August 8, 2026

J-K’s Rajouri landslide NEW DELHI: A 17-year-old girl died while being taken to hospital in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district after the vehicle carrying her remained stuck in mud for nearly three hours. The district administration has suspended a government engineer and ordered an inquiry into the incident.The girl, a resident of remote Methyani village, had fallen seriously ill on Friday and was being taken to Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri, when the vehicle became stranded following a mudslide at Chak Methyani, officials told news agency PTI.Volunteers later managed to pull the vehicle out, but the girl’s condition deteriorated and she died while she was being taken to the hospital, according to officials.The incident occurred on the Chak Methyani-Panglar-Kotecharwal road, which serves as the only road link for several remote villages in the area. The road was washed away near Methyani during last year’s monsoon and had subsequently been restored temporarily.The same stretch was hit by another mudslide around two weeks ago, leaving the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road unmotorable, officials said.According to the report submitted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kotranka, the girl had been suffering from an illness for nearly a month and had previously been admitted to Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu. She was discharged around two weeks ago, but her condition worsened again, prompting her family to take her to GMC Rajouri.The ADC’s report said the blocked road resulted in a delay of nearly two to three hours. It also found that the stretch remained in “extremely poor condition” due to landslides and deep ditches, making it unfit for vehicular movement.The report further noted that residents of Narla Bamble, Kotecharwal and Panglar continued to face difficulties in transporting patients, food grains and fertilisers.The district administration said the executive engineer, PMGSY division Rajouri, had informed officials through an official WhatsApp group that the road had been restored and was “trafficable”. However, subsequent verification by the ADC found otherwise.Taking note of the report, district development commissioner (DDC) Rajouri Abhishek Sharma ordered the immediate suspension of the assistant executive engineer (AEE), PMGSY Sub-Division Kalakote, who was in charge of the road project, pending an inquiry.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe DDC said the failure to restore the road despite repeated directions indicated “prima facie negligence and non-compliance with official instructions”.The executive engineer has also been asked to explain why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against him for allegedly misreporting the road’s status and failing to ensure its timely restoration. His salary has been withheld pending consideration of his explanation.The additional district development commissioner (ADDC), Rajouri, has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a comprehensive report within seven days.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystals123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
J-K’s Rajouri landslide NEW DELHI: A 17-year-old girl died while being taken to hospital in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district after the vehicle carrying her remained stuck in mud for nearly three hours. The district administration has suspended a government engineer and ordered an inquiry into the incident.The girl, a resident of remote Methyani village, had fallen seriously ill on Friday and was being taken to Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri, when the vehicle became stranded following a mudslide at Chak Methyani, officials told news agency PTI.Volunteers later managed to pull the vehicle out, but the girl’s condition deteriorated and she died while she was being taken to the hospital, according to officials.The incident occurred on the Chak Methyani-Panglar-Kotecharwal road, which serves as the only road link for several remote villages in the area. The road was washed away near Methyani during last year’s monsoon and had subsequently been restored temporarily.The same stretch was hit by another mudslide around two weeks ago, leaving the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road unmotorable, officials said.According to the report submitted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kotranka, the girl had been suffering from an illness for nearly a month and had previously been admitted to Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu. She was discharged around two weeks ago, but her condition worsened again, prompting her family to take her to GMC Rajouri.The ADC’s report said the blocked road resulted in a delay of nearly two to three hours. It also found that the stretch remained in “extremely poor condition” due to landslides and deep ditches, making it unfit for vehicular movement.The report further noted that residents of Narla Bamble, Kotecharwal and Panglar continued to face difficulties in transporting patients, food grains and fertilisers.The district administration said the executive engineer, PMGSY division Rajouri, had informed officials through an official WhatsApp group that the road had been restored and was “trafficable”. However, subsequent verification by the ADC found otherwise.Taking note of the report, district development commissioner (DDC) Rajouri Abhishek Sharma ordered the immediate suspension of the assistant executive engineer (AEE), PMGSY Sub-Division Kalakote, who was in charge of the road project, pending an inquiry.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe DDC said the failure to restore the road despite repeated directions indicated “prima facie negligence and non-compliance with official instructions”.The executive engineer has also been asked to explain why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against him for allegedly misreporting the road’s status and failing to ensure its timely restoration. His salary has been withheld pending consideration of his explanation.The additional district development commissioner (ADDC), Rajouri, has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a comprehensive report within seven days.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystals123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case


Sick teen dies as ambulance gets stuck in mud for hours in J&K's Rajouri

NEW DELHI: A 17-year-old girl died while being taken to hospital in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district after the vehicle carrying her remained stuck in mud for nearly three hours. The district administration has suspended a government engineer and ordered an inquiry into the incident.The girl, a resident of remote Methyani village, had fallen seriously ill on Friday and was being taken to Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri, when the vehicle became stranded following a mudslide at Chak Methyani, officials told news agency PTI.Volunteers later managed to pull the vehicle out, but the girl’s condition deteriorated and she died while she was being taken to the hospital, according to officials.The incident occurred on the Chak Methyani-Panglar-Kotecharwal road, which serves as the only road link for several remote villages in the area. The road was washed away near Methyani during last year’s monsoon and had subsequently been restored temporarily.The same stretch was hit by another mudslide around two weeks ago, leaving the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road unmotorable, officials said.According to the report submitted by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kotranka, the girl had been suffering from an illness for nearly a month and had previously been admitted to Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu. She was discharged around two weeks ago, but her condition worsened again, prompting her family to take her to GMC Rajouri.The ADC’s report said the blocked road resulted in a delay of nearly two to three hours. It also found that the stretch remained in “extremely poor condition” due to landslides and deep ditches, making it unfit for vehicular movement.The report further noted that residents of Narla Bamble, Kotecharwal and Panglar continued to face difficulties in transporting patients, food grains and fertilisers.The district administration said the executive engineer, PMGSY division Rajouri, had informed officials through an official WhatsApp group that the road had been restored and was “trafficable”. However, subsequent verification by the ADC found otherwise.Taking note of the report, district development commissioner (DDC) Rajouri Abhishek Sharma ordered the immediate suspension of the assistant executive engineer (AEE), PMGSY Sub-Division Kalakote, who was in charge of the road project, pending an inquiry.

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The arrest followed specific inputs shared by the IAF intelligence wing with the Delhi Police NEW DELHI: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive defence information after being honey-trapped through social media by Pakistani intelligence operatives, officials said.According to an ANI report, the officer was under surveillance by the IAF intelligence wing before he was arrested and handed over to law enforcement agencies. Delhi Police sources said he is currently in judicial custody and has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing classified information and confidential defence-related documents.IAF officials said, “He was under active surveillance and was handed over to the suitable law enforcement agencies. Due to proactive measures, he was caught. The IAF has zero tolerance for such activities.”Sources said the officer allegedly fell victim to a honey trap operated by Pakistani intelligence personnel through social media. He is also accused of installing data-stealing software on a colleague’s mobile phone in an alleged attempt to gain access to the device.The arrest followed specific inputs shared by the IAF intelligence wing with the Delhi Police, sources said. Further investigation into the case is underway.The incident comes amid continued concerns over attempts by Pakistani intelligence operatives to target Indian personnel and civilians through social media-based honey traps.Last year, Rajasthan Police arrested an Alwar resident, identified as Mangat Singh, for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. Police said a surveillance operation had been launched in the state following Operation Sindoor, during which Singh’s activities in the cantonment area of Alwar were found to be suspicious.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAccording to police, Singh had allegedly been honey-trapped by a female Pakistani handler using the pseudonym Isha Sharma. The handler reportedly offered him money in exchange for cooperation. Police said Singh had remained in contact with Pakistani handlers through social media platforms for around two years.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesFoods to eat and avoid during Sawan, according to AyurvedaNot just a balcony, 5 spaces that you can easily use for gardening your green friendsVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

The arrest followed specific inputs shared by the IAF intelligence wing with the Delhi Police NEW DELHI: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive defence information after being honey-trapped through social media by Pakistani intelligence operatives, officials said.According to an ANI report, the officer was under surveillance by the IAF intelligence wing before he was arrested and handed over to law enforcement agencies. Delhi Police sources said he is currently in judicial custody and has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing classified information and confidential defence-related documents.IAF officials said, “He was under active surveillance and was handed over to the suitable law enforcement agencies. Due to proactive measures, he was caught. The IAF has zero tolerance for such activities.”Sources said the officer allegedly fell victim to a honey trap operated by Pakistani intelligence personnel through social media. He is also accused of installing data-stealing software on a colleague’s mobile phone in an alleged attempt to gain access to the device.The arrest followed specific inputs shared by the IAF intelligence wing with the Delhi Police, sources said. Further investigation into the case is underway.The incident comes amid continued concerns over attempts by Pakistani intelligence operatives to target Indian personnel and civilians through social media-based honey traps.Last year, Rajasthan Police arrested an Alwar resident, identified as Mangat Singh, for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. Police said a surveillance operation had been launched in the state following Operation Sindoor, during which Singh’s activities in the cantonment area of Alwar were found to be suspicious.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAccording to police, Singh had allegedly been honey-trapped by a female Pakistani handler using the pseudonym Isha Sharma. The handler reportedly offered him money in exchange for cooperation. Police said Singh had remained in contact with Pakistani handlers through social media platforms for around two years.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesFoods to eat and avoid during Sawan, according to AyurvedaNot just a balcony, 5 spaces that you can easily use for gardening your green friendsVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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. “Natural”, “healthy”, “organic”, “heart-friendly”, “high protein” and “zero maida” often persuades a shopper before the packet is even turned over. In a spate of notices sent in the past month, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked several brands whether their front-of-pack promises say more than the product can support.FSSAI has issued notices to food businesses across categories including breads, chocolates, juices, cooking oils, noodles, supplements, packaged water and caffeinated drinks. The claims questioned range from “100% natural” and “organic” to immunity, detoxification, disease reduction and energy-boosting promises. Since these are notices rather than final rulings, the issues remain subject to the companies’ replies and regulatory examination. TOI reached out to FSSAI over e-mail, but was yet to receive a response.The scrutiny comes as India’s health-and-wellness food market expands and brands compete for shoppers seeking healthier choices. Experts say the front of a packet increasingly functions as advertising, while the information needed to judge the product — ingredients, sugar, fat, sodium and additives — is usually on the back.Former FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal says consumers rarely read or fully understand the mandatory information panel. Marketing teams therefore have a powerful incentive to foreground attractive words, sometimes stretching the meaning permitted by regulation. For large companies, he argues, penalties may need to be linked to turnover or the commercial gain from a misleading claim rather than treated as a routine cost.Nutrition experts call this the “health halo” effect: one positive phrase can make the entire product appear healthier and reduce the buyer’s inclination to examine it critically. A packet labelled “natural” can still be high in sugar or sodium. “Sugar-free” does not automatically mean low-carbohydrate. “Organic” requires certification; it is not merely a lifestyle description. Disease-treatment or prevention claims require scientific and regulatory support.AIIMS dietician Monita Gahlot advises shoppers to start with the ingredient list, which records ingredients in descending order by weight. The nutrition panel should then be checked for total and added sugars, saturated and trans fats, sodium, protein and carbohydrates. Serving sizes deserve particular attention: a modest-looking number can be based on a portion far smaller than what people normally consume.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe clearest warning sign, food-testing expert Ashwin Bhadri says, is a bold front claim that is not supported or adequately explained elsewhere on the label. The simplest consumer rule is therefore to turn the packet over before deciding.Food author Krish Ashok argues that companies are not acting in a vacuum. Consumers increasingly seek a purchasable shortcut to good health. Products labelled “high protein”, “low GI”, “A2” or “heart-healthy” can offer the feeling of making a healthy choice without the slower work of eating fewer ultra-processed foods, increasing fibre and protein, exercising and sleeping well.That is why tighter enforcement alone will not end the health halo. Brands must make precise, evidence-backed claims, but consumers must also stop treating the front of a packet as nutritional advice.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystals123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

. “Natural”, “healthy”, “organic”, “heart-friendly”, “high protein” and “zero maida” often persuades a shopper before the packet is even turned over. In a spate of notices sent in the past month, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked several brands whether their front-of-pack promises say more than the product can support.FSSAI has issued notices to food businesses across categories including breads, chocolates, juices, cooking oils, noodles, supplements, packaged water and caffeinated drinks. The claims questioned range from “100% natural” and “organic” to immunity, detoxification, disease reduction and energy-boosting promises. Since these are notices rather than final rulings, the issues remain subject to the companies’ replies and regulatory examination. TOI reached out to FSSAI over e-mail, but was yet to receive a response.The scrutiny comes as India’s health-and-wellness food market expands and brands compete for shoppers seeking healthier choices. Experts say the front of a packet increasingly functions as advertising, while the information needed to judge the product — ingredients, sugar, fat, sodium and additives — is usually on the back.Former FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal says consumers rarely read or fully understand the mandatory information panel. Marketing teams therefore have a powerful incentive to foreground attractive words, sometimes stretching the meaning permitted by regulation. For large companies, he argues, penalties may need to be linked to turnover or the commercial gain from a misleading claim rather than treated as a routine cost.Nutrition experts call this the “health halo” effect: one positive phrase can make the entire product appear healthier and reduce the buyer’s inclination to examine it critically. A packet labelled “natural” can still be high in sugar or sodium. “Sugar-free” does not automatically mean low-carbohydrate. “Organic” requires certification; it is not merely a lifestyle description. Disease-treatment or prevention claims require scientific and regulatory support.AIIMS dietician Monita Gahlot advises shoppers to start with the ingredient list, which records ingredients in descending order by weight. The nutrition panel should then be checked for total and added sugars, saturated and trans fats, sodium, protein and carbohydrates. Serving sizes deserve particular attention: a modest-looking number can be based on a portion far smaller than what people normally consume.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe clearest warning sign, food-testing expert Ashwin Bhadri says, is a bold front claim that is not supported or adequately explained elsewhere on the label. The simplest consumer rule is therefore to turn the packet over before deciding.Food author Krish Ashok argues that companies are not acting in a vacuum. Consumers increasingly seek a purchasable shortcut to good health. Products labelled “high protein”, “low GI”, “A2” or “heart-healthy” can offer the feeling of making a healthy choice without the slower work of eating fewer ultra-processed foods, increasing fibre and protein, exercising and sleeping well.That is why tighter enforcement alone will not end the health halo. Brands must make precise, evidence-backed claims, but consumers must also stop treating the front of a packet as nutritional advice.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesVitamin B12 deficiency is not just a vegetarian problem: The lesser-known reasons your levels can fall10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystals123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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Long wait at hospital registration counters is slowly giving way to a QR code NEW DELHI: The long wait at hospital registration counters is slowly giving way to a QR code. In a sign of India’s growing digital health footprint, patients have now completed 25 crore outpatient (OPD) registrations through the ABHA-based ‘Scan and Register’ service under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), with nearly four lakh people using the facility every day.Introduced in October 2022, the service allows patients to register for an OPD consultation by simply scanning a QR code displayed at participating hospitals through an ABDM-enabled health app. Once they give consent, their ABHA-linked details are shared with the hospital, eliminating paperwork and reducing waiting time at registration counters.The service is now available in 30,800 hospitals and healthcare facilities across 36 states and Union Territories and 756 districts, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing digital public health services. More than 24,000 government facilities and 6,400 private hospitals have adopted the system.The biggest users of the platform are in Bihar, which has recorded over 7.3 crore digital OPD registrations, followed by Uttar Pradesh (4.09 crore), Andhra Pradesh (3.38 crore) and Jammu & Kashmir (1.39 crore).Among hospitals, AIIMS New Delhi has emerged as the country’s busiest digital registration centre, recording over 54.29 lakh Scan and Register transactions. It is followed by AIIMS Bhopal (29.1 lakh), AIIMS Bhubaneswar (23.93 lakh), AIIMS Patna (19.62 lakh) and AIIMS Raipur (18.63 lakh).Officials said the service has particularly eased hospital visits for senior citizens, pregnant women and patients requiring frequent follow-ups by cutting time spent at registration counters and doing away with repeated form filling.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”This milestone reflects the growing trust that citizens and healthcare providers have placed in India’s digital health ecosystem. By simplifying one of the most common touchpoints in healthcare, OPD registration, the service has enhanced patient convenience while improving efficiency for hospitals,” National Health Authority CEO Dr Sunil Kumar Barnwal said.The National Health Authority said the service is now operational across AIIMS, central and state government hospitals, medical colleges, district hospitals, ESIC and railway hospitals, as well as private healthcare facilities, and is expected to expand further as more hospitals adopt ABHA-enabled digital services.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123Photostories10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystals123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

Long wait at hospital registration counters is slowly giving way to a QR code NEW DELHI: The long wait at hospital registration counters is slowly giving way to a QR code. In a sign of India’s growing digital health footprint, patients have now completed 25 crore outpatient (OPD) registrations through the ABHA-based ‘Scan and Register’ service under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), with nearly four lakh people using the facility every day.Introduced in October 2022, the service allows patients to register for an OPD consultation by simply scanning a QR code displayed at participating hospitals through an ABDM-enabled health app. Once they give consent, their ABHA-linked details are shared with the hospital, eliminating paperwork and reducing waiting time at registration counters.The service is now available in 30,800 hospitals and healthcare facilities across 36 states and Union Territories and 756 districts, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing digital public health services. More than 24,000 government facilities and 6,400 private hospitals have adopted the system.The biggest users of the platform are in Bihar, which has recorded over 7.3 crore digital OPD registrations, followed by Uttar Pradesh (4.09 crore), Andhra Pradesh (3.38 crore) and Jammu & Kashmir (1.39 crore).Among hospitals, AIIMS New Delhi has emerged as the country’s busiest digital registration centre, recording over 54.29 lakh Scan and Register transactions. It is followed by AIIMS Bhopal (29.1 lakh), AIIMS Bhubaneswar (23.93 lakh), AIIMS Patna (19.62 lakh) and AIIMS Raipur (18.63 lakh).Officials said the service has particularly eased hospital visits for senior citizens, pregnant women and patients requiring frequent follow-ups by cutting time spent at registration counters and doing away with repeated form filling.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”This milestone reflects the growing trust that citizens and healthcare providers have placed in India’s digital health ecosystem. By simplifying one of the most common touchpoints in healthcare, OPD registration, the service has enhanced patient convenience while improving efficiency for hospitals,” National Health Authority CEO Dr Sunil Kumar Barnwal said.The National Health Authority said the service is now operational across AIIMS, central and state government hospitals, medical colleges, district hospitals, ESIC and railway hospitals, as well as private healthcare facilities, and is expected to expand further as more hospitals adopt ABHA-enabled digital services.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123Photostories10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystals123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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Rijiju asks Rahul, Congress to back women’s quota Bill NEW DELHI: Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday targeted Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on women’s freedom of expression and challenged him to support the BJP-backed Women’s Reservation Bill “unconditionally”.Rijiju’s remarks came after Rahul Gandhi posted a video calling for greater freedom of expression for women and arguing that India cannot fully develop without women being able to express themselves freely.Responding to the senior Congress leader, Rijiju said Rahul Gandhi’s message appeared to be a positive change and urged the Congress to support the Women’s Reservation Bill without conditions.“This seems to be a positive message from the Congress Party. There’s a visible change of heart in Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji about the Women. Now, I hope the Congress Party will support the Women’s Reservation Bill unconditionally,” the Union minister posted on X.The Congress and other opposition parties have supported the Women’s Reservation Bill but have opposed linking its implementation to the delimitation exercise. The opposition has demanded that women’s reservation be delinked from delimitation, which would determine the number of Lok Sabha seats.The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, was passed by both Houses of Parliament. However, its implementation did not move forward after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority of members present and voting in the Lok Sabha on April 17.The legislation provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies and links its implementation to delimitation.Earlier, Rahul said in a social media video that women in India should be given greater freedom to express themselves in all areas of life.He said, “The energy of India’s women is trapped. It is not allowed to express itself. It is not allowed to imagine. For me, no country can be successful if its women are not expressing themselves. And I think a lot of my politics, and a lot of what politics should be in this country, is about making people understand that our country is stunted and incomplete without the expression of women.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul further said, “It’s not just them doing well in business or politics, but being able to express in their houses, walk the streets comfortably, them putting a point of view that many don’t agree with, questioning their parents, husbands, brothers.””A certain amount of freedom from patriarchy and the rigid control men put on women is required if India wants to develop. It has been assaulted and put in the back seat, and we have to bring back women into conversation and allow them to express,” the Congress leader added.Rahul posted his message on women’s freedom after meeting Gen Z protesters and highlighting the repercussions they have faced following their protests amid the crackdown.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123Photostories10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystals123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

Rijiju asks Rahul, Congress to back women’s quota Bill NEW DELHI: Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday targeted Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on women’s freedom of expression and challenged him to support the BJP-backed Women’s Reservation Bill “unconditionally”.Rijiju’s remarks came after Rahul Gandhi posted a video calling for greater freedom of expression for women and arguing that India cannot fully develop without women being able to express themselves freely.Responding to the senior Congress leader, Rijiju said Rahul Gandhi’s message appeared to be a positive change and urged the Congress to support the Women’s Reservation Bill without conditions.“This seems to be a positive message from the Congress Party. There’s a visible change of heart in Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji about the Women. Now, I hope the Congress Party will support the Women’s Reservation Bill unconditionally,” the Union minister posted on X.The Congress and other opposition parties have supported the Women’s Reservation Bill but have opposed linking its implementation to the delimitation exercise. The opposition has demanded that women’s reservation be delinked from delimitation, which would determine the number of Lok Sabha seats.The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, was passed by both Houses of Parliament. However, its implementation did not move forward after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority of members present and voting in the Lok Sabha on April 17.The legislation provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies and links its implementation to delimitation.Earlier, Rahul said in a social media video that women in India should be given greater freedom to express themselves in all areas of life.He said, “The energy of India’s women is trapped. It is not allowed to express itself. It is not allowed to imagine. For me, no country can be successful if its women are not expressing themselves. And I think a lot of my politics, and a lot of what politics should be in this country, is about making people understand that our country is stunted and incomplete without the expression of women.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul further said, “It’s not just them doing well in business or politics, but being able to express in their houses, walk the streets comfortably, them putting a point of view that many don’t agree with, questioning their parents, husbands, brothers.””A certain amount of freedom from patriarchy and the rigid control men put on women is required if India wants to develop. It has been assaulted and put in the back seat, and we have to bring back women into conversation and allow them to express,” the Congress leader added.Rahul posted his message on women’s freedom after meeting Gen Z protesters and highlighting the repercussions they have faced following their protests amid the crackdown.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123Photostories10 wedding desserts from around the world that are rich in tradition and symbolismYour date of birth reveals your secret lucky charm for August 2026Starting strength training after 40? The biggest mistakes beginners make and what to do insteadEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystals123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

Vamsikrishna 0