New bills, old battles, changed equations: What awaits Parliament this Monsoon Session | India News

New bills, old battles, changed equations: What awaits Parliament this Monsoon Session | India News

NEW DELHI: NEW DELHI: Parliament’s Monsoon Session, beginning Monday, could provide the Narendra Modi government a second shot at passing its flagship Women’s Reservation Bill linked to delimitation after it suffered its first floor defeat in Parliament since 2014 during the Budget Session earlier this year.Much has changed in the three months since. A bruised…

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NEW DELHI: Heavy overnight rain triggered flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district early Sunday, leaving at least eleven people dead and several others missing. Rescue teams have fanned out across the worst-hit areas as authorities step up efforts to trace the missing and assist affected residents.At least four deaths were reported from Surankote tehsil, which bore the brunt of the heavy rainfall. Relief and rescue operations have been intensified to evacuate stranded residents, clear debris and restore access to affected villages.28-year-old woman, Nazia Kousar, died after her house collapsed in Noonabandi village, officials told news agency PTI. Her husband, Mohd Hafiz, and their three children, aged between two and six years, sustained injuries and were shifted to hospital. In Lower Murrah, a landslide struck another house, leaving its owner, Mohd Latief, and five members of his family missing.Elsewhere, a minor girl identified as Iram drowned in a stream at Marhote, while the body of an unidentified woman was recovered from a stream near the Dhundak Lathoong bridge, according to officials.Four members of a family were reported missing after flash floods washed away their house in Sangla village, officials told PTI.Rajouri reels under flash floodsRajouri remained among the worst-affected districts. Officials said flash floods triggered by incessant overnight rainfall inundated low-lying areas of Rajouri town, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate to safer locations.Heavy rainfall prompted authorities to open all gates of the Salal Dam in the Reasi district, leading to a sharp rise in the Chenab River’s water level. Officials have issued an advisory asking residents living along the river to stay away from its banks and avoid fishing, bathing, grazing livestock or attempting to cross the river until the situation returns to normal.LG reviews situationLieutenant governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation in the rain and flash flood-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri, directing officials to ensure immediate relief and assistance to affected families. He said rescue teams from the civil administration, police, Army, state disaster response force and local volunteers were working on the ground, while all departments had been placed on high alert.Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Sinha said he was “deeply saddened” by the deaths reported from Poonch’s Haveli and Surankote areas and assured immediate aid for affected families. He urged residents to remain calm, follow official advisories, and said emergency teams had been directed to stay fully prepared for any further contingency.CM cuts his trip shotMeanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that he was cutting short his stay in Delhi and returning to Jammu to personally monitor the situation on the ground.”In light of the weather warning put out by the meteorological department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of Jammu division, I will leave Delhi to fly to Jammu this afternoon to personally monitor the situation on the ground,” Abdullah said in a post on X.He added that safeguarding lives remained the administration’s top priority and assured all possible assistance to those affected by property loss and flood damage.Shah speaks to LG, chief ministerUnion home minister Amit Shah spoke to LG Manoj Sinha and CM Abdullah to review the flood situation and ensured all possible help for the safety and security of the affected people.Amarnath & Vaishno Devi Yatras temporarily suspendedEarlier, on Saturday rain-triggered disasters prompted the Jammu and Kashmir administration to suspend the Amarnath Yatra on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes on Sunday after the India Meteorological Department warned of heavy rainfall across the Union Territory.The suspension came a day after four Amarnath pilgrims were injured when their vehicle crashed into a stationary truck on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur.Amid continuing monsoon conditions, the sub-divisional administration in Katra has also set up a monsoon disaster management control room to coordinate emergency response to flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and road blockages.According to an order issued by sub-divisional magistrate of Katra, Piyush Dhotra, the control room will operate under the supervision of Tehsildar Katra Jatinder Singh in coordination with the police, Public Works Department, health, power, Jal Shakti, municipal authorities and other departments.Vaishno devi yatra has also been temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions in Katra and the Trikuta Hills as a precautionary measure.PollVote & Share your viewShould religious pilgrimages be suspended during severe weather warnings?AbsolutelyNo, pilgrims should decide for themselves3k+ users shared opinion today 5k+ users already voted today 3k+ users shared opinion today Share OpinionGet 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 MediaVideosRahul Gandhi, Kharge Seek Independent Probe Into Ram Mandir Donation Theft AllegationsSonam Wangchuk Terms Hospital Stay ‘Illegal Detention’, Calls July 20 Parliament MarchIndia Launches ‘White Rabbit’ Precision Timing Network To Secure Indian Standard TimeIndia Raises Cross-Border Terror Concerns At US Ministerial Meet; Stresses Zero ToleranceAIIMS Expert Recommends Urgent Care; Sonam Wangchuk Shifted To Safdarjung HospitalJantar Mantar Ground Report: What’s Happening at CJP Protest Site After Sonam Wangchuk’s Removal?’Police Beat Us, Dragged Sonam Sir Away Like a Sack’: Eyewitnesses Describe How Wangchuk Was RemovedMHA Replaces Delhi Police Chief, Hours Later Sonam Wangchuk ‘Forcefully Removed’ From Jantar MantarDMK’s ‘Not Yet’ on Delimitation Bill Boosts NDA Hope for Two-Thirds Majority In Lok Sabha | StalinSC Says Election Commission Cannot Decide Citizenship, Seeks Replies From WB Govt And EC123PhotostoriesWhy are chocolate bars divided into little squares? The clever reason behind a design we rarely questionTwo seeds that can boost hair growth instantlyThink cataracts only happen after 60? Doctor warns that diabetes is making this eye condition appear decades earlierWhen words wound: Five phrases in a relationship that quietly kill new love”I have replaced rice with…”: National award winner Yam Gautam enjoys this fiber-rich seed for lunch and dinner; 8 ways you can enjoy it tooYou may be ageing your brain without knowing it: Neurologists reveal how poor sleep and everyday habits could affect memory and cognitive healthYou can lose up to 80% of kidney function without knowing it: Doctors explain the warning signs of chronic kidney disease6 historic colonial-era homes in India that stand as timeless architectural treasuresAnne Hathaway’s houses: A look inside the ‘Odyssey’ star’s most notable properties over the yearsFrom ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ to ‘The Green Knight’: Top 5 dark fantasy movies to add to your watch list123Hot PicksFIFA World Cup LiveNITI AayogSonam Wangchuk educationAIBE XXI resultAbhijeet DipkeAMRUT 2.0 water projectISRO scientists resignMahadev betting appSkyroot AerospaceTop TrendingErling HaalandJude BellinghamFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh MurderSonam WangchukAndhra Pradesh Covid 19 DeathLawrence Bishnoi GangIshowspeedAbhishek BanerjeeIran war

NEW DELHI: Heavy overnight rain triggered flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district early Sunday, leaving at least eleven people dead and several others missing. Rescue teams have fanned out across the worst-hit areas as authorities step up efforts to trace the missing and assist affected residents.At least four deaths were reported from Surankote tehsil, which bore the brunt of the heavy rainfall. Relief and rescue operations have been intensified to evacuate stranded residents, clear debris and restore access to affected villages.28-year-old woman, Nazia Kousar, died after her house collapsed in Noonabandi village, officials told news agency PTI. Her husband, Mohd Hafiz, and their three children, aged between two and six years, sustained injuries and were shifted to hospital. In Lower Murrah, a landslide struck another house, leaving its owner, Mohd Latief, and five members of his family missing.Elsewhere, a minor girl identified as Iram drowned in a stream at Marhote, while the body of an unidentified woman was recovered from a stream near the Dhundak Lathoong bridge, according to officials.Four members of a family were reported missing after flash floods washed away their house in Sangla village, officials told PTI.Rajouri reels under flash floodsRajouri remained among the worst-affected districts. Officials said flash floods triggered by incessant overnight rainfall inundated low-lying areas of Rajouri town, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate to safer locations.Heavy rainfall prompted authorities to open all gates of the Salal Dam in the Reasi district, leading to a sharp rise in the Chenab River’s water level. Officials have issued an advisory asking residents living along the river to stay away from its banks and avoid fishing, bathing, grazing livestock or attempting to cross the river until the situation returns to normal.LG reviews situationLieutenant governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation in the rain and flash flood-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri, directing officials to ensure immediate relief and assistance to affected families. He said rescue teams from the civil administration, police, Army, state disaster response force and local volunteers were working on the ground, while all departments had been placed on high alert.Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Sinha said he was “deeply saddened” by the deaths reported from Poonch’s Haveli and Surankote areas and assured immediate aid for affected families. He urged residents to remain calm, follow official advisories, and said emergency teams had been directed to stay fully prepared for any further contingency.CM cuts his trip shotMeanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that he was cutting short his stay in Delhi and returning to Jammu to personally monitor the situation on the ground.”In light of the weather warning put out by the meteorological department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of Jammu division, I will leave Delhi to fly to Jammu this afternoon to personally monitor the situation on the ground,” Abdullah said in a post on X.He added that safeguarding lives remained the administration’s top priority and assured all possible assistance to those affected by property loss and flood damage.Shah speaks to LG, chief ministerUnion home minister Amit Shah spoke to LG Manoj Sinha and CM Abdullah to review the flood situation and ensured all possible help for the safety and security of the affected people.Amarnath & Vaishno Devi Yatras temporarily suspendedEarlier, on Saturday rain-triggered disasters prompted the Jammu and Kashmir administration to suspend the Amarnath Yatra on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes on Sunday after the India Meteorological Department warned of heavy rainfall across the Union Territory.The suspension came a day after four Amarnath pilgrims were injured when their vehicle crashed into a stationary truck on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur.Amid continuing monsoon conditions, the sub-divisional administration in Katra has also set up a monsoon disaster management control room to coordinate emergency response to flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and road blockages.According to an order issued by sub-divisional magistrate of Katra, Piyush Dhotra, the control room will operate under the supervision of Tehsildar Katra Jatinder Singh in coordination with the police, Public Works Department, health, power, Jal Shakti, municipal authorities and other departments.Vaishno devi yatra has also been temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions in Katra and the Trikuta Hills as a precautionary measure.PollVote & Share your viewShould religious pilgrimages be suspended during severe weather warnings?AbsolutelyNo, pilgrims should decide for themselves3k+ users shared opinion today 5k+ users already voted today 3k+ users shared opinion today Share OpinionGet 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 MediaVideosRahul Gandhi, Kharge Seek Independent Probe Into Ram Mandir Donation Theft AllegationsSonam Wangchuk Terms Hospital Stay ‘Illegal Detention’, Calls July 20 Parliament MarchIndia Launches ‘White Rabbit’ Precision Timing Network To Secure Indian Standard TimeIndia Raises Cross-Border Terror Concerns At US Ministerial Meet; Stresses Zero ToleranceAIIMS Expert Recommends Urgent Care; Sonam Wangchuk Shifted To Safdarjung HospitalJantar Mantar Ground Report: What’s Happening at CJP Protest Site After Sonam Wangchuk’s Removal?’Police Beat Us, Dragged Sonam Sir Away Like a Sack’: Eyewitnesses Describe How Wangchuk Was RemovedMHA Replaces Delhi Police Chief, Hours Later Sonam Wangchuk ‘Forcefully Removed’ From Jantar MantarDMK’s ‘Not Yet’ on Delimitation Bill Boosts NDA Hope for Two-Thirds Majority In Lok Sabha | StalinSC Says Election Commission Cannot Decide Citizenship, Seeks Replies From WB Govt And EC123PhotostoriesWhy are chocolate bars divided into little squares? The clever reason behind a design we rarely questionTwo seeds that can boost hair growth instantlyThink cataracts only happen after 60? Doctor warns that diabetes is making this eye condition appear decades earlierWhen words wound: Five phrases in a relationship that quietly kill new love”I have replaced rice with…”: National award winner Yam Gautam enjoys this fiber-rich seed for lunch and dinner; 8 ways you can enjoy it tooYou may be ageing your brain without knowing it: Neurologists reveal how poor sleep and everyday habits could affect memory and cognitive healthYou can lose up to 80% of kidney function without knowing it: Doctors explain the warning signs of chronic kidney disease6 historic colonial-era homes in India that stand as timeless architectural treasuresAnne Hathaway’s houses: A look inside the ‘Odyssey’ star’s most notable properties over the yearsFrom ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ to ‘The Green Knight’: Top 5 dark fantasy movies to add to your watch list123Hot PicksFIFA World Cup LiveNITI AayogSonam Wangchuk educationAIBE XXI resultAbhijeet DipkeAMRUT 2.0 water projectISRO scientists resignMahadev betting appSkyroot AerospaceTop TrendingErling HaalandJude BellinghamFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh MurderSonam WangchukAndhra Pradesh Covid 19 DeathLawrence Bishnoi GangIshowspeedAbhishek BanerjeeIran war

NEW DELHI: Heavy overnight rain triggered flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district early Sunday, leaving at least eleven people dead and several others missing. Rescue teams have fanned out across the worst-hit areas as authorities step up efforts to trace the missing and assist affected residents.At least four deaths were reported…

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Centre to hold all-party meeting today ahead of Monsoon Session; NEET, Wangchuk, Ram Mandir row on agenda | India News

Centre to hold all-party meeting today ahead of Monsoon Session; NEET, Wangchuk, Ram Mandir row on agenda | India News

NEW DELHI: The Centre has convened an all-party meeting on Sunday, a day ahead of the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, as it seeks cooperation from opposition parties to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses. The meeting, a long-standing parliamentary convention before every session, is scheduled to begin at 11 am in…

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‘Trust’s account should be made public’: Rahul, Kharge write to PM over alleged theft of Ram Mandir donations | India News

‘Trust’s account should be made public’: Rahul, Kharge write to PM over alleged theft of Ram Mandir donations | India News

In the letter, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge said that thousands of crores had been donated to the trust by devotees, who now feel betrayed by the alleged theft. NEW DELHI: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding that the trust’s…

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Opposition Boycotts All-Party Meeting Over TMC Rebels’ Participation | India News

Opposition Boycotts All-Party Meeting Over TMC Rebels’ Participation | India News

Opposition staged walkout (ANI) NEW DELHI: A symbolic walkout by several Opposition parties marked the all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session on Sunday after Lok Sabha Speaker approved separate seating for 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs who have formed the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).The Opposition leaders later rejoined the meeting, saying…

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15-day protest against Ken-Betwa project in MP ends abruptly as police clear agitation site | India News

15-day protest against Ken-Betwa project in MP ends abruptly as police clear agitation site | India News

Protest against Ken-Betwa project in MP ends abruptly as police clear site (PTI) A 15-day-long protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other development works in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district came to an end on Sunday after police cleared the demonstration site and transported protesters back to their respective villages.The agitation, led primarily by tribal…

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Heavy rainfall batters J&K: 4 killed in Poonch flash floods; Rajouri, Reasi on alert – top developments | India News

Heavy rainfall batters J&K: 4 killed in Poonch flash floods; Rajouri, Reasi on alert – top developments | India News

NEW DELHI: Heavy overnight rain triggered flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district early Sunday, leaving at least four people dead and several others missing. Rescue teams have fanned out across the worst-hit areas as authorities step up efforts to trace the missing and assist affected residents.Officials said all four deaths were…

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Centre to hold all-party meeting today ahead of Monsoon Session; NEET, Wangchuk, Ram Mandir row on agenda | India News

Centre to hold all-party meeting today ahead of Monsoon Session; NEET, Wangchuk, Ram Mandir row on agenda | India News

NEW DELHI: The Centre has convened an all-party meeting on Sunday, a day ahead of the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, as it seeks cooperation from opposition parties to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses. The meeting, a long-standing parliamentary convention before every session, is scheduled to begin at 11 am in…

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‘Your silence is unacceptable’: Rahul, Kharge write to PM Modi on Ram Mandir donation theft | India News

‘Your silence is unacceptable’: Rahul, Kharge write to PM Modi on Ram Mandir donation theft | India News

“Your silence now in the face of such crime is unacceptable,” the letter read. NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling his silence over the theft of Ram Mandir donations “unacceptable” and former Temple general secretary Champat Rai a “disgrace”.‘Your silence…

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Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Update: Activist Stable but Requires Close Monitoring After Hunger Strike | India News

Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Update: Activist Stable but Requires Close Monitoring After Hunger Strike | India News

Safdarjung Hospital issues Sonam Wangchuk health update NEW DELHI: Activist Sonam Wangchuk remains in stable condition but continues to need sustained medical intervention and continuous monitoring after his prolonged hunger strike, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital said on Sunday, while sharing his health update.Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after Delhi Police removed him…

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The flooding followed continuous heavy rain that began on Saturday evening. (PTI) Heavy overnight rain triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district early on Sunday, forcing hundreds of residents to move to safer places after rivers overflowed and flooded low-lying areas.Officials said floodwaters entered several parts of Rajouri town, including the new bus stand, after rivers burst their banks. Dozens of vehicles were either swept away or left submerged, causing widespread disruption.Rescue and relief teams, assisted by the district administration, were deployed to evacuate affected families and assess the damage. Congress MLA Iftkhar Ahmad said the flash floods had caused extensive damage to both public infrastructure and private property.’Everything is lost. Everything is gone’The flooding followed continuous heavy rain that began on Saturday evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23.”Everything is lost. Everything is gone. Everything we had has been washed away. One woman is missing,” a local resident told news agency ANI.Ahmad, who was scheduled to attend a Congress protest in Jammu demanding the restoration of statehood, returned to Rajouri after the floods.”I have abandoned my party programme to stand with my people, as the flash floods have caused extensive damage to public and private property,” he said, urging the administration to begin relief and rehabilitation work immediately.Officials said the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola rivers overflowed, with several flowing close to or above the danger mark. The Darhali River breached a flood protection wall near Bela Colony, sending floodwaters into the new bus stand where several vehicles were swept away or submerged.More than 50 families living near Abdullah Bridge were forced to leave their homes after floodwaters flooded the settlement. Another locality near Tariq Bridge was also affected, prompting police to respond to distress calls and help residents move to safer places away from the riverbanks.”Our teams are responding to almost every SOS call. At this stage, our priority is to prevent any loss of life. While there has been significant damage to property, the extent of the losses will be assessed once the floodwaters recede,” a police official said.Police teams patrolled flood-prone areas, made public announcements and urged people living near rivers and in low-lying localities to evacuate immediately. The district administration also issued an advisory asking residents to remain alert, while police control rooms were activated to coordinate rescue and relief operations.Red alert in HimachalMeanwhile, the IMD has issued a red alert for parts of Himachal Pradesh on July 20 and 21, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, rising river levels and widespread disruption.Speaking to ANI, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at the IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Shimla, said the weather is expected to become active from the night of July 18 and continue until at least July 24.He said Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur are likely to receive the heaviest rainfall, with red alerts in place on July 20. On July 21, the red alert will also cover Kullu, while several other districts remain under orange and yellow alerts.Sharma warned that continuous rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides and rockfalls, especially in vulnerable areas.”Water levels in rivers and streams are expected to rise significantly. Even small seasonal streams can swell suddenly, increasing the risk of flash floods. People should stay away from rivers, nullahs and other water bodies,” he said.He advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, follow official traffic advisories and keep track of weather updates issued by the IMD and district administrations.The weather office also warned that heavy rainfall could damage standing crops and horticulture, disrupt essential services, cause traffic congestion and reduce visibility on roads across the state over the coming days.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 MediaVideosAIIMS Expert Recommends Urgent Care; Sonam Wangchuk Shifted To Safdarjung HospitalJantar Mantar Ground Report: What’s Happening at CJP Protest Site After Sonam Wangchuk’s Removal?’Police Beat Us, Dragged Sonam Sir Away Like a Sack’: Eyewitnesses Describe How Wangchuk Was RemovedMHA Replaces Delhi Police Chief, Hours Later Sonam Wangchuk ‘Forcefully Removed’ From Jantar MantarDMK’s ‘Not Yet’ on Delimitation Bill Boosts NDA Hope for Two-Thirds Majority In Lok Sabha | StalinSC Says Election Commission Cannot Decide Citizenship, Seeks Replies From WB Govt And ECBulldozers Roll In As TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee’s Amtala Office Faces Demolition | West BengalVikram-1 Reaches Orbit, Making India A Global Leader In Private Space Launch Capability | WatchNCP-NCP(SP) Merger Buzz Grows As BJP Eyes Stronger NDA Ahead Of Crucial Parliament VotesCJP’s Abhijeet Dipke Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike After Sonam Wangchuk Is Hospitalised123PhotostoriesTwo seeds that can boost hair growth instantlyThink cataracts only happen after 60? Doctor warns that diabetes is making this eye condition appear decades earlierWhen words wound: Five phrases in a relationship that quietly kill new love”I have replaced rice with…”: National award winner Yam Gautam enjoys this fiber-rich seed for lunch and dinner; 8 ways you can enjoy it tooYou may be ageing your brain without knowing it: Neurologists reveal how poor sleep and everyday habits could affect memory and cognitive healthYou can lose up to 80% of kidney function without knowing it: Doctors explain the warning signs of chronic kidney disease6 historic colonial-era homes in India that stand as timeless architectural treasuresAnne Hathaway’s houses: A look inside the ‘Odyssey’ star’s most notable properties over the yearsFrom ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ to ‘The Green Knight’: Top 5 dark fantasy movies to add to your watch listFrom blue streets to yellow houses; 7 colourful towns around the world that look straight out of a fairytale123Hot PicksFIFA World Cup LiveNITI AayogSonam Wangchuk educationAIBE XXI resultAbhijeet DipkeAMRUT 2.0 water projectISRO scientists resignMahadev betting appSkyroot AerospaceTop TrendingKolkata Airport Mosque BanMurshidabad School Van AccidentFIFA World Cup 2026Mangaluru MurderCJP Hunger StrikeAndhra Pradesh Covid 19 DeathNEET ResultIshowspeedGujarat RapeIran war

The flooding followed continuous heavy rain that began on Saturday evening. (PTI) Heavy overnight rain triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district early on Sunday, forcing hundreds of residents to move to safer places after rivers overflowed and flooded low-lying areas.Officials said floodwaters entered several parts of Rajouri town, including the new bus stand, after rivers burst their banks. Dozens of vehicles were either swept away or left submerged, causing widespread disruption.Rescue and relief teams, assisted by the district administration, were deployed to evacuate affected families and assess the damage. Congress MLA Iftkhar Ahmad said the flash floods had caused extensive damage to both public infrastructure and private property.’Everything is lost. Everything is gone’The flooding followed continuous heavy rain that began on Saturday evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23.”Everything is lost. Everything is gone. Everything we had has been washed away. One woman is missing,” a local resident told news agency ANI.Ahmad, who was scheduled to attend a Congress protest in Jammu demanding the restoration of statehood, returned to Rajouri after the floods.”I have abandoned my party programme to stand with my people, as the flash floods have caused extensive damage to public and private property,” he said, urging the administration to begin relief and rehabilitation work immediately.Officials said the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola rivers overflowed, with several flowing close to or above the danger mark. The Darhali River breached a flood protection wall near Bela Colony, sending floodwaters into the new bus stand where several vehicles were swept away or submerged.More than 50 families living near Abdullah Bridge were forced to leave their homes after floodwaters flooded the settlement. Another locality near Tariq Bridge was also affected, prompting police to respond to distress calls and help residents move to safer places away from the riverbanks.”Our teams are responding to almost every SOS call. At this stage, our priority is to prevent any loss of life. While there has been significant damage to property, the extent of the losses will be assessed once the floodwaters recede,” a police official said.Police teams patrolled flood-prone areas, made public announcements and urged people living near rivers and in low-lying localities to evacuate immediately. The district administration also issued an advisory asking residents to remain alert, while police control rooms were activated to coordinate rescue and relief operations.Red alert in HimachalMeanwhile, the IMD has issued a red alert for parts of Himachal Pradesh on July 20 and 21, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, rising river levels and widespread disruption.Speaking to ANI, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at the IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Shimla, said the weather is expected to become active from the night of July 18 and continue until at least July 24.He said Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur are likely to receive the heaviest rainfall, with red alerts in place on July 20. On July 21, the red alert will also cover Kullu, while several other districts remain under orange and yellow alerts.Sharma warned that continuous rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides and rockfalls, especially in vulnerable areas.”Water levels in rivers and streams are expected to rise significantly. Even small seasonal streams can swell suddenly, increasing the risk of flash floods. People should stay away from rivers, nullahs and other water bodies,” he said.He advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, follow official traffic advisories and keep track of weather updates issued by the IMD and district administrations.The weather office also warned that heavy rainfall could damage standing crops and horticulture, disrupt essential services, cause traffic congestion and reduce visibility on roads across the state over the coming days.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 MediaVideosAIIMS Expert Recommends Urgent Care; Sonam Wangchuk Shifted To Safdarjung HospitalJantar Mantar Ground Report: What’s Happening at CJP Protest Site After Sonam Wangchuk’s Removal?’Police Beat Us, Dragged Sonam Sir Away Like a Sack’: Eyewitnesses Describe How Wangchuk Was RemovedMHA Replaces Delhi Police Chief, Hours Later Sonam Wangchuk ‘Forcefully Removed’ From Jantar MantarDMK’s ‘Not Yet’ on Delimitation Bill Boosts NDA Hope for Two-Thirds Majority In Lok Sabha | StalinSC Says Election Commission Cannot Decide Citizenship, Seeks Replies From WB Govt And ECBulldozers Roll In As TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee’s Amtala Office Faces Demolition | West BengalVikram-1 Reaches Orbit, Making India A Global Leader In Private Space Launch Capability | WatchNCP-NCP(SP) Merger Buzz Grows As BJP Eyes Stronger NDA Ahead Of Crucial Parliament VotesCJP’s Abhijeet Dipke Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike After Sonam Wangchuk Is Hospitalised123PhotostoriesTwo seeds that can boost hair growth instantlyThink cataracts only happen after 60? Doctor warns that diabetes is making this eye condition appear decades earlierWhen words wound: Five phrases in a relationship that quietly kill new love”I have replaced rice with…”: National award winner Yam Gautam enjoys this fiber-rich seed for lunch and dinner; 8 ways you can enjoy it tooYou may be ageing your brain without knowing it: Neurologists reveal how poor sleep and everyday habits could affect memory and cognitive healthYou can lose up to 80% of kidney function without knowing it: Doctors explain the warning signs of chronic kidney disease6 historic colonial-era homes in India that stand as timeless architectural treasuresAnne Hathaway’s houses: A look inside the ‘Odyssey’ star’s most notable properties over the yearsFrom ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ to ‘The Green Knight’: Top 5 dark fantasy movies to add to your watch listFrom blue streets to yellow houses; 7 colourful towns around the world that look straight out of a fairytale123Hot PicksFIFA World Cup LiveNITI AayogSonam Wangchuk educationAIBE XXI resultAbhijeet DipkeAMRUT 2.0 water projectISRO scientists resignMahadev betting appSkyroot AerospaceTop TrendingKolkata Airport Mosque BanMurshidabad School Van AccidentFIFA World Cup 2026Mangaluru MurderCJP Hunger StrikeAndhra Pradesh Covid 19 DeathNEET ResultIshowspeedGujarat RapeIran war

The flooding followed continuous heavy rain that began on Saturday evening. (PTI) Heavy overnight rain triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district early on Sunday, forcing hundreds of residents to move to safer places after rivers overflowed and flooded low-lying areas.Officials said floodwaters entered several parts of Rajouri town, including the new bus…

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NEW DELHI: Drawing a distinction between using abuse language and the offence of obscenity, Supreme Court has said that use of mere swear words, profanities and vulgar expletives, however distasteful or uncivil they may be, cannot be equated with obscenity and is not an offence. It set aside conviction under Section 294 for a person who had used abusive slurs for mother and sister during an altercation.A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Vipul M Pancholi said obscenity which is an offence under IPC is not synonymous with “vulgarity”, “abuse” or “profanity”. “Words which are merely vulgar or abusive may evoke a feeling of disgust, revulsion or shock, but that by itself does not make them obscene in law. It is for this reason that this Court, through various judicial pronouncements, has held that the use of abusive, vulgar or profane language does not necessarily constitute obscenity.  Abusive words lacked lascivious element: SC  This Court in Samaresh Bose v. Amal Mitra case, while considering a Bengali novel, held that the use of slang, unconventional words or vulgar language may create a feeling of disgust or revulsion, but that does not necessarily amount to obscenity,” the bench said.It said the test to determine whether the words complained of are obscene or not is to see whether the words fulfil three ingredients – (i) it should be lascivious; (ii) appeals to prurient interests of people; and (iii) has a tendency to deprave and corrupt persons who are likely to see, hear or read it. “Further, it must also be shown that the use of such words has caused annoyance to others. Unless presence of essential ingredients is established, the offence of obscenity cannot be said to be made out,” the court said while examining the ambit of Section 294Section 294 says Whoever, to the annoyance of others, (a) does any obscene act in any public place, or (b) sings, recites or utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months. The court said that in order to constitute an offence under the Section, the words uttered must contain some lascivious element capable of arousing sexual thoughts or feelings and must further be shown to have caused annoyance to others.”In the present case, during an altercation, the appellant allegedly uttered: ‘Hey Mother…r! You son of a w….e! Are you coming in support of your elder sister’s son? Just f…k off, you ‘K….a’ F…r’…’. It is this which is sought to be invoked under Section 294(b) of the IPC. Going by the version of Prosecution witnesses-1 himself, the words and verbal slang used by the appellant were, at best, abusive or vulgar in nature. The Collins English Dictionary defines the word “abusive” as a language which ‘is extremely rude and insulting’ Whereas the word ‘vulgar’ is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “rude and likely to upset or anger people, especially by referring to sex and the body in an unpleasant way” These definitions clearly show that words may be insulting, offensive or unpleasant without necessarily being obscene in law,” the bench said.”For an utterance to be considered obscene, it must be shown that it was lascivious, appealed to prurient interests and had the tendency to deprave and corrupt the minds of those who are exposed to it. Tested on this anvil, even if all the allegations levelled in the complaint are taken at their face value and accepted to be true in entirety, the same cannot be held to be obscene. Such words, howsoever abusive, unpalatable or uncivil, do not satisfy the requirement of Section 294(b) IPC for there being nothing on record to show that they had any one or all three elements referred to hereinabove. Further, it is nobody’s case that use of such words causes annoyance to others in a public place, which is a mandatory ingredient of the Section, much less to the complainant . In absence thereof, we find that the offence under Section 294(b) IPC is not made out,” the bench said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJantar Mantar Ground Report: What’s Happening at CJP Protest Site After Sonam Wangchuk’s Removal?’Police Beat Us, Dragged Sonam Sir Away Like a Sack’: Eyewitnesses Describe How Wangchuk Was RemovedMHA Replaces Delhi Police Chief, Hours Later Sonam Wangchuk ‘Forcefully Removed’ From Jantar MantarDMK’s ‘Not Yet’ on Delimitation Bill Boosts NDA Hope for Two-Thirds Majority In Lok Sabha | StalinSC Says Election Commission Cannot Decide Citizenship, Seeks Replies From WB Govt And ECBulldozers Roll In As TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee’s Amtala Office Faces Demolition | West BengalVikram-1 Reaches Orbit, Making India A Global Leader In Private Space Launch Capability | WatchNCP-NCP(SP) Merger Buzz Grows As BJP Eyes Stronger NDA Ahead Of Crucial Parliament VotesCJP’s Abhijeet Dipke Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike After Sonam Wangchuk Is HospitalisedSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Opposes Medical Treatment Without Consent; Abhijeet Dipke Begins Hunger Strike123PhotostoriesTwo seeds that can boost hair growth instantlyThink cataracts only happen after 60? Doctor warns that diabetes is making this eye condition appear decades earlierWhen words wound: Five phrases in a relationship that quietly kill new love”I have replaced rice with…”: National award winner Yam Gautam enjoys this fiber-rich seed for lunch and dinner; 8 ways you can enjoy it tooYou may be ageing your brain without knowing it: Neurologists reveal how poor sleep and everyday habits could affect memory and cognitive healthYou can lose up to 80% of kidney function without knowing it: Doctors explain the warning signs of chronic kidney disease6 historic colonial-era homes in India that stand as timeless architectural treasuresAnne Hathaway’s houses: A look inside the ‘Odyssey’ star’s most notable properties over the yearsFrom ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ to ‘The Green Knight’: Top 5 dark fantasy movies to add to your watch listFrom blue streets to yellow houses; 7 colourful towns around the world that look straight out of a fairytale123Hot PicksFIFA World Cup LiveNITI AayogSonam Wangchuk educationAIBE XXI resultAbhijeet DipkeAMRUT 2.0 water projectISRO scientists resignMahadev betting appSkyroot AerospaceTop TrendingKolkata Airport Mosque BanMurshidabad School Van AccidentFIFA World Cup 2026Mangaluru MurderCJP Hunger StrikeAndhra Pradesh Covid 19 DeathNEET ResultIshowspeedGujarat RapeIran war

NEW DELHI: Drawing a distinction between using abuse language and the offence of obscenity, Supreme Court has said that use of mere swear words, profanities and vulgar expletives, however distasteful or uncivil they may be, cannot be equated with obscenity and is not an offence. It set aside conviction under Section 294 for a person who had used abusive slurs for mother and sister during an altercation.A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Vipul M Pancholi said obscenity which is an offence under IPC is not synonymous with “vulgarity”, “abuse” or “profanity”. “Words which are merely vulgar or abusive may evoke a feeling of disgust, revulsion or shock, but that by itself does not make them obscene in law. It is for this reason that this Court, through various judicial pronouncements, has held that the use of abusive, vulgar or profane language does not necessarily constitute obscenity. Abusive words lacked lascivious element: SC This Court in Samaresh Bose v. Amal Mitra case, while considering a Bengali novel, held that the use of slang, unconventional words or vulgar language may create a feeling of disgust or revulsion, but that does not necessarily amount to obscenity,” the bench said.It said the test to determine whether the words complained of are obscene or not is to see whether the words fulfil three ingredients – (i) it should be lascivious; (ii) appeals to prurient interests of people; and (iii) has a tendency to deprave and corrupt persons who are likely to see, hear or read it. “Further, it must also be shown that the use of such words has caused annoyance to others. Unless presence of essential ingredients is established, the offence of obscenity cannot be said to be made out,” the court said while examining the ambit of Section 294Section 294 says Whoever, to the annoyance of others, (a) does any obscene act in any public place, or (b) sings, recites or utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months. The court said that in order to constitute an offence under the Section, the words uttered must contain some lascivious element capable of arousing sexual thoughts or feelings and must further be shown to have caused annoyance to others.”In the present case, during an altercation, the appellant allegedly uttered: ‘Hey Mother…r! You son of a w….e! Are you coming in support of your elder sister’s son? Just f…k off, you ‘K….a’ F…r’…’. It is this which is sought to be invoked under Section 294(b) of the IPC. Going by the version of Prosecution witnesses-1 himself, the words and verbal slang used by the appellant were, at best, abusive or vulgar in nature. The Collins English Dictionary defines the word “abusive” as a language which ‘is extremely rude and insulting’ Whereas the word ‘vulgar’ is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “rude and likely to upset or anger people, especially by referring to sex and the body in an unpleasant way” These definitions clearly show that words may be insulting, offensive or unpleasant without necessarily being obscene in law,” the bench said.”For an utterance to be considered obscene, it must be shown that it was lascivious, appealed to prurient interests and had the tendency to deprave and corrupt the minds of those who are exposed to it. Tested on this anvil, even if all the allegations levelled in the complaint are taken at their face value and accepted to be true in entirety, the same cannot be held to be obscene. Such words, howsoever abusive, unpalatable or uncivil, do not satisfy the requirement of Section 294(b) IPC for there being nothing on record to show that they had any one or all three elements referred to hereinabove. Further, it is nobody’s case that use of such words causes annoyance to others in a public place, which is a mandatory ingredient of the Section, much less to the complainant . In absence thereof, we find that the offence under Section 294(b) IPC is not made out,” the bench said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJantar Mantar Ground Report: What’s Happening at CJP Protest Site After Sonam Wangchuk’s Removal?’Police Beat Us, Dragged Sonam Sir Away Like a Sack’: Eyewitnesses Describe How Wangchuk Was RemovedMHA Replaces Delhi Police Chief, Hours Later Sonam Wangchuk ‘Forcefully Removed’ From Jantar MantarDMK’s ‘Not Yet’ on Delimitation Bill Boosts NDA Hope for Two-Thirds Majority In Lok Sabha | StalinSC Says Election Commission Cannot Decide Citizenship, Seeks Replies From WB Govt And ECBulldozers Roll In As TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee’s Amtala Office Faces Demolition | West BengalVikram-1 Reaches Orbit, Making India A Global Leader In Private Space Launch Capability | WatchNCP-NCP(SP) Merger Buzz Grows As BJP Eyes Stronger NDA Ahead Of Crucial Parliament VotesCJP’s Abhijeet Dipke Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike After Sonam Wangchuk Is HospitalisedSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Opposes Medical Treatment Without Consent; Abhijeet Dipke Begins Hunger Strike123PhotostoriesTwo seeds that can boost hair growth instantlyThink cataracts only happen after 60? Doctor warns that diabetes is making this eye condition appear decades earlierWhen words wound: Five phrases in a relationship that quietly kill new love”I have replaced rice with…”: National award winner Yam Gautam enjoys this fiber-rich seed for lunch and dinner; 8 ways you can enjoy it tooYou may be ageing your brain without knowing it: Neurologists reveal how poor sleep and everyday habits could affect memory and cognitive healthYou can lose up to 80% of kidney function without knowing it: Doctors explain the warning signs of chronic kidney disease6 historic colonial-era homes in India that stand as timeless architectural treasuresAnne Hathaway’s houses: A look inside the ‘Odyssey’ star’s most notable properties over the yearsFrom ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ to ‘The Green Knight’: Top 5 dark fantasy movies to add to your watch listFrom blue streets to yellow houses; 7 colourful towns around the world that look straight out of a fairytale123Hot PicksFIFA World Cup LiveNITI AayogSonam Wangchuk educationAIBE XXI resultAbhijeet DipkeAMRUT 2.0 water projectISRO scientists resignMahadev betting appSkyroot AerospaceTop TrendingKolkata Airport Mosque BanMurshidabad School Van AccidentFIFA World Cup 2026Mangaluru MurderCJP Hunger StrikeAndhra Pradesh Covid 19 DeathNEET ResultIshowspeedGujarat RapeIran war

NEW DELHI: Drawing a distinction between using abuse language and the offence of obscenity, Supreme Court has said that use of mere swear words, profanities and vulgar expletives, however distasteful or uncivil they may be, cannot be equated with obscenity and is not an offence. It set aside conviction under Section 294 for a person…

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Skyroot puts first private rocket in orbit & India in elite club; Vikram-1 delivers 6 payloads after 35-minute delay | India News

Skyroot puts first private rocket in orbit & India in elite club; Vikram-1 delivers 6 payloads after 35-minute delay | India News

SRIHARIKOTA: A sudden hold in the final five minutes of the countdown briefly froze the celebration waiting to erupt at Sriharikota. Then, after a tense 35-minute delay and a restart of the launch sequence, Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 roared off the first launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here at 12.05 pm Saturday, becoming India’s…

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Another House panel defers edu reforms report adoption; move seen as part of govt’s outreach to oppn for delimit bill support | India News

Another House panel defers edu reforms report adoption; move seen as part of govt’s outreach to oppn for delimit bill support | India News

Move Seen As Part Of Govt’s Outreach To Oppn For Delimit Bill Support NEW DELHI: A day after a parliamentary committee abruptly deferred the adoption of its report on a contentious anti-graft bill, another parliamentary panel, which is examining govt’s proposed law to replace multiple higher education regulators with one umbrella body, has called off…

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Medical colleges to decide own faculty appointments, promotions: National Medical Commission | India News

Medical colleges to decide own faculty appointments, promotions: National Medical Commission | India News

NEW DELHI: Medical colleges across the country will now decide faculty appointments and promotions on their own, with the National Medical Commission (NMC) ending routine eligibility clearances. Only exceptional cases involving regulatory ambiguity will be taken up by the regulator for a fee of Rs 25,000 plus GST.The decision comes after it was observed that…

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Rs 70,000 cr investments proposed for def corridors in UP, TN; Rs 10,000 crore already invested: Rajnath | India News

Rs 70,000 cr investments proposed for def corridors in UP, TN; Rs 10,000 crore already invested: Rajnath | India News

NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that Operation Sindoor was testimony to India’s defence preparedness, sharpened by the transformation of defence sector through Modi-led govt’s sustained efforts.“Advanced systems such as Akash Teer, Akash missile system and BrahMos were effectively used during the operation alongside various other state-of-the-art equipment. This is due to…

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