July 24, 2026

India

‘Political vendetta’: Congress vows to block Bill seeking automatic removal of PM, CMs after 30 days in jail | India News

‘Political vendetta’: Congress vows to block Bill seeking automatic removal of PM, CMs after 30 days in jail | India News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The Congress on Sunday said it would ‘strongly oppose’ the proposed Constitution amendment Bill that seeks the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, chief ministers and ministers if they remain in judicial custody for 30 consecutive days in cases involving serious criminal offences.The party also expressed confidence that the BJP-led government would fail to secure…

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Ram Temple in Ayodhya NEW DELHI: Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas has urged the Centre to reconsider its decision to keep the Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya, outside the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.In a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah dated July 4, Brittas argued that bringing the trust under the RTI Act would “serve the interest of transparency and public accountability.” Watch ‘Unfortunate, We Are All Hurt’: RSS Issues First Statement On Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Donation Theft’The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is at the centre of a controversy over the alleged embezzlement of donations offered by devotees at the Ram Temple.Brittas noted that after the Supreme Court’s November 2019 Ayodhya verdict, that paved the way for the Ram Temple’s construction, the Centre framed the scheme governing the Trust, constituted it through a gazette notification, and vested it with the acquired land. He also highlighted that 12 of its 15 members were initially nominated by the government.Referring to the Central Information Commission’s (CIC) June 6, 2025, order holding that the Trust is not a “public authority” under the RTI Act, he argued that the decision relied largely on the Union home ministry’s stand and urged the ministry to review its position.The Rajya Sabha member contended that the Centre’s argument that the Trust was not “established or constituted” by a government notification simply because the notification was issued in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions deserved reconsideration. He pointed out that Section 2(h)(d) of the RTI Act makes no distinction between a notification issued independently by the government and one issued pursuant to a judicial direction.He also highlighted the Trust’s governing framework, which includes serving IAS officers representing the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, reflecting the government’s continuing institutional association with its administration.”While these representatives may not enjoy voting rights, their statutory inclusion in the governing framework reflects the public character of the institution and the Government’s continuing institutional association with its administration,” Brittas wrote.He argued that the governmental presence cannot be ignored in determining whether the Trust should be subject to the RTI Act.”The public character of the Trust also arises from the nature of the functions entrusted to it. It administers one of the country’s most revered religious institutions, manages land acquired under a Parliamentary enactment and vested through government notification, and receives contributions from millions of devotees across India and abroad,” he said.The CPM leader argued that the “extraordinary confidence” reposed in the Trust by the public carries an equally compelling expectation of transparency.Drawing a parallel with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Brittas maintained that institutional autonomy and public accountability are not mutually exclusive, noting that religious bodies established under statutory or governmental frameworks continue to enjoy autonomy in religious matters while operating within transparent administrative and financial systems.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGovt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying Separatists123Photostories5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knewInside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s fairytale wedding with emotional vows, first kiss and star-studded celebrationFoods Indians eat today that actually arrived from other countries: 8 everyday staples with global origins123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Ram Temple in Ayodhya NEW DELHI: Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas has urged the Centre to reconsider its decision to keep the Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya, outside the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.In a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah dated July 4, Brittas argued that bringing the trust under the RTI Act would “serve the interest of transparency and public accountability.” Watch ‘Unfortunate, We Are All Hurt’: RSS Issues First Statement On Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Donation Theft’The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is at the centre of a controversy over the alleged embezzlement of donations offered by devotees at the Ram Temple.Brittas noted that after the Supreme Court’s November 2019 Ayodhya verdict, that paved the way for the Ram Temple’s construction, the Centre framed the scheme governing the Trust, constituted it through a gazette notification, and vested it with the acquired land. He also highlighted that 12 of its 15 members were initially nominated by the government.Referring to the Central Information Commission’s (CIC) June 6, 2025, order holding that the Trust is not a “public authority” under the RTI Act, he argued that the decision relied largely on the Union home ministry’s stand and urged the ministry to review its position.The Rajya Sabha member contended that the Centre’s argument that the Trust was not “established or constituted” by a government notification simply because the notification was issued in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions deserved reconsideration. He pointed out that Section 2(h)(d) of the RTI Act makes no distinction between a notification issued independently by the government and one issued pursuant to a judicial direction.He also highlighted the Trust’s governing framework, which includes serving IAS officers representing the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, reflecting the government’s continuing institutional association with its administration.”While these representatives may not enjoy voting rights, their statutory inclusion in the governing framework reflects the public character of the institution and the Government’s continuing institutional association with its administration,” Brittas wrote.He argued that the governmental presence cannot be ignored in determining whether the Trust should be subject to the RTI Act.”The public character of the Trust also arises from the nature of the functions entrusted to it. It administers one of the country’s most revered religious institutions, manages land acquired under a Parliamentary enactment and vested through government notification, and receives contributions from millions of devotees across India and abroad,” he said.The CPM leader argued that the “extraordinary confidence” reposed in the Trust by the public carries an equally compelling expectation of transparency.Drawing a parallel with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Brittas maintained that institutional autonomy and public accountability are not mutually exclusive, noting that religious bodies established under statutory or governmental frameworks continue to enjoy autonomy in religious matters while operating within transparent administrative and financial systems.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGovt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying Separatists123Photostories5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knewInside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s fairytale wedding with emotional vows, first kiss and star-studded celebrationFoods Indians eat today that actually arrived from other countries: 8 everyday staples with global origins123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas has urged the Centre to reconsider its decision to keep the Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya, outside the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.In a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah dated July…

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Chirag Paswan (File photo) NEW DELHI: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday said the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) plans to contest the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, adding that the party’s central parliamentary board would give the final approval in this regard.”LJP (Ram Vilas) intends to contest elections in Uttar Pradesh. The nature of the alliance, its form and the number of seats on which we will contest will be decided by the state unit. The final approval will be given by the central parliamentary board,” Paswan told reporters in Lucknow.He said the party was focused on expanding its organisational base across the country, including in Uttar Pradesh.”In the coming days, the party is moving forward with the vision of expansion. We are working to strengthen the organisation across the country. With the same vision, the party aims to strengthen its organisation in Uttar Pradesh as well,” he added.Uttar Pradesh has been governed by the BJP since 2017. LJP (Ram Vilas) is a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre and in Bihar.The BJP will seek a third consecutive term in the state when Uttar Pradesh goes to the polls in February-March 2027.Meanwhile, Paswan also announced that LJP (Ram Vilas) would celebrate the birth anniversary of its founder, Ram Vilas Paswan, in Lucknow this year.”Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has taken this decision that the birth anniversary celebration of our party’s founder, my father Ram Vilas Paswan, will be observed this year in Lucknow,” Paswan announced.Ram Vilas Paswan died in October 2020, aged 74, after a prolonged illness and heart surgery. He served as Union minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution in the Narendra Modi government and had also held ministerial positions in previous NDA governments.(With ANI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knew123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Chirag Paswan (File photo) NEW DELHI: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday said the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) plans to contest the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, adding that the party’s central parliamentary board would give the final approval in this regard.”LJP (Ram Vilas) intends to contest elections in Uttar Pradesh. The nature of the alliance, its form and the number of seats on which we will contest will be decided by the state unit. The final approval will be given by the central parliamentary board,” Paswan told reporters in Lucknow.He said the party was focused on expanding its organisational base across the country, including in Uttar Pradesh.”In the coming days, the party is moving forward with the vision of expansion. We are working to strengthen the organisation across the country. With the same vision, the party aims to strengthen its organisation in Uttar Pradesh as well,” he added.Uttar Pradesh has been governed by the BJP since 2017. LJP (Ram Vilas) is a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre and in Bihar.The BJP will seek a third consecutive term in the state when Uttar Pradesh goes to the polls in February-March 2027.Meanwhile, Paswan also announced that LJP (Ram Vilas) would celebrate the birth anniversary of its founder, Ram Vilas Paswan, in Lucknow this year.”Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has taken this decision that the birth anniversary celebration of our party’s founder, my father Ram Vilas Paswan, will be observed this year in Lucknow,” Paswan announced.Ram Vilas Paswan died in October 2020, aged 74, after a prolonged illness and heart surgery. He served as Union minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution in the Narendra Modi government and had also held ministerial positions in previous NDA governments.(With ANI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knew123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Chirag Paswan (File photo) NEW DELHI: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday said the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) plans to contest the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, adding that the party’s central parliamentary board would give the final approval in this regard.“LJP (Ram Vilas) intends to contest elections in Uttar Pradesh. The nature of…

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Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini NEW DELHI: BJP leader and Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday expressed confidence that the party would come to power in Punjab after the February 2027 assembly elections and ruled out entering into an alliance for the polls.Saini has been campaigning extensively in Punjab, Haryana’s neighbouring state.”The BJP will form the government in Punjab under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Our alliance is with the people of Punjab, and they want the state to be strong and prosperous,” he told reporters in Jalandhar.The BJP’s long-time ally in Punjab, the Shiromani Akali Dal, ended its alliance with the saffron party in 2020 in protest against the farm laws introduced by the BJP-led Centre.On the reported infighting in the Punjab Congress, Saini claimed internal discord was in the grand old party’s “DNA”.Targeting both the Congress and the AAP, he accused them of failing to fulfil their poll promises after coming to power.”Before elections, the Congress made tall promises to people, but it failed to deliver on them after coming to power. So, people ousted them.”Later, the AAP came to power, but they also failed to fulfil the tall promises they made. They made 56 promises. I want to tell Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal to issue a white paper on how many promises they fulfilled.”Saini alleged that the AAP had misled voters and claimed Punjab’s youth continued to grapple with drug abuse and unemployment. He also accused the government of failing to fulfil its promises to farmers and asserted that the people now wanted a “double-engine” government in the state.Earlier, addressing a gathering in Pathankot at a programme held on the eve of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary, Saini renewed his attack on the AAP government.”Today, every section of society feels let down in Punjab. Promises of employment were made to the youth, but many young people are now trapped in drug addiction.”Punjab’s farmers were promised prosperity and better returns, yet they continue to struggle for fair prices for their produce. In contrast, Haryana has become the first state in the country where all 24 crops are being procured at the minimum support price (MSP).”He further claimed the AAP had failed to deliver on its promise of financial assistance for women, contrasting it with Haryana’s scheme under which women receive Rs 2,100 per month.Saini asserted that the BJP was seeking an opportunity to serve Punjab and expressed confidence that, with public support, the state would once again become “Rangla Punjab”, calling it a fitting tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee and a step towards a “Viksit Bharat”.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123Photostories5 grasslands in India where the monsoon feels magical5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t know123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini NEW DELHI: BJP leader and Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday expressed confidence that the party would come to power in Punjab after the February 2027 assembly elections and ruled out entering into an alliance for the polls.Saini has been campaigning extensively in Punjab, Haryana’s neighbouring state.”The BJP will form the government in Punjab under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Our alliance is with the people of Punjab, and they want the state to be strong and prosperous,” he told reporters in Jalandhar.The BJP’s long-time ally in Punjab, the Shiromani Akali Dal, ended its alliance with the saffron party in 2020 in protest against the farm laws introduced by the BJP-led Centre.On the reported infighting in the Punjab Congress, Saini claimed internal discord was in the grand old party’s “DNA”.Targeting both the Congress and the AAP, he accused them of failing to fulfil their poll promises after coming to power.”Before elections, the Congress made tall promises to people, but it failed to deliver on them after coming to power. So, people ousted them.”Later, the AAP came to power, but they also failed to fulfil the tall promises they made. They made 56 promises. I want to tell Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal to issue a white paper on how many promises they fulfilled.”Saini alleged that the AAP had misled voters and claimed Punjab’s youth continued to grapple with drug abuse and unemployment. He also accused the government of failing to fulfil its promises to farmers and asserted that the people now wanted a “double-engine” government in the state.Earlier, addressing a gathering in Pathankot at a programme held on the eve of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary, Saini renewed his attack on the AAP government.”Today, every section of society feels let down in Punjab. Promises of employment were made to the youth, but many young people are now trapped in drug addiction.”Punjab’s farmers were promised prosperity and better returns, yet they continue to struggle for fair prices for their produce. In contrast, Haryana has become the first state in the country where all 24 crops are being procured at the minimum support price (MSP).”He further claimed the AAP had failed to deliver on its promise of financial assistance for women, contrasting it with Haryana’s scheme under which women receive Rs 2,100 per month.Saini asserted that the BJP was seeking an opportunity to serve Punjab and expressed confidence that, with public support, the state would once again become “Rangla Punjab”, calling it a fitting tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee and a step towards a “Viksit Bharat”.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123Photostories5 grasslands in India where the monsoon feels magical5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t know123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini NEW DELHI: BJP leader and Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday expressed confidence that the party would come to power in Punjab after the February 2027 assembly elections and ruled out entering into an alliance for the polls.Saini has been campaigning extensively in Punjab, Haryana’s neighbouring state.“The BJP…

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EC asks Kavitha’s TRS to suggest new party name after objections | India News

EC asks Kavitha’s TRS to suggest new party name after objections | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Election Commission has asked K Kavitha’s Telangana Rakshana Sena to consider alternative names The Election Commission has asked K Kavitha’s Telangana Rakshana Sena to consider alternative names after receiving objections to the party’s proposed acronym, TRS, according to party sources.Although the poll body received hundreds of objections during the registration process, it has so…

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Uddhav targets BJP over Ayodhya donation row, seeks impartial probe NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, claiming that ‘those looting Hindus are in power’ and demanding an impartial investigation into the case.Addressing the party’s ‘Ram Raksha’ agitation outside the Hanuman Temple in Mumbai’s Dadar, where party workers recited the Hanuman Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa, Thackeray said those accused of misusing Hindutva should face strict action.”If anyone loots a temple by misusing Hindutva, then Hindus will not spare them,” he said.Wearing a saffron kurta, Thackeray alleged that those responsible for protecting Hindu interests were themselves involved in wrongdoing.”It is unfortunate that those looting Hindus are in power. A robber cannot be asked to probe his robbery. It has to be done impartially,” he said.Referring to the BJP’s long-standing slogan on temple issues, Thackeray said he was concerned about what could happen in other religious places.”They say Ayodhya was a trailer, and Kashi and Mathura are yet to come; I am worried about the loot there,” he said.He also asserted that Hindus would not tolerate corruption carried out in the name of religion.”We are fierce, innocent, nation-loving Hindus, but not fools,” Thackeray said.The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further said that Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had awakened Hindus, but claimed that they were now being ‘hypnotised’.The remarks come amid continuing political controversy over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.The alleged financial irregularities came to light on June 7. Following a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Uttar Pradesh Police registered an FIR on June 25 and began a detailed investigation into the case.So far, eight people associated with the temple’s donation collection and counting process have been arrested, while the SIT continues to investigate the alleged embezzlement and examine the handling of devotees’ offerings.The controversy also prompted Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra to resign, taking moral responsibility for the incident. The Trust has said it is committed to ensuring a fair investigation and maintaining the faith of devotees.The Ayodhya case has also triggered wider scrutiny over the management of temple donations, with authorities in Uttarakhand recently ordering an inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the handling of offerings at Shri Badrinath Dham.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123Photostories5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanship123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Uddhav targets BJP over Ayodhya donation row, seeks impartial probe NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, claiming that ‘those looting Hindus are in power’ and demanding an impartial investigation into the case.Addressing the party’s ‘Ram Raksha’ agitation outside the Hanuman Temple in Mumbai’s Dadar, where party workers recited the Hanuman Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa, Thackeray said those accused of misusing Hindutva should face strict action.”If anyone loots a temple by misusing Hindutva, then Hindus will not spare them,” he said.Wearing a saffron kurta, Thackeray alleged that those responsible for protecting Hindu interests were themselves involved in wrongdoing.”It is unfortunate that those looting Hindus are in power. A robber cannot be asked to probe his robbery. It has to be done impartially,” he said.Referring to the BJP’s long-standing slogan on temple issues, Thackeray said he was concerned about what could happen in other religious places.”They say Ayodhya was a trailer, and Kashi and Mathura are yet to come; I am worried about the loot there,” he said.He also asserted that Hindus would not tolerate corruption carried out in the name of religion.”We are fierce, innocent, nation-loving Hindus, but not fools,” Thackeray said.The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further said that Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had awakened Hindus, but claimed that they were now being ‘hypnotised’.The remarks come amid continuing political controversy over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.The alleged financial irregularities came to light on June 7. Following a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Uttar Pradesh Police registered an FIR on June 25 and began a detailed investigation into the case.So far, eight people associated with the temple’s donation collection and counting process have been arrested, while the SIT continues to investigate the alleged embezzlement and examine the handling of devotees’ offerings.The controversy also prompted Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra to resign, taking moral responsibility for the incident. The Trust has said it is committed to ensuring a fair investigation and maintaining the faith of devotees.The Ayodhya case has also triggered wider scrutiny over the management of temple donations, with authorities in Uttarakhand recently ordering an inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the handling of offerings at Shri Badrinath Dham.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123Photostories5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanship123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Uddhav targets BJP over Ayodhya donation row, seeks impartial probe NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, claiming that ‘those looting Hindus are in power’ and demanding an impartial investigation into…

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Badrinath-Kedarnath under scanner: Temple Committee forms four-member panel to probe into donation theft claims NEW DELHI: The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) on Sunday constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations of irregularities in the handling of pilgrims’ offerings and donations at Shri Badrinath Dham after the claims surfaced on social media.BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said the committee was constituted by BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi to ensure an impartial and fact-based investigation into the allegations. He said the panel has been directed to examine all available evidence and submit its report within seven days.Rangad said the inquiry committee will conduct a detailed investigation based on CCTV footage from the temple premises, statements of the concerned employees and other available evidence.The development comes amid heightened scrutiny over the handling of temple donations following the alleged embezzlement of offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, where a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing alleged financial irregularities.According to Rangad, the BKTC took cognisance of the allegations circulating on social media on July 2. CCTV footage from the temple premises was examined, but the available footage was not entirely clear.Given the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, the BKTC chairman was immediately informed and explanations were sought from the employees concerned.Rangad said that if anyone is found guilty in the inquiry committee’s report, strict departmental and legal action will be initiated under the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939 and the applicable employee conduct rules.He also appealed to devotees and the public not to circulate unverified or misleading information until the inquiry is completed, saying the matter concerns one of the country’s holiest pilgrimage sites and the faith of millions of devotees.The issue has also triggered a political row in Uttarakhand.State Congress president Ganesh Godiyal described the allegations as serious and demanded strict action against those found guilty. He said followers of the Sanatan faith had been hurt by allegations of corruption, first at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and now at Badrinath Dham.On Saturday, Godiyal, along with Congress workers, staged a silent protest at the Bagnath Temple complex in Bageshwar over the alleged irregularities in offerings and donations at both the Ram Temple and Badrinath Temple.Earlier on Friday, BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi had clarified that the employee being referred to on social media as his ‘personal secretary’ was not his personal secretary but a regular government employee of the temple committee who had earlier served as a personal assistant to three former BKTC chairmen.Dwivedi had said that strict action would be taken if the allegations were found to be true during the inquiry.What is the case? The controversy began after a social organisation, Bhairav Sena Sangathan, alleged theft of donations and offerings at the Badrinath temple and urged the BKTC to examine CCTV footage to verify the claims.In a letter to BKTC CEO Sohan Singh Rangad, the organisation alleged that a temple committee employee was involved in the alleged irregularities and claimed the matter had earlier been brought to the chairman’s notice.Following the complaint, the BKTC ordered an inquiry and initiated a review of CCTV footage from the temple premises.Officials have said donations at Badrinath and Kedarnath are counted through a structured process involving temple committee staff, bank officials and verified volunteers before being deposited with banks.The allegations surfaced just days after the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya triggered a separate investigation.In the Ayodhya case, Uttar Pradesh Police are probing alleged financial irregularities after an FIR was registered on June 25. A local court has remanded the accused to judicial custody, while the SIT has been granted additional time to expand its investigation.The controversy also led to the resignation of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, who stepped down taking moral responsibility for the incident. The Trust has said it is committed to ensuring a fair investigation and maintaining the faith of devotees.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123Photostories5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanship123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Badrinath-Kedarnath under scanner: Temple Committee forms four-member panel to probe into donation theft claims NEW DELHI: The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) on Sunday constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations of irregularities in the handling of pilgrims’ offerings and donations at Shri Badrinath Dham after the claims surfaced on social media.BKTC Chief Executive Officer Sohan Singh Rangad said the committee was constituted by BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi to ensure an impartial and fact-based investigation into the allegations. He said the panel has been directed to examine all available evidence and submit its report within seven days.Rangad said the inquiry committee will conduct a detailed investigation based on CCTV footage from the temple premises, statements of the concerned employees and other available evidence.The development comes amid heightened scrutiny over the handling of temple donations following the alleged embezzlement of offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, where a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing alleged financial irregularities.According to Rangad, the BKTC took cognisance of the allegations circulating on social media on July 2. CCTV footage from the temple premises was examined, but the available footage was not entirely clear.Given the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, the BKTC chairman was immediately informed and explanations were sought from the employees concerned.Rangad said that if anyone is found guilty in the inquiry committee’s report, strict departmental and legal action will be initiated under the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939 and the applicable employee conduct rules.He also appealed to devotees and the public not to circulate unverified or misleading information until the inquiry is completed, saying the matter concerns one of the country’s holiest pilgrimage sites and the faith of millions of devotees.The issue has also triggered a political row in Uttarakhand.State Congress president Ganesh Godiyal described the allegations as serious and demanded strict action against those found guilty. He said followers of the Sanatan faith had been hurt by allegations of corruption, first at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and now at Badrinath Dham.On Saturday, Godiyal, along with Congress workers, staged a silent protest at the Bagnath Temple complex in Bageshwar over the alleged irregularities in offerings and donations at both the Ram Temple and Badrinath Temple.Earlier on Friday, BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi had clarified that the employee being referred to on social media as his ‘personal secretary’ was not his personal secretary but a regular government employee of the temple committee who had earlier served as a personal assistant to three former BKTC chairmen.Dwivedi had said that strict action would be taken if the allegations were found to be true during the inquiry.What is the case? The controversy began after a social organisation, Bhairav Sena Sangathan, alleged theft of donations and offerings at the Badrinath temple and urged the BKTC to examine CCTV footage to verify the claims.In a letter to BKTC CEO Sohan Singh Rangad, the organisation alleged that a temple committee employee was involved in the alleged irregularities and claimed the matter had earlier been brought to the chairman’s notice.Following the complaint, the BKTC ordered an inquiry and initiated a review of CCTV footage from the temple premises.Officials have said donations at Badrinath and Kedarnath are counted through a structured process involving temple committee staff, bank officials and verified volunteers before being deposited with banks.The allegations surfaced just days after the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya triggered a separate investigation.In the Ayodhya case, Uttar Pradesh Police are probing alleged financial irregularities after an FIR was registered on June 25. A local court has remanded the accused to judicial custody, while the SIT has been granted additional time to expand its investigation.The controversy also led to the resignation of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, who stepped down taking moral responsibility for the incident. The Trust has said it is committed to ensuring a fair investigation and maintaining the faith of devotees.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123Photostories5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanship123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Badrinath-Kedarnath under scanner: Temple Committee forms four-member panel to probe into donation theft claims NEW DELHI: The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) on Sunday constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations of irregularities in the handling of pilgrims’ offerings and donations at Shri Badrinath Dham after the claims surfaced on social media.BKTC Chief Executive Officer…

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Ram Temple probe finds donation thefts peaked during the Maha Kumbh despite repeated warnings that allegedly went unheeded.A newlywed woman and her alleged lover were arrested for murdering her husband and dumping his body in a Haryana canal.Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the inquiry report against Justice Yashwant Varma will be tabled in Parliament this session.Three of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s sons led funeral prayers in Tehran as successor Mojtaba Khamenei remained out of public view.Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor will make his electoral debut by contesting the upcoming Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar.Here are the top stories of the day:Temple trust ignored repeated warnings? Ram Mandir donation thefts surged during Maha KumbhA probe into the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement has found that thefts peaked during the Maha Kumbh despite repeated warnings to the temple trust about suspected “donation chori”. Investigators believe eight people were involved, with donation counter employee Avinash Shukla emerging as the alleged key figure. The Uttar Pradesh government has extended the Special Investigation Team’s deadline to July 15 as the inquiry continues. Read full story. Watch Prashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateNewlywed, lover held for husband’s murder; body dumped in canalPolice in Haryana have arrested a newly married woman and her alleged lover for allegedly murdering her husband and dumping his body in a canal. Investigators said the woman was unhappy with her marriage and allegedly conspired with her partner to kill the victim. The body was recovered after an investigation, with police claiming the accused confessed during questioning. Read full story.Successor out of sight: Three of Ali Khamenei’s sons attend funeral, Mojtaba stays awayThree sons of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led funeral prayers in Tehran, while his successor and son, Mojtaba Khamenei, remained absent from public view. Iranian authorities cited security concerns amid assassination threats. His continued absence has drawn global attention as Iran begins a week-long series of funeral ceremonies following Khamenei’s killing. Read full story.Prashant Kishor set for electoral debut in Bihar bypollPolitical strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor will make his electoral debut after his Jan Suraaj Party announced him as its candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar. The contest marks the 48-year-old’s first attempt to seek elected office after years of advising political parties, making the bypoll a closely watched test of his political appeal ahead of the 2026 Bihar Assembly elections. Read full story.Justice Varma inquiry report to be tabled this session, says Om BirlaLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the inquiry report of the three-member committee against Justice Yashwant Varma will be tabled in Lok Sabha in the monsoon session. The report follows allegations linked to the discovery of burnt cash at the judge’s official residence. The development marks the next step in the parliamentary process as lawmakers prepare to examine the findings and decide on further action. Read full story.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123Photostories5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanship123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Ram Temple probe finds donation thefts peaked during the Maha Kumbh despite repeated warnings that allegedly went unheeded.A newlywed woman and her alleged lover were arrested for murdering her husband and dumping his body in a Haryana canal.Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the inquiry report against Justice Yashwant Varma will be tabled in Parliament this session.Three of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s sons led funeral prayers in Tehran as successor Mojtaba Khamenei remained out of public view.Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor will make his electoral debut by contesting the upcoming Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar.Here are the top stories of the day:Temple trust ignored repeated warnings? Ram Mandir donation thefts surged during Maha KumbhA probe into the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement has found that thefts peaked during the Maha Kumbh despite repeated warnings to the temple trust about suspected “donation chori”. Investigators believe eight people were involved, with donation counter employee Avinash Shukla emerging as the alleged key figure. The Uttar Pradesh government has extended the Special Investigation Team’s deadline to July 15 as the inquiry continues. Read full story. Watch Prashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateNewlywed, lover held for husband’s murder; body dumped in canalPolice in Haryana have arrested a newly married woman and her alleged lover for allegedly murdering her husband and dumping his body in a canal. Investigators said the woman was unhappy with her marriage and allegedly conspired with her partner to kill the victim. The body was recovered after an investigation, with police claiming the accused confessed during questioning. Read full story.Successor out of sight: Three of Ali Khamenei’s sons attend funeral, Mojtaba stays awayThree sons of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led funeral prayers in Tehran, while his successor and son, Mojtaba Khamenei, remained absent from public view. Iranian authorities cited security concerns amid assassination threats. His continued absence has drawn global attention as Iran begins a week-long series of funeral ceremonies following Khamenei’s killing. Read full story.Prashant Kishor set for electoral debut in Bihar bypollPolitical strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor will make his electoral debut after his Jan Suraaj Party announced him as its candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar. The contest marks the 48-year-old’s first attempt to seek elected office after years of advising political parties, making the bypoll a closely watched test of his political appeal ahead of the 2026 Bihar Assembly elections. Read full story.Justice Varma inquiry report to be tabled this session, says Om BirlaLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the inquiry report of the three-member committee against Justice Yashwant Varma will be tabled in Lok Sabha in the monsoon session. The report follows allegations linked to the discovery of burnt cash at the judge’s official residence. The development marks the next step in the parliamentary process as lawmakers prepare to examine the findings and decide on further action. Read full story.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123Photostories5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanship123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Ram Temple probe finds donation thefts peaked during the Maha Kumbh despite repeated warnings that allegedly went unheeded. A newlywed woman and her alleged lover were arrested for murdering her husband and dumping his body in a Haryana canal. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the inquiry report against Justice Yashwant Varma will be tabled…

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All 13 diverted flights were later able to return and land safely in Mumba. NEW DELHI: Heavy rain and strong winds wreaked havoc across Mumbai on Sunday, disrupting air travel, claiming a life and triggering fresh political sparring over the city’s monsoon preparedness. Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were severely affected after runway operations were suspended for about an hour, while the India Meteorological Department retained a red alert, warning of more intense rainfall.Flight operations hit Heavy rain and gusty winds forced Mumbai International Airport to suspend runway operations between 10.17 am and 11.17 am, disrupting both arrivals and departures.The weather forced the cancellation of four IndiGo flights and the diversion of 13 incoming aircraft operated by different airlines. All the diverted flights later returned to Mumbai and landed safely after conditions improved, according to sources.The airport operator said the suspension was necessary to ensure operational safety.”At approximately 10.17 am, adverse weather conditions, including strong gusty winds of up to 42 knots and reduced visibility due to heavy rain, impacted runway operations.”It added that runway operations were “temporarily suspended” to ensure the safety of passengers, aircraft and ground personnel before normal services resumed about an hour later.Delays mount across airportThe disruption left passengers stranded as delays spread across the airport. According to Flightradar24, around 90% of departing flights were delayed by an average of 65 to 75 minutes, while between 45% and 62% of arriving flights were running late, depending on the time of the data update. The airport operator did not disclose the total number of delayed or cancelled flights.Air Traffic Control sources said Mumbai airport handles between 980 and 1,000 flights every day, averaging around 48 aircraft movements every hour, comprising 24 arrivals and 24 departures.IndiGo cancels four servicesAccording to sources, the cancelled IndiGo flights were 6E 395 from Delhi to Mumbai, 6E 5273 from Mumbai to Indore, 6E 552 from Indore to Mumbai and 6E 6613 from Mumbai to Delhi.The airline said it was monitoring the evolving weather situation.”Bad weather over Delhi and Mumbai has impacted flight schedule. We are closely monitoring the weather….we request you that you stay updated on your flight status,”IndiGo, however, did not specifically mention the four cancelled services in its statement.Heavy rain turns fatalThe relentless rainfall also claimed a life in Kurla. A 63-year-old man, identified as Yunus Kundawala, died after a tree collapsed onto a shop near the Hindi BMC School at Gomes Gown Building in Kamani, Kurla West.The incident was reported at around 12.40 pm. Kundawala was taken to Fauzia Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.Congress attacks BJP over civic infrastructureThe heavy rain also reignited the political battle over Mumbai’s civic infrastructure.Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad accused the BJP of being responsible for the city’s deteriorating infrastructure, arguing that the party could not evade responsibility after effectively controlling the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for nearly three decades.She said the BJP had governed the civic body for 25 years in alliance with the Shiv Sena and had continued to wield influence through the administrator appointed after civic elections were not held from 2022.”The BJP has looted Mumbai while filling its own coffers. It cannot shirk responsibility for the city’s decline,” she alleged.Gaikwad questioned the BMC’s annual expenditure of more than Rs 100 crore on drain desilting, saying even brief spells of rain continued to leave roads waterlogged, trees uprooted, residential societies flooded and traffic paralysed despite repeated assurances that monsoon preparedness was “100 per cent complete”.She also criticised the civic administration, alleging the mayor appeared “more occupied with making reels”, while claiming the municipal commissioner had failed to deliver meaningful work.IMD keeps red alert in placeMumbai remained under a red alert as monsoon activity intensified across several parts of the country.The India Meteorological Department warned of continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the city, while rain also affected parts of Delhi and prompted weather alerts in Kerala, Odisha and Jharkhand.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123Photostories5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanship123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

All 13 diverted flights were later able to return and land safely in Mumba. NEW DELHI: Heavy rain and strong winds wreaked havoc across Mumbai on Sunday, disrupting air travel, claiming a life and triggering fresh political sparring over the city’s monsoon preparedness. Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were severely affected after runway operations were suspended for about an hour, while the India Meteorological Department retained a red alert, warning of more intense rainfall.Flight operations hit Heavy rain and gusty winds forced Mumbai International Airport to suspend runway operations between 10.17 am and 11.17 am, disrupting both arrivals and departures.The weather forced the cancellation of four IndiGo flights and the diversion of 13 incoming aircraft operated by different airlines. All the diverted flights later returned to Mumbai and landed safely after conditions improved, according to sources.The airport operator said the suspension was necessary to ensure operational safety.”At approximately 10.17 am, adverse weather conditions, including strong gusty winds of up to 42 knots and reduced visibility due to heavy rain, impacted runway operations.”It added that runway operations were “temporarily suspended” to ensure the safety of passengers, aircraft and ground personnel before normal services resumed about an hour later.Delays mount across airportThe disruption left passengers stranded as delays spread across the airport. According to Flightradar24, around 90% of departing flights were delayed by an average of 65 to 75 minutes, while between 45% and 62% of arriving flights were running late, depending on the time of the data update. The airport operator did not disclose the total number of delayed or cancelled flights.Air Traffic Control sources said Mumbai airport handles between 980 and 1,000 flights every day, averaging around 48 aircraft movements every hour, comprising 24 arrivals and 24 departures.IndiGo cancels four servicesAccording to sources, the cancelled IndiGo flights were 6E 395 from Delhi to Mumbai, 6E 5273 from Mumbai to Indore, 6E 552 from Indore to Mumbai and 6E 6613 from Mumbai to Delhi.The airline said it was monitoring the evolving weather situation.”Bad weather over Delhi and Mumbai has impacted flight schedule. We are closely monitoring the weather….we request you that you stay updated on your flight status,”IndiGo, however, did not specifically mention the four cancelled services in its statement.Heavy rain turns fatalThe relentless rainfall also claimed a life in Kurla. A 63-year-old man, identified as Yunus Kundawala, died after a tree collapsed onto a shop near the Hindi BMC School at Gomes Gown Building in Kamani, Kurla West.The incident was reported at around 12.40 pm. Kundawala was taken to Fauzia Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.Congress attacks BJP over civic infrastructureThe heavy rain also reignited the political battle over Mumbai’s civic infrastructure.Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad accused the BJP of being responsible for the city’s deteriorating infrastructure, arguing that the party could not evade responsibility after effectively controlling the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for nearly three decades.She said the BJP had governed the civic body for 25 years in alliance with the Shiv Sena and had continued to wield influence through the administrator appointed after civic elections were not held from 2022.”The BJP has looted Mumbai while filling its own coffers. It cannot shirk responsibility for the city’s decline,” she alleged.Gaikwad questioned the BMC’s annual expenditure of more than Rs 100 crore on drain desilting, saying even brief spells of rain continued to leave roads waterlogged, trees uprooted, residential societies flooded and traffic paralysed despite repeated assurances that monsoon preparedness was “100 per cent complete”.She also criticised the civic administration, alleging the mayor appeared “more occupied with making reels”, while claiming the municipal commissioner had failed to deliver meaningful work.IMD keeps red alert in placeMumbai remained under a red alert as monsoon activity intensified across several parts of the country.The India Meteorological Department warned of continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the city, while rain also affected parts of Delhi and prompted weather alerts in Kerala, Odisha and Jharkhand.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123Photostories5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanship123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

All 13 diverted flights were later able to return and land safely in Mumba. NEW DELHI: Heavy rain and strong winds wreaked havoc across Mumbai on Sunday, disrupting air travel, claiming a life and triggering fresh political sparring over the city’s monsoon preparedness. Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were severely affected after…

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India’s major reservoirs are holding just 26 per cent of their live capacity There’s a particular kind of math millions of Indians have learned this summer: how many buckets can you fill before the tap pressure drops, or which day of the week the water actually comes. It’s no longer an emergency routine. It’s just routine.Behind it is a number that should worry more people than it does. India’s major reservoirs are holding just 26 per cent of their live capacity, according to the Central Water Commission’s weekly bulletin dated July 2 says that the water level in the country’s 166 major reservoirs works out to just over 47.7 billion cubic metres, against a total live capacity of 183.5 billion cubic metres. On paper, that’s only 1.4 per cent below the 10-year average for this time of year. But it’s a far steeper drop from where things stood twelve months ago, this year’s storage is barely 61 per cent of last year’s level. India’s reservoirs are running lowThirteen states are currently running below their own 10-year norms, and the shortfalls aren’t evenly spread. West Bengal’s reservoirs are about 62 per cent short of where they should be. Mizoram’s are down 54 per cent. Karnataka is short by 46 per cent, alongside fellow southern states Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, all sitting 16 to 46 per cent below normal. These aren’t marginal dips; they’re the kind of numbers that force state governments to start rationing before summer even peaks.The monsoon was supposed to fix this. In some ways it has arrived as heavy rain has already triggered flooding in parts of the country, but the geography of that rainfall has been uneven. Many of the catchment areas that feed the worst-hit reservoirs simply haven’t seen enough of it, which is why storage levels remain below normal even as the season gets underway elsewhere.The consequences are already visible on the ground. By July 2, roughly 41 per cent of the country was experiencing some level of drought, according to the India Drought Monitor. The Union Agriculture Ministry has contingency plans ready for 12 states it considers severely affected.This is the backdrop against which India’s cities are now trying to answer a far older question: where does the water actually come from?Delhi runs on a schedule, not a tapDelhi’s water problem isn’t really about scarcity of sources, it’s about a supply that hasn’t kept pace with a city that keeps growing. So how does the national capital get its water?In parts of Delhi, running water isn’t a given, it’s rather a schedule. Residents in several colonies still wait for a tanker to arrive rather than turning on a tap, and in the unauthorised settlements that ring the city, piped supply has only recently begun to reach some streets at all. Even where pipes exist, pressure and timing vary enough that filling a storage tank remains a daily task rather than a formality. Image: ANIThe agency responsible for making up that gap is the Delhi Jal Board, which handles the sourcing, treatment and distribution of the capital’s drinking water, including bulk supply to the NDMC and the Cantonment Board. Delhi draws on four sources for raw water, the Ganga and Yamuna river basins, the Indus basin via the Bhakra Beas Management Board, and groundwater pumped through Ranney wells and tubewells. Together, these currently produce about 900 million gallons a day, close to the system’s maximum capacity, reaching roughly 93 per cent of the city through the existing network.That figure sounds high until it’s set against Delhi’s population, which was projected to reach nearly 25 million by 2021 and could approach 32 million by 2030, growth that is steadily eroding how much water is available per person, even as total supply stays roughly flat. Delhi’s raw water allocation is also fixed by interstate agreement, most notably the 1994 Yamuna Water Sharing pact with Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, which caps how much river water the city can draw regardless of demand. Three upstream dams, at Renuka, Kishau and Lakhwar-Vyasi, were proposed decades ago to store monsoon flows for exactly this kind of shortfall, but construction on two of them hasn’t started.So while a court-ordered canal upgrade at Munak has helped recover water once lost to seepage, and new treatment plants have come up at Bawana, Okhla and Dwarka, the city is still, in effect, running close to its ceiling, expanding supply to new colonies largely by redistributing what already exists, rather than adding meaningfully more.Mumbai’s water math: Sourced far, lost closeMumbai’s water problem isn’t about distance from its sources, the city has been chasing those for over 150 years. It’s about what happens between the source and the tap. So how does India’s financial capital get its water?Mumbai currently consumes around 4,000 million litres a day, according to the BMC, drawn from seven lakes strung across 650 km of transmission lines and 6,000 km of service mains within the city. Even at that scale, supply falls short by nearly 565 MLD. But the more telling number is loss, not shortage: non-revenue water, water that’s pumped and treated but never billed, has climbed past 30 per cent, up from 20 per cent in 2009. A lot of treated water also disappears each day to leaks and illegal connections alone, a bigger drain than the actual demand-supply gap. .The city’s relationship with distant water sources goes back to 1860, when the Vihar scheme on the Mithi river, then 20 km outside the city, began supplying about 32 MLD to a population of 0.7 million. Shortages by 1885 pushed Mumbai further upstream to Tulsi Lake, then Powai. Tansa followed in 1948, and eventually the city reached 175 km out to the Vaitarna river. Each expansion bought time rather than solving the underlying problem, and the pattern hasn’t changed: the BMC’s own Environment Status Report for 2024-25 projects the demand-supply gap will widen to 6,424 MLD by 2041, with desalination and Advanced Tertiary Treatment plants now being planned to close it.In the meantime, the gap is filled informally. Tankers draw from borewells across the city. Roughly 40 per cent of Mumbai’s population lives in slums with no piped connection at all, relying entirely on groundwater, and increasingly, so do gated colonies, construction sites and commercial hubs. Rapid urbanisation, expanding at nearly 4 per cent a year, has paved over the catchments and wetlands that once recharged that groundwater, leaving the city more exposed to flooding, seawater intrusion and summer shortages at once. Rooftop rainwater harvesting has been mandatory for larger buildings since 2002, extended to buildings over 300 sq m in 2007, but it remains a patch on a system still built around water brought in from far away.Bengaluru’s uphill battle for waterBengaluru’s water problem is one of geography working against growth as the city sits on a plateau with no major river running through it, entirely dependent on water pumped uphill from far away. So where does Bengaluru actually get its water?For much of its history, it didn’t need to look far. Until the late nineteenth century, the city ran on a network of lakes, tanks, open wells and traditional “Kalyani systems” — Dharmambudhi, Sampangi, Ulsoor and Sankey tanks among them. As Bengaluru grew, these local sources stopped being enough. The Arkavathi Water Supply Scheme, built in 1896 around the Hesaraghatta Reservoir, gave the city its first filtered piped water supply. The Thippagondanahalli Reservoir followed in 1933, adding capacity from the same Arkavathi river system. But the Arkavathi basin’s reliability didn’t hold, repeated monsoon failures and shrinking inflows meant that by the late 1980s, it could no longer keep pace with the city’s demand. Image: PTIThat shortfall pushed Bengaluru toward the Cauvery river, roughly 100 km away and nearly 300 metres lower in elevation than the city itself, water that now has to be pumped uphill in stages before it reaches any tap. The Cauvery scheme has been expanded in phases since to keep up with the city’s growth, and today supplies the bulk of Bengaluru’s piped water, with groundwater filling much of what’s left.That combination is precisely where the strain shows up. Bengaluru’s water demand keeps growing faster than either of its two main sources can comfortably absorb. Summers compress the problem further: groundwater tables drop sharply just as demand peaks, putting pressure on both the Cauvery pipeline and whatever local aquifers residents and builders are still drawing from. Erratic rainfall and climate variability add uncertainty to a system that already has little slack. And unlike Delhi’s fixed-allocation problem or Mumbai’s leakage problem, Bengaluru’s challenge is more structural, a fast-growing city trying to meet rising demand with sources that were never built for this scale of urbanisation, and a landscape that makes every litre of that water expensive to move.There’s also a structural gap in who’s connected to the formal system at all. “Another major challenge is that many areas, particularly on the city’s outskirts, still depend on private borewells and tanker water instead of obtaining formal BWSSB connections,” says Dr N Manjula, IAS, Chairperson of the Bengaluru Water Supply & Sewerage Board. “During periods of water scarcity, these sources become unreliable, resulting in sudden spikes in demand for the public water supply system.”The fix being discussed isn’t a single new source, but a different relationship with the ones the city already has. “Our vision is to transform Bengaluru from a city that depends primarily on freshwater into a globally recognised, water-secure city, where Cauvery water, treated wastewater, groundwater, rainwater harvesting, smart technologies, and citizen participation work together as one integrated urban water management system,” says Dr N Manjula. “This is the only sustainable path to securing Bengaluru’s water future for the next generation.”From Palta to the tap: Kolkata’s long supply chainKolkata’s water problem isn’t a shortage of source — the Hooghly runs right through the city. It’s a treatment system old enough to have outlived several of its own upgrades. So how does Kolkata get its water?The city has drawn its drinking water from the Hooghly since the 1860s, treated at what’s now called the Indira Gandhi Water Treatment Plant, better known by its original name, Palta Water Works. Spread across 480 acres, Palta was built between 1864 and 1870 as Kolkata’s first water intake point, starting out with a modest capacity of 6 million gallons a day. The filtration method hasn’t changed much in principle since: water is settled in tanks, then passed through slow sand filters, a process that was expanded in stages, 24 more filter beds between 1888 and 1893, another set in 1905, and a further round between 1920 and 1936. Image: PTIWhat’s notable is how well the old system has held up. Slow sand filtration doesn’t need daily maintenance, a single bed can run for 100 to 120 days before it needs cleaning, because a biological layer forms on top of the sand and does most of the work, filtering out turbidity, colour and microorganisms on its own. Rapid gravity filters were added later, in 1952 and again in 1968, to speed up parts of the process, but the older beds are still in use today.By the early 2000s, Kolkata was running short by close to 50 million gallons a day, which pushed KMC into a fresh round of expansion at Palta and Garden Reach. That expansion has continued well past the deadlines originally set for it. The Indira Gandhi Water Treatment Plant at Barrackpore now has a generation capacity of 1,180 MLD, alongside smaller plants at Watgunge, Jorabagan and Jai Hind, plus 839.4 MLD from Garden Reach and around 110 MLD drawn from deep tube wells.The bigger problem isn’t generation capacity, it’s what happens after the water leaves the plant. KMC currently supplies an average of eight hours of water a day, reaching about 82.7 per cent of households through pipes, with another 10 per cent relying on the city’s roughly 9,000 tubewells. And what does reach the city isn’t shared evenly: an Asian Development Bank study found supply ranging from as little as 40 litres per person a day in some areas to 310 litres in others, a gap wide enough that averages don’t mean much on the ground. Meanwhile, Kolkata’s groundwater is increasingly over-pumped and contaminated, and the wetlands that once absorbed excess water and recharged aquifers are steadily being built over. The Hooghly still flows through the city; what’s disappearing is everything around it that used to make that water go further.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAadrita HalderWrites on social matters, geopolitics, and trending issues for the Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123PhotostoriesPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

India’s major reservoirs are holding just 26 per cent of their live capacity There’s a particular kind of math millions of Indians have learned this summer: how many buckets can you fill before the tap pressure drops, or which day of the week the water actually comes. It’s no longer an emergency routine. It’s just routine.Behind it is a number that should worry more people than it does. India’s major reservoirs are holding just 26 per cent of their live capacity, according to the Central Water Commission’s weekly bulletin dated July 2 says that the water level in the country’s 166 major reservoirs works out to just over 47.7 billion cubic metres, against a total live capacity of 183.5 billion cubic metres. On paper, that’s only 1.4 per cent below the 10-year average for this time of year. But it’s a far steeper drop from where things stood twelve months ago, this year’s storage is barely 61 per cent of last year’s level. India’s reservoirs are running lowThirteen states are currently running below their own 10-year norms, and the shortfalls aren’t evenly spread. West Bengal’s reservoirs are about 62 per cent short of where they should be. Mizoram’s are down 54 per cent. Karnataka is short by 46 per cent, alongside fellow southern states Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, all sitting 16 to 46 per cent below normal. These aren’t marginal dips; they’re the kind of numbers that force state governments to start rationing before summer even peaks.The monsoon was supposed to fix this. In some ways it has arrived as heavy rain has already triggered flooding in parts of the country, but the geography of that rainfall has been uneven. Many of the catchment areas that feed the worst-hit reservoirs simply haven’t seen enough of it, which is why storage levels remain below normal even as the season gets underway elsewhere.The consequences are already visible on the ground. By July 2, roughly 41 per cent of the country was experiencing some level of drought, according to the India Drought Monitor. The Union Agriculture Ministry has contingency plans ready for 12 states it considers severely affected.This is the backdrop against which India’s cities are now trying to answer a far older question: where does the water actually come from?Delhi runs on a schedule, not a tapDelhi’s water problem isn’t really about scarcity of sources, it’s about a supply that hasn’t kept pace with a city that keeps growing. So how does the national capital get its water?In parts of Delhi, running water isn’t a given, it’s rather a schedule. Residents in several colonies still wait for a tanker to arrive rather than turning on a tap, and in the unauthorised settlements that ring the city, piped supply has only recently begun to reach some streets at all. Even where pipes exist, pressure and timing vary enough that filling a storage tank remains a daily task rather than a formality. Image: ANIThe agency responsible for making up that gap is the Delhi Jal Board, which handles the sourcing, treatment and distribution of the capital’s drinking water, including bulk supply to the NDMC and the Cantonment Board. Delhi draws on four sources for raw water, the Ganga and Yamuna river basins, the Indus basin via the Bhakra Beas Management Board, and groundwater pumped through Ranney wells and tubewells. Together, these currently produce about 900 million gallons a day, close to the system’s maximum capacity, reaching roughly 93 per cent of the city through the existing network.That figure sounds high until it’s set against Delhi’s population, which was projected to reach nearly 25 million by 2021 and could approach 32 million by 2030, growth that is steadily eroding how much water is available per person, even as total supply stays roughly flat. Delhi’s raw water allocation is also fixed by interstate agreement, most notably the 1994 Yamuna Water Sharing pact with Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, which caps how much river water the city can draw regardless of demand. Three upstream dams, at Renuka, Kishau and Lakhwar-Vyasi, were proposed decades ago to store monsoon flows for exactly this kind of shortfall, but construction on two of them hasn’t started.So while a court-ordered canal upgrade at Munak has helped recover water once lost to seepage, and new treatment plants have come up at Bawana, Okhla and Dwarka, the city is still, in effect, running close to its ceiling, expanding supply to new colonies largely by redistributing what already exists, rather than adding meaningfully more.Mumbai’s water math: Sourced far, lost closeMumbai’s water problem isn’t about distance from its sources, the city has been chasing those for over 150 years. It’s about what happens between the source and the tap. So how does India’s financial capital get its water?Mumbai currently consumes around 4,000 million litres a day, according to the BMC, drawn from seven lakes strung across 650 km of transmission lines and 6,000 km of service mains within the city. Even at that scale, supply falls short by nearly 565 MLD. But the more telling number is loss, not shortage: non-revenue water, water that’s pumped and treated but never billed, has climbed past 30 per cent, up from 20 per cent in 2009. A lot of treated water also disappears each day to leaks and illegal connections alone, a bigger drain than the actual demand-supply gap. .The city’s relationship with distant water sources goes back to 1860, when the Vihar scheme on the Mithi river, then 20 km outside the city, began supplying about 32 MLD to a population of 0.7 million. Shortages by 1885 pushed Mumbai further upstream to Tulsi Lake, then Powai. Tansa followed in 1948, and eventually the city reached 175 km out to the Vaitarna river. Each expansion bought time rather than solving the underlying problem, and the pattern hasn’t changed: the BMC’s own Environment Status Report for 2024-25 projects the demand-supply gap will widen to 6,424 MLD by 2041, with desalination and Advanced Tertiary Treatment plants now being planned to close it.In the meantime, the gap is filled informally. Tankers draw from borewells across the city. Roughly 40 per cent of Mumbai’s population lives in slums with no piped connection at all, relying entirely on groundwater, and increasingly, so do gated colonies, construction sites and commercial hubs. Rapid urbanisation, expanding at nearly 4 per cent a year, has paved over the catchments and wetlands that once recharged that groundwater, leaving the city more exposed to flooding, seawater intrusion and summer shortages at once. Rooftop rainwater harvesting has been mandatory for larger buildings since 2002, extended to buildings over 300 sq m in 2007, but it remains a patch on a system still built around water brought in from far away.Bengaluru’s uphill battle for waterBengaluru’s water problem is one of geography working against growth as the city sits on a plateau with no major river running through it, entirely dependent on water pumped uphill from far away. So where does Bengaluru actually get its water?For much of its history, it didn’t need to look far. Until the late nineteenth century, the city ran on a network of lakes, tanks, open wells and traditional “Kalyani systems” — Dharmambudhi, Sampangi, Ulsoor and Sankey tanks among them. As Bengaluru grew, these local sources stopped being enough. The Arkavathi Water Supply Scheme, built in 1896 around the Hesaraghatta Reservoir, gave the city its first filtered piped water supply. The Thippagondanahalli Reservoir followed in 1933, adding capacity from the same Arkavathi river system. But the Arkavathi basin’s reliability didn’t hold, repeated monsoon failures and shrinking inflows meant that by the late 1980s, it could no longer keep pace with the city’s demand. Image: PTIThat shortfall pushed Bengaluru toward the Cauvery river, roughly 100 km away and nearly 300 metres lower in elevation than the city itself, water that now has to be pumped uphill in stages before it reaches any tap. The Cauvery scheme has been expanded in phases since to keep up with the city’s growth, and today supplies the bulk of Bengaluru’s piped water, with groundwater filling much of what’s left.That combination is precisely where the strain shows up. Bengaluru’s water demand keeps growing faster than either of its two main sources can comfortably absorb. Summers compress the problem further: groundwater tables drop sharply just as demand peaks, putting pressure on both the Cauvery pipeline and whatever local aquifers residents and builders are still drawing from. Erratic rainfall and climate variability add uncertainty to a system that already has little slack. And unlike Delhi’s fixed-allocation problem or Mumbai’s leakage problem, Bengaluru’s challenge is more structural, a fast-growing city trying to meet rising demand with sources that were never built for this scale of urbanisation, and a landscape that makes every litre of that water expensive to move.There’s also a structural gap in who’s connected to the formal system at all. “Another major challenge is that many areas, particularly on the city’s outskirts, still depend on private borewells and tanker water instead of obtaining formal BWSSB connections,” says Dr N Manjula, IAS, Chairperson of the Bengaluru Water Supply & Sewerage Board. “During periods of water scarcity, these sources become unreliable, resulting in sudden spikes in demand for the public water supply system.”The fix being discussed isn’t a single new source, but a different relationship with the ones the city already has. “Our vision is to transform Bengaluru from a city that depends primarily on freshwater into a globally recognised, water-secure city, where Cauvery water, treated wastewater, groundwater, rainwater harvesting, smart technologies, and citizen participation work together as one integrated urban water management system,” says Dr N Manjula. “This is the only sustainable path to securing Bengaluru’s water future for the next generation.”From Palta to the tap: Kolkata’s long supply chainKolkata’s water problem isn’t a shortage of source — the Hooghly runs right through the city. It’s a treatment system old enough to have outlived several of its own upgrades. So how does Kolkata get its water?The city has drawn its drinking water from the Hooghly since the 1860s, treated at what’s now called the Indira Gandhi Water Treatment Plant, better known by its original name, Palta Water Works. Spread across 480 acres, Palta was built between 1864 and 1870 as Kolkata’s first water intake point, starting out with a modest capacity of 6 million gallons a day. The filtration method hasn’t changed much in principle since: water is settled in tanks, then passed through slow sand filters, a process that was expanded in stages, 24 more filter beds between 1888 and 1893, another set in 1905, and a further round between 1920 and 1936. Image: PTIWhat’s notable is how well the old system has held up. Slow sand filtration doesn’t need daily maintenance, a single bed can run for 100 to 120 days before it needs cleaning, because a biological layer forms on top of the sand and does most of the work, filtering out turbidity, colour and microorganisms on its own. Rapid gravity filters were added later, in 1952 and again in 1968, to speed up parts of the process, but the older beds are still in use today.By the early 2000s, Kolkata was running short by close to 50 million gallons a day, which pushed KMC into a fresh round of expansion at Palta and Garden Reach. That expansion has continued well past the deadlines originally set for it. The Indira Gandhi Water Treatment Plant at Barrackpore now has a generation capacity of 1,180 MLD, alongside smaller plants at Watgunge, Jorabagan and Jai Hind, plus 839.4 MLD from Garden Reach and around 110 MLD drawn from deep tube wells.The bigger problem isn’t generation capacity, it’s what happens after the water leaves the plant. KMC currently supplies an average of eight hours of water a day, reaching about 82.7 per cent of households through pipes, with another 10 per cent relying on the city’s roughly 9,000 tubewells. And what does reach the city isn’t shared evenly: an Asian Development Bank study found supply ranging from as little as 40 litres per person a day in some areas to 310 litres in others, a gap wide enough that averages don’t mean much on the ground. Meanwhile, Kolkata’s groundwater is increasingly over-pumped and contaminated, and the wetlands that once absorbed excess water and recharged aquifers are steadily being built over. The Hooghly still flows through the city; what’s disappearing is everything around it that used to make that water go further.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAadrita HalderWrites on social matters, geopolitics, and trending issues for the Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123PhotostoriesPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna011 mins mins

India’s major reservoirs are holding just 26 per cent of their live capacity There’s a particular kind of math millions of Indians have learned this summer: how many buckets can you fill before the tap pressure drops, or which day of the week the water actually comes. It’s no longer an emergency routine. It’s just…

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New York based artist Jeena Raghavan presents new solo exhibition in Bangalore | India News

New York based artist Jeena Raghavan presents new solo exhibition in Bangalore | India News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

New York based artist Jeena Raghavan presents new solo exhibition in Bangalore New York based artist Jeena Raghavan presented her latest solo exhibition in Bangalore this May, unveiling a new body of paintings created between New York and India. Hosted at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, the exhibition brought together collectors, entrepreneurs, artists, cultural leaders, government…

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The arrests follow an FIR registered on June 25 after a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) NEW DELHI: The eight people arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya come from varied backgrounds, including a primary school teacher, a retired bank employee, a former automobile mechanic and a trusted aide of a senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary.According to PTI, investigators allege that the accused, most of whom were hired as contract workers through an outsourcing agency, exploited their roles in the temple’s donation-counting system to siphon off devotees’ cash offerings over a period of time. Police are examining their financial transactions, assets and individual roles in the alleged conspiracy.Primary school teacher Avinash Shukla has emerged as the key accused in the investigation. Police sources told PTI that more than Rs 20 lakh in cash, foreign currency and jewellery were recovered from premises linked to him, the largest seizure among those arrested. During questioning, he allegedly described how cash was removed by exploiting CCTV blind spots and temporarily hidden inside washrooms before being smuggled out.Another accused, Anukalp Mishra, worked in the temple’s donation-counting unit through an outsourcing agency and reportedly earned around Rs 15,000 a month. Investigators are scrutinising assets allegedly linked to him, including a house worth around Rs 65 lakh, a farmhouse, a premium motorcycle and a booked SUV. Police claim to have recovered around Rs 16.8 lakh in cash during searches.Former automobile mechanic Lavkush Mishra, another contract employee, is accused of participating in diverting donations. Around Rs 14.25 lakh in cash was allegedly recovered during the investigation. Ramshankar Mishra, who handled cash inside the secure counting room, allegedly played a similar role, with police claiming to have recovered around Rs 7.3 lakh from searches linked to him.Police sources identified Ramshankar Yadav, popularly known as Tinnu Yadav, as one of the principal figures in the alleged conspiracy. Initially appointed as the personal driver of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai, he later became a trusted aide involved in temple administration and VIP management. Investigators allege he had unauthorised access to the keys of the donation-counting room and donation boxes, while recovered WhatsApp chats are also being analysed.The remaining accused include Manish Kumar Yadav, Tinnu Yadav’s nephew and a member of the donation-counting team; Subhash Chandra Srivastava, a retired bank employee engaged by the trust to supervise donation counting; and Karunesh Pandey, a contract worker responsible for opening donation boxes and counting cash. Police allege all three played roles in the conspiracy, with more than Rs 18 lakh in cash allegedly recovered during searches linked to Pandey.The arrests follow an FIR registered on June 25 after a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The trust is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the alleged irregularities and review the matter further. According to sources familiar with the probe, investigators are examining CCTV footage, financial records and digital evidence, while also looking into claims that some of the accused amassed assets disproportionate to their known incomes.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123PhotostoriesPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

The arrests follow an FIR registered on June 25 after a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) NEW DELHI: The eight people arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya come from varied backgrounds, including a primary school teacher, a retired bank employee, a former automobile mechanic and a trusted aide of a senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary.According to PTI, investigators allege that the accused, most of whom were hired as contract workers through an outsourcing agency, exploited their roles in the temple’s donation-counting system to siphon off devotees’ cash offerings over a period of time. Police are examining their financial transactions, assets and individual roles in the alleged conspiracy.Primary school teacher Avinash Shukla has emerged as the key accused in the investigation. Police sources told PTI that more than Rs 20 lakh in cash, foreign currency and jewellery were recovered from premises linked to him, the largest seizure among those arrested. During questioning, he allegedly described how cash was removed by exploiting CCTV blind spots and temporarily hidden inside washrooms before being smuggled out.Another accused, Anukalp Mishra, worked in the temple’s donation-counting unit through an outsourcing agency and reportedly earned around Rs 15,000 a month. Investigators are scrutinising assets allegedly linked to him, including a house worth around Rs 65 lakh, a farmhouse, a premium motorcycle and a booked SUV. Police claim to have recovered around Rs 16.8 lakh in cash during searches.Former automobile mechanic Lavkush Mishra, another contract employee, is accused of participating in diverting donations. Around Rs 14.25 lakh in cash was allegedly recovered during the investigation. Ramshankar Mishra, who handled cash inside the secure counting room, allegedly played a similar role, with police claiming to have recovered around Rs 7.3 lakh from searches linked to him.Police sources identified Ramshankar Yadav, popularly known as Tinnu Yadav, as one of the principal figures in the alleged conspiracy. Initially appointed as the personal driver of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai, he later became a trusted aide involved in temple administration and VIP management. Investigators allege he had unauthorised access to the keys of the donation-counting room and donation boxes, while recovered WhatsApp chats are also being analysed.The remaining accused include Manish Kumar Yadav, Tinnu Yadav’s nephew and a member of the donation-counting team; Subhash Chandra Srivastava, a retired bank employee engaged by the trust to supervise donation counting; and Karunesh Pandey, a contract worker responsible for opening donation boxes and counting cash. Police allege all three played roles in the conspiracy, with more than Rs 18 lakh in cash allegedly recovered during searches linked to Pandey.The arrests follow an FIR registered on June 25 after a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The trust is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the alleged irregularities and review the matter further. According to sources familiar with the probe, investigators are examining CCTV footage, financial records and digital evidence, while also looking into claims that some of the accused amassed assets disproportionate to their known incomes.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123PhotostoriesPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The arrests follow an FIR registered on June 25 after a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) NEW DELHI: The eight people arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya come from varied backgrounds, including a primary school teacher, a retired bank employee, a former automobile…

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The protest, which began on June 20, has centred on allegations that repeated paper leaks and examination irregularities have undermined students’ futures NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered its 16th day on Sunday. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also completed the eighth day of his indefinite hunger strike, during which he has reportedly lost around six kilograms.According to a medical bulletin issued by doctors, Wangchuk’s blood pressure was recorded at 112/70 mm Hg in the lying-down position, his heart rate at 72 beats per minute and his blood sugar at 67 mg/dL. Doctors said his hydration remained fair, he was mentally alert and his weight had fallen to 60.95 kg.The protest, which began on June 20, has centred on allegations that repeated paper leaks and examination irregularities have undermined students’ futures. On Saturday, the CJP released a two-page open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to end what it described as his “resounding silence” and hold Pradhan accountable.In the letter, signed by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and several party office-bearers, the organisation questioned why the prime minister had not responded to the prolonged agitation.“We have been sitting in protest at the Jantar Mantar for the past 15 days, and today marks the seventh day of educationist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike. How long will your government choose to ignore our voices, sir?” the letter said.“A hunger strike in a civil society is meant to bring moral pressure upon the powers that be. The underlying principle is simple: when someone like Sonam Wangchuk, a man who has dedicated his entire life, mind and soul to this country and to the cause of education, refuses to consume food, it is supposed to elicit a conscious response, whether moral or political, from the government of the day.The agitation has continued to draw support from leaders, civil society groups and student organisations. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha is expected to send a delegation to the protest on July 7, while members of the All India Students’ Association remain on an indefinite hunger strike. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union joint secretary Danish Ali was admitted to hospital after her blood sugar level dropped during the fast, while several other student protesters continue their indefinite strike.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 MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knew123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

The protest, which began on June 20, has centred on allegations that repeated paper leaks and examination irregularities have undermined students’ futures NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered its 16th day on Sunday. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also completed the eighth day of his indefinite hunger strike, during which he has reportedly lost around six kilograms.According to a medical bulletin issued by doctors, Wangchuk’s blood pressure was recorded at 112/70 mm Hg in the lying-down position, his heart rate at 72 beats per minute and his blood sugar at 67 mg/dL. Doctors said his hydration remained fair, he was mentally alert and his weight had fallen to 60.95 kg.The protest, which began on June 20, has centred on allegations that repeated paper leaks and examination irregularities have undermined students’ futures. On Saturday, the CJP released a two-page open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to end what it described as his “resounding silence” and hold Pradhan accountable.In the letter, signed by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and several party office-bearers, the organisation questioned why the prime minister had not responded to the prolonged agitation.“We have been sitting in protest at the Jantar Mantar for the past 15 days, and today marks the seventh day of educationist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike. How long will your government choose to ignore our voices, sir?” the letter said.“A hunger strike in a civil society is meant to bring moral pressure upon the powers that be. The underlying principle is simple: when someone like Sonam Wangchuk, a man who has dedicated his entire life, mind and soul to this country and to the cause of education, refuses to consume food, it is supposed to elicit a conscious response, whether moral or political, from the government of the day.The agitation has continued to draw support from leaders, civil society groups and student organisations. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha is expected to send a delegation to the protest on July 7, while members of the All India Students’ Association remain on an indefinite hunger strike. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union joint secretary Danish Ali was admitted to hospital after her blood sugar level dropped during the fast, while several other student protesters continue their indefinite strike.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 MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knew123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The protest, which began on June 20, has centred on allegations that repeated paper leaks and examination irregularities have undermined students’ futures NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered its 16th day on Sunday. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also completed the eighth day of his indefinite hunger strike, during…

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Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass For the first time in the history of the Assam Legislative Assembly, the Hindi language has been introduced in the State Assembly. This initiative has been taken under the leadership of Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass.Along with the Assamese, English and Bodo languages, the Hindi language will be introduced in the state assembly from July 6, on the first day of the budget session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly.Dass told ANI that the decision of the induction of Hindi language was taken in the General Purpose Committee meeting of the Assam Legislative Assembly, which was held on Saturday under his chairmanship.”In the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika, Minister Keshab Mahanta, Opposition Leader Wazed Ali Chowdhury, MLAs Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Sabharam Basumatary, Chakradhar Gogoi, Joy Prakash Das were present. In the meeting, we have decided to introduce the Hindi language in the state assembly. Earlier, three languages – Assamese, English and Bodo – were here, and for the first time, the Hindi language has been introduced. Hindi is Rashtra Bhasha, and to recognise it, we have decided to introduce the Hindi language,” Dass said.He further said that, earlier, there was a channel named ALA (Assam Legislative Assembly), and it will be renamed Assam Vidhan Sabha TV from Monday.”In the coming days, we will try to make Assam Vidhan Sabha TV like Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV. From July 6, the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly will begin, and it will be 21 working days and will continue till July 31. The State Budget will be tabled on July 10,” the Assam Assembly Speaker said.He also said that, as of now, 10 new bills have been introduced in the session.On the other hand, talking about the recent visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to India, the Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker said that Assam will definitely get benefits from the Japanese Prime Minister’s visit to India.He also talked about Assam’s GST collection growth and said that, along with the state government’s efforts, credit also goes to the taxpayers of Assam. (Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knew123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass For the first time in the history of the Assam Legislative Assembly, the Hindi language has been introduced in the State Assembly. This initiative has been taken under the leadership of Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass.Along with the Assamese, English and Bodo languages, the Hindi language will be introduced in the state assembly from July 6, on the first day of the budget session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly.Dass told ANI that the decision of the induction of Hindi language was taken in the General Purpose Committee meeting of the Assam Legislative Assembly, which was held on Saturday under his chairmanship.”In the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika, Minister Keshab Mahanta, Opposition Leader Wazed Ali Chowdhury, MLAs Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Sabharam Basumatary, Chakradhar Gogoi, Joy Prakash Das were present. In the meeting, we have decided to introduce the Hindi language in the state assembly. Earlier, three languages – Assamese, English and Bodo – were here, and for the first time, the Hindi language has been introduced. Hindi is Rashtra Bhasha, and to recognise it, we have decided to introduce the Hindi language,” Dass said.He further said that, earlier, there was a channel named ALA (Assam Legislative Assembly), and it will be renamed Assam Vidhan Sabha TV from Monday.”In the coming days, we will try to make Assam Vidhan Sabha TV like Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV. From July 6, the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly will begin, and it will be 21 working days and will continue till July 31. The State Budget will be tabled on July 10,” the Assam Assembly Speaker said.He also said that, as of now, 10 new bills have been introduced in the session.On the other hand, talking about the recent visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to India, the Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker said that Assam will definitely get benefits from the Japanese Prime Minister’s visit to India.He also talked about Assam’s GST collection growth and said that, along with the state government’s efforts, credit also goes to the taxpayers of Assam. (Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knew123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass For the first time in the history of the Assam Legislative Assembly, the Hindi language has been introduced in the State Assembly. This initiative has been taken under the leadership of Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass.Along with the Assamese, English and Bodo languages, the Hindi language will be introduced…

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Parked vehicles and stored goods occupy a footpath, obstructing pedestrian movement, at Lajpat Nagar, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo) A five-year-old child was killed by a tanker on his way to school with his father. At the site of the tragedy, there was no footpath or a proper pedestrian crossing.On June 19, in a compensation case (Maniyar Iliyaz @ Shaik Riyaz v. P. Ayyappan) delivered by a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar, Supreme Court declared the right to walk on safe, demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right under the right to free movement under Article 19(1)(d) and the right to life under Article 21.The bench said that accidents like this continue and perhaps they are inevitable until our rights regime is restructured regarding access to roads.It further stated that the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 neither recognises nor has ever recognised a fundamental right to walk and in fact, the law has actually hindered this right, weakening pedestrians’ rights in many respects.“The irony all along has been that we have often celebrated flyovers, expressways and large road projects, but have ignored the most basic unit of movement i.e. the pedestrian. The judgment should change how footpaths are imagined. They must be continuous, walkable, safe, accessible and free from obstruction,” said advocate Mayank Arora with The Chambers of Bharat Chugh.Data shows that from January to March this year, Delhi traffic police handed out 4,30,202 on-the-spot fines for improper or obstructive parking, making it the city’s most frequently committed traffic offence. Crisis of pedestrian fatalityA simple stroll around Delhi reveals how non-functional most of its footpaths are. Broken slabs, potholes and garbage strewn everywhere are a common sight. They are dug up or interrupted abruptly. This forces dwellers onto the main road, where they face the threat of collision with vehicles.India Status Report on Road Safety, compiled by the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre (TRIPC) at IIT Delhi, indicates that footpath availability ranges from as low as 3% in Jammu and Kashmir to about 73% in Maharashtra. In states like Bihar, Haryana and Puducherry, usable pavements remain scarce.Recent data released by road transport ministry for 2024 revealed that more than 1.8 lakh pedestrians were killed in road crashes across India between 2019 and 2024. It averages to an annual of 30,500 pedestrian fatalities. National Highway (NH) network accounted for nearly 31% of these deaths.Around 54% of pedestrian deaths involved collisions with two-wheelers and cars, claiming 19,680 lives. The absence of safe footpaths and pedestrian crossing infrastructure is behind the country’s pedestrian fatality toll, which is among the highest globally.Right reserved for the privilegedThe bench called it strange that it escaped them to focus on recognizing and securing this right to walk. “It may be because wheels eclipsed our imagination, and our municipal administration was busy creating roads suitable for motorized vehicles,” said the court.“It could also be elitism to start with, for machines with wheels were only for the rich, but as economies progressed and cheaper motor vehicles were introduced, the entire spectrum of motorized transportation dominated the roads, pushing aside the walkers to the extent that they are treated as a nuisance for the drivers who routinely run over the walkers and their footpaths.”Shweta Raj, who comes from Bihar’s Samastipur, says the concept of footpaths ends once you leave Patna. “As soon as you deviate from the capital, you will see the footpaths disappearing,” she said. “In the rural areas, even the main roads aren’t properly built. Functional footpaths are out of the question.”In her own city, footpaths only exist on bridges. Even then, they are blocked by vegetable stalls or parked motorcycles. Question of hawkers and homeless peopleThe question of hawkers, encroached spaces and the right to earn a livelihood has dominated the contemporary Indian discourse as of late.Walk around any Indian city and one will see many hawkers, street food stalls, cigarette stores, and florists who have set up shop right on a footpath. In fact, many have been earning a livelihood from the same store on the same footpaths for decades.In a 2021 report by the TOI, it was revealed that homeless people in the country often prefer to sleep on pavements and footpaths over night-shelters due to the fear of theft, drugs and mosquitoes. Footpaths also gave them respite from the stubborn heat that is inescapable in enclosed spaces.Gap in enforcementAdvocate Arora said that the real test of the judgment will not be in its declaration, but in the final implementation on the ground. State governments and municipal bodies must now frame enforceable laws to protect citizens’ right to walk freely with ease and without fear or inconvenience.A 23-year-old Mumbai resident, Protichi Chatterjee, said that an entire road including the footpaths was dug up for four months right in front of her apartment. Consequently, she couldn’t leave her area most times, causing her to be routinely late for law college and internships.“A child’s life was lost, which led the court to declare walking a fundamental right under Article 21 but granting any right to citizens also entails the duty of enforcement. Under the same Article, there is also the Right to a Pollution-free environment and the right to live with dignity,” said Protichi, a student at Government Law College, Mumbai. “We still live in an extremely polluted environment, to the point I have breathing struggles. Rights without enforcement serve little purpose.”While South Mumbai has wider streets, making them relatively walkable, congestion seeps in as one moves towards the suburbs. “The potholes, constantly dug up footpaths and the congestion make them inaccessible for persons with disability,” said Protichi.Sahukari Ruchita, diagnosed with brittle bone disease, talks about the difficulty of navigating Delhi’s footpaths in her wheelchair. “The street poles and trees have been placed right in the middle of many footpaths, which are often narrow in the first place, and that is a barrier for people with disability,” she said.She narrated an incident where, while going to the park, her mother had to ask a stranger to help lift Ruchita’s wheelchair because barriers on the footpaths made navigation unfeasible. Beyond safetyA 2019 report by BBC examined how 100 km of new footpaths affected Chennai’s environment, economy, public health and safety.The study found that 9% to 27% of people surveyed shifted from motorized transport to walking because of the new footpaths, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and particulate pollution. The research also showed that the footpaths created opportunities for women and lower-income residents, including financial savings for these groups.This is a testament to how functional footpaths can offer more than safety and navigation on Indian roads. When planned and maintained properly, they can be reimagined as vital public spaces like parks or libraries.The Supreme Court, in its judgement, said that walking has always captured the Indian imagination, with roots running deep through culture, society, religion, politics and reform movements. “It is struggle for the not-so-fortunate, meditation in motion for many, resistance for others, discovery for the inquisitive, a cohesive strategy for sharp socio-political minds,” it said. Walking even helped inspire some of the ideals behind the freedom struggle.“The message of the Supreme Court is clear: roads are not the monopoly of motor vehicles. If a road exists, a safe footpath must exist. Walking is not a privilege given by the State, it is in fact a constitutional right owed to every citizen,” said Arora.In the wake of an unthinkable, avoidable tragedy, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the right to walk. It is now a question of whether the country will follow in its footsteps.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnanya PodderAnanya Podder, a news intern at the Times of India, is a political science major who completed a PG Diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Currently working across diverse beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knew123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Parked vehicles and stored goods occupy a footpath, obstructing pedestrian movement, at Lajpat Nagar, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo) A five-year-old child was killed by a tanker on his way to school with his father. At the site of the tragedy, there was no footpath or a proper pedestrian crossing.On June 19, in a compensation case (Maniyar Iliyaz @ Shaik Riyaz v. P. Ayyappan) delivered by a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar, Supreme Court declared the right to walk on safe, demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right under the right to free movement under Article 19(1)(d) and the right to life under Article 21.The bench said that accidents like this continue and perhaps they are inevitable until our rights regime is restructured regarding access to roads.It further stated that the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 neither recognises nor has ever recognised a fundamental right to walk and in fact, the law has actually hindered this right, weakening pedestrians’ rights in many respects.“The irony all along has been that we have often celebrated flyovers, expressways and large road projects, but have ignored the most basic unit of movement i.e. the pedestrian. The judgment should change how footpaths are imagined. They must be continuous, walkable, safe, accessible and free from obstruction,” said advocate Mayank Arora with The Chambers of Bharat Chugh.Data shows that from January to March this year, Delhi traffic police handed out 4,30,202 on-the-spot fines for improper or obstructive parking, making it the city’s most frequently committed traffic offence. Crisis of pedestrian fatalityA simple stroll around Delhi reveals how non-functional most of its footpaths are. Broken slabs, potholes and garbage strewn everywhere are a common sight. They are dug up or interrupted abruptly. This forces dwellers onto the main road, where they face the threat of collision with vehicles.India Status Report on Road Safety, compiled by the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre (TRIPC) at IIT Delhi, indicates that footpath availability ranges from as low as 3% in Jammu and Kashmir to about 73% in Maharashtra. In states like Bihar, Haryana and Puducherry, usable pavements remain scarce.Recent data released by road transport ministry for 2024 revealed that more than 1.8 lakh pedestrians were killed in road crashes across India between 2019 and 2024. It averages to an annual of 30,500 pedestrian fatalities. National Highway (NH) network accounted for nearly 31% of these deaths.Around 54% of pedestrian deaths involved collisions with two-wheelers and cars, claiming 19,680 lives. The absence of safe footpaths and pedestrian crossing infrastructure is behind the country’s pedestrian fatality toll, which is among the highest globally.Right reserved for the privilegedThe bench called it strange that it escaped them to focus on recognizing and securing this right to walk. “It may be because wheels eclipsed our imagination, and our municipal administration was busy creating roads suitable for motorized vehicles,” said the court.“It could also be elitism to start with, for machines with wheels were only for the rich, but as economies progressed and cheaper motor vehicles were introduced, the entire spectrum of motorized transportation dominated the roads, pushing aside the walkers to the extent that they are treated as a nuisance for the drivers who routinely run over the walkers and their footpaths.”Shweta Raj, who comes from Bihar’s Samastipur, says the concept of footpaths ends once you leave Patna. “As soon as you deviate from the capital, you will see the footpaths disappearing,” she said. “In the rural areas, even the main roads aren’t properly built. Functional footpaths are out of the question.”In her own city, footpaths only exist on bridges. Even then, they are blocked by vegetable stalls or parked motorcycles. Question of hawkers and homeless peopleThe question of hawkers, encroached spaces and the right to earn a livelihood has dominated the contemporary Indian discourse as of late.Walk around any Indian city and one will see many hawkers, street food stalls, cigarette stores, and florists who have set up shop right on a footpath. In fact, many have been earning a livelihood from the same store on the same footpaths for decades.In a 2021 report by the TOI, it was revealed that homeless people in the country often prefer to sleep on pavements and footpaths over night-shelters due to the fear of theft, drugs and mosquitoes. Footpaths also gave them respite from the stubborn heat that is inescapable in enclosed spaces.Gap in enforcementAdvocate Arora said that the real test of the judgment will not be in its declaration, but in the final implementation on the ground. State governments and municipal bodies must now frame enforceable laws to protect citizens’ right to walk freely with ease and without fear or inconvenience.A 23-year-old Mumbai resident, Protichi Chatterjee, said that an entire road including the footpaths was dug up for four months right in front of her apartment. Consequently, she couldn’t leave her area most times, causing her to be routinely late for law college and internships.“A child’s life was lost, which led the court to declare walking a fundamental right under Article 21 but granting any right to citizens also entails the duty of enforcement. Under the same Article, there is also the Right to a Pollution-free environment and the right to live with dignity,” said Protichi, a student at Government Law College, Mumbai. “We still live in an extremely polluted environment, to the point I have breathing struggles. Rights without enforcement serve little purpose.”While South Mumbai has wider streets, making them relatively walkable, congestion seeps in as one moves towards the suburbs. “The potholes, constantly dug up footpaths and the congestion make them inaccessible for persons with disability,” said Protichi.Sahukari Ruchita, diagnosed with brittle bone disease, talks about the difficulty of navigating Delhi’s footpaths in her wheelchair. “The street poles and trees have been placed right in the middle of many footpaths, which are often narrow in the first place, and that is a barrier for people with disability,” she said.She narrated an incident where, while going to the park, her mother had to ask a stranger to help lift Ruchita’s wheelchair because barriers on the footpaths made navigation unfeasible. Beyond safetyA 2019 report by BBC examined how 100 km of new footpaths affected Chennai’s environment, economy, public health and safety.The study found that 9% to 27% of people surveyed shifted from motorized transport to walking because of the new footpaths, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and particulate pollution. The research also showed that the footpaths created opportunities for women and lower-income residents, including financial savings for these groups.This is a testament to how functional footpaths can offer more than safety and navigation on Indian roads. When planned and maintained properly, they can be reimagined as vital public spaces like parks or libraries.The Supreme Court, in its judgement, said that walking has always captured the Indian imagination, with roots running deep through culture, society, religion, politics and reform movements. “It is struggle for the not-so-fortunate, meditation in motion for many, resistance for others, discovery for the inquisitive, a cohesive strategy for sharp socio-political minds,” it said. Walking even helped inspire some of the ideals behind the freedom struggle.“The message of the Supreme Court is clear: roads are not the monopoly of motor vehicles. If a road exists, a safe footpath must exist. Walking is not a privilege given by the State, it is in fact a constitutional right owed to every citizen,” said Arora.In the wake of an unthinkable, avoidable tragedy, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the right to walk. It is now a question of whether the country will follow in its footsteps.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnanya PodderAnanya Podder, a news intern at the Times of India, is a political science major who completed a PG Diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Currently working across diverse beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knew123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

Parked vehicles and stored goods occupy a footpath, obstructing pedestrian movement, at Lajpat Nagar, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo) A five-year-old child was killed by a tanker on his way to school with his father. At the site of the tragedy, there was no footpath or a proper pedestrian crossing.On June 19, in a compensation…

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The bust that was allegedy vandalised NEW DELHI: A portion of an under-construction statue of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee on Sukia Street in north Kolkata was allegedly vandalised overnight, police said on Sunday.A worker who arrived at the site in the morning found the statue’s tile and nameplate damaged. “When I came here in the morning, I saw that the tile and nameplate of the statue was broken. I left from here around 7 pm yesterday and came here this morning at 10 am,” he told ANI.Reacting to the incident, West Bengal Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee condemned the alleged vandalism, saying the nationalist leader’s legacy remains deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.”Every citizen of West Bengal knows due to whom we are living in West Bengal today. If Syama Prasad Mukherjee had not been there, we would still be living in Bangladesh… We will not be affected by such incidents because Syama Prasad Mookerjee resides in the hearts of our people,” he told ANI.The incident comes ahead of Union home minister Amit Shah’s visit to Kolkata on Monday to attend programmes marking Mukherjee’s birth anniversary. The right-wing was born in Kolkata on July 6, 1901.During his visit, Shah is expected to lay the foundation stone for a proposed 125-foot statue of Mukherjee at his ancestral home in Jirat, Hooghly district, and attend a commemorative programme at the Biswa Bangla Mela Ground.The Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP government in West Bengal has also declared public holiday on July 6 to mark Mukherjee’s 125th 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 MediaVideosGovt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying Separatists123PhotostoriesFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knewInside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s fairytale wedding with emotional vows, first kiss and star-studded celebration123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

The bust that was allegedy vandalised NEW DELHI: A portion of an under-construction statue of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee on Sukia Street in north Kolkata was allegedly vandalised overnight, police said on Sunday.A worker who arrived at the site in the morning found the statue’s tile and nameplate damaged. “When I came here in the morning, I saw that the tile and nameplate of the statue was broken. I left from here around 7 pm yesterday and came here this morning at 10 am,” he told ANI.Reacting to the incident, West Bengal Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee condemned the alleged vandalism, saying the nationalist leader’s legacy remains deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.”Every citizen of West Bengal knows due to whom we are living in West Bengal today. If Syama Prasad Mukherjee had not been there, we would still be living in Bangladesh… We will not be affected by such incidents because Syama Prasad Mookerjee resides in the hearts of our people,” he told ANI.The incident comes ahead of Union home minister Amit Shah’s visit to Kolkata on Monday to attend programmes marking Mukherjee’s birth anniversary. The right-wing was born in Kolkata on July 6, 1901.During his visit, Shah is expected to lay the foundation stone for a proposed 125-foot statue of Mukherjee at his ancestral home in Jirat, Hooghly district, and attend a commemorative programme at the Biswa Bangla Mela Ground.The Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP government in West Bengal has also declared public holiday on July 6 to mark Mukherjee’s 125th 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 MediaVideosGovt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying Separatists123PhotostoriesFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knewInside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s fairytale wedding with emotional vows, first kiss and star-studded celebration123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The bust that was allegedy vandalised NEW DELHI: A portion of an under-construction statue of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee on Sukia Street in north Kolkata was allegedly vandalised overnight, police said on Sunday.A worker who arrived at the site in the morning found the statue’s tile and nameplate damaged. “When I came here…

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“I have just said that the investigators should take their (opposition leaders) help,” VHP’s Alok Kumar. The political confrontation over the alleged misappropriation of Ram Mandir donations has intensified, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) throwing the challenge back at Opposition leaders who have accused the temple authorities of financial irregularities. The VHP has now said that if the Opposition has evidence to support its allegations, it should place it before investigators instead of making public claims. The latest escalation comes after VHP International President Alok Kumar wrote to the Investigation Officer handling the alleged Ram Temple embezzlement case, urging verification of allegations made by several Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader Sanjay Singh and Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav.Speaking to news agency IANS, Alok Kumar said the leaders named in his letter occupy influential positions and suggested that if they have made such serious allegations, they should be able to substantiate them before investigators.”The people regarding whom (I have) written are influential individuals, holding senior positions; that is why I considered that whatever they have said, especially in the public domain, might have some basis and they might have knowledge about the facts of the case.”Responding to the Opposition’s allegation that “more than Rs 20,000 crore are missing” from donations made to the Ram Temple, Kumar rejected the claim and said the figure itself did not match the temple’s records.”According to the information received by us, such amount was not even received.”He specifically referred to Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav’s remarks and said investigators should seek details from him if he possesses information supporting the allegation.”Since (Samajwadi Party leader) Professor Ram Gopal Yadav is saying this…if police questions him that how did he mention such a huge figure, who provided him with the information, does he have any supporting documents (to prove the allegations), then Ram Gopal ji should be able to convey it to the investigators,” he added.”This will assist the investigation,” he asserted.Referring to similar allegations made by Priyanka Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, the VHP chief said the accusations involved claims that large amounts of temple donations had been stolen.”It has been alleged that offerings worth crores of rupees (have been stolen).”Kumar, however, maintained that he was not accusing the Opposition leaders of wrongdoing. Instead, he said investigators should seek their assistance if they possess information relevant to the case.”I have just said that the investigators should take their help (leaders) since they know about a lot of things that even we are not aware of.”The remarks come amid a continuing political row over the alleged financial irregularities linked to the Ram Temple Trust, with the Opposition stepping up its attacks and the VHP defending the institution while insisting that the investigation should establish the facts.Asked why the VHP’s annual meeting was shifted from Ayodhya to Delhi, Kumar said the decision was taken because of logistical reasons during the ongoing investigation.”The meeting was initially postponed and will now be held in Delhi,” he said.On Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s criticism of the BJP leadership over the controversy, Kumar said the Uttar Pradesh government had already committed itself to uncovering the truth.”Actions are more important than words. The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, through its Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has promised to bring out the truth.””I believe the government is doing whatever is expected from it,” he added.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 MediaVideosWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots Case123PhotostoriesCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knewInside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s fairytale wedding with emotional vows, first kiss and star-studded celebrationFoods Indians eat today that actually arrived from other countries: 8 everyday staples with global originsEx-Microsoft executive coach shares 5 phrases to easily disagree with your boss, claims they earn respect and trustWhy rainy days create some of childhood’s happiest memories, according to psychology123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

“I have just said that the investigators should take their (opposition leaders) help,” VHP’s Alok Kumar. The political confrontation over the alleged misappropriation of Ram Mandir donations has intensified, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) throwing the challenge back at Opposition leaders who have accused the temple authorities of financial irregularities. The VHP has now said that if the Opposition has evidence to support its allegations, it should place it before investigators instead of making public claims. The latest escalation comes after VHP International President Alok Kumar wrote to the Investigation Officer handling the alleged Ram Temple embezzlement case, urging verification of allegations made by several Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader Sanjay Singh and Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav.Speaking to news agency IANS, Alok Kumar said the leaders named in his letter occupy influential positions and suggested that if they have made such serious allegations, they should be able to substantiate them before investigators.”The people regarding whom (I have) written are influential individuals, holding senior positions; that is why I considered that whatever they have said, especially in the public domain, might have some basis and they might have knowledge about the facts of the case.”Responding to the Opposition’s allegation that “more than Rs 20,000 crore are missing” from donations made to the Ram Temple, Kumar rejected the claim and said the figure itself did not match the temple’s records.”According to the information received by us, such amount was not even received.”He specifically referred to Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav’s remarks and said investigators should seek details from him if he possesses information supporting the allegation.”Since (Samajwadi Party leader) Professor Ram Gopal Yadav is saying this…if police questions him that how did he mention such a huge figure, who provided him with the information, does he have any supporting documents (to prove the allegations), then Ram Gopal ji should be able to convey it to the investigators,” he added.”This will assist the investigation,” he asserted.Referring to similar allegations made by Priyanka Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, the VHP chief said the accusations involved claims that large amounts of temple donations had been stolen.”It has been alleged that offerings worth crores of rupees (have been stolen).”Kumar, however, maintained that he was not accusing the Opposition leaders of wrongdoing. Instead, he said investigators should seek their assistance if they possess information relevant to the case.”I have just said that the investigators should take their help (leaders) since they know about a lot of things that even we are not aware of.”The remarks come amid a continuing political row over the alleged financial irregularities linked to the Ram Temple Trust, with the Opposition stepping up its attacks and the VHP defending the institution while insisting that the investigation should establish the facts.Asked why the VHP’s annual meeting was shifted from Ayodhya to Delhi, Kumar said the decision was taken because of logistical reasons during the ongoing investigation.”The meeting was initially postponed and will now be held in Delhi,” he said.On Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s criticism of the BJP leadership over the controversy, Kumar said the Uttar Pradesh government had already committed itself to uncovering the truth.”Actions are more important than words. The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, through its Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has promised to bring out the truth.””I believe the government is doing whatever is expected from it,” he added.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 MediaVideosWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots Case123PhotostoriesCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knewInside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s fairytale wedding with emotional vows, first kiss and star-studded celebrationFoods Indians eat today that actually arrived from other countries: 8 everyday staples with global originsEx-Microsoft executive coach shares 5 phrases to easily disagree with your boss, claims they earn respect and trustWhy rainy days create some of childhood’s happiest memories, according to psychology123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

“I have just said that the investigators should take their (opposition leaders) help,” VHP’s Alok Kumar. The political confrontation over the alleged misappropriation of Ram Mandir donations has intensified, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) throwing the challenge back at Opposition leaders who have accused the temple authorities of financial irregularities. The VHP has now…

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‘DMK to remain protective fortress of Muslims, minorites’: Udhayanidhi Stalin | India News

‘DMK to remain protective fortress of Muslims, minorites’: Udhayanidhi Stalin | India News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Udhayanidhi said the party’s bond with minority communities remained strong despite political attack. NEW DELHI: DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday strongly reaffirmed his party’s commitment to protecting minorities, declaring that the DMK would continue to stand by the Muslim community despite what he described as attempts by political opponents to divide them.His remarks come…

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Harry Potter: The magic that never dies Somewhere between paying EMIs, navigating workplace politics, doom scrolling through bad news, and wondering whether adulthood was always meant to feel this way, an entire generation is still waiting for an owl.Millennials know that no letter is coming through that letterbox and no half-giant named Hagrid is about to knock down the door and announce that you are a wizard. Yet decades after the first Harry Potter book came out, many still dream of Hogwarts with a devotion that borders on the magical.They reread the books. They host movie marathons. They sleep to Stephen Fry’s narration of their favourite books. They debate whether Snape was a hero or whether ‘Dumbledore said calmly.’ They sort themselves into Hogwarts Houses again and again, hoping the answer remains the same. They quote Dumbledore on difficult days and whisper “Mischief Managed” at the end of adventures.For a generation that grew up alongside Harry Potter, Hogwarts was never just a school. It was a second home. And perhaps that is why millennials have never truly left. School children holding on to the last book of Harry Potter back in 2007 at Khan Market in Delhi. (TOI photo)The generation that grew up with HarryUnlike younger readers who discovered the books all at once, millennials experienced Harry Potter in real time.”I first watched Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in a theatre with my brother when I was eleven years old—the same age as Harry. Because of that, I immediately connected with the story. What fascinated me most was the idea that a hidden magical world could exist alongside our own,” said Zeeshan Khan from Kolkata.They queued outside bookstores at midnight. They speculated endlessly about Horcruxes and prophecies. They spent years wondering whether Sirius Black was a villain or a victim, whether Dumbledore could be trusted, whether Harry would survive.The story unfolded alongside their own lives. “Growing up, Harry Potter was the first thing that truly taught me what magic felt like. It opened up an entire world that never seemed fictional but felt like it existed just beyond our reach. Finding out that Harry and I share the same birthday made me feel magical too. What I loved most was that everyone saw a little of themselves in one character or another, and no matter who you were, the stories made you believe you could be part of that magic,” said Nakul Jain from Bangalore.When Harry boarded the Hogwarts Express for the first time, many millennials were children. By the time Deathly Hallows arrived, they were teenagers or young adults facing their own uncertain futures. The magic that never diesIn many ways, Harry Potter wasn’t merely a book series. It became a shared coming-of-age experience.What began as a magical adventure about an orphan boy eventually transformed into a story about friendship, love, loss, sacrifice, grief, courage and choosing what is right over what is easy.Those themes aged remarkably well because millennials aged with them. Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.JK Rowling, authorFor many millennials, Hogwarts represented something deeper than escapism. It was a sense of belonging.”Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.” When Dumbledore said it, it filled the heart with a sense of warmth and trust. It was this fantasy that somewhere in the world existed a place where weirdness was celebrated, friendships were transformative, and courage mattered more than popularity.”What I love most about Harry Potter is its sense of wonder. It is a story filled with magic, mystery, friendship, and courage, and it has remained special to me ever since I first discovered it as an eleven-year-old,” said Zeeshan.At an age when many readers were still figuring out who they were, Hogwarts provided language for identity. Part of Harry Potter’s enduring appeal lies in the wisdom scattered throughout the books. Why is Harry Potter such a rage with millenials?Dumbledore’s ArmyMany readers first encountered Dumbledore’s quotes as children. They understood them differently as adults.”It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”As children, it sounded inspirational. As adults facing career dilemmas, relationship decisions, ethical compromises, and personal failures, it sounds like life advice.The same is true for another favourite: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.””As a kid, I connected more to the trio Hermione, Ron and Harry or even Malfoy. But when you grow up, and then you read or watch it again, you kind of connect a lot with the adults as well. You understand where Dumbledore was coming from. You understand what Sirius Black or Lupin went through. You understand the politics of the ministry and you relate with it,” said Shameen Alauddin in Delhi. “So I think that Harry Potter has that kind of charm that a child can also connect to it and an adult can also connect to it.”For a generation that has lived through recessions, pandemics, political upheavals, wars, climate anxiety, and constant digital overwhelm, the line feels less like fantasy dialogue and more like a survival strategy.”My favourite character is Professor Dumbledore because he is wise, kind, powerful, and always believes in giving people a second chance. I also find Tom Riddle to be one of the most fascinating characters because of his complex backstory and obsession with power,” said Zeeshan. Growing up with Harry PotterMagic beyond spells The series repeatedly reminds readers that evil does not always arrive dramatically. Sometimes it enters institutions quietly. Sometimes it disguises itself as fear. Sometimes ordinary people enable it through silence.Harry Potter arrived before social media consumed childhood, before notifications became constant, before every moment was documented online.Returning to the series often means returning to a version of ourselves. The child reading under a blanket with a flashlight, the teenager arguing about theories with friends, the student who dreamed about platform 9¾.In uncertain times, nostalgia functions almost like a Patronus charm.Perhaps the deepest reason millennials remain attached to Harry Potter is that the story speaks to a universal hope. The hope that somewhere beyond the ordinary exists a world where we truly belong.The Hogwarts letter became a symbol of possibility. Most millennials joke that they are still waiting for theirs. Deathly Hallows book launch in Mumbai in 2007. (TOI photo)Why some fans have distanced themselves from HPSince 2020, Rowling has argued that biological sex should remain a legal and social category, particularly in areas such as women’s prisons, sports, changing rooms, and rape crisis centres. She has expressed concern that some transgender rights policies could erode protections for women.Rowling has said she supports the rights of transgender people to live free from discrimination and violence, but believes that trans women should not automatically be treated as identical to biological women in every context.She has criticized concepts such as self-identification (allowing people to legally change their gender without medical requirements) and has supported organisations campaigning for sex-based rights.Because of these positions, the transgender community, LGBTQ+ organizations, and former fans have accused her of promoting ideas that exclude or stigmatize transgender people, leading to the label “TERF.” Rowling disputes this characterization, arguing that her views are about protecting women’s rights rather than opposing transgender community.The argument, however, did not sit well with all. Priyali Prakash, who started reading Harry Potter as a teenager, said, “Harry Potter for millennials isn’t just a fantastical piece of literature, it showed us how important friendships and human connections are to get through life. But that said, I am very aware of Rowling’s TERF views and I do not condone those. It’s sad to see what she has become, but if the cast of Harry Potter movies can distance themselves from her and the world she built, I think the fans should be able to acknowledge that too, as heartbreaking as it may feel. Reading/watching Harry Potter is a beautiful memory, but we should be able to leave it at that.” Boy looks at the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows books on sale in Bangalore, back in 2007.Greatest love story of our generationFor boomers, it was Titanic. For millennials, one of the greatest love stories in popular culture came wrapped in black robes and years of misunderstanding.After spending six books hating Severus Snape, readers discovered that the Hogwarts professor they feared most had quietly been protecting Harry all along. His death revealed a truth that left an entire generation stunned.It transformed Snape from Hogwarts’ most intimidating teacher into one of its most tragic figures — a man who spent a lifetime loving someone he could never have and protecting the son who reminded him of both his greatest love and deepest resentment.For many millennials, the revelation remains one of the most emotional twists in modern storytelling. Not because it was romantic, but because it was painfully human. It was about regret, sacrifice, loyalty and a love that endured long after hope had faded.Perhaps that is why Harry Potter has never really lost its magic. The series grew up with its readers. What once felt like a story about spells and broomsticks gradually became a story about friendship, grief, courage, choice and loss.Years have passed since readers first met Harry in the cupboard under the stairs. The generation that grew up with the Boy Who Lived now has jobs, mortgages, children and responsibilities.Yet Hogwarts remains crowded. Millennials continue to return to the Great Hall, wander the corridors, revisit Hogsmeade and board the Hogwarts Express whenever life becomes too ordinary.Because some stories do not simply entertain us.They become part of us.And for the generation that grew up believing an owl might arrive any day now, the magic never really ended.After all this time? Always!Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorNatasha SinghPrincipal Digital Content ProducerEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots Case123PhotostoriesPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knewInside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s fairytale wedding with emotional vows, first kiss and star-studded celebrationFoods Indians eat today that actually arrived from other countries: 8 everyday staples with global originsEx-Microsoft executive coach shares 5 phrases to easily disagree with your boss, claims they earn respect and trust123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Harry Potter: The magic that never dies Somewhere between paying EMIs, navigating workplace politics, doom scrolling through bad news, and wondering whether adulthood was always meant to feel this way, an entire generation is still waiting for an owl.Millennials know that no letter is coming through that letterbox and no half-giant named Hagrid is about to knock down the door and announce that you are a wizard. Yet decades after the first Harry Potter book came out, many still dream of Hogwarts with a devotion that borders on the magical.They reread the books. They host movie marathons. They sleep to Stephen Fry’s narration of their favourite books. They debate whether Snape was a hero or whether ‘Dumbledore said calmly.’ They sort themselves into Hogwarts Houses again and again, hoping the answer remains the same. They quote Dumbledore on difficult days and whisper “Mischief Managed” at the end of adventures.For a generation that grew up alongside Harry Potter, Hogwarts was never just a school. It was a second home. And perhaps that is why millennials have never truly left. School children holding on to the last book of Harry Potter back in 2007 at Khan Market in Delhi. (TOI photo)The generation that grew up with HarryUnlike younger readers who discovered the books all at once, millennials experienced Harry Potter in real time.”I first watched Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in a theatre with my brother when I was eleven years old—the same age as Harry. Because of that, I immediately connected with the story. What fascinated me most was the idea that a hidden magical world could exist alongside our own,” said Zeeshan Khan from Kolkata.They queued outside bookstores at midnight. They speculated endlessly about Horcruxes and prophecies. They spent years wondering whether Sirius Black was a villain or a victim, whether Dumbledore could be trusted, whether Harry would survive.The story unfolded alongside their own lives. “Growing up, Harry Potter was the first thing that truly taught me what magic felt like. It opened up an entire world that never seemed fictional but felt like it existed just beyond our reach. Finding out that Harry and I share the same birthday made me feel magical too. What I loved most was that everyone saw a little of themselves in one character or another, and no matter who you were, the stories made you believe you could be part of that magic,” said Nakul Jain from Bangalore.When Harry boarded the Hogwarts Express for the first time, many millennials were children. By the time Deathly Hallows arrived, they were teenagers or young adults facing their own uncertain futures. The magic that never diesIn many ways, Harry Potter wasn’t merely a book series. It became a shared coming-of-age experience.What began as a magical adventure about an orphan boy eventually transformed into a story about friendship, love, loss, sacrifice, grief, courage and choosing what is right over what is easy.Those themes aged remarkably well because millennials aged with them. Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.JK Rowling, authorFor many millennials, Hogwarts represented something deeper than escapism. It was a sense of belonging.”Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.” When Dumbledore said it, it filled the heart with a sense of warmth and trust. It was this fantasy that somewhere in the world existed a place where weirdness was celebrated, friendships were transformative, and courage mattered more than popularity.”What I love most about Harry Potter is its sense of wonder. It is a story filled with magic, mystery, friendship, and courage, and it has remained special to me ever since I first discovered it as an eleven-year-old,” said Zeeshan.At an age when many readers were still figuring out who they were, Hogwarts provided language for identity. Part of Harry Potter’s enduring appeal lies in the wisdom scattered throughout the books. Why is Harry Potter such a rage with millenials?Dumbledore’s ArmyMany readers first encountered Dumbledore’s quotes as children. They understood them differently as adults.”It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”As children, it sounded inspirational. As adults facing career dilemmas, relationship decisions, ethical compromises, and personal failures, it sounds like life advice.The same is true for another favourite: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.””As a kid, I connected more to the trio Hermione, Ron and Harry or even Malfoy. But when you grow up, and then you read or watch it again, you kind of connect a lot with the adults as well. You understand where Dumbledore was coming from. You understand what Sirius Black or Lupin went through. You understand the politics of the ministry and you relate with it,” said Shameen Alauddin in Delhi. “So I think that Harry Potter has that kind of charm that a child can also connect to it and an adult can also connect to it.”For a generation that has lived through recessions, pandemics, political upheavals, wars, climate anxiety, and constant digital overwhelm, the line feels less like fantasy dialogue and more like a survival strategy.”My favourite character is Professor Dumbledore because he is wise, kind, powerful, and always believes in giving people a second chance. I also find Tom Riddle to be one of the most fascinating characters because of his complex backstory and obsession with power,” said Zeeshan. Growing up with Harry PotterMagic beyond spells The series repeatedly reminds readers that evil does not always arrive dramatically. Sometimes it enters institutions quietly. Sometimes it disguises itself as fear. Sometimes ordinary people enable it through silence.Harry Potter arrived before social media consumed childhood, before notifications became constant, before every moment was documented online.Returning to the series often means returning to a version of ourselves. The child reading under a blanket with a flashlight, the teenager arguing about theories with friends, the student who dreamed about platform 9¾.In uncertain times, nostalgia functions almost like a Patronus charm.Perhaps the deepest reason millennials remain attached to Harry Potter is that the story speaks to a universal hope. The hope that somewhere beyond the ordinary exists a world where we truly belong.The Hogwarts letter became a symbol of possibility. Most millennials joke that they are still waiting for theirs. Deathly Hallows book launch in Mumbai in 2007. (TOI photo)Why some fans have distanced themselves from HPSince 2020, Rowling has argued that biological sex should remain a legal and social category, particularly in areas such as women’s prisons, sports, changing rooms, and rape crisis centres. She has expressed concern that some transgender rights policies could erode protections for women.Rowling has said she supports the rights of transgender people to live free from discrimination and violence, but believes that trans women should not automatically be treated as identical to biological women in every context.She has criticized concepts such as self-identification (allowing people to legally change their gender without medical requirements) and has supported organisations campaigning for sex-based rights.Because of these positions, the transgender community, LGBTQ+ organizations, and former fans have accused her of promoting ideas that exclude or stigmatize transgender people, leading to the label “TERF.” Rowling disputes this characterization, arguing that her views are about protecting women’s rights rather than opposing transgender community.The argument, however, did not sit well with all. Priyali Prakash, who started reading Harry Potter as a teenager, said, “Harry Potter for millennials isn’t just a fantastical piece of literature, it showed us how important friendships and human connections are to get through life. But that said, I am very aware of Rowling’s TERF views and I do not condone those. It’s sad to see what she has become, but if the cast of Harry Potter movies can distance themselves from her and the world she built, I think the fans should be able to acknowledge that too, as heartbreaking as it may feel. Reading/watching Harry Potter is a beautiful memory, but we should be able to leave it at that.” Boy looks at the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows books on sale in Bangalore, back in 2007.Greatest love story of our generationFor boomers, it was Titanic. For millennials, one of the greatest love stories in popular culture came wrapped in black robes and years of misunderstanding.After spending six books hating Severus Snape, readers discovered that the Hogwarts professor they feared most had quietly been protecting Harry all along. His death revealed a truth that left an entire generation stunned.It transformed Snape from Hogwarts’ most intimidating teacher into one of its most tragic figures — a man who spent a lifetime loving someone he could never have and protecting the son who reminded him of both his greatest love and deepest resentment.For many millennials, the revelation remains one of the most emotional twists in modern storytelling. Not because it was romantic, but because it was painfully human. It was about regret, sacrifice, loyalty and a love that endured long after hope had faded.Perhaps that is why Harry Potter has never really lost its magic. The series grew up with its readers. What once felt like a story about spells and broomsticks gradually became a story about friendship, grief, courage, choice and loss.Years have passed since readers first met Harry in the cupboard under the stairs. The generation that grew up with the Boy Who Lived now has jobs, mortgages, children and responsibilities.Yet Hogwarts remains crowded. Millennials continue to return to the Great Hall, wander the corridors, revisit Hogsmeade and board the Hogwarts Express whenever life becomes too ordinary.Because some stories do not simply entertain us.They become part of us.And for the generation that grew up believing an owl might arrive any day now, the magic never really ended.After all this time? Always!Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorNatasha SinghPrincipal Digital Content ProducerEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots Case123PhotostoriesPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knewInside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s fairytale wedding with emotional vows, first kiss and star-studded celebrationFoods Indians eat today that actually arrived from other countries: 8 everyday staples with global originsEx-Microsoft executive coach shares 5 phrases to easily disagree with your boss, claims they earn respect and trust123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna09 mins mins

Harry Potter: The magic that never dies Somewhere between paying EMIs, navigating workplace politics, doom scrolling through bad news, and wondering whether adulthood was always meant to feel this way, an entire generation is still waiting for an owl.Millennials know that no letter is coming through that letterbox and no half-giant named Hagrid is about…

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File photo: Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling it a “scam” carried out by the BJP-RSS ecosystem and questioning the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that the BJP’s politics now revolved around a three-pronged strategy of “vote chori, seat chori, chanda chori” (vote theft, seat theft and donation theft), reported news agency PTI.Ramesh also criticised the RSS for its response to the controversy, calling its statement “disgraceful and shameful”.He alleged that the organisation, which often claims to uphold integrity and nationalism, had failed to address the seriousness of the allegations.Demands Supreme Court-monitored probeClaiming that donations worth “thousands of crores” had been siphoned off, Ramesh demanded an inquiry monitored by a sitting Supreme Court judge and strict action against all those found guilty.“Donations running into thousands of crores have been siphoned off. Of course, there should be an inquiry by a sitting Supreme Court judge, of course the toughest action should be taken against all the accused but the silence of the prime minister and the home minister is shocking,” he said.Ramesh argued that Prime Minister Modi, who had taken credit for the construction and inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, should publicly respond to the controversy.“We expect the prime minister, who took credit for building the Ram Temple… to make a statement. They have been completely silent,” he said.BJP-RSS ecosystem under fireThe Congress leader linked the alleged donation irregularities with the BJP’s past funding practices, referring to the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme.“Remember the electoral bond scheme. It was struck down by the Supreme Court. Hundreds of crores were collected – ‘chanda do dhanda lo’. So this whole ‘chanda business’ is part of the BJP’s DNA,” Ramesh alleged.He further claimed that members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust were closely associated with the BJP-RSS ecosystem and questioned whether senior leaders were unaware of what had allegedly taken place.“To think that the RSS did not know what is happening, to think that the PM and HM did not know what was happening, is beyond imagination,” he said, adding that the “whole enterprise was a political enterprise”.Ramesh also questioned the role of former principal secretary to the Prime Minister Nipendra Mishra, saying the system was “a tightly-locked, interconnected ecosystem” where “nothing escapes the other’s attention”.Probe underway after FIR and arrestsThe alleged embezzlement came to light after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government submitted its preliminary findings. An FIR was registered on June 25.Police have arrested eight accused in the case. Investigators have also recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, from six of the accused, while the probe remains ongoing.Reiterating the party’s stand, Ramesh alleged that the case represented “a ghotala, a scam perpetrated by the BJP-RSS ecosystem”, and again criticised the continued silence of Prime Minister Modi and home minister Shah, according to 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 MediaVideosWhy Adani’s .4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots Case123PhotostoriesWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knewInside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s fairytale wedding with emotional vows, first kiss and star-studded celebrationFoods Indians eat today that actually arrived from other countries: 8 everyday staples with global originsEx-Microsoft executive coach shares 5 phrases to easily disagree with your boss, claims they earn respect and trustWhy rainy days create some of childhood’s happiest memories, according to psychologyEver wondered why every loaf of bread has two end slices? Here’s the real reasonWatch your skin for kidney disease signs5 simple habits for heart that can actually protect your arteries and prevent plaque build up123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

File photo: Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling it a “scam” carried out by the BJP-RSS ecosystem and questioning the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that the BJP’s politics now revolved around a three-pronged strategy of “vote chori, seat chori, chanda chori” (vote theft, seat theft and donation theft), reported news agency PTI.Ramesh also criticised the RSS for its response to the controversy, calling its statement “disgraceful and shameful”.He alleged that the organisation, which often claims to uphold integrity and nationalism, had failed to address the seriousness of the allegations.Demands Supreme Court-monitored probeClaiming that donations worth “thousands of crores” had been siphoned off, Ramesh demanded an inquiry monitored by a sitting Supreme Court judge and strict action against all those found guilty.“Donations running into thousands of crores have been siphoned off. Of course, there should be an inquiry by a sitting Supreme Court judge, of course the toughest action should be taken against all the accused but the silence of the prime minister and the home minister is shocking,” he said.Ramesh argued that Prime Minister Modi, who had taken credit for the construction and inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, should publicly respond to the controversy.“We expect the prime minister, who took credit for building the Ram Temple… to make a statement. They have been completely silent,” he said.BJP-RSS ecosystem under fireThe Congress leader linked the alleged donation irregularities with the BJP’s past funding practices, referring to the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme.“Remember the electoral bond scheme. It was struck down by the Supreme Court. Hundreds of crores were collected – ‘chanda do dhanda lo’. So this whole ‘chanda business’ is part of the BJP’s DNA,” Ramesh alleged.He further claimed that members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust were closely associated with the BJP-RSS ecosystem and questioned whether senior leaders were unaware of what had allegedly taken place.“To think that the RSS did not know what is happening, to think that the PM and HM did not know what was happening, is beyond imagination,” he said, adding that the “whole enterprise was a political enterprise”.Ramesh also questioned the role of former principal secretary to the Prime Minister Nipendra Mishra, saying the system was “a tightly-locked, interconnected ecosystem” where “nothing escapes the other’s attention”.Probe underway after FIR and arrestsThe alleged embezzlement came to light after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government submitted its preliminary findings. An FIR was registered on June 25.Police have arrested eight accused in the case. Investigators have also recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, from six of the accused, while the probe remains ongoing.Reiterating the party’s stand, Ramesh alleged that the case represented “a ghotala, a scam perpetrated by the BJP-RSS ecosystem”, and again criticised the continued silence of Prime Minister Modi and home minister Shah, according to 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 MediaVideosWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots Case123PhotostoriesWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knewInside Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s fairytale wedding with emotional vows, first kiss and star-studded celebrationFoods Indians eat today that actually arrived from other countries: 8 everyday staples with global originsEx-Microsoft executive coach shares 5 phrases to easily disagree with your boss, claims they earn respect and trustWhy rainy days create some of childhood’s happiest memories, according to psychologyEver wondered why every loaf of bread has two end slices? Here’s the real reasonWatch your skin for kidney disease signs5 simple habits for heart that can actually protect your arteries and prevent plaque build up123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

File photo: Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling it a “scam” carried out by the BJP-RSS ecosystem and questioning the silence of Prime Minister…

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