September 24, 2026

India

NEW DELHI: The net deletion of around 47 lakh electors from Bihar’s rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) and the consequent shrinking of the state’s voter base to 7.4 crore is among factors that may have pushed up Phase 1 polling percentage to record levels, EC officials said.Officers attribute the rise partly to better voter connect achieved through house-to-house visits by booth level officers (BLOs) and parties’ booth level agents (BLAs) to distribute and collect forms. Opposition protests against SIR, including Rahul Gandhi’s ‘voter adhikaar’ yatra, also ensured the Bihar poll campaign began early. “The sharp divisions over SIR created a high level of contestation, generating public interest and encouraging electors to vote,” said an officer.Interestingly, the difference between Bihar’s Phase 1 turnout and its 2024 Lok Sabha turnout-8.4 percentage points-nearly matches the 8.7% deletions from the June 2025 roll that listed 7.9 crore electors.Officials said it’s hard to assess how much SIR deletions contributed to higher turnout. “SIR eliminated bogus entries – of dead, shifted or ineligible – which earlier enabled impersonation,” said an EC officer.They added that EC’s resolve in conducting SIR exercise amid criticism, and high media scrutiny motivated voters to turn up in large numbers.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123PhotostoriesBollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefits123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

NEW DELHI: The net deletion of around 47 lakh electors from Bihar’s rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) and the consequent shrinking of the state’s voter base to 7.4 crore is among factors that may have pushed up Phase 1 polling percentage to record levels, EC officials said.Officers attribute the rise partly to better voter connect achieved through house-to-house visits by booth level officers (BLOs) and parties’ booth level agents (BLAs) to distribute and collect forms. Opposition protests against SIR, including Rahul Gandhi’s ‘voter adhikaar’ yatra, also ensured the Bihar poll campaign began early. “The sharp divisions over SIR created a high level of contestation, generating public interest and encouraging electors to vote,” said an officer.Interestingly, the difference between Bihar’s Phase 1 turnout and its 2024 Lok Sabha turnout-8.4 percentage points-nearly matches the 8.7% deletions from the June 2025 roll that listed 7.9 crore electors.Officials said it’s hard to assess how much SIR deletions contributed to higher turnout. “SIR eliminated bogus entries – of dead, shifted or ineligible – which earlier enabled impersonation,” said an EC officer.They added that EC’s resolve in conducting SIR exercise amid criticism, and high media scrutiny motivated voters to turn up in large numbers.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123PhotostoriesBollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefits123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The net deletion of around 47 lakh electors from Bihar’s rolls during the special intensive revision (SIR) and the consequent shrinking of the state’s voter base to 7.4 crore is among factors that may have pushed up Phase 1 polling percentage to record levels, EC officials said.Officers attribute the rise partly to better…

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NEW DELHI: Security forces on Saturday thwarted an infiltration bid along after launching a joint operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara.Army’s White Chinar Corps, in a social media post on X, said that “Operation Pimple” was launched on November 7 after receiving specific inputs. It further said that the terrorists were trapped after contact was established.”On 07 Nov 2025, based on specific intelligence input from agencies, regarding infiltration attempt, a joint operation was launched in Keran sector of Kupwara. Alert troops spotted suspicious activity and challenged which resulted in terrorists opening indiscriminate fire,” Chinar corps said.”Contact established and terrorists trapped,” it added.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 MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123Photostories10 hill stations to escape from Delhi-NCR’s toxic air this winter5 natural drinks that help relieve constipation fast5 natural drinks that help relieve constipation fast5 smallest and cutest snakes found in the wild5 trending diamond engagement rings everyone’s talking about in 2025Bollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

NEW DELHI: Security forces on Saturday thwarted an infiltration bid along after launching a joint operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara.Army’s White Chinar Corps, in a social media post on X, said that “Operation Pimple” was launched on November 7 after receiving specific inputs. It further said that the terrorists were trapped after contact was established.”On 07 Nov 2025, based on specific intelligence input from agencies, regarding infiltration attempt, a joint operation was launched in Keran sector of Kupwara. Alert troops spotted suspicious activity and challenged which resulted in terrorists opening indiscriminate fire,” Chinar corps said.”Contact established and terrorists trapped,” it added.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 MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123Photostories10 hill stations to escape from Delhi-NCR’s toxic air this winter5 natural drinks that help relieve constipation fast5 natural drinks that help relieve constipation fast5 smallest and cutest snakes found in the wild5 trending diamond engagement rings everyone’s talking about in 2025Bollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Security forces on Saturday thwarted an infiltration bid along after launching a joint operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara.Army’s White Chinar Corps, in a social media post on X, said that “Operation Pimple” was launched on November 7 after receiving specific inputs. It further said that the terrorists were trapped after contact was…

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NEW DELIH: Delhi airport on Saturday said that the operations are returning back to normal a day after a glitch in Air Traffic Control flight planning process caused over 300 flight delays.While issuing a advisory, Indira Gandhi International Airport asked the passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest flight update.”The technical issue which affected the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), that supports the Air Traffic Control flight planning process, is gradually improving,” the advisory read.”Airline operations at Delhi Airport are returning to normal, and all concerned authorities are working diligently to minimise any inconvenience caused. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest flight update,” it added.The glitch occurred in the AMSS system that prompted the ATC to abandon automation and switch to manual procedures. The slowdown began showing network-wide effects from Thursday afternoon.Air traffic control (ATC) refers to a ground-based service in which controllers manage and guide the movement of aircraft both on the ground and within controlled airspace.As India’s busiest hub, IGIA typically manages about 1,500 aircraft movements a day with peak rates near 60–70 per hour in normal conditions, leaving little slack when automation falters.The problem started at the Automatic Message Switching System, a system responsible for transferring the flight plan data to the air traffic controllers’ screens, which crashed. This caused the controllers to process each data manually, significantly delaying the arrival and departure process. The disruption that began to impact the operations since Thursday 3pm, had been occurring since Wednesday evening.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 MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123Photostories5 smallest and cutest snakes found in the wild5 trending diamond engagement rings everyone’s talking about in 2025Bollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till date123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

NEW DELIH: Delhi airport on Saturday said that the operations are returning back to normal a day after a glitch in Air Traffic Control flight planning process caused over 300 flight delays.While issuing a advisory, Indira Gandhi International Airport asked the passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest flight update.”The technical issue which affected the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), that supports the Air Traffic Control flight planning process, is gradually improving,” the advisory read.”Airline operations at Delhi Airport are returning to normal, and all concerned authorities are working diligently to minimise any inconvenience caused. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest flight update,” it added.The glitch occurred in the AMSS system that prompted the ATC to abandon automation and switch to manual procedures. The slowdown began showing network-wide effects from Thursday afternoon.Air traffic control (ATC) refers to a ground-based service in which controllers manage and guide the movement of aircraft both on the ground and within controlled airspace.As India’s busiest hub, IGIA typically manages about 1,500 aircraft movements a day with peak rates near 60–70 per hour in normal conditions, leaving little slack when automation falters.The problem started at the Automatic Message Switching System, a system responsible for transferring the flight plan data to the air traffic controllers’ screens, which crashed. This caused the controllers to process each data manually, significantly delaying the arrival and departure process. The disruption that began to impact the operations since Thursday 3pm, had been occurring since Wednesday evening.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 MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123Photostories5 smallest and cutest snakes found in the wild5 trending diamond engagement rings everyone’s talking about in 2025Bollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till date123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELIH: Delhi airport on Saturday said that the operations are returning back to normal a day after a glitch in Air Traffic Control flight planning process caused over 300 flight delays.While issuing a advisory, Indira Gandhi International Airport asked the passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest flight update.“The technical…

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NEW DELHI: Terming Congress the “proud flagbearer” of the national song, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge Friday said ‘Vande Mataram’, which was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore at Congress session in 1896, awakened the collective soul of the nation and became the rallying cry for the freedom struggle. He alleged RSS never accepted the song and has stuck to its “Namaste Sada Vatsale” despite the national song’s universal reverence. Kharge said the song echoed across the land from the Partition of Bengal in 1905 to the last breaths of the country’s brave revolutionaries, and terrified the British into banning it. PM Modi Calls Vande Mataram A ‘Mantra Of Unity And Courage’ As The Song Completes 150 YearsHe recalled that Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 wrote that ‘Vande Mataram’ had become the “most powerful battle cry among Hindus and Musalmans of Bengal during the Partition days”, while Jawaharlal Nehru said in 1938 that “for more than 30 years now, the song is related directly to Indian nationalism.” Kharge claimed the UP assembly started reciting ‘Vande Mataram’ in 1937. Party spokesman Jairam Ramesh said Sabyasachi Bhattacharya’s definitive biography of ‘Vande Mataram’ gives the background to the CWC resolution of Oct 29, 1937, which adopted ‘Vande Mataram’.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123Photostories5 smallest and cutest snakes found in the wild5 trending diamond engagement rings everyone’s talking about in 2025Bollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till date123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

NEW DELHI: Terming Congress the “proud flagbearer” of the national song, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge Friday said ‘Vande Mataram’, which was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore at Congress session in 1896, awakened the collective soul of the nation and became the rallying cry for the freedom struggle. He alleged RSS never accepted the song and has stuck to its “Namaste Sada Vatsale” despite the national song’s universal reverence. Kharge said the song echoed across the land from the Partition of Bengal in 1905 to the last breaths of the country’s brave revolutionaries, and terrified the British into banning it. PM Modi Calls Vande Mataram A ‘Mantra Of Unity And Courage’ As The Song Completes 150 YearsHe recalled that Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 wrote that ‘Vande Mataram’ had become the “most powerful battle cry among Hindus and Musalmans of Bengal during the Partition days”, while Jawaharlal Nehru said in 1938 that “for more than 30 years now, the song is related directly to Indian nationalism.” Kharge claimed the UP assembly started reciting ‘Vande Mataram’ in 1937. Party spokesman Jairam Ramesh said Sabyasachi Bhattacharya’s definitive biography of ‘Vande Mataram’ gives the background to the CWC resolution of Oct 29, 1937, which adopted ‘Vande Mataram’.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123Photostories5 smallest and cutest snakes found in the wild5 trending diamond engagement rings everyone’s talking about in 2025Bollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till date123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Terming Congress the “proud flagbearer” of the national song, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge Friday said ‘Vande Mataram’, which was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore at Congress session in 1896, awakened the collective soul of the nation and became the rallying cry for the freedom struggle. He alleged RSS never accepted the song…

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Criminal killed in gunfight in UP | India News

Criminal killed in gunfight in UP | India News

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

VARANASI: A criminal wanted for murder, robbery, cow smuggling, and theft and carrying a Rs 50,000 bounty was killed in an encounter with a joint team of Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force, Azamgarh SWAT team and Sidhari police in UP’s Azamgarh district late Thursday. “Waqif had at least 67 cases against him for murder, robbery,…

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Ker drive to screen drunk passengers | India News

Ker drive to screen drunk passengers | India News

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Thiruvananthapuram: Government Railway Police has launched a drive to screen drunk passengers at railway stations and on trains in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Kozhikode zones, days after a drunk man allegedly pushed a teen girl off a moving train near Varkala town in Kerala. The authorities hope the exercise may act as a deterrent to…

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. NEW DELHI: Delhi airport’s aging air traffic control (ATC) software crashed Friday after a glitch the previous evening remained unresolved, delaying 800-odd departures and arrivals at India’s busiest civil aviation facility by up to two hours. The ripple effect forced carriers to cancel around 100 flights across routes through the day. Airports Authority of India, accused of going slow on the software upgrade necessary for operations at the scale of Delhi airport, said late Friday that the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) system was back to being fully functional. “Due to some backlogs, there may be some delays in the normal functioning of automated operations, but the situation will be normal soon,” it said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation ordered a probe into the AMSS glitch. Officials ruled out the possibility of a cyber attack triggering the chaos. Several airlines warned that some of their flights scheduled for the weekend could feel the after-effect of Friday’s mayhem.Flights & security nods managed manually; delays affect arrivals too With aircraft unable to land on time in Delhi, operations were affected in many other airports, including Mumbai. AMSS is used by airlines to file flight plans 24 hours in advance for arrivals and departures from Delhi as well as for aircraft overflying Delhi airspace. With the automated system going on the blink, all flight plan information had to be fed manually into the database. A new Air Traffic Services Message Handling System (ATSMHS) is being installed. Delhi airport currently handles about 1,550 flights daily and hundreds of aircraft overfly Delhi airspace. Manual processing of data, which isn’t immune to errors, takes four times longer. For the better part of Friday, tracking site Flightradar24 showed Delhi as the most disrupted airport in terms of delayed flights. AAI wrote on X Friday night that the AMSS issue was detected on Thursday. “Immediately, a review meeting was conducted and necessary directions were given to address the issues. The original equipment manufacturer was engaged and additional staff deployed to manually process flight plans for ATC system to ensure uninterrupted and safe air traffic operations…We regret the inconvenience caused to airlines and passengers,” it said. Amid the chaos, IndiGo advised passengers travelling to and from Delhi to check “the latest flight status and arrive a little earlier than usual to allow additional time at the airport”. Air India warned of “delays and longer wait times at the airport and onboard aircraft”. Representatives of multiple airlines said the Delhi AMSS system had a history of glitches. “We have been hearing about the new AHMS system, but it is taking too long to install. In India, we need to file flight plans with different flight information regions (FIRs) – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai – according to the region where a flight is operating. There should be a central flight plan submission FIR. Also, the new software should have been installed five years ago,” an official said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123PhotostoriesBollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefits123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

. NEW DELHI: Delhi airport’s aging air traffic control (ATC) software crashed Friday after a glitch the previous evening remained unresolved, delaying 800-odd departures and arrivals at India’s busiest civil aviation facility by up to two hours. The ripple effect forced carriers to cancel around 100 flights across routes through the day. Airports Authority of India, accused of going slow on the software upgrade necessary for operations at the scale of Delhi airport, said late Friday that the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) system was back to being fully functional. “Due to some backlogs, there may be some delays in the normal functioning of automated operations, but the situation will be normal soon,” it said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation ordered a probe into the AMSS glitch. Officials ruled out the possibility of a cyber attack triggering the chaos. Several airlines warned that some of their flights scheduled for the weekend could feel the after-effect of Friday’s mayhem.Flights & security nods managed manually; delays affect arrivals too With aircraft unable to land on time in Delhi, operations were affected in many other airports, including Mumbai. AMSS is used by airlines to file flight plans 24 hours in advance for arrivals and departures from Delhi as well as for aircraft overflying Delhi airspace. With the automated system going on the blink, all flight plan information had to be fed manually into the database. A new Air Traffic Services Message Handling System (ATSMHS) is being installed. Delhi airport currently handles about 1,550 flights daily and hundreds of aircraft overfly Delhi airspace. Manual processing of data, which isn’t immune to errors, takes four times longer. For the better part of Friday, tracking site Flightradar24 showed Delhi as the most disrupted airport in terms of delayed flights. AAI wrote on X Friday night that the AMSS issue was detected on Thursday. “Immediately, a review meeting was conducted and necessary directions were given to address the issues. The original equipment manufacturer was engaged and additional staff deployed to manually process flight plans for ATC system to ensure uninterrupted and safe air traffic operations…We regret the inconvenience caused to airlines and passengers,” it said. Amid the chaos, IndiGo advised passengers travelling to and from Delhi to check “the latest flight status and arrive a little earlier than usual to allow additional time at the airport”. Air India warned of “delays and longer wait times at the airport and onboard aircraft”. Representatives of multiple airlines said the Delhi AMSS system had a history of glitches. “We have been hearing about the new AHMS system, but it is taking too long to install. In India, we need to file flight plans with different flight information regions (FIRs) – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai – according to the region where a flight is operating. There should be a central flight plan submission FIR. Also, the new software should have been installed five years ago,” an official said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123PhotostoriesBollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefits123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Delhi airport’s aging air traffic control (ATC) software crashed Friday after a glitch the previous evening remained unresolved, delaying 800-odd departures and arrivals at India’s busiest civil aviation facility by up to two hours. The ripple effect forced carriers to cancel around 100 flights across routes through the day. Airports Authority of India,…

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AG apologises after rap from CJI, government says open to tweaking Tribunal Act | India News

AG apologises after rap from CJI, government says open to tweaking Tribunal Act | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Attorney general R Venkataramani NEW DELHI: Attorney general R Venkataramani apologised on Friday to Supreme Court following CJI B R Gavai deploring the Centre’s plea for referring to a five-judge bench midway through hearing on challenges to the validity of the Tribunal Reforms Act and two days later excoriating a request for adjourning a scheduled…

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Remove strays from hospitals, schools, bus & train stns: Supreme Court | India News

Remove strays from hospitals, schools, bus & train stns: Supreme Court | India News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Noting that India continues to report one of the world’s highest rabies-related mortality rates and there has been an alarming increase in dog-bite incidents, making public places unsafe, Supreme Court Friday directed that stray dogs be removed from premises of educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands and depots, and railway stations. The…

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NEW DELHI: As smog thickens in Delhi and people complain of burning eyes, scratchy throats and breathing problems, are the official air quality monitors accurately reflecting the capital’s air quality? A ground check by TOI at several stations found glaring inconsistencies and questionable practices that may be influencing readings. At Anand Vihar – a pollution hot spot – the area around the monitoring unit was being repeatedly doused with water using high-pressure hoses. The practice, officials on site said, was part of routine dust suppression. Experts said such measures can distort readings. At Dilshad Garden, the AQI was in ‘poor’ zone but better than most other spots in the afternoon. The station is deep in a forested patch of a medical institute – covered by trees and away from the city dust and traffic. Sprinkling being done across city to suppress dust: Sirsa Similarly, the Mandir Marg station stood within a green belt and remained largely inaccessible, while at ITO, the monitor was located next to a regularly sprinkled stretch. At Lodhi Road, two stations barely a few blocks from each other, gave readings that differed by as much as 80 points at the same time. These observations raise serious questions over the credibility and representativeness of the capital’s air quality network. Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, however, defended the data. “How would we suppress the dust? It’s natural, through sprinkling. It is being done throughout the city, including around stations. We are successfully able to control pollution,” he said. Experts, meanwhile, warned that excessive sprinkling near stations is “unethical” and could mislead both policymakers and the public. “These are state-of-the-art stations approved by all relevant agencies, designed to capture air quality over a two to three kilometre radius,” said M P George, former additional director, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). “They measure a well-mixed air package, so cleaning one small patch doesn’t change the bigger picture.” He added that while there’s no concrete study linking water sprinkling to altered AQI readings, such actions increase humidity and are more cosmetic than corrective. “In fact, they can be counterproductive – higher humidity promotes secondary particulate formation. Sprinkling near monitors serves no scientific purpose.” Manoj Kumar from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) agreed that sprinkling may briefly lower particulate levels near sensors but said it doesn’t change overall air quality. “The worst pollution peaks occur in early morning and late evening, when sprinkling doesn’t happen. So, while readings may look cleaner for a few hours, overall exposure remains hazardous,” he said. Sunil Dahiya, founder of Envirocatalysts, said there was no evidence of post-collection data tampering but the choice of locations – often inside green or shielded areas – and nearby sprinkling clearly influence results. “Such practices give a false sense of safety and prevent citizens, especially vulnerable groups, from taking precautions. They also distort forecasting and policy responses.” Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari went a step further, calling it a case of “cleaning data, not air.” “These sensors measure pollution through light scattering. When mist or water is sprayed nearby, it suppresses dust and alters humidity, creating an artificially ‘clean’ AQI that may appear 50-90% better for a few hours. It’s detectable – sudden humidity spikes and abrupt PM2.5 drops are red flags. When this happens under official watch, it’s data distortion, not management,” she said. Lawyer and environmentalist Akash Vashishtha said air pollution control must be rooted in accuracy, not optics. “Prevention, control and abatement can only work when data is truthful. Hiding reality doesn’t bring relief – it delays real solutions. The govt must ensure monitors are placed in representative, high-footfall and industrial areas, not in pockets of greenery,” he said.About the AuthorKushagra DixitKushagra Dixit writes on environmental issues, wildlife conservation, climate change, agriculture, human rights, and scientific research. His investigative coverage encompasses river contamination with emphasis on the Yamuna, air pollution, urban waste and their collective effects on public wellbeing.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123PhotostoriesBollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefits123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

NEW DELHI: As smog thickens in Delhi and people complain of burning eyes, scratchy throats and breathing problems, are the official air quality monitors accurately reflecting the capital’s air quality? A ground check by TOI at several stations found glaring inconsistencies and questionable practices that may be influencing readings. At Anand Vihar – a pollution hot spot – the area around the monitoring unit was being repeatedly doused with water using high-pressure hoses. The practice, officials on site said, was part of routine dust suppression. Experts said such measures can distort readings. At Dilshad Garden, the AQI was in ‘poor’ zone but better than most other spots in the afternoon. The station is deep in a forested patch of a medical institute – covered by trees and away from the city dust and traffic. Sprinkling being done across city to suppress dust: Sirsa Similarly, the Mandir Marg station stood within a green belt and remained largely inaccessible, while at ITO, the monitor was located next to a regularly sprinkled stretch. At Lodhi Road, two stations barely a few blocks from each other, gave readings that differed by as much as 80 points at the same time. These observations raise serious questions over the credibility and representativeness of the capital’s air quality network. Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, however, defended the data. “How would we suppress the dust? It’s natural, through sprinkling. It is being done throughout the city, including around stations. We are successfully able to control pollution,” he said. Experts, meanwhile, warned that excessive sprinkling near stations is “unethical” and could mislead both policymakers and the public. “These are state-of-the-art stations approved by all relevant agencies, designed to capture air quality over a two to three kilometre radius,” said M P George, former additional director, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). “They measure a well-mixed air package, so cleaning one small patch doesn’t change the bigger picture.” He added that while there’s no concrete study linking water sprinkling to altered AQI readings, such actions increase humidity and are more cosmetic than corrective. “In fact, they can be counterproductive – higher humidity promotes secondary particulate formation. Sprinkling near monitors serves no scientific purpose.” Manoj Kumar from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) agreed that sprinkling may briefly lower particulate levels near sensors but said it doesn’t change overall air quality. “The worst pollution peaks occur in early morning and late evening, when sprinkling doesn’t happen. So, while readings may look cleaner for a few hours, overall exposure remains hazardous,” he said. Sunil Dahiya, founder of Envirocatalysts, said there was no evidence of post-collection data tampering but the choice of locations – often inside green or shielded areas – and nearby sprinkling clearly influence results. “Such practices give a false sense of safety and prevent citizens, especially vulnerable groups, from taking precautions. They also distort forecasting and policy responses.” Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari went a step further, calling it a case of “cleaning data, not air.” “These sensors measure pollution through light scattering. When mist or water is sprayed nearby, it suppresses dust and alters humidity, creating an artificially ‘clean’ AQI that may appear 50-90% better for a few hours. It’s detectable – sudden humidity spikes and abrupt PM2.5 drops are red flags. When this happens under official watch, it’s data distortion, not management,” she said. Lawyer and environmentalist Akash Vashishtha said air pollution control must be rooted in accuracy, not optics. “Prevention, control and abatement can only work when data is truthful. Hiding reality doesn’t bring relief – it delays real solutions. The govt must ensure monitors are placed in representative, high-footfall and industrial areas, not in pockets of greenery,” he said.About the AuthorKushagra DixitKushagra Dixit writes on environmental issues, wildlife conservation, climate change, agriculture, human rights, and scientific research. His investigative coverage encompasses river contamination with emphasis on the Yamuna, air pollution, urban waste and their collective effects on public wellbeing.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123PhotostoriesBollywood tales of love that challenged tradition and still triumphed4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefits123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHI: As smog thickens in Delhi and people complain of burning eyes, scratchy throats and breathing problems, are the official air quality monitors accurately reflecting the capital’s air quality? A ground check by TOI at several stations found glaring inconsistencies and questionable practices that may be influencing readings. At Anand Vihar – a pollution…

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CM: Guilty Must Face Action, Even Ajit Will Agree Ajit Pawar MUMBAI: A day after a row erupted over irregularities in a Rs 300 crore Pune land deal involving a firm linked to his son Parth, deputy CM Ajit Pawar said Friday the deal had been cancelled. At the same time, he defended his son, saying only a sale agreement had been made, the final transaction was not complete and “not even one paisa” had been paid. Though Ajit had said Thursday that he had heard “3-4 months ago something like this was going on,” he maintained Friday he was totally unaware of the issue. “Neither I nor my office made any phone calls, gave any help or had any knowledge of this transaction at any stage. If I knew about it, I would have said so,” he said. Asked why Parth’s name was excluded from the FIR, Ajit said, “Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule made a statement that FIRs were lodged against those who signed.” He also appeared to hint that Parth may have been unaware the plot of land belonged to the government. State government Friday formed a committee led by additional chief secretary (revenue) Vikas Kharge to probe the land deal. Bawankule said a detailed report will be submitted by the panel within a month. CM Devendra Fadnavis, meanwhile, said, “Let us wait for the report. Whoever is found guilty must face action, even Ajit Pawar will agree.” Ajit met Fadnavis in the afternoon, leading to speculation about whether the issue was discussed. “My son says the proposed deal was within the ambit of law… However, in public life, we must not allow even the suspicion of wrongdoing. Since allegations have been made, he has agreed to cancel the deal,” Ajit said in a statement to the media. (With inputs from Nisha Nambiar in Pune)End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123Photostories4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefitsFrom Tejasswi Prakash’s new salon to Charu Asopa and Dipika Kakar’s clothing lines; TV celebs’ lucrative business ventures123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

CM: Guilty Must Face Action, Even Ajit Will Agree Ajit Pawar MUMBAI: A day after a row erupted over irregularities in a Rs 300 crore Pune land deal involving a firm linked to his son Parth, deputy CM Ajit Pawar said Friday the deal had been cancelled. At the same time, he defended his son, saying only a sale agreement had been made, the final transaction was not complete and “not even one paisa” had been paid. Though Ajit had said Thursday that he had heard “3-4 months ago something like this was going on,” he maintained Friday he was totally unaware of the issue. “Neither I nor my office made any phone calls, gave any help or had any knowledge of this transaction at any stage. If I knew about it, I would have said so,” he said. Asked why Parth’s name was excluded from the FIR, Ajit said, “Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule made a statement that FIRs were lodged against those who signed.” He also appeared to hint that Parth may have been unaware the plot of land belonged to the government. State government Friday formed a committee led by additional chief secretary (revenue) Vikas Kharge to probe the land deal. Bawankule said a detailed report will be submitted by the panel within a month. CM Devendra Fadnavis, meanwhile, said, “Let us wait for the report. Whoever is found guilty must face action, even Ajit Pawar will agree.” Ajit met Fadnavis in the afternoon, leading to speculation about whether the issue was discussed. “My son says the proposed deal was within the ambit of law… However, in public life, we must not allow even the suspicion of wrongdoing. Since allegations have been made, he has agreed to cancel the deal,” Ajit said in a statement to the media. (With inputs from Nisha Nambiar in Pune)End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123Photostories4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefitsFrom Tejasswi Prakash’s new salon to Charu Asopa and Dipika Kakar’s clothing lines; TV celebs’ lucrative business ventures123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

MUMBAI: A day after a row erupted over irregularities in a Rs 300 crore Pune land deal involving a firm linked to his son Parth, deputy CM Ajit Pawar said Friday the deal had been cancelled. At the same time, he defended his son, saying only a sale agreement had been made, the final transaction…

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. National Board for Wildlife – a panel that takes decisions on projects in areas near wildlife protected zones – has given its approval to 13 defence and paramilitary projects, most in Ladakh and one in Arunachal Pradesh. Clearances have been given on conditions of following environmental safeguards and mitigation plans to protect Himalayan ecosystems. The projects include new border outposts, a brigade headquarters, ammunition storage and training facilities, and bridge work.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123Photostories4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefitsFrom Tejasswi Prakash’s new salon to Charu Asopa and Dipika Kakar’s clothing lines; TV celebs’ lucrative business ventures123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

. National Board for Wildlife – a panel that takes decisions on projects in areas near wildlife protected zones – has given its approval to 13 defence and paramilitary projects, most in Ladakh and one in Arunachal Pradesh. Clearances have been given on conditions of following environmental safeguards and mitigation plans to protect Himalayan ecosystems. The projects include new border outposts, a brigade headquarters, ammunition storage and training facilities, and bridge work.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ SpectrePakistan Cries Foul At UNSC As India Holds Indus Waters Treaty In Abeyance Over Pahalgam AttackIndia’s MBBS Student Ajit Singh From Rajasthan, Missing for Last 19 Days, Found Dead In Russian DamFAA Grounds America: How The US Flight Cuts Could Derail Indian Travel Plans This Holiday Season123Photostories4 common foods to combine with sesame seeds for better nutrition during wintersBigg Boss 19: From Amaal Mallik’s controversial remarks against contestants to Salman Khan being called biased: Daboo Malik breaks silence on his son’s journey and experiencesReverse fatty liver naturally in 90 days: Here are 3 things to focus onWhy is the 11:11 phenomenon considered lucky, and what are its benefits5 incredible animals found on Earth that can survive the harsh conditions of space8 types of bharta or chokha that can elevate any meal’PK’, ‘Munna Bhai’ to ‘Jagga Jasoos’: Bollywood sequels that were promised but never made till dateWhy Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan wear two watches: The emotional tradition the Bachchans still followClove Tea for respiratory health: How to make it and 4 ingredients to add to gain maximum benefitsFrom Tejasswi Prakash’s new salon to Charu Asopa and Dipika Kakar’s clothing lines; TV celebs’ lucrative business ventures123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathTom BradyNHL Trade RumorsAJ BrownGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaBoston Celtics vs Orlando MagicKayla NicoleRyan O ReillyPatrick Kane

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

National Board for Wildlife – a panel that takes decisions on projects in areas near wildlife protected zones – has given its approval to 13 defence and paramilitary projects, most in Ladakh and one in Arunachal Pradesh. Clearances have been given on conditions of following environmental safeguards and mitigation plans to protect Himalayan ecosystems. The…

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‘Mamu Gang’ mastermind arrested: Delhi Police nab fruit seller who led night-time bank robberies; probe under way | India News

‘Mamu Gang’ mastermind arrested: Delhi Police nab fruit seller who led night-time bank robberies; probe under way | India News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Representative image (File photo) NEW DELHI: A 51-year-old fruit seller who secretly led the “Mamu Gang”, a group involved in a series of bank burglaries across several states has been arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch, officials said on Friday.The accused, identified as Kamrul alias Mamu, a resident of Uttar Pradesh was wanted in…

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