File photo: Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Tuesday raised the issue of whether English could be considered an indigenous language as it refused to stay the implementation of CBSE’s decision to make the three-language scheme mandatory for Class 6 from the current academic session.CBSE’s plan, it said, appeared to advance the constitutional goal of promoting Hindi and regional languages.It, however, was reluctant to allow the plea for staying the three-language scheme without a detailed hearing.Books for only 3 of 22 languages made available on NCERT website: CounselAs a host of senior advocates challenged the scheme despite CBSE rolling back its instructions to make the three-language scheme mandatory for Class IX from the current academic session, a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana sought responses from the Centre and CBSE.It, however, was reluctant to allow the plea to stay the scheme without a detailed hearing. “The notification is carrying ahead the constitutional goal of learning Hindi and other regional languages. Nomenclature of indigenous languages and what constitutes indigenous language may require a relook,” said the bench as it posted the matter for hearing on July 22.On behalf of fresh petitioners, the counsel argued that though children had been given a choice of 22 languages, it was impossible for schools to employ those many teachers and create infrastructure. They said books for only three of the 22 languages were available on the NCERT website despite promises that all would be uploaded by July 1.Additional solicitor general Aishwa-rya Bhati said govt and CBSE would file their responses in 10 days.The Centre, in its response to the earlier petitions, said, “National Education Policy envisions an education system rooted in Indian ethos that contributes directly to transforming India, that is Bharat, sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society.”It said according to NEP, the three-language formula would continue to be implemented while keeping in mind constitutional provisions, aspirations of the people, regions and the Union, and the need to promote multilingualism as well as promote national unity. “However, there will be greater flexibility in the three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any state,” the Centre said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – 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’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

File photo: Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Tuesday raised the issue of whether English could be considered an indigenous language as it refused to stay the implementation of CBSE’s decision to make the three-language scheme mandatory for Class 6 from the current academic session.CBSE’s plan, it said, appeared to advance the constitutional goal of promoting Hindi and regional languages.It, however, was reluctant to allow the plea for staying the three-language scheme without a detailed hearing.Books for only 3 of 22 languages made available on NCERT website: CounselAs a host of senior advocates challenged the scheme despite CBSE rolling back its instructions to make the three-language scheme mandatory for Class IX from the current academic session, a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana sought responses from the Centre and CBSE.It, however, was reluctant to allow the plea to stay the scheme without a detailed hearing. “The notification is carrying ahead the constitutional goal of learning Hindi and other regional languages. Nomenclature of indigenous languages and what constitutes indigenous language may require a relook,” said the bench as it posted the matter for hearing on July 22.On behalf of fresh petitioners, the counsel argued that though children had been given a choice of 22 languages, it was impossible for schools to employ those many teachers and create infrastructure. They said books for only three of the 22 languages were available on the NCERT website despite promises that all would be uploaded by July 1.Additional solicitor general Aishwa-rya Bhati said govt and CBSE would file their responses in 10 days.The Centre, in its response to the earlier petitions, said, “National Education Policy envisions an education system rooted in Indian ethos that contributes directly to transforming India, that is Bharat, sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society.”It said according to NEP, the three-language formula would continue to be implemented while keeping in mind constitutional provisions, aspirations of the people, regions and the Union, and the need to promote multilingualism as well as promote national unity. “However, there will be greater flexibility in the three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any state,” the Centre said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – 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’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

File photo: Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Tuesday raised the issue of whether English could be considered an indigenous language as it refused to stay the implementation of CBSE’s decision to make the three-language scheme mandatory for Class 6 from the current academic session.CBSE’s plan, it said, appeared to advance the…

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On Jan 22, 1999, a mob led by Bajrang Dal’s Dara Singh (pic, right) burned Staines (58) and his two sons, Philip (10) and Timothy (6) BHUBANESWAR: Supreme Court on Tuesday gave Odisha govt until Aug 19 to decide on the remission plea of Dara Singh, jailed since 2000 for burning to death Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two sons, after “verbally” recommending that he be freed by Independence Day.”The state informed the court that the sentence review board had already met to consider the plea but requires time for address verification,” Dara’s counsel A P Singh told TOI. He said the bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Vijay Bishnoi wanted the state govt to ideally release Dara well before the deadline fixed by them to take a decision on his remission. While adjourning the case to Aug 19, the bench said, “In the meantime, we expect that the committee shall take its decision.”Take Decision By Aug 19, SC Tells Odisha GovtGovernment sources said the state sentence review board was “favourably” considering the plea since Dara had already spent over 26 years in prison without a day’s parole and “maintained good conduct”, making him eligible to be freed under the state’s remission policy.Fellow convict Mahendra Hembram, who was released on April 16 last year on grounds of good conduct, said Dara deserved the same treatment. “Dara is optimistic.”Odisha remission policy makes Dara Singh eligible after 25 yrs Former Bajrang Dal activist Dara Singh, now 62, was convicted of leading the mob that set fire to Staines’ station wagon near a church at Manoharpur village in Keonjhar district on Jan 22, 1999, burning the 58-year-old missionary to death along with his sons Philip, 10, and Timothy, 6.Dara, incarcerated in Odisha’s Keonjhar jail, is a native of UP’s Auraiya district.Advocate general Pitambar Acharya told TOI that the sentence review board was unable to take a decision immediately because records submitted by the jail authorities and the district administration pertain to 2025. “The board has sought updated information before taking a decision on the remission plea. This was conveyed to the apex court,” he said.Under Odisha’s 2022 premature-release guidelines, any convict whose death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment becomes eligible for remission after completing 25 years in jail, subject to the board’s recommendation and the state’s approval.The Central Bureau of Investigation’s chargesheet in the Staines case named 18 accused. In 2003, a trial court convicted Dara and 12 others, sentencing him to death and the rest to life. Two years later, Orissa high court commuted Dara’s death sentence to life, upheld Hembram’s life term and acquitted the rest. In 2011, Supreme Court upheld the life sentences of Dara and Hembram.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAshok PradhanAshok Pradhan is currently chief of bureau The Times of India in Bhubaneswar. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal (1999-2000).End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – 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’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

On Jan 22, 1999, a mob led by Bajrang Dal’s Dara Singh (pic, right) burned Staines (58) and his two sons, Philip (10) and Timothy (6) BHUBANESWAR: Supreme Court on Tuesday gave Odisha govt until Aug 19 to decide on the remission plea of Dara Singh, jailed since 2000 for burning to death Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two sons, after “verbally” recommending that he be freed by Independence Day.”The state informed the court that the sentence review board had already met to consider the plea but requires time for address verification,” Dara’s counsel A P Singh told TOI. He said the bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Vijay Bishnoi wanted the state govt to ideally release Dara well before the deadline fixed by them to take a decision on his remission. While adjourning the case to Aug 19, the bench said, “In the meantime, we expect that the committee shall take its decision.”Take Decision By Aug 19, SC Tells Odisha GovtGovernment sources said the state sentence review board was “favourably” considering the plea since Dara had already spent over 26 years in prison without a day’s parole and “maintained good conduct”, making him eligible to be freed under the state’s remission policy.Fellow convict Mahendra Hembram, who was released on April 16 last year on grounds of good conduct, said Dara deserved the same treatment. “Dara is optimistic.”Odisha remission policy makes Dara Singh eligible after 25 yrs Former Bajrang Dal activist Dara Singh, now 62, was convicted of leading the mob that set fire to Staines’ station wagon near a church at Manoharpur village in Keonjhar district on Jan 22, 1999, burning the 58-year-old missionary to death along with his sons Philip, 10, and Timothy, 6.Dara, incarcerated in Odisha’s Keonjhar jail, is a native of UP’s Auraiya district.Advocate general Pitambar Acharya told TOI that the sentence review board was unable to take a decision immediately because records submitted by the jail authorities and the district administration pertain to 2025. “The board has sought updated information before taking a decision on the remission plea. This was conveyed to the apex court,” he said.Under Odisha’s 2022 premature-release guidelines, any convict whose death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment becomes eligible for remission after completing 25 years in jail, subject to the board’s recommendation and the state’s approval.The Central Bureau of Investigation’s chargesheet in the Staines case named 18 accused. In 2003, a trial court convicted Dara and 12 others, sentencing him to death and the rest to life. Two years later, Orissa high court commuted Dara’s death sentence to life, upheld Hembram’s life term and acquitted the rest. In 2011, Supreme Court upheld the life sentences of Dara and Hembram.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAshok PradhanAshok Pradhan is currently chief of bureau The Times of India in Bhubaneswar. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal (1999-2000).End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – 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’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

On Jan 22, 1999, a mob led by Bajrang Dal’s Dara Singh (pic, right) burned Staines (58) and his two sons, Philip (10) and Timothy (6) BHUBANESWAR: Supreme Court on Tuesday gave Odisha govt until Aug 19 to decide on the remission plea of Dara Singh, jailed since 2000 for burning to death Australian missionary…

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File photo: Union minister Nitin Gadkari NEW DELHI: Nitin Gadkari rejected allegations of a conflict of interest and personal gain over his push for the ethanol blending programme. The road transport and highways minister said he had always backed alternative fuels to reduce vehicular pollution and India’s import bill.Gadkari said the attacks are “politically motivated”. He told TOI that his sons’ business had a small share of ethanol and their contribution to the overall kitty was meagre. Besides, he said, the business had a debt of Rs 1,600 crore and he was in no way associated with it or in fixing the price or its procurement.The minister insisted the ethanol blending programme dated back to the days of the Vajpayee govt and was also backed by UPA administration, with then oil minister Mani Shankar Aiyar supporting it in Parliament.He asserted that he has not just supported ethanol from sugarcane, but also from maize, stubble and bamboo. Moreover, he has pushed for all other types of alternative fuels, including methanol, hydrogen and electric vehicles.Gadkari said the claims on social media lacked substance and there was a major disinformation campaign. Although he admitted that fuel efficiency is likely to be affected while driving on highways, he dismissed claims of engine damage to vehicles, arguing that even carmakers such as Maruti had not seen any impact.‘If you don’t want E20, you can buy 100% petrol, but pay more’Road transport & highways minister Nitin Gadkari, who has been criticised over E20 fuel, says misinformation has been weaponised against him and govt. In a chat with TOI’s Dipak Dash, he defends his push for alternative fuels — ethanol-blended petrol, methanol, hydrogen and electric vehicles — to reduce pollution and cut India’s dependence on crude imports. Excerpts:Q) There has been widespread criticism against you and govt’s ethanol blending programme with fears of vehicles getting damaged and loss of mileage.The campaign is politically motivated. Certain people are targeting me and govt. There is also misinformation about E20 fuel damaging engines. All E10-compliant vehicles are fit for using E20 fuel. There have been no complaints so far about the fuel damaging engine.Maruti Suzuki has publicly stated so. Auto manufacturers offer guarantees on vehicles. There are people in your office who are using two-wheelers and petrol cars, how many have faced a problem? A few days ago, I had asked people to write to my ministry in case they are facing any problems with their vehicles. There has been no complaint so far.E20 fuel was launched after being properly tested. As for mileage, in city traffic in Delhi or Mumbai, you will not see any major change, there may be some loss when you are driving at high speed on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. I have always said there is a minor mileage loss due to low calorific value of ethanol compared to petrol.Q) People allege you have personal interest in promoting ethanol and your family has also gained from the ethanol blending programme. What’s your response?I have been speaking about ethanol for a long time. This is not a programme that came up overnight, it started during Atal Bihari Vajpayee govt. In 2005, during UPA govt, then petroleum minister Mani Shankar Aiyar had spoken about continuing the programme in Parliament. The sugar factory belongs to my family and it predates the whole conversation around ethanol. That business is run by my sons, the programme is run by the petroleum ministry and the price is decided by the Cabinet.So, I have no influence over it. Ethanol is just 10% of the business and the factories run by my sons have less than 0.5% share of the ethanol business in the country. The companies have a debt of Rs 1,600 crore. Lot of lies are being spread.I am a strong believer in alternative fuels, whether it is ethanol blended petrol, electric vehicles, methanol or hydrogen — all cleaner options that will reduce pollution, especially in a city like Delhi, where vehicles contribute up to 40% of air pollution. Shouldn’t the road transport support steps to reduce vehicular pollution?Moreover, it lowers import dependence as India is a large importer of oil. Also, I am not only advocating only sugarcane-based ethanol. In fact, started with maize, which helped farmers in Bihar and UP, who were getting prices below MSP. I have also been supporting ethanol from rice, parali (stubble) and the kind that is produced by bamboo in Assam; stubble, which is a problem in Haryana and Punjab, is being used for producing ethanol at Panipat.West Asian countries and the US have enough oil, but look at Brazil, which has surplus sugar and has been using ethanol for decades. Their vehicles have not suffered any problems. Indonesia and Thailand are going for biofuel.Q) Is there any possibility for providing E10 fuel at petrol pumps, which many say would address people’s concerns?How is it possible when we have achieved 20% ethanol blending and E20 fuel is available at every fuel station in the country? People who do not want ethanol blended fuel can go for 100% petrol, but they will have to pay more.Q) Can we have multiple dispensers at petrol pumps with different levels of ethanol blending so that people can decide?It won’t be appropriate for me to comment as it is for the petroleum ministry to decide. At some petrol pumps people have the option to buy E85 (85% ethanol blended petrol) for use in flex fuel vehicles (FFVs). Over half a dozen vehicle manufacturers are ready to launch such vehicles. E85 costs less than E20. So, people have a choice.Q) There are a lot of concerns over the quality of highways. Is it because the focus has been on speeding up construction?I have reviewed 950 highway projects and there is zero tolerance for poor quality construction. I am getting stretches checked and have asked officers to take strict action against those who’ve compromised on quality. There is a concerted effort to target me and the govt. But let me tell you, there may be a few places where there are problems but everyone appreciates govt’s effort in building world-class highways.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – 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’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

File photo: Union minister Nitin Gadkari NEW DELHI: Nitin Gadkari rejected allegations of a conflict of interest and personal gain over his push for the ethanol blending programme. The road transport and highways minister said he had always backed alternative fuels to reduce vehicular pollution and India’s import bill.Gadkari said the attacks are “politically motivated”. He told TOI that his sons’ business had a small share of ethanol and their contribution to the overall kitty was meagre. Besides, he said, the business had a debt of Rs 1,600 crore and he was in no way associated with it or in fixing the price or its procurement.The minister insisted the ethanol blending programme dated back to the days of the Vajpayee govt and was also backed by UPA administration, with then oil minister Mani Shankar Aiyar supporting it in Parliament.He asserted that he has not just supported ethanol from sugarcane, but also from maize, stubble and bamboo. Moreover, he has pushed for all other types of alternative fuels, including methanol, hydrogen and electric vehicles.Gadkari said the claims on social media lacked substance and there was a major disinformation campaign. Although he admitted that fuel efficiency is likely to be affected while driving on highways, he dismissed claims of engine damage to vehicles, arguing that even carmakers such as Maruti had not seen any impact.‘If you don’t want E20, you can buy 100% petrol, but pay more’Road transport & highways minister Nitin Gadkari, who has been criticised over E20 fuel, says misinformation has been weaponised against him and govt. In a chat with TOI’s Dipak Dash, he defends his push for alternative fuels — ethanol-blended petrol, methanol, hydrogen and electric vehicles — to reduce pollution and cut India’s dependence on crude imports. Excerpts:Q) There has been widespread criticism against you and govt’s ethanol blending programme with fears of vehicles getting damaged and loss of mileage.The campaign is politically motivated. Certain people are targeting me and govt. There is also misinformation about E20 fuel damaging engines. All E10-compliant vehicles are fit for using E20 fuel. There have been no complaints so far about the fuel damaging engine.Maruti Suzuki has publicly stated so. Auto manufacturers offer guarantees on vehicles. There are people in your office who are using two-wheelers and petrol cars, how many have faced a problem? A few days ago, I had asked people to write to my ministry in case they are facing any problems with their vehicles. There has been no complaint so far.E20 fuel was launched after being properly tested. As for mileage, in city traffic in Delhi or Mumbai, you will not see any major change, there may be some loss when you are driving at high speed on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. I have always said there is a minor mileage loss due to low calorific value of ethanol compared to petrol.Q) People allege you have personal interest in promoting ethanol and your family has also gained from the ethanol blending programme. What’s your response?I have been speaking about ethanol for a long time. This is not a programme that came up overnight, it started during Atal Bihari Vajpayee govt. In 2005, during UPA govt, then petroleum minister Mani Shankar Aiyar had spoken about continuing the programme in Parliament. The sugar factory belongs to my family and it predates the whole conversation around ethanol. That business is run by my sons, the programme is run by the petroleum ministry and the price is decided by the Cabinet.So, I have no influence over it. Ethanol is just 10% of the business and the factories run by my sons have less than 0.5% share of the ethanol business in the country. The companies have a debt of Rs 1,600 crore. Lot of lies are being spread.I am a strong believer in alternative fuels, whether it is ethanol blended petrol, electric vehicles, methanol or hydrogen — all cleaner options that will reduce pollution, especially in a city like Delhi, where vehicles contribute up to 40% of air pollution. Shouldn’t the road transport support steps to reduce vehicular pollution?Moreover, it lowers import dependence as India is a large importer of oil. Also, I am not only advocating only sugarcane-based ethanol. In fact, started with maize, which helped farmers in Bihar and UP, who were getting prices below MSP. I have also been supporting ethanol from rice, parali (stubble) and the kind that is produced by bamboo in Assam; stubble, which is a problem in Haryana and Punjab, is being used for producing ethanol at Panipat.West Asian countries and the US have enough oil, but look at Brazil, which has surplus sugar and has been using ethanol for decades. Their vehicles have not suffered any problems. Indonesia and Thailand are going for biofuel.Q) Is there any possibility for providing E10 fuel at petrol pumps, which many say would address people’s concerns?How is it possible when we have achieved 20% ethanol blending and E20 fuel is available at every fuel station in the country? People who do not want ethanol blended fuel can go for 100% petrol, but they will have to pay more.Q) Can we have multiple dispensers at petrol pumps with different levels of ethanol blending so that people can decide?It won’t be appropriate for me to comment as it is for the petroleum ministry to decide. At some petrol pumps people have the option to buy E85 (85% ethanol blended petrol) for use in flex fuel vehicles (FFVs). Over half a dozen vehicle manufacturers are ready to launch such vehicles. E85 costs less than E20. So, people have a choice.Q) There are a lot of concerns over the quality of highways. Is it because the focus has been on speeding up construction?I have reviewed 950 highway projects and there is zero tolerance for poor quality construction. I am getting stretches checked and have asked officers to take strict action against those who’ve compromised on quality. There is a concerted effort to target me and the govt. But let me tell you, there may be a few places where there are problems but everyone appreciates govt’s effort in building world-class highways.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – 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’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

File photo: Union minister Nitin Gadkari NEW DELHI: Nitin Gadkari rejected allegations of a conflict of interest and personal gain over his push for the ethanol blending programme. The road transport and highways minister said he had always backed alternative fuels to reduce vehicular pollution and India’s import bill.Gadkari said the attacks are “politically motivated”….

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Representative image JAMMU: A Jammu court has directed the crime branch inquiry officer to appear in person with the complete record in a case linked to the alleged “fake silver” offerings Rs worth Rs 500cr at Vaishno Devi shrine after objections were raised over the agency’s handling of a complaint seeking registration of an FIR.The case first came to light on April 21, when Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board sent around 20 tonnes of accumulated offerings to a govt mint for melting and storage.Officials conducting the assay were surprised to find that the metal contained only about 5-6% of actual silver. The govt mint further raised alarm about the presence of cadmium, which closely resembles silver in colour but is highly toxic.On Monday, chief judicial magistrate (CJM), Jammu, Munish Kumar Manhas, ordered the officer to remain personally present along with the relevant record on the next date of hearing, fixed for July 29.The court complaint was filed by advocate Deepak Sharma, who alleged no action was taken on his complaint submitted to the crime branch on May 9.The complaint has sought a detailed investigation into whether devotees had been sold fake or adulterated silver articles by vendors and jewellers, or whether genuine silver offerings had been pilfered at any stage after their receipt, including during inventory, weighing, storage, transportation, assaying or melting.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – 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’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

Representative image JAMMU: A Jammu court has directed the crime branch inquiry officer to appear in person with the complete record in a case linked to the alleged “fake silver” offerings Rs worth Rs 500cr at Vaishno Devi shrine after objections were raised over the agency’s handling of a complaint seeking registration of an FIR.The case first came to light on April 21, when Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board sent around 20 tonnes of accumulated offerings to a govt mint for melting and storage.Officials conducting the assay were surprised to find that the metal contained only about 5-6% of actual silver. The govt mint further raised alarm about the presence of cadmium, which closely resembles silver in colour but is highly toxic.On Monday, chief judicial magistrate (CJM), Jammu, Munish Kumar Manhas, ordered the officer to remain personally present along with the relevant record on the next date of hearing, fixed for July 29.The court complaint was filed by advocate Deepak Sharma, who alleged no action was taken on his complaint submitted to the crime branch on May 9.The complaint has sought a detailed investigation into whether devotees had been sold fake or adulterated silver articles by vendors and jewellers, or whether genuine silver offerings had been pilfered at any stage after their receipt, including during inventory, weighing, storage, transportation, assaying or melting.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – 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’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

JAMMU: A Jammu court has directed the crime branch inquiry officer to appear in person with the complete record in a case linked to the alleged “fake silver” offerings Rs worth Rs 500cr at Vaishno Devi shrine after objections were raised over the agency’s handling of a complaint seeking registration of an FIR.The case first…

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File photo: Terrorist Hafiz Saeed JAMMU: A NIA court here has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which left 26 people dead.The NIA, which named Saeed as the mastermind of the terror attack conspiracy in a supplementary chargesheet filed earlier this month, sought the issuance of an open-dated NBW against him to initiate further proceedings in the matter and to take legal action against him in any further investigation.NIA court judge Prem Sagar granted the prayer in his July 8 order.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – 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’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

File photo: Terrorist Hafiz Saeed JAMMU: A NIA court here has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which left 26 people dead.The NIA, which named Saeed as the mastermind of the terror attack conspiracy in a supplementary chargesheet filed earlier this month, sought the issuance of an open-dated NBW against him to initiate further proceedings in the matter and to take legal action against him in any further investigation.NIA court judge Prem Sagar granted the prayer in his July 8 order.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – 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’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

File photo: Terrorist Hafiz Saeed JAMMU: A NIA court here has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which left 26 people dead.The NIA, which named Saeed as the mastermind of the terror attack conspiracy in a supplementary…

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File photo: Ships in Hormuz NEW DELHI: For tracking ships with Indian seafarers in conflict-hit West Asia, shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday directed maritime regulator DG Shipping to have a comprehensive vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard to account for every such ship, irrespective of their flags.The online dashboard — for tracking their movement in Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman — will provide real-time information on vessel position, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and availability of food, fuel, medicines and communication facilities.This comes amid fresh strikes on two foreign-flagged commercial ships in the West Asia region that had 30 Indian seafarers.“The instructions are clear that every Indian seafarer has to be accounted for in this conflict zone. DG Shipping has been directed to ensure a liaison officer is appointed to look after the affected seafarers,” said an official. Shipping ministry said each liaison officer will serve as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documentation, family assistance, repatriation, Seafarers Welfare Fund support, outstanding wages, contractual entitlements and other compensations.Sonowal was chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting with officials from different ministries, representatives of Indian missions in Oman and Iran on the evolving security environment across Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. The meeting assessed risks facing Indian seafarers and evaluated India’s contingency and emergency response mechanisms.TOI has learnt that currently there are seven Indian-flagged ships in the west of Strait of Hormuz with 148 Indian seafarers and another five foreign-flagged vessels carrying fertiliser are bound for India.The minister also directed officials to work closely with Indian missions in Iran, Oman and the UAE, and other affected nations in the region, alongside MEA, to obtain verified and realtime information relating to navigational safety, coastal-state advisories, route status, port-of-refuge arrangements, hospitals, medical evacuation, repatriation procedures, mortal remains management and the status of ongoing investigations.“Every vessel movement through the affected region, the minister directed, must be undertaken only after a fresh threat assessment, the professional judgement of the ship’s master and close coordination with competent maritime authorities,” the ministry said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesFrom gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth trying123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

File photo: Ships in Hormuz NEW DELHI: For tracking ships with Indian seafarers in conflict-hit West Asia, shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday directed maritime regulator DG Shipping to have a comprehensive vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard to account for every such ship, irrespective of their flags.The online dashboard — for tracking their movement in Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman — will provide real-time information on vessel position, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and availability of food, fuel, medicines and communication facilities.This comes amid fresh strikes on two foreign-flagged commercial ships in the West Asia region that had 30 Indian seafarers.“The instructions are clear that every Indian seafarer has to be accounted for in this conflict zone. DG Shipping has been directed to ensure a liaison officer is appointed to look after the affected seafarers,” said an official. Shipping ministry said each liaison officer will serve as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documentation, family assistance, repatriation, Seafarers Welfare Fund support, outstanding wages, contractual entitlements and other compensations.Sonowal was chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting with officials from different ministries, representatives of Indian missions in Oman and Iran on the evolving security environment across Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. The meeting assessed risks facing Indian seafarers and evaluated India’s contingency and emergency response mechanisms.TOI has learnt that currently there are seven Indian-flagged ships in the west of Strait of Hormuz with 148 Indian seafarers and another five foreign-flagged vessels carrying fertiliser are bound for India.The minister also directed officials to work closely with Indian missions in Iran, Oman and the UAE, and other affected nations in the region, alongside MEA, to obtain verified and realtime information relating to navigational safety, coastal-state advisories, route status, port-of-refuge arrangements, hospitals, medical evacuation, repatriation procedures, mortal remains management and the status of ongoing investigations.“Every vessel movement through the affected region, the minister directed, must be undertaken only after a fresh threat assessment, the professional judgement of the ship’s master and close coordination with competent maritime authorities,” the ministry said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesFrom gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth trying123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

File photo: Ships in Hormuz NEW DELHI: For tracking ships with Indian seafarers in conflict-hit West Asia, shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday directed maritime regulator DG Shipping to have a comprehensive vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard to account for every such ship, irrespective of their flags.The online dashboard — for tracking their movement in Persian Gulf, Strait…

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PM Modi helped prevent Putin’s tactical nuclear strike on Ukraine in 2022: Polish minister NEW DELHI: Poland’s foreign minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a key role in preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from using “tactical nuclear weapons” against Ukraine at the end of 2022.Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Bartoszewski described PM Modi as one of the few global leaders who can influence Putin and said the Russian president pays close attention to the Indian leader’s views.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a very well-known world statesman, who is very respected, and India has a long-standing relationship with the Russian Federation and, before that, with the Soviet Union as a non-aligned nation,” Bartoszewski said.”President Putin actually pays attention to what Prime Minister Modi tells him. I mentioned the role Prime Minister Modi played in stopping Putin from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine at the end of 2022,” he added.The Polish minister said India’s position and PM Modi’s relationship with Moscow gave New Delhi a unique ability to influence Russia’s approach to the conflict.”Prime Minister Modi is one of the few people who actually can exert some pressure and influence on President Putin, and that is clearly something India could do to stop this conflict,” Bartoszewski said.India’s role as a channel of communication with MoscowBartoszewski also highlighted India’s longstanding ties with Russia, saying New Delhi’s influence was significant because it came from a country that Moscow does not view as hostile.”India is a very important international player. President Putin pays attention to what Prime Minister Modi says,” he said.Discussing efforts to prevent further escalation, Bartoszewski said countries such as India and China could play a role because of their relations with Russia.”In terms of escalation, everybody is against it, not only India with Prime Minister Modi, but also China’s Xi Jinping… It’s important, especially coming from people who are not seen as hostile to Russia. India’s role here is crucial,” he said.India has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. PM Modi has held several conversations with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since the war began in February 2022.During his meeting with Putin in Moscow in July 2024, Modi had said that “war cannot solve problems” and emphasised the need for peace and dialogue.The comments from Poland come amid continued praise from Moscow for India’s independent foreign policy and its relationship with Russia.Last month, Putin defended India’s decision-making and criticised attempts by the United States to pressure New Delhi over its cooperation with Moscow.India continues to maintain ties with both sidesIndia has maintained close strategic and economic ties with Russia while also engaging with Western countries and Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.PM Modi visited Russia in July 2024 for talks with Putin, and later hosted the Russian president during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December 2025.While India has faced criticism from some Western countries over its continued energy and defence cooperation with Moscow, New Delhi has defended its approach, arguing that its foreign policy decisions are guided by national interests.The Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has continued despite multiple diplomatic efforts.Western leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have also attempted to push for negotiations, but no lasting ceasefire agreement has been reached so far.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 MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesFrom gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth trying123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

PM Modi helped prevent Putin’s tactical nuclear strike on Ukraine in 2022: Polish minister NEW DELHI: Poland’s foreign minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a key role in preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from using “tactical nuclear weapons” against Ukraine at the end of 2022.Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Bartoszewski described PM Modi as one of the few global leaders who can influence Putin and said the Russian president pays close attention to the Indian leader’s views.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a very well-known world statesman, who is very respected, and India has a long-standing relationship with the Russian Federation and, before that, with the Soviet Union as a non-aligned nation,” Bartoszewski said.”President Putin actually pays attention to what Prime Minister Modi tells him. I mentioned the role Prime Minister Modi played in stopping Putin from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine at the end of 2022,” he added.The Polish minister said India’s position and PM Modi’s relationship with Moscow gave New Delhi a unique ability to influence Russia’s approach to the conflict.”Prime Minister Modi is one of the few people who actually can exert some pressure and influence on President Putin, and that is clearly something India could do to stop this conflict,” Bartoszewski said.India’s role as a channel of communication with MoscowBartoszewski also highlighted India’s longstanding ties with Russia, saying New Delhi’s influence was significant because it came from a country that Moscow does not view as hostile.”India is a very important international player. President Putin pays attention to what Prime Minister Modi says,” he said.Discussing efforts to prevent further escalation, Bartoszewski said countries such as India and China could play a role because of their relations with Russia.”In terms of escalation, everybody is against it, not only India with Prime Minister Modi, but also China’s Xi Jinping… It’s important, especially coming from people who are not seen as hostile to Russia. India’s role here is crucial,” he said.India has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. PM Modi has held several conversations with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since the war began in February 2022.During his meeting with Putin in Moscow in July 2024, Modi had said that “war cannot solve problems” and emphasised the need for peace and dialogue.The comments from Poland come amid continued praise from Moscow for India’s independent foreign policy and its relationship with Russia.Last month, Putin defended India’s decision-making and criticised attempts by the United States to pressure New Delhi over its cooperation with Moscow.India continues to maintain ties with both sidesIndia has maintained close strategic and economic ties with Russia while also engaging with Western countries and Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.PM Modi visited Russia in July 2024 for talks with Putin, and later hosted the Russian president during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December 2025.While India has faced criticism from some Western countries over its continued energy and defence cooperation with Moscow, New Delhi has defended its approach, arguing that its foreign policy decisions are guided by national interests.The Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has continued despite multiple diplomatic efforts.Western leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have also attempted to push for negotiations, but no lasting ceasefire agreement has been reached so far.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 MediaVideos5 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesFrom gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth trying123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

PM Modi helped prevent Putin’s tactical nuclear strike on Ukraine in 2022: Polish minister NEW DELHI: Poland’s foreign minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a key role in preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from using “tactical nuclear weapons” against Ukraine at the end of 2022.Speaking at a press briefing…

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Rs 6000 honorarium sanctioned by EC for BLOs and their supervisors NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday approved a one-time honorarium of Rs 6,000 for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO Supervisors involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across multiple states and Union Territories.In a communication issued on Tuesday, the poll panel said the additional payment had been sanctioned in view of the scale and nature of work required for the revision exercise. The amount will be paid over and above the officials’ annual remuneration.The directive has been sent to the chief electoral officers of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura and Uttarakhand, asking them to ensure compliance.The Commission had announced Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision in May, covering more than 36 crore electors across 16 states and three Union Territories. The exercise is being conducted in phases and has been aligned with the house-listing stage of the Census to make use of the existing field machinery.According to the ECI, around 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers have been deployed for door-to-door verification of electors, with support from 3.42 lakh Booth Level Agents nominated by recognised political parties.The poll body has said the revision is intended to be a participatory exercise involving voters, election officials and political parties. It added that the schedule for three states/UTs located in snow-bound and high-altitude regions will be announced separately after taking into account weather conditions and the completion of the Census phase in those areas.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 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To Bangladesh123PhotostoriesThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much better123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

Rs 6000 honorarium sanctioned by EC for BLOs and their supervisors NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday approved a one-time honorarium of Rs 6,000 for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO Supervisors involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across multiple states and Union Territories.In a communication issued on Tuesday, the poll panel said the additional payment had been sanctioned in view of the scale and nature of work required for the revision exercise. The amount will be paid over and above the officials’ annual remuneration.The directive has been sent to the chief electoral officers of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura and Uttarakhand, asking them to ensure compliance.The Commission had announced Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision in May, covering more than 36 crore electors across 16 states and three Union Territories. The exercise is being conducted in phases and has been aligned with the house-listing stage of the Census to make use of the existing field machinery.According to the ECI, around 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers have been deployed for door-to-door verification of electors, with support from 3.42 lakh Booth Level Agents nominated by recognised political parties.The poll body has said the revision is intended to be a participatory exercise involving voters, election officials and political parties. It added that the schedule for three states/UTs located in snow-bound and high-altitude regions will be announced separately after taking into account weather conditions and the completion of the Census phase in those areas.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 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To Bangladesh123PhotostoriesThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much better123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

Rs 6000 honorarium sanctioned by EC for BLOs and their supervisors NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday approved a one-time honorarium of Rs 6,000 for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO Supervisors involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across multiple states and Union Territories.In a communication issued…

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. NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has revised the schedule for the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, allowing the electors an extra 10 days to submit their enumeration forms. As per the extended schedule, the booth level officers can continue house-to-house visits till July 24 to collect the enumeration forms. The original deadline was Tuesday. The draft roll got Andhra Pradesh and Haryana will now be published on July 31 instead of July 21. Claims and objections may be filed between July 31 and August 30 (extended from July 21 to August 20). The notice period and settlement of claims and objections will run concurrently from July 31 to September 28, instead of July 21 to September 18.The final roll for the two states will now be out on October 3 instead of September 22 as originally planned. SIR Phase 3 is currently underway in 16 states and three Union territories.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia-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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To Bangladesh123PhotostoriesThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much better123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

. NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has revised the schedule for the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, allowing the electors an extra 10 days to submit their enumeration forms. As per the extended schedule, the booth level officers can continue house-to-house visits till July 24 to collect the enumeration forms. The original deadline was Tuesday. The draft roll got Andhra Pradesh and Haryana will now be published on July 31 instead of July 21. Claims and objections may be filed between July 31 and August 30 (extended from July 21 to August 20). The notice period and settlement of claims and objections will run concurrently from July 31 to September 28, instead of July 21 to September 18.The final roll for the two states will now be out on October 3 instead of September 22 as originally planned. SIR Phase 3 is currently underway in 16 states and three Union territories.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia-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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To Bangladesh123PhotostoriesThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much better123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has revised the schedule for the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, allowing the electors an extra 10 days to submit their enumeration forms. As per the extended schedule, the booth level officers can continue house-to-house visits till July 24 to collect the enumeration forms….

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NCP dismisses notice challenging Sunetra Pawar’s election as party president NEW DELHI: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare on Tuesday dismissed a notice issued by the party’s national secretary Sachchidanand questioning the election of Sunetra Pawar as the party’s national president, while asserting that there was no rift within the organisation.The leaders said the election was held in accordance with the party constitution and that the notice carried no legal or organisational significance.The controversy comes after Sachchidanand, through a Delhi-based law firm, issued a notice on July 9 alleging that Sunetra Pawar’s election as NCP president on February 26 was unconstitutional and should be declared null and void.Reacting to the notice, Praful Patel told PTI, “There is no rift in the party. All senior party leaders meet with Sunetra Pawar to discuss political issues. The letter written by Sachchidanand carries no weight. Any issue should be resolved amicably in the interest of the party.”NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare termed the notice ‘illegal’ and said the party would first examine its legal validity.”The election was completely valid,” Tatkare told reporters. He added that the meeting of the national executive to elect the president and working president was conducted strictly in accordance with the party constitution.He said the party’s core committee would meet shortly, seek legal advice on the notice and then decide its response.On whether the party had contacted Sachchidanand or was considering disciplinary action against him, Tatkare said he had not spoken to the national secretary and was unaware whether anyone from the party’s Delhi unit had done so.”We will first examine the legal validity of the notice. In my view, there is absolutely no substance in it. The entire process followed by the party was in accordance with its constitution and rules,” he said.Tatkare said the party’s core committee would decide whether Sachchidanand’s letter amounted to indiscipline.Responding to questions about internal party documents repeatedly surfacing in the public domain, Tatkare said the NCP remained united under Sunetra Pawar’s leadership.”Today, the party is united under the leadership of Sunetra Pawar. It is working across the state and the country in an organised manner.””Just because one person writes a letter, it does not mean there is discontent in the party. Ours is a democratic organisation where individuals can express their views, but the party moves forward according to its collective decisions,” he added.When asked why the notice specifically questioned Sunetra Pawar’s election, Tatkare pointed out that notices had also been issued to Praful Patel and declined to speculate on the motives behind targeting particular leaders.In the notice, Sachchidanand claimed that after the death of then NCP president Ajit Pawar in an air crash on January 28, the party had informed the Election Commission that Praful Patel would serve as acting national president until a new chief was elected.However, he alleged that general secretary Brijmohan Shrivastav convened the national convention and initiated the election process without constitutional authority.According to the notice, no duly constituted central election authority, returning officer or election schedule was put in place and delegates were denied an opportunity to nominate candidates, contest or vote.Sachchidanand also demanded that the party withdraw letters sent to the Election Commission on February 28, March 10 and April 29 informing it about the election and office-bearers, and sought fresh organisational elections under an independent election authority.The notice also referred to the revised list of national office-bearers submitted to the Election Commission, in which the names of Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare were reportedly either omitted or shown without their official designations. The party had earlier described this as a typographical error.Meanwhile, Tatkare said the party’s core group would seek a meeting with Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the finance portfolio, which was held by the late Ajit Pawar before his death and is currently with the chief minister.He also announced that the NCP would organise a week-long programme from July 22 to mark Ajit Pawar’s birth anniversary.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 MediaVideosSupreme 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi Shrine123PhotostoriesThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much better123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

NCP dismisses notice challenging Sunetra Pawar’s election as party president NEW DELHI: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare on Tuesday dismissed a notice issued by the party’s national secretary Sachchidanand questioning the election of Sunetra Pawar as the party’s national president, while asserting that there was no rift within the organisation.The leaders said the election was held in accordance with the party constitution and that the notice carried no legal or organisational significance.The controversy comes after Sachchidanand, through a Delhi-based law firm, issued a notice on July 9 alleging that Sunetra Pawar’s election as NCP president on February 26 was unconstitutional and should be declared null and void.Reacting to the notice, Praful Patel told PTI, “There is no rift in the party. All senior party leaders meet with Sunetra Pawar to discuss political issues. The letter written by Sachchidanand carries no weight. Any issue should be resolved amicably in the interest of the party.”NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare termed the notice ‘illegal’ and said the party would first examine its legal validity.”The election was completely valid,” Tatkare told reporters. He added that the meeting of the national executive to elect the president and working president was conducted strictly in accordance with the party constitution.He said the party’s core committee would meet shortly, seek legal advice on the notice and then decide its response.On whether the party had contacted Sachchidanand or was considering disciplinary action against him, Tatkare said he had not spoken to the national secretary and was unaware whether anyone from the party’s Delhi unit had done so.”We will first examine the legal validity of the notice. In my view, there is absolutely no substance in it. The entire process followed by the party was in accordance with its constitution and rules,” he said.Tatkare said the party’s core committee would decide whether Sachchidanand’s letter amounted to indiscipline.Responding to questions about internal party documents repeatedly surfacing in the public domain, Tatkare said the NCP remained united under Sunetra Pawar’s leadership.”Today, the party is united under the leadership of Sunetra Pawar. It is working across the state and the country in an organised manner.””Just because one person writes a letter, it does not mean there is discontent in the party. Ours is a democratic organisation where individuals can express their views, but the party moves forward according to its collective decisions,” he added.When asked why the notice specifically questioned Sunetra Pawar’s election, Tatkare pointed out that notices had also been issued to Praful Patel and declined to speculate on the motives behind targeting particular leaders.In the notice, Sachchidanand claimed that after the death of then NCP president Ajit Pawar in an air crash on January 28, the party had informed the Election Commission that Praful Patel would serve as acting national president until a new chief was elected.However, he alleged that general secretary Brijmohan Shrivastav convened the national convention and initiated the election process without constitutional authority.According to the notice, no duly constituted central election authority, returning officer or election schedule was put in place and delegates were denied an opportunity to nominate candidates, contest or vote.Sachchidanand also demanded that the party withdraw letters sent to the Election Commission on February 28, March 10 and April 29 informing it about the election and office-bearers, and sought fresh organisational elections under an independent election authority.The notice also referred to the revised list of national office-bearers submitted to the Election Commission, in which the names of Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare were reportedly either omitted or shown without their official designations. The party had earlier described this as a typographical error.Meanwhile, Tatkare said the party’s core group would seek a meeting with Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the finance portfolio, which was held by the late Ajit Pawar before his death and is currently with the chief minister.He also announced that the NCP would organise a week-long programme from July 22 to mark Ajit Pawar’s birth anniversary.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 MediaVideosSupreme 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi Shrine123PhotostoriesThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much better123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

NCP dismisses notice challenging Sunetra Pawar’s election as party president NEW DELHI: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare on Tuesday dismissed a notice issued by the party’s national secretary Sachchidanand questioning the election of Sunetra Pawar as the party’s national president, while asserting that there was no rift within the organisation.The…

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Central expert panel approves environmental clearance for 1,000 MW Naying hydro-power project of Arunachal Pradesh NEW DELHI: An expert panel of the Union environment ministry has recommended green clearance to the 1,000 MW Naying hydro-electric project, paving the way for other statutory clearances and construction of this run-of-the-river project across the Siyom River in Siang and Shi-Yomi districts, close to the India-China border, in Arunachal Pradesh.Environmental clearance (EC) of the project was pending for a long time. It will be constructed at an estimated cost of more than Rs 11,835 crore in an area of over 470 hectares by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation, giving a major boost to renewable energy in the region.The EC was approved for the project by an expert appraisal committee (EAC) of the ministry with certain mandatory environmental conditions in its 57th meeting on June 29-30.Though a total of 12 villages will be affected due to acquisition of land for various components of the proposed project, the panel accepted the detailed plan of the project proponent for relief and rehabilitation of the displaced families.“Land acquired for the project shall be suitably compensated in accordance with the prevailing guidelines of the state govt and provisions under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013,” said the panel in its conditional approval.After getting EC, the project proponent will now obtain forest clearance under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1986, in case of the diversion of forest land for non-forest purpose and clearance from the National Board for Wildlife, if applicable.The minutes of the meeting, released on Monday, however, claimed that no project component falls in any notified protected area. “There are no national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, Tiger/Elephant Reserves, Wildlife corridors etc. within 10 km distance from the project site,” it said.Compensatory afforestation, wildlife conservation, air quality monitoring/ preservation; noise monitoring/ prevention; waste management; and risk mitigation and disaster management are among the other conditions attached to the EC. “The project authorities must strictly adhere to the stipulations made by the State Pollution Control Board and the state govt,” said the minutes of the meeting.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOp 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew Member123Photostories8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremes123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

Central expert panel approves environmental clearance for 1,000 MW Naying hydro-power project of Arunachal Pradesh NEW DELHI: An expert panel of the Union environment ministry has recommended green clearance to the 1,000 MW Naying hydro-electric project, paving the way for other statutory clearances and construction of this run-of-the-river project across the Siyom River in Siang and Shi-Yomi districts, close to the India-China border, in Arunachal Pradesh.Environmental clearance (EC) of the project was pending for a long time. It will be constructed at an estimated cost of more than Rs 11,835 crore in an area of over 470 hectares by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation, giving a major boost to renewable energy in the region.The EC was approved for the project by an expert appraisal committee (EAC) of the ministry with certain mandatory environmental conditions in its 57th meeting on June 29-30.Though a total of 12 villages will be affected due to acquisition of land for various components of the proposed project, the panel accepted the detailed plan of the project proponent for relief and rehabilitation of the displaced families.“Land acquired for the project shall be suitably compensated in accordance with the prevailing guidelines of the state govt and provisions under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013,” said the panel in its conditional approval.After getting EC, the project proponent will now obtain forest clearance under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1986, in case of the diversion of forest land for non-forest purpose and clearance from the National Board for Wildlife, if applicable.The minutes of the meeting, released on Monday, however, claimed that no project component falls in any notified protected area. “There are no national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, Tiger/Elephant Reserves, Wildlife corridors etc. within 10 km distance from the project site,” it said.Compensatory afforestation, wildlife conservation, air quality monitoring/ preservation; noise monitoring/ prevention; waste management; and risk mitigation and disaster management are among the other conditions attached to the EC. “The project authorities must strictly adhere to the stipulations made by the State Pollution Control Board and the state govt,” said the minutes of the meeting.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOp 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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew Member123Photostories8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremes123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

Central expert panel approves environmental clearance for 1,000 MW Naying hydro-power project of Arunachal Pradesh NEW DELHI: An expert panel of the Union environment ministry has recommended green clearance to the 1,000 MW Naying hydro-electric project, paving the way for other statutory clearances and construction of this run-of-the-river project across the Siyom River in Siang…

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‘Political conspiracy was hatched’: Rekha Gupta blames AAP top brass after Tahir Hussain’s Delhi riots conviction | India News

‘Political conspiracy was hatched’: Rekha Gupta blames AAP top brass after Tahir Hussain’s Delhi riots conviction | India News

Rekhta Gupta and Arvind Kejriwal (R) NEW DELHI: A day after former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain was convicted in the 2020 Delhi riots case, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday accused Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party of giving him “political patronage and protection.“She also demanded answers from the party’s top leadership.Addressing reporters, Gupta alleged…

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. NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government on Tuesday withdrew its appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta high court’s May 2024 judgment that struck down the inclusion of 77 communities, including 75 Muslim communities, in the state’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) list.The Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal after the state informed the court that the West Bengal Cabinet had decided not to pursue the appeal.A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana permitted the withdrawal after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, informed the court of the Cabinet’s decision.The appeal had originally been filed by the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. The withdrawal comes after the BJP assumed power in West Bengal following the 2026 Assembly elections.The West Bengal Backward Classes Commission also withdrew its separate appeal against the high court’s judgment.Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for some affected persons, sought liberty to pursue separate special leave petitions (SLPs).While allowing the withdrawals, the Supreme Court clarified that its order would not prevent any other aggrieved party from challenging the Calcutta high court judgment.On November 6, 2025, the apex court had directed that no further proceedings be held before the Calcutta high court in the matter while hearing multiple petitions challenging the verdict.In May 2024, the Calcutta high court struck down the inclusion of 77 communities in the state’s OBC list, holding that the reservation granted to them was legally unsustainable. Of the 77 communities, 75 were Muslim communities. The court observed that religion appeared to have been the sole criterion for granting OBC status and found legal infirmities in the identification process.The high court had quashed OBC status granted to 77 communities between April and September 2010. It had also struck down the inclusion of 37 additional classes under the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) Act, 2012.With the withdrawal of the state’s appeal, the challenge to the high court judgment will now continue only if pursued by other affected parties before the Supreme Court.Recently, the BJP-led West Bengal government discontinued religion-based categorisation under the earlier OBC framework and passed two Bills to restructure the state’s reservation policy in line with the high court’s judgment.Under the revised framework, the state retained only the 66 communities recognised through surveys conducted before 2010 and removed the 77 communities whose inclusion had been invalidated by the high court. It also reduced OBC reservation in government services and posts from 17% to 7% and restored the statutory role of the Backward Classes Commission in conducting surveys, examining applications for inclusion or exclusion of communities, and making recommendations to the state government.The government also regularised the 66 pre-2010 OBC communities, making them eligible for the revised 7% reservation quota in government jobs and services. The list includes communities such as Kapali, Kurmi, Karmakar, Sutradhar, Swarnakar, Napit, Tanti, Dhanuk, Kasai, Devanga and Goala, along with three Muslim communities: Paharia, Hajjam and Chowduli.(with inputs from PTI)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 MediaVideosAssam’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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | Watch123Photostories10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

. NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government on Tuesday withdrew its appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta high court’s May 2024 judgment that struck down the inclusion of 77 communities, including 75 Muslim communities, in the state’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) list.The Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal after the state informed the court that the West Bengal Cabinet had decided not to pursue the appeal.A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana permitted the withdrawal after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, informed the court of the Cabinet’s decision.The appeal had originally been filed by the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. The withdrawal comes after the BJP assumed power in West Bengal following the 2026 Assembly elections.The West Bengal Backward Classes Commission also withdrew its separate appeal against the high court’s judgment.Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for some affected persons, sought liberty to pursue separate special leave petitions (SLPs).While allowing the withdrawals, the Supreme Court clarified that its order would not prevent any other aggrieved party from challenging the Calcutta high court judgment.On November 6, 2025, the apex court had directed that no further proceedings be held before the Calcutta high court in the matter while hearing multiple petitions challenging the verdict.In May 2024, the Calcutta high court struck down the inclusion of 77 communities in the state’s OBC list, holding that the reservation granted to them was legally unsustainable. Of the 77 communities, 75 were Muslim communities. The court observed that religion appeared to have been the sole criterion for granting OBC status and found legal infirmities in the identification process.The high court had quashed OBC status granted to 77 communities between April and September 2010. It had also struck down the inclusion of 37 additional classes under the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) Act, 2012.With the withdrawal of the state’s appeal, the challenge to the high court judgment will now continue only if pursued by other affected parties before the Supreme Court.Recently, the BJP-led West Bengal government discontinued religion-based categorisation under the earlier OBC framework and passed two Bills to restructure the state’s reservation policy in line with the high court’s judgment.Under the revised framework, the state retained only the 66 communities recognised through surveys conducted before 2010 and removed the 77 communities whose inclusion had been invalidated by the high court. It also reduced OBC reservation in government services and posts from 17% to 7% and restored the statutory role of the Backward Classes Commission in conducting surveys, examining applications for inclusion or exclusion of communities, and making recommendations to the state government.The government also regularised the 66 pre-2010 OBC communities, making them eligible for the revised 7% reservation quota in government jobs and services. The list includes communities such as Kapali, Kurmi, Karmakar, Sutradhar, Swarnakar, Napit, Tanti, Dhanuk, Kasai, Devanga and Goala, along with three Muslim communities: Paharia, Hajjam and Chowduli.(with inputs from PTI)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 MediaVideosAssam’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 Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | Watch123Photostories10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government on Tuesday withdrew its appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta high court’s May 2024 judgment that struck down the inclusion of 77 communities, including 75 Muslim communities, in the state’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) list.The Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal after the state informed the court that…

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. NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday called for an artificial intelligence-driven economic transition that protects jobs, social security and human dignity, while Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) pressed for alternative economic models to tackle poverty, unequal wealth distribution and vulnerabilities faced by workers under the free-market system.At the inaugural session of the BRICS Trade Union Forum Summit 2026, labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya said India’s approach to global governance was rooted in its “Humanity First” philosophy and stressed that the gains from technology-led growth must reach workers on the shop floor.“The transition into a digital, AI-driven economy must remain worker-centric, equitable and protective of human dignity,” Mandaviya said. As technology reshapes industries, he added, the focus must shift towards universal social protection and digital inclusion.“True progress is achieved only when the benefits of growth extend directly to the shop floor,” the minister said.BMS, which organised the summit, said the global economic order must provide equitable labour rights and formal protection to workers at the last mile. The trade union forum will examine socioeconomic frameworks aimed at ensuring genuine poverty alleviation, representative decision-making and fairer distribution of wealth.BMS national president and summit chairperson Sunkari Mallesham said the prosperity of workers was inseparable from national and global progress. “When workers prosper, nations prosper. When nations cooperate, humanity prospers,” he said.The two-day summit has brought together over 46 international delegates and around 70 representatives of Indian trade unions, besides academics and labour experts. Delegates from Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, as well as representatives of the International Labour Organization, are participating in the deliberations.The summit will focus on four broad areas — universal social security, human-centric use of technology, future-ready skills and women’s participation in the changing world of work.Discussions on social security will examine the international portability of benefits for migrant and cross-border workers. The technology track will consider governance frameworks for the responsible and ethical adoption of AI at workplaces.Delegates will also discuss reskilling workers through partnerships among governments, employers and trade unions, besides measures to close gender gaps, ensure equal wages and increase women’s participation in emerging industries.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | WatchOne Indian Crew Member Killed As Iranian Missiles Strike UAE Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz’I’ll Commit Suicide’: Former CEC SY Quraishi Recalls PM Manmohan Singh’s Emotional CallIndia Launches UNSC 2028-29 Bid, Unveils SHANTI Vision For Global Leadership And Reform | Watch123PhotostoriesAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars6 relationship trends that could shape love and dating in 2026–2027: What the Rahu, Ketu & Uranus transits reveal123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

. NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday called for an artificial intelligence-driven economic transition that protects jobs, social security and human dignity, while Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) pressed for alternative economic models to tackle poverty, unequal wealth distribution and vulnerabilities faced by workers under the free-market system.At the inaugural session of the BRICS Trade Union Forum Summit 2026, labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya said India’s approach to global governance was rooted in its “Humanity First” philosophy and stressed that the gains from technology-led growth must reach workers on the shop floor.“The transition into a digital, AI-driven economy must remain worker-centric, equitable and protective of human dignity,” Mandaviya said. As technology reshapes industries, he added, the focus must shift towards universal social protection and digital inclusion.“True progress is achieved only when the benefits of growth extend directly to the shop floor,” the minister said.BMS, which organised the summit, said the global economic order must provide equitable labour rights and formal protection to workers at the last mile. The trade union forum will examine socioeconomic frameworks aimed at ensuring genuine poverty alleviation, representative decision-making and fairer distribution of wealth.BMS national president and summit chairperson Sunkari Mallesham said the prosperity of workers was inseparable from national and global progress. “When workers prosper, nations prosper. When nations cooperate, humanity prospers,” he said.The two-day summit has brought together over 46 international delegates and around 70 representatives of Indian trade unions, besides academics and labour experts. Delegates from Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, as well as representatives of the International Labour Organization, are participating in the deliberations.The summit will focus on four broad areas — universal social security, human-centric use of technology, future-ready skills and women’s participation in the changing world of work.Discussions on social security will examine the international portability of benefits for migrant and cross-border workers. The technology track will consider governance frameworks for the responsible and ethical adoption of AI at workplaces.Delegates will also discuss reskilling workers through partnerships among governments, employers and trade unions, besides measures to close gender gaps, ensure equal wages and increase women’s participation in emerging industries.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | WatchOne Indian Crew Member Killed As Iranian Missiles Strike UAE Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz’I’ll Commit Suicide’: Former CEC SY Quraishi Recalls PM Manmohan Singh’s Emotional CallIndia Launches UNSC 2028-29 Bid, Unveils SHANTI Vision For Global Leadership And Reform | Watch123PhotostoriesAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars6 relationship trends that could shape love and dating in 2026–2027: What the Rahu, Ketu & Uranus transits reveal123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday called for an artificial intelligence-driven economic transition that protects jobs, social security and human dignity, while Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) pressed for alternative economic models to tackle poverty, unequal wealth distribution and vulnerabilities faced by workers under the free-market system.At the inaugural session of the BRICS Trade Union Forum Summit…

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Evening news wrap: MEA condemns Iran’s attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers; SC orders separate namaz space near MP’s Bhojshala | India News

Evening news wrap: MEA condemns Iran’s attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers; SC orders separate namaz space near MP’s Bhojshala | India News

MEA condemns Iran’s attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers; SC orders separate namaz space near MP’s Bhojshala MEA condemns Iran’s attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers: India lodged a strong protest against Iran after attacks on two vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz left one Indian dead and another injured. SC orders…

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SC reprimanded Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up comedian Samay Raina and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani for failing to comply with its earlier directions, observing that they are self-styled youth icons.A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made the observation after being informed that Raina had not invited persons with disabilities to his show in compliance with its earlier order.”We have no reason to doubt that Samay Raina has taken the court for a ride. He is in brazen violation of statements/ undertakings given before this court. The misconduct is sought to be compounded by stating that a compliance affidavit was filed yesterday, however, no affidavit has been filed,” the bench said.The Chief Justice remarked that they appeared to believe that staying outside the country placed them beyond the court’s jurisdiction.”Let them suffer now. If this is not arrogance, then we have to change the Oxford dictionary also,” the bench added.Row over remarks on SMAThe Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by the Cure SMA India Foundation, which alleged that Raina made insensitive remarks about the high cost of treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and ridiculed a person with the condition.During the hearing, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing for the organisation, told the court that Raina had never contacted the foundation to invite its members to any of his shows.The plea also referred to jokes made by “India’s Got Latent” host Samay Raina and social media influencers Vipun Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar.Highlighting the need for stronger legal safeguards to protect the dignity of persons with disabilities, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to consider enacting a law to make derogatory remarks mocking persons with disabilities and rare genetic disorders a penal offence, on the lines of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Asking them to be mindful of their conduct in future, the bench directed Raina and the other comedians to hold two programmes or shows every month highlighting the success stories of persons with disabilities (PwDs) to raise funds for the treatment of persons with disabilities, particularly those suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).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 MediaVideosIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | WatchOne Indian Crew Member Killed As Iranian Missiles Strike UAE Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz’I’ll Commit Suicide’: Former CEC SY Quraishi Recalls PM Manmohan Singh’s Emotional CallIndia Launches UNSC 2028-29 Bid, Unveils SHANTI Vision For Global Leadership And Reform | Watch’I Will Bow At Every Door’: Narottam Mishra Gets Emotional, Chokes Up At BJP’s Datia Bypoll Rally123PhotostoriesHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars6 relationship trends that could shape love and dating in 2026–2027: What the Rahu, Ketu & Uranus transits revealKim Kardashian’s new beau Lewis Hamilton is among her ‘favourite people’: Inside the F1 star racer’s dating historyWant glass skin? Start sipping these 5 drinks every day for naturally healthy, glowing skin123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

SC reprimanded Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up comedian Samay Raina and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani for failing to comply with its earlier directions, observing that they are self-styled youth icons.A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made the observation after being informed that Raina had not invited persons with disabilities to his show in compliance with its earlier order.”We have no reason to doubt that Samay Raina has taken the court for a ride. He is in brazen violation of statements/ undertakings given before this court. The misconduct is sought to be compounded by stating that a compliance affidavit was filed yesterday, however, no affidavit has been filed,” the bench said.The Chief Justice remarked that they appeared to believe that staying outside the country placed them beyond the court’s jurisdiction.”Let them suffer now. If this is not arrogance, then we have to change the Oxford dictionary also,” the bench added.Row over remarks on SMAThe Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by the Cure SMA India Foundation, which alleged that Raina made insensitive remarks about the high cost of treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and ridiculed a person with the condition.During the hearing, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing for the organisation, told the court that Raina had never contacted the foundation to invite its members to any of his shows.The plea also referred to jokes made by “India’s Got Latent” host Samay Raina and social media influencers Vipun Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar.Highlighting the need for stronger legal safeguards to protect the dignity of persons with disabilities, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to consider enacting a law to make derogatory remarks mocking persons with disabilities and rare genetic disorders a penal offence, on the lines of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Asking them to be mindful of their conduct in future, the bench directed Raina and the other comedians to hold two programmes or shows every month highlighting the success stories of persons with disabilities (PwDs) to raise funds for the treatment of persons with disabilities, particularly those suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).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 MediaVideosIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | WatchOne Indian Crew Member Killed As Iranian Missiles Strike UAE Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz’I’ll Commit Suicide’: Former CEC SY Quraishi Recalls PM Manmohan Singh’s Emotional CallIndia Launches UNSC 2028-29 Bid, Unveils SHANTI Vision For Global Leadership And Reform | Watch’I Will Bow At Every Door’: Narottam Mishra Gets Emotional, Chokes Up At BJP’s Datia Bypoll Rally123PhotostoriesHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars6 relationship trends that could shape love and dating in 2026–2027: What the Rahu, Ketu & Uranus transits revealKim Kardashian’s new beau Lewis Hamilton is among her ‘favourite people’: Inside the F1 star racer’s dating historyWant glass skin? Start sipping these 5 drinks every day for naturally healthy, glowing skin123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

SC reprimanded Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up comedian Samay Raina and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani for failing to comply with its earlier directions, observing that they are self-styled youth icons.A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made the…

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MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday said the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are the result of Pakistan’s “decades-long systemic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights”. The MEA accused Islamabad of responding to public dissent with excessive force instead of addressing people’s grievances.The remarks were made by ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing, where he also responded to questions on several foreign policy issues, including the ongoing crisis in West Asia.Responding to a question on the protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Jaiswal said, “The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are a direct consequence of Pakistan’s decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative operation in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation. Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the local population, the Pakistani state has responded with excessive police brutality… We expect and hope that the international community will hold Pakistan fully accountable for these egregious abuses and misdeeds.”India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has repeatedly accused Pakistan of human rights violations and suppressing the rights of people living in the region.Besides the protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the MEA also responded to developments in West Asia.The MEA said it is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and called for safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on commercial vessels in the region.Randhir Jaiswal said India was deeply concerned over the attacks on two ships in which one Indian seafarer was killed.”We are closely following the developments in West Asia. We continue to call for safe and unimpeded navigation and the flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. This is key for ensuring the economic and energy security of people across the world,” he said.Government sources quoted by news agency ANI later said 13 Indians have been killed and three are missing in the Gulf region since February 28, 2026.On reports that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to return to Bangladesh later this year, Jaiswal said, “Regarding the statement or interview given by the former Bangladesh Prime Minister, there has been no change in our approach to this matter…Any extradition matter is a legal issue, and it will be dealt with accordingly.”Responding to a question on fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, he said, “… Legal proceedings in the matter are on. Once those legal proceedings are completed, then he will be extradited to India.”On the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) statement linking the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Jaiswal said, “We have noted the remarks made by the RCMP (The Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Deputy Commissioner. These remarks are consistent with the recently unsealed US indictment, which attributes responsibility to the members of the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group. India remains committed to working with our partners in combating terrorism and transnational organised crime through close law enforcement and security cooperation.”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 MediaVideosIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | WatchOne Indian Crew Member Killed As Iranian Missiles Strike UAE Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz’I’ll Commit Suicide’: Former CEC SY Quraishi Recalls PM Manmohan Singh’s Emotional CallIndia Launches UNSC 2028-29 Bid, Unveils SHANTI Vision For Global Leadership And Reform | Watch’I Will Bow At Every Door’: Narottam Mishra Gets Emotional, Chokes Up At BJP’s Datia Bypoll Rally123PhotostoriesHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars6 relationship trends that could shape love and dating in 2026–2027: What the Rahu, Ketu & Uranus transits revealKim Kardashian’s new beau Lewis Hamilton is among her ‘favourite people’: Inside the F1 star racer’s dating historyWant glass skin? Start sipping these 5 drinks every day for naturally healthy, glowing skin123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday said the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are the result of Pakistan’s “decades-long systemic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights”. The MEA accused Islamabad of responding to public dissent with excessive force instead of addressing people’s grievances.The remarks were made by ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing, where he also responded to questions on several foreign policy issues, including the ongoing crisis in West Asia.Responding to a question on the protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Jaiswal said, “The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are a direct consequence of Pakistan’s decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative operation in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation. Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the local population, the Pakistani state has responded with excessive police brutality… We expect and hope that the international community will hold Pakistan fully accountable for these egregious abuses and misdeeds.”India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has repeatedly accused Pakistan of human rights violations and suppressing the rights of people living in the region.Besides the protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the MEA also responded to developments in West Asia.The MEA said it is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and called for safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on commercial vessels in the region.Randhir Jaiswal said India was deeply concerned over the attacks on two ships in which one Indian seafarer was killed.”We are closely following the developments in West Asia. We continue to call for safe and unimpeded navigation and the flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. This is key for ensuring the economic and energy security of people across the world,” he said.Government sources quoted by news agency ANI later said 13 Indians have been killed and three are missing in the Gulf region since February 28, 2026.On reports that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to return to Bangladesh later this year, Jaiswal said, “Regarding the statement or interview given by the former Bangladesh Prime Minister, there has been no change in our approach to this matter…Any extradition matter is a legal issue, and it will be dealt with accordingly.”Responding to a question on fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, he said, “… Legal proceedings in the matter are on. Once those legal proceedings are completed, then he will be extradited to India.”On the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) statement linking the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Jaiswal said, “We have noted the remarks made by the RCMP (The Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Deputy Commissioner. These remarks are consistent with the recently unsealed US indictment, which attributes responsibility to the members of the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group. India remains committed to working with our partners in combating terrorism and transnational organised crime through close law enforcement and security cooperation.”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 MediaVideosIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | WatchOne Indian Crew Member Killed As Iranian Missiles Strike UAE Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz’I’ll Commit Suicide’: Former CEC SY Quraishi Recalls PM Manmohan Singh’s Emotional CallIndia Launches UNSC 2028-29 Bid, Unveils SHANTI Vision For Global Leadership And Reform | Watch’I Will Bow At Every Door’: Narottam Mishra Gets Emotional, Chokes Up At BJP’s Datia Bypoll Rally123PhotostoriesHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars6 relationship trends that could shape love and dating in 2026–2027: What the Rahu, Ketu & Uranus transits revealKim Kardashian’s new beau Lewis Hamilton is among her ‘favourite people’: Inside the F1 star racer’s dating historyWant glass skin? Start sipping these 5 drinks every day for naturally healthy, glowing skin123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday said the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are the result of Pakistan’s “decades-long systemic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights”. The MEA accused Islamabad of responding to public dissent with excessive force instead of addressing people’s grievances.The remarks were made by ministry of external…

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AR Rahman electrifies Washington with the National Symphony Orchestra on the heels of America @ 250 | India News

AR Rahman electrifies Washington with the National Symphony Orchestra on the heels of America @ 250 | India News

AR Rahman had a electrifying performance with the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap (File photo) There are moments in music when a performance becomes more than entertainment. It becomes a reminder of what humanity and genius can achieve when cultures do not compete for dominance but instead find harmony through understanding. AR Rahman’s electrifying…

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