.Sule also ruled out the ongoing speculations over switch to BJP-led NDA and said that her party remains firmly with the INDIA bloc/”There are several rumours about us. All information is source-driven. Our party is being maligned. There is no question of us going anywhere. We are in INDIA alliance,” Sule said.This comes a day after leaders from both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence.However, news agency PTI, citing sources, reported that Jayant Patil met Fadnavis at his official residence, ‘Varsha’, in Mumbai late on Tuesday night regarding an issue in his Uran-Ishwarpur constituency in Sangli district.Declining to elaborate, sources told PTI that Patil and ruling NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare did not meet the chief minister together.The meeting comes as buzz over a possible merger of the two factions gathered pace once again.In the days following the plane crash of Ajit Pawar, several members of the NCP (SP) had said that Ajit Pawar had initiated talks with senior leader Jayant Patil for the merger. However, NCP leaders, including Tatkare and national president Praful Patel, had refuted these claims.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123PhotostoriesMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience saysIndia gets plenty of sun, so why are millions still vitamin D deficient? Expert explains the silent health crisisAre fewer toys better for your child? What happened when a German kindergarten removed every toy for three months123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

NEW DELHI: NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Wednesday dismissed speculation that her party could back the Centre’s proposed Delimitation Bill, saying it has neither discussed the legislation with anyone nor been approached for support.While addressing the media, Sule said the NCP (SP) would decide its stand only after the Bill is introduced in Parliament and after consultations within the INDIA bloc.”We have neither held discussions with anyone regarding delimitation, nor has anyone approached us about it. We will formulate our stance once the bill is introduced,” Sule said.”However, we will discuss any upcoming bill in detail within the INDIA alliance. Parties like the DMK, SP, and ourselves had stated that we would consider the 50% quota issue,” she added.Sule also asserted that the opposition had never demanded delimitation and had instead sought only the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament.”The INDIA alliance did not demand the delimitation; we demand that 33% reservation for women should be implemented. During the previous Budget Session, Kiren Rijiju had invited Asaduddin Owaisi, me, and Arvind Sawant,” the NCP (SP) MP said.Sule also ruled out the ongoing speculations over switch to BJP-led NDA and said that her party remains firmly with the INDIA bloc/”There are several rumours about us. All information is source-driven. Our party is being maligned. There is no question of us going anywhere. We are in INDIA alliance,” Sule said.This comes a day after leaders from both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence.However, news agency PTI, citing sources, reported that Jayant Patil met Fadnavis at his official residence, ‘Varsha’, in Mumbai late on Tuesday night regarding an issue in his Uran-Ishwarpur constituency in Sangli district.Declining to elaborate, sources told PTI that Patil and ruling NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare did not meet the chief minister together.The meeting comes as buzz over a possible merger of the two factions gathered pace once again.In the days following the plane crash of Ajit Pawar, several members of the NCP (SP) had said that Ajit Pawar had initiated talks with senior leader Jayant Patil for the merger. However, NCP leaders, including Tatkare and national president Praful Patel, had refuted these claims.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123PhotostoriesMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience saysIndia gets plenty of sun, so why are millions still vitamin D deficient? Expert explains the silent health crisisAre fewer toys better for your child? What happened when a German kindergarten removed every toy for three months123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Wednesday dismissed speculation that her party could back the Centre’s proposed Delimitation Bill, saying it has neither discussed the legislation with anyone nor been approached for support.While addressing the media, Sule said the NCP (SP) would decide its stand only after the Bill is introduced in Parliament…

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Punjab’s textile sector has immense potential, says CM Bhagwant Mann at Bharat Tex 2026 Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann said Bharat Tex 2026 offers immense opportunities for Punjab’s textile industry, expressing hope that the international event will further strengthen the sector in the state.Speaking to on Tuesday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Mann said Punjab is playing a significant role at Bharat Tex 2026, with 97 companies from the state participating in the exhibition.”There is immense scope for the textile industry in Punjab. Historically, Punjab has been among the top states in this sector, and it is playing a major role, contributing the most at the ‘Bharat Tex’ festival currently being held at Bharat Mandapam. With 97 companies from the state participating in the exhibition, the potential is huge, and we hope such international festivals will provide a further boost to Punjab,” he said.Bharat Tex 2026 has emerged as a premier global platform for business, investment, innovation, policy dialogue and strategic partnerships across the textile and apparel value chain. The event showcases India’s growing strengths in textiles, fashion, sustainability, technological innovation, investment and international trade.Referring to Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the E20 fuel issue, Mann alleged that the rollout of E20 fuel had caused losses to vehicle owners, claiming that vehicles were breaking down and fuel efficiency had declined.”The rollout of E20 fuel in the country is causing losses for many people; vehicles are breaking down, and mileage is dropping. The government shouldn’t just resort to rhetoric, criticism, or denials; it needs to provide a clear explanation regarding whose fault this is, how it happened, and how compensation will be provided,” Mann said.He also urged the Centre to reduce petrol prices, saying crude oil prices had declined while domestic fuel prices remained unchanged.”Meanwhile, petrol prices remain stagnant even though crude oil prices have dropped significantly. Therefore, fuel prices in the country ought to be reduced,” he added.On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled upcoming visit to Punjab, Mann said the state government would welcome the Prime Minister.”We will certainly welcome him. There is a railway station inauguration; we will welcome him,” he said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate four railway stations redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme during his visit to Punjab on July 17.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123PhotostoriesMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience saysIndia gets plenty of sun, so why are millions still vitamin D deficient? Expert explains the silent health crisisAre fewer toys better for your child? What happened when a German kindergarten removed every toy for three months123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Punjab’s textile sector has immense potential, says CM Bhagwant Mann at Bharat Tex 2026 Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann said Bharat Tex 2026 offers immense opportunities for Punjab’s textile industry, expressing hope that the international event will further strengthen the sector in the state.Speaking to on Tuesday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Mann said Punjab is playing a significant role at Bharat Tex 2026, with 97 companies from the state participating in the exhibition.”There is immense scope for the textile industry in Punjab. Historically, Punjab has been among the top states in this sector, and it is playing a major role, contributing the most at the ‘Bharat Tex’ festival currently being held at Bharat Mandapam. With 97 companies from the state participating in the exhibition, the potential is huge, and we hope such international festivals will provide a further boost to Punjab,” he said.Bharat Tex 2026 has emerged as a premier global platform for business, investment, innovation, policy dialogue and strategic partnerships across the textile and apparel value chain. The event showcases India’s growing strengths in textiles, fashion, sustainability, technological innovation, investment and international trade.Referring to Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the E20 fuel issue, Mann alleged that the rollout of E20 fuel had caused losses to vehicle owners, claiming that vehicles were breaking down and fuel efficiency had declined.”The rollout of E20 fuel in the country is causing losses for many people; vehicles are breaking down, and mileage is dropping. The government shouldn’t just resort to rhetoric, criticism, or denials; it needs to provide a clear explanation regarding whose fault this is, how it happened, and how compensation will be provided,” Mann said.He also urged the Centre to reduce petrol prices, saying crude oil prices had declined while domestic fuel prices remained unchanged.”Meanwhile, petrol prices remain stagnant even though crude oil prices have dropped significantly. Therefore, fuel prices in the country ought to be reduced,” he added.On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled upcoming visit to Punjab, Mann said the state government would welcome the Prime Minister.”We will certainly welcome him. There is a railway station inauguration; we will welcome him,” he said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate four railway stations redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme during his visit to Punjab on July 17.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123PhotostoriesMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience saysIndia gets plenty of sun, so why are millions still vitamin D deficient? Expert explains the silent health crisisAre fewer toys better for your child? What happened when a German kindergarten removed every toy for three months123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Punjab’s textile sector has immense potential, says CM Bhagwant Mann at Bharat Tex 2026 Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann said Bharat Tex 2026 offers immense opportunities for Punjab’s textile industry, expressing hope that the international event will further strengthen the sector in the state.Speaking to on Tuesday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Mann said…

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Taslima Nasreen’s planned return to Kolkata after nearly two decades has triggered a political face-off in West Bengal, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trading barbs over the exiled Bangladeshi author’s visit.Nasreen, who was forced to leave the city in 2007 following violent protests over her writings, is scheduled to attend an anti-fundamentalism literary event in Kolkata on August 1, reviving a long-running debate over free speech, secularism and religious sensitivities.Nasreen announced on social media that she would be in Kolkata on August 1 to participate in an anti-fundamentalism literary event at Rabindra Sadan, where she is expected to recite poetry. The event, organised by secular and anti-fundamentalist groups, has assumed political significance amid renewed debate over freedom of expression and religious sensitivities in the state.Political reactions sharpen ahead of Nasreen’s visitThe announcement drew sharp reactions from both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Responding to Nasreen’s visit, TMC MLA Akhruzzaman told news agency IANS, “Look, Taslima Nasrin was a writer from Bangladesh. She has said a lot against the Muslim community, against Shariat in Islam. If someone speaks against the Muslims then the double engine government will respect them, what is there to say.”The BJP, meanwhile, projected Nasreen’s return as symbolic of a changed political environment in West Bengal.State minister Agnimitra Paul criticised previous governments for failing to protect the author. “Everyone’s support, everyone’s development, everyone’s faith, everyone’s effort and everyone’s accountability. Accountability is being done, the Left government couldn’t provide protection to such a talented writer like Taslima Nasrin, they did politics with Muslims but could not provide protection, rather I would say they didn’t give protection and leave aside the regime of Mamata Banerjee. Today is 1st, I have heard that Taslima ji is coming…. I am a big fan of her book…” she said.Nasreen rose to global prominence in the early 1990s for her feminist writings and criticism of religious orthodoxy. She fled Bangladesh in 1994 after multiple fatwas were issued against her following the publication of her novel Lajja, which documented the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh after the demolition of the Babri Masjid.After spending years in Europe and the United States, she moved to India in 2004 and settled in Kolkata, calling the city her closest cultural home in exile.However, her stay ended in November 2007 after excerpts from her autobiographical work Dwikhandita sparked protests by sections of Muslim organisations. The demonstrations turned violent in parts of Kolkata, prompting Army deployment to restore order.The then left front government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee subsequently asked Nasreen to leave the city. She was shifted to Jaipur and later to Delhi, where she initially remained under house arrest before the Centre granted her a long-term residence permit and a multiple-entry visa.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123Photostories5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience saysIndia gets plenty of sun, so why are millions still vitamin D deficient? Expert explains the silent health crisisAre fewer toys better for your child? What happened when a German kindergarten removed every toy for three monthsExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Taslima Nasreen’s planned return to Kolkata after nearly two decades has triggered a political face-off in West Bengal, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trading barbs over the exiled Bangladeshi author’s visit.Nasreen, who was forced to leave the city in 2007 following violent protests over her writings, is scheduled to attend an anti-fundamentalism literary event in Kolkata on August 1, reviving a long-running debate over free speech, secularism and religious sensitivities.Nasreen announced on social media that she would be in Kolkata on August 1 to participate in an anti-fundamentalism literary event at Rabindra Sadan, where she is expected to recite poetry. The event, organised by secular and anti-fundamentalist groups, has assumed political significance amid renewed debate over freedom of expression and religious sensitivities in the state.Political reactions sharpen ahead of Nasreen’s visitThe announcement drew sharp reactions from both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Responding to Nasreen’s visit, TMC MLA Akhruzzaman told news agency IANS, “Look, Taslima Nasrin was a writer from Bangladesh. She has said a lot against the Muslim community, against Shariat in Islam. If someone speaks against the Muslims then the double engine government will respect them, what is there to say.”The BJP, meanwhile, projected Nasreen’s return as symbolic of a changed political environment in West Bengal.State minister Agnimitra Paul criticised previous governments for failing to protect the author. “Everyone’s support, everyone’s development, everyone’s faith, everyone’s effort and everyone’s accountability. Accountability is being done, the Left government couldn’t provide protection to such a talented writer like Taslima Nasrin, they did politics with Muslims but could not provide protection, rather I would say they didn’t give protection and leave aside the regime of Mamata Banerjee. Today is 1st, I have heard that Taslima ji is coming…. I am a big fan of her book…” she said.Nasreen rose to global prominence in the early 1990s for her feminist writings and criticism of religious orthodoxy. She fled Bangladesh in 1994 after multiple fatwas were issued against her following the publication of her novel Lajja, which documented the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh after the demolition of the Babri Masjid.After spending years in Europe and the United States, she moved to India in 2004 and settled in Kolkata, calling the city her closest cultural home in exile.However, her stay ended in November 2007 after excerpts from her autobiographical work Dwikhandita sparked protests by sections of Muslim organisations. The demonstrations turned violent in parts of Kolkata, prompting Army deployment to restore order.The then left front government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee subsequently asked Nasreen to leave the city. She was shifted to Jaipur and later to Delhi, where she initially remained under house arrest before the Centre granted her a long-term residence permit and a multiple-entry visa.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 MediaVideosTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals123Photostories5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramasStop throwing away vegetable peels! Here’s how to turn kitchen scraps into natural fertiliser for your gardenCan gardening keep your brain younger? What neuroscience saysIndia gets plenty of sun, so why are millions still vitamin D deficient? Expert explains the silent health crisisAre fewer toys better for your child? What happened when a German kindergarten removed every toy for three monthsExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Taslima Nasreen’s planned return to Kolkata after nearly two decades has triggered a political face-off in West Bengal, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trading barbs over the exiled Bangladeshi author’s visit.Nasreen, who was forced to leave the city in 2007 following violent protests over her writings, is scheduled to…

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