August 27, 2026

Maintaining the Dasgaja buffer remains a challenge. Photo credit: ANI India and Nepal are turning to drones to map a stretch of their border that, on paper, is supposed to remain empty.The area is known as Dasgaja, the no-man’s-land or buffer zone along the India-Nepal boundary. But on the ground, parts of it have been cultivated, occupied or built upon. Rivers have changed course, while thousands of boundary pillars have gone missing or been damaged.Now, the two countries want to map that mismatch from the air.At the 13th meeting of the Survey Officials’ Committee in Lucknow this month, India and Nepal agreed to use unmanned aerial vehicles to map cross-border occupation, including encroachments in Dasgaja. The joint survey is expected to begin after the monsoon, around September or October, and be completed within three years.The two sides will then jointly analyse the aerial imagery to establish how much land is being used by citizens on the other side of the recognised boundary.The move follows remarks by Nepal prime minister Balendra Shah in Parliament in May that India had encroached on Nepali land and that Nepal, too, had occupied Indian land in some places. Nepal’s foreign ministry later clarified that Shah was referring to cross-border occupation and encroachment in Dasgaja, rather than making a new territorial claim against India.What is Dasgaja?Dasgaja literally means “ten yards”. It refers to the no-man’s-land or buffer zone along the India-Nepal boundary.There is some variation in how its width is described. Indian reports generally refer to a 10-yard no-man’s-land, while a study by Nepal’s Institute of Foreign Affairs describes a 20-yard-wide buffer, with 10 yards extending from the boundary on either side.The principle is straightforward: the immediate area around the international boundary should remain free of occupation, making the border easier to identify, inspect and maintain.Why India and Nepal are turning to drones to map a border where markers, rivers and land use have complicated boundary management.In practice, that is difficult along an open border stretching about 1,880 km. The boundary runs through farmland, settlements, forests, roads and river systems, while communities on both sides maintain deep social and economic links.Nepal’s Institute of Foreign Affairs has documented people living in makeshift houses and tents within Dasgaja. Even when security forces remove such settlements, people can return.So, while Dasgaja is meant to function as a buffer on paper, parts of it have gradually become intertwined with everyday life and livelihoods along the border.An open but defined borderIndia and Nepal share an open border. There is no continuous fence separating the two countries, and people routinely cross it for work, trade, family and other activities.An open border, however, does not mean an undefined border.The international boundary is established through boundary pillars, maps and geographic coordinates. Dasgaja provides an additional buffer around that line.Maintaining the physical markers has become a persistent challenge.According to Nepal’s Department of Survey, 8,554 boundary pillars were installed along the border. Of these, 1,325 are missing and 1,956 are partially or completely damaged.A missing pillar does not automatically alter the international boundary. Its location can be reconstructed using survey records, coordinates and maps. But on the ground, the absence of a marker can make it far harder to establish where the boundary runs, particularly where fields, houses and roads are close to the line.Cross-border occupationThe drone survey goes beyond Dasgaja. India and Nepal also want to map what officials describe as cross-border occupation.These are instances in which citizens of one country live on, cultivate or otherwise use land that falls on the other side of the legally recognised boundary.Nepal’s foreign ministry said this was the issue Shah was referring to when he spoke about Nepal occupying Indian territory. It specifically linked the problem to the Fixed Boundary Principle used in riverine sections of the border.What happens when a river moves but the border doesn’t?Several sections of the India-Nepal boundary run through or alongside rivers. Rivers naturally shift course through erosion, sediment deposition and the formation of new channels.That can create complicated situations when the legal boundary is tied to a position established in earlier surveys.Under the Fixed Boundary Principle, the boundary can remain fixed even when the river around it changes course.The result can be highly unusual: a farmer may continue cultivating land that a family has used for generations, only for a later survey to establish that the land now lies on the other side of the international boundary.Missing boundary pillars and shifting river courses can make an already complex frontier harder to identify on the ground.Nepal’s foreign ministry identified such riverine changes as one reason for cross-border occupation. Nepal’s Kantipur has reported that decades of river-course changes have shifted thousands of hectares of land from one side of the border to the other.Most of the border is mappedThe new drone survey is not an attempt to redraw or rediscover the India-Nepal boundary.Technical boundary work dates back to 1981, when the Joint Technical Level Nepal-India Boundary Committee was established.After years of surveying, the committee prepared 182 strip maps covering about 98 per cent of the boundary. The maps were finalised in 2007 and excluded the unresolved areas of Kalapani and Susta.India’s ministry of external affairs has also recorded that the strip maps covering 98 per cent of the boundary were authenticated in 2007.But the maps were never formally ratified by both countries as a final settlement.Nepal maintained that outstanding disputes had to be resolved, while India sought their endorsement.Even so, they remain an important technical reference.Why are boundary pillars a problem?A boundary line on a map can be difficult to identify in a field without a physical marker.That is why India and Nepal maintain thousands of boundary pillars along the frontier. But many have been damaged, destroyed or lost, particularly in areas affected by rivers and erosion.The two countries have been working to restore them. At the seventh meeting of the Boundary Working Group in July 2025, India and Nepal agreed to jointly construct new pillars and repair damaged ones as part of their technical boundary work.Established in 2014, the Boundary Working Group deals with issues including the clearing of no-man’s-land, construction and maintenance of boundary pillars, updating cross-border property records and other technical border matters.It does not cover the unresolved Kalapani and Susta disputes.The technical mechanism operates at three levels: the Boundary Working Group, the Survey Officials’ Committee and Joint Field Survey Teams. Field teams conduct ground surveys, while the SOC and BWG examine the findings and determine the next technical steps.India and Nepal are using drone technology to survey parts of their open border where physical markers and changing landscapes create uncertainty.Why use drones now?The immediate objective is simple: get a far more precise picture of what is happening on the ground.The UAVs will capture aerial images of areas where cross-border occupation is suspected. Indian and Nepali officials will then analyse the imagery jointly and compare it with existing maps, coordinates, boundary pillars and field records.Aerial imagery can show precisely where fields, houses, roads, rivers and other physical features sit in relation to the established boundary.But the most important element is not the drone. It is the joint verification.If both countries work from the same imagery and agree on the technical facts of a particular location, it becomes easier to determine what needs to happen next.The jointly verified record could eventually provide a basis for negotiating the removal of encroachments, restoration of land or, where necessary, compensation.Is this related to Kalapani and Lipulekh?The India-Nepal border has several separate disputes.Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura concern Nepal’s territorial claims in the western sector and competing interpretations of historical maps, documents and the course of the Kali or Mahakali River.Susta is another separate dispute involving changes in the course of the Gandak or Narayani River.The current technical mechanism does not cover these unresolved areas. The 2025 BWG agreement specifically kept Susta and Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura outside its technical work.The Dasgaja exercise is narrower. It deals with no-man’s-land, boundary infrastructure and cross-border occupation along the established boundary.What this drone survey really meansAt first glance, sending drones over Dasgaja may look like a relatively routine surveying exercise. It is anything but.The India-Nepal border is unusual: open to people, but fixed in law; socially intertwined, but internationally sovereign. Over decades, rivers have shifted, settlements have expanded, farms have crossed invisible lines and boundary markers have disappeared.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThat has created a gap between the border that exists on maps and the border experienced on the ground.The drones are an attempt to close that gap with evidence.They will not settle Kalapani. They will not redraw the map. And they will not, by themselves, resolve every dispute over land.But they could give India and Nepal something that has often been missing in sensitive border discussions: a shared, current and verifiable picture of what is actually happening on the ground.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 MediaVideos105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? 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Vamsikrishna08 mins mins
Maintaining the Dasgaja buffer remains a challenge. Photo credit: ANI India and Nepal are turning to drones to map a stretch of their border that, on paper, is supposed to remain empty.The area is known as Dasgaja, the no-man’s-land or buffer zone along the India-Nepal boundary. But on the ground, parts of it have been cultivated, occupied or built upon. Rivers have changed course, while thousands of boundary pillars have gone missing or been damaged.Now, the two countries want to map that mismatch from the air.At the 13th meeting of the Survey Officials’ Committee in Lucknow this month, India and Nepal agreed to use unmanned aerial vehicles to map cross-border occupation, including encroachments in Dasgaja. The joint survey is expected to begin after the monsoon, around September or October, and be completed within three years.The two sides will then jointly analyse the aerial imagery to establish how much land is being used by citizens on the other side of the recognised boundary.The move follows remarks by Nepal prime minister Balendra Shah in Parliament in May that India had encroached on Nepali land and that Nepal, too, had occupied Indian land in some places. Nepal’s foreign ministry later clarified that Shah was referring to cross-border occupation and encroachment in Dasgaja, rather than making a new territorial claim against India.What is Dasgaja?Dasgaja literally means “ten yards”. It refers to the no-man’s-land or buffer zone along the India-Nepal boundary.There is some variation in how its width is described. Indian reports generally refer to a 10-yard no-man’s-land, while a study by Nepal’s Institute of Foreign Affairs describes a 20-yard-wide buffer, with 10 yards extending from the boundary on either side.The principle is straightforward: the immediate area around the international boundary should remain free of occupation, making the border easier to identify, inspect and maintain.Why India and Nepal are turning to drones to map a border where markers, rivers and land use have complicated boundary management.In practice, that is difficult along an open border stretching about 1,880 km. The boundary runs through farmland, settlements, forests, roads and river systems, while communities on both sides maintain deep social and economic links.Nepal’s Institute of Foreign Affairs has documented people living in makeshift houses and tents within Dasgaja. Even when security forces remove such settlements, people can return.So, while Dasgaja is meant to function as a buffer on paper, parts of it have gradually become intertwined with everyday life and livelihoods along the border.An open but defined borderIndia and Nepal share an open border. There is no continuous fence separating the two countries, and people routinely cross it for work, trade, family and other activities.An open border, however, does not mean an undefined border.The international boundary is established through boundary pillars, maps and geographic coordinates. Dasgaja provides an additional buffer around that line.Maintaining the physical markers has become a persistent challenge.According to Nepal’s Department of Survey, 8,554 boundary pillars were installed along the border. Of these, 1,325 are missing and 1,956 are partially or completely damaged.A missing pillar does not automatically alter the international boundary. Its location can be reconstructed using survey records, coordinates and maps. But on the ground, the absence of a marker can make it far harder to establish where the boundary runs, particularly where fields, houses and roads are close to the line.Cross-border occupationThe drone survey goes beyond Dasgaja. India and Nepal also want to map what officials describe as cross-border occupation.These are instances in which citizens of one country live on, cultivate or otherwise use land that falls on the other side of the legally recognised boundary.Nepal’s foreign ministry said this was the issue Shah was referring to when he spoke about Nepal occupying Indian territory. It specifically linked the problem to the Fixed Boundary Principle used in riverine sections of the border.What happens when a river moves but the border doesn’t?Several sections of the India-Nepal boundary run through or alongside rivers. Rivers naturally shift course through erosion, sediment deposition and the formation of new channels.That can create complicated situations when the legal boundary is tied to a position established in earlier surveys.Under the Fixed Boundary Principle, the boundary can remain fixed even when the river around it changes course.The result can be highly unusual: a farmer may continue cultivating land that a family has used for generations, only for a later survey to establish that the land now lies on the other side of the international boundary.Missing boundary pillars and shifting river courses can make an already complex frontier harder to identify on the ground.Nepal’s foreign ministry identified such riverine changes as one reason for cross-border occupation. Nepal’s Kantipur has reported that decades of river-course changes have shifted thousands of hectares of land from one side of the border to the other.Most of the border is mappedThe new drone survey is not an attempt to redraw or rediscover the India-Nepal boundary.Technical boundary work dates back to 1981, when the Joint Technical Level Nepal-India Boundary Committee was established.After years of surveying, the committee prepared 182 strip maps covering about 98 per cent of the boundary. The maps were finalised in 2007 and excluded the unresolved areas of Kalapani and Susta.India’s ministry of external affairs has also recorded that the strip maps covering 98 per cent of the boundary were authenticated in 2007.But the maps were never formally ratified by both countries as a final settlement.Nepal maintained that outstanding disputes had to be resolved, while India sought their endorsement.Even so, they remain an important technical reference.Why are boundary pillars a problem?A boundary line on a map can be difficult to identify in a field without a physical marker.That is why India and Nepal maintain thousands of boundary pillars along the frontier. But many have been damaged, destroyed or lost, particularly in areas affected by rivers and erosion.The two countries have been working to restore them. At the seventh meeting of the Boundary Working Group in July 2025, India and Nepal agreed to jointly construct new pillars and repair damaged ones as part of their technical boundary work.Established in 2014, the Boundary Working Group deals with issues including the clearing of no-man’s-land, construction and maintenance of boundary pillars, updating cross-border property records and other technical border matters.It does not cover the unresolved Kalapani and Susta disputes.The technical mechanism operates at three levels: the Boundary Working Group, the Survey Officials’ Committee and Joint Field Survey Teams. Field teams conduct ground surveys, while the SOC and BWG examine the findings and determine the next technical steps.India and Nepal are using drone technology to survey parts of their open border where physical markers and changing landscapes create uncertainty.Why use drones now?The immediate objective is simple: get a far more precise picture of what is happening on the ground.The UAVs will capture aerial images of areas where cross-border occupation is suspected. Indian and Nepali officials will then analyse the imagery jointly and compare it with existing maps, coordinates, boundary pillars and field records.Aerial imagery can show precisely where fields, houses, roads, rivers and other physical features sit in relation to the established boundary.But the most important element is not the drone. It is the joint verification.If both countries work from the same imagery and agree on the technical facts of a particular location, it becomes easier to determine what needs to happen next.The jointly verified record could eventually provide a basis for negotiating the removal of encroachments, restoration of land or, where necessary, compensation.Is this related to Kalapani and Lipulekh?The India-Nepal border has several separate disputes.Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura concern Nepal’s territorial claims in the western sector and competing interpretations of historical maps, documents and the course of the Kali or Mahakali River.Susta is another separate dispute involving changes in the course of the Gandak or Narayani River.The current technical mechanism does not cover these unresolved areas. The 2025 BWG agreement specifically kept Susta and Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura outside its technical work.The Dasgaja exercise is narrower. It deals with no-man’s-land, boundary infrastructure and cross-border occupation along the established boundary.What this drone survey really meansAt first glance, sending drones over Dasgaja may look like a relatively routine surveying exercise. It is anything but.The India-Nepal border is unusual: open to people, but fixed in law; socially intertwined, but internationally sovereign. Over decades, rivers have shifted, settlements have expanded, farms have crossed invisible lines and boundary markers have disappeared.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThat has created a gap between the border that exists on maps and the border experienced on the ground.The drones are an attempt to close that gap with evidence.They will not settle Kalapani. They will not redraw the map. And they will not, by themselves, resolve every dispute over land.But they could give India and Nepal something that has often been missing in sensitive border discussions: a shared, current and verifiable picture of what is actually happening on the ground.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 MediaVideos105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’‘Do We Need A 4th-Party Audit?’: PM Modi Raps Secretaries, Flags Quality Issues In Public ProjectsAhmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Cost Revised To Rs 2 Lakh Crore, Nearly 2x Of Original EstimateGovt Seeks 2 Years To Frame OBC Creamy Layer Criteria For PSU, Private Staff KidsPakistan Tried Chinese Satellites For Op Sindoor Evidence But Failed, Says Ex-CDS Anil ChauhanPak’s Nuke Storage Area Kirana Hills Hit In Op Sindoor? Ex-cds Anil Chauhan Reveals Shocking DetailsBihar BPSC Protest Explodes In Patna As Students Break Barricades, Police Use Water Cannons | WatchIndia Opens DRDO Missile Technologies To Defence Firms In Major Push For Indigenous Production123PhotostoriesRaksha Bandhan 2026: 10 beautiful mehendi designs to elevate your Rakhi lookTired of lemons going dry or mouldy? Here’s how to store them the right wayFrom washing dishes for Rs 1,800 to being asked to return to work after a miscarriage and later being fired after pregnancy: When Smriti Irani opened up about her struggles5 jewellery gifts your sister will love showing off this Raksha BandhanWhat is skin cycling: Trend or science?What happens when you place tissue paper in an electric sandwich maker: 3 smart ways to clean itRaksha Bandhan 2026: Gift ideas for your sibling based on their birth numberPut aluminium foil in your freezer: The surprisingly useful kitchen hack people swear byFrom denying ex-GF Himanshi Khurana’s conversion allegations and calling her a ‘Fame Digger’ to referring to Paras Chhabra as a ‘fat Pig’: Asim Riaz hits backThese idols are often said to be unsuitable for a home temple, here’s what Hindu traditions and Vastu actually say123Hot PicksSchool holidays todayBank holiday todayBSE holiday todayKerala name changeICSI CS june resultNEET UG 2026Sridhar VembuVenkata Narasamamba VasamsettyNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Woman Deportation CaseSuresh GowdaHyderabad AccidentIIT Delhi Student DeathBihar Dolphin NewsMumbai Airport DemolitionRam RahimDelhi Women AccidentKangana RanautMaharashtra Hill Tragedy


Dasgaja from the sky: Why India and Nepal are deploying drones over no-man’s land
Maintaining the Dasgaja buffer remains a challenge. Photo credit: ANI

India and Nepal are turning to drones to map a stretch of their border that, on paper, is supposed to remain empty.The area is known as Dasgaja, the no-man’s-land or buffer zone along the India-Nepal boundary. But on the ground, parts of it have been cultivated, occupied or built upon. Rivers have changed course, while thousands of boundary pillars have gone missing or been damaged.Now, the two countries want to map that mismatch from the air.At the 13th meeting of the Survey Officials’ Committee in Lucknow this month, India and Nepal agreed to use unmanned aerial vehicles to map cross-border occupation, including encroachments in Dasgaja. The joint survey is expected to begin after the monsoon, around September or October, and be completed within three years.The two sides will then jointly analyse the aerial imagery to establish how much land is being used by citizens on the other side of the recognised boundary.The move follows remarks by Nepal prime minister Balendra Shah in Parliament in May that India had encroached on Nepali land and that Nepal, too, had occupied Indian land in some places. Nepal’s foreign ministry later clarified that Shah was referring to cross-border occupation and encroachment in Dasgaja, rather than making a new territorial claim against India.

What is Dasgaja?

Dasgaja literally means “ten yards”. It refers to the no-man’s-land or buffer zone along the India-Nepal boundary.There is some variation in how its width is described. Indian reports generally refer to a 10-yard no-man’s-land, while a study by Nepal’s Institute of Foreign Affairs describes a 20-yard-wide buffer, with 10 yards extending from the boundary on either side.The principle is straightforward: the immediate area around the international boundary should remain free of occupation, making the border easier to identify, inspect and maintain.

From missing pillars to shifting rivers, the India-Nepal border presents a complex mapping challenge

Why India and Nepal are turning to drones to map a border where markers, rivers and land use have complicated boundary management.

In practice, that is difficult along an open border stretching about 1,880 km. The boundary runs through farmland, settlements, forests, roads and river systems, while communities on both sides maintain deep social and economic links.Nepal’s Institute of Foreign Affairs has documented people living in makeshift houses and tents within Dasgaja. Even when security forces remove such settlements, people can return.So, while Dasgaja is meant to function as a buffer on paper, parts of it have gradually become intertwined with everyday life and livelihoods along the border.

An open but defined border

India and Nepal share an open border. There is no continuous fence separating the two countries, and people routinely cross it for work, trade, family and other activities.An open border, however, does not mean an undefined border.The international boundary is established through boundary pillars, maps and geographic coordinates. Dasgaja provides an additional buffer around that line.Maintaining the physical markers has become a persistent challenge.According to Nepal’s Department of Survey, 8,554 boundary pillars were installed along the border. Of these, 1,325 are missing and 1,956 are partially or completely damaged.A missing pillar does not automatically alter the international boundary. Its location can be reconstructed using survey records, coordinates and maps. But on the ground, the absence of a marker can make it far harder to establish where the boundary runs, particularly where fields, houses and roads are close to the line.

Cross-border occupation

The drone survey goes beyond Dasgaja. India and Nepal also want to map what officials describe as cross-border occupation.These are instances in which citizens of one country live on, cultivate or otherwise use land that falls on the other side of the legally recognised boundary.Nepal’s foreign ministry said this was the issue Shah was referring to when he spoke about Nepal occupying Indian territory. It specifically linked the problem to the Fixed Boundary Principle used in riverine sections of the border.

What happens when a river moves but the border doesn’t?

Several sections of the India-Nepal boundary run through or alongside rivers. Rivers naturally shift course through erosion, sediment deposition and the formation of new channels.That can create complicated situations when the legal boundary is tied to a position established in earlier surveys.Under the Fixed Boundary Principle, the boundary can remain fixed even when the river around it changes course.The result can be highly unusual: a farmer may continue cultivating land that a family has used for generations, only for a later survey to establish that the land now lies on the other side of the international boundary.

The new drone mapping exercise focuses on cross-border occupation, while existing strip maps cover most of the India-Nepal boundary.

Missing boundary pillars and shifting river courses can make an already complex frontier harder to identify on the ground.

Nepal’s foreign ministry identified such riverine changes as one reason for cross-border occupation. Nepal’s Kantipur has reported that decades of river-course changes have shifted thousands of hectares of land from one side of the border to the other.

Most of the border is mapped

The new drone survey is not an attempt to redraw or rediscover the India-Nepal boundary.Technical boundary work dates back to 1981, when the Joint Technical Level Nepal-India Boundary Committee was established.After years of surveying, the committee prepared 182 strip maps covering about 98 per cent of the boundary. The maps were finalised in 2007 and excluded the unresolved areas of Kalapani and Susta.India’s ministry of external affairs has also recorded that the strip maps covering 98 per cent of the boundary were authenticated in 2007.But the maps were never formally ratified by both countries as a final settlement.Nepal maintained that outstanding disputes had to be resolved, while India sought their endorsement.Even so, they remain an important technical reference.

Why are boundary pillars a problem?

A boundary line on a map can be difficult to identify in a field without a physical marker.That is why India and Nepal maintain thousands of boundary pillars along the frontier. But many have been damaged, destroyed or lost, particularly in areas affected by rivers and erosion.The two countries have been working to restore them. At the seventh meeting of the Boundary Working Group in July 2025, India and Nepal agreed to jointly construct new pillars and repair damaged ones as part of their technical boundary work.Established in 2014, the Boundary Working Group deals with issues including the clearing of no-man’s-land, construction and maintenance of boundary pillars, updating cross-border property records and other technical border matters.It does not cover the unresolved Kalapani and Susta disputes.The technical mechanism operates at three levels: the Boundary Working Group, the Survey Officials’ Committee and Joint Field Survey Teams. Field teams conduct ground surveys, while the SOC and BWG examine the findings and determine the next technical steps.

The India-Nepal border has been mapped for decades.

India and Nepal are using drone technology to survey parts of their open border where physical markers and changing landscapes create uncertainty.

Why use drones now?

The immediate objective is simple: get a far more precise picture of what is happening on the ground.The UAVs will capture aerial images of areas where cross-border occupation is suspected. Indian and Nepali officials will then analyse the imagery jointly and compare it with existing maps, coordinates, boundary pillars and field records.Aerial imagery can show precisely where fields, houses, roads, rivers and other physical features sit in relation to the established boundary.But the most important element is not the drone. It is the joint verification.If both countries work from the same imagery and agree on the technical facts of a particular location, it becomes easier to determine what needs to happen next.The jointly verified record could eventually provide a basis for negotiating the removal of encroachments, restoration of land or, where necessary, compensation.

Is this related to Kalapani and Lipulekh?

The India-Nepal border has several separate disputes.Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura concern Nepal’s territorial claims in the western sector and competing interpretations of historical maps, documents and the course of the Kali or Mahakali River.Susta is another separate dispute involving changes in the course of the Gandak or Narayani River.The current technical mechanism does not cover these unresolved areas. The 2025 BWG agreement specifically kept Susta and Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura outside its technical work.The Dasgaja exercise is narrower. It deals with no-man’s-land, boundary infrastructure and cross-border occupation along the established boundary.

What this drone survey really means

At first glance, sending drones over Dasgaja may look like a relatively routine surveying exercise. It is anything but.The India-Nepal border is unusual: open to people, but fixed in law; socially intertwined, but internationally sovereign. Over decades, rivers have shifted, settlements have expanded, farms have crossed invisible lines and boundary markers have disappeared.

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Rahul Gandhi alleges double standards over NCLT NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised the Centre over the functioning of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), alleging that the system treats ordinary borrowers differently from large corporate borrowers.Calling the NCLT the “Leader-Company Loot Tribunal”, Rahul contrasted the treatment of farmers, salaried workers and students with that of what he described as a select group of wealthy businesspersons.”If a farmer doesn’t pay 50 thousand, his land gets auctioned off. If a salaried person misses even one EMI, bank goons show up at the house. Poor students can’t even get loans for education,” Rahul said in a post on X.”But for select “friends,” bank money is like personal property – withdraw as much as you want, repay whatever you feel like,” he added.He accused the Narendra Modi government of creating unequal systems for different sections of society.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”The Modi government has created two systems in the country – one for a handful of billionaires, and another for everyone else,” Rahul added.Meanwhile, Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra on Thursday said reports about his personal insolvency proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had presented an inaccurate picture of the claims against him. He stressed that he was a personal guarantor and had not personally borrowed money from any lender.In a statement issued by his office, Chandra said the total claims filed in the insolvency proceedings should not be equated with the amount currently outstanding.According to Chandra, lenders had filed claims totalling around Rs 22,006 crore, of which Rs 21,696 crore had been admitted. However, he said the claims of lenders who had objected to his repayment plan amounted to Rs 3,992 crore. Of this, Rs 620 crore had already been settled, leaving Rs 3,372 crore, he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAadrita HalderWrites on social matters, geopolitics, and trending issues for the Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNepal Floods: 288 Indians Uncontactable, 21 Rescued So Far, MEA Shares Key Updates | WatchFour Killed, One Missing In Manipur Ambush As Naga-Kuki Tensions Erupt Again, Probe Launch | WatchFake IAS Officer Tripti Rajput Under Probe, Police Recover CBI Cards And Government DocumentsWhy A Supreme Court Judge Wants The Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Transferred?18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch123Photostories4 countries where YouTube is blocked; here’s whyPolka dots to Gingham: 5 trendy prints taking over fashion this seasonLearn all about the viral Kora turmeric DIY mask: Does this desi glow hack actually work?Life didn’t go as planned? 5 things to remember when everything feels uncertain8 simple hacks to peel potatoes; the one that works the best and why5 Fluffy and furry dog breeds that can make your home even more adorable7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journey123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

Rahul Gandhi alleges double standards over NCLT NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised the Centre over the functioning of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), alleging that the system treats ordinary borrowers differently from large corporate borrowers.Calling the NCLT the “Leader-Company Loot Tribunal”, Rahul contrasted the treatment of farmers, salaried workers and students with that of what he described as a select group of wealthy businesspersons.”If a farmer doesn’t pay 50 thousand, his land gets auctioned off. If a salaried person misses even one EMI, bank goons show up at the house. Poor students can’t even get loans for education,” Rahul said in a post on X.”But for select “friends,” bank money is like personal property – withdraw as much as you want, repay whatever you feel like,” he added.He accused the Narendra Modi government of creating unequal systems for different sections of society.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”The Modi government has created two systems in the country – one for a handful of billionaires, and another for everyone else,” Rahul added.Meanwhile, Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra on Thursday said reports about his personal insolvency proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had presented an inaccurate picture of the claims against him. He stressed that he was a personal guarantor and had not personally borrowed money from any lender.In a statement issued by his office, Chandra said the total claims filed in the insolvency proceedings should not be equated with the amount currently outstanding.According to Chandra, lenders had filed claims totalling around Rs 22,006 crore, of which Rs 21,696 crore had been admitted. However, he said the claims of lenders who had objected to his repayment plan amounted to Rs 3,992 crore. Of this, Rs 620 crore had already been settled, leaving Rs 3,372 crore, he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAadrita HalderWrites on social matters, geopolitics, and trending issues for the Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNepal Floods: 288 Indians Uncontactable, 21 Rescued So Far, MEA Shares Key Updates | WatchFour Killed, One Missing In Manipur Ambush As Naga-Kuki Tensions Erupt Again, Probe Launch | WatchFake IAS Officer Tripti Rajput Under Probe, Police Recover CBI Cards And Government DocumentsWhy A Supreme Court Judge Wants The Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Transferred?18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch123Photostories4 countries where YouTube is blocked; here’s whyPolka dots to Gingham: 5 trendy prints taking over fashion this seasonLearn all about the viral Kora turmeric DIY mask: Does this desi glow hack actually work?Life didn’t go as planned? 5 things to remember when everything feels uncertain8 simple hacks to peel potatoes; the one that works the best and why5 Fluffy and furry dog breeds that can make your home even more adorable7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journey123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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NEW DELHI: Ministry of external affairs on Thursday set up a round-the-clock special control room in Delhi to assist people stranded in the flash floods of Nepal.This comes after death toll jumped to 359 while 288 were reported missing.”We have set up a control room in the Ministry of External Affairs here, which will function round-the-clock,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.”Our embassies, both in Kathmandu and in Beijing, have also set up 24×7 helplines,” he added.Later in the day. MEA shared details of the control room in a statement.“The control room can be contacted at +91 11 2308 8718 +91 11 2308 8719. For WhatsApp calls/messages: +91 9968291988. Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in,” it said.The emergency contact numbers of the Indian embassy in Kathmandu are (also on WhatsApp): +977 985 131 6807; +977 970 910 7500; and +977 981 032 6117.According to the MEA, Nepali authorities can be contacted at the following helpline numbers: Tourist Police: +977 9851289445; Nepal Army: +977 9851072914 (email: dgmi-foreign@nepalarmy.mil.np); NDRRMA: +977 9851320269 /+977 9849281097; Rasuwa Police: +977 9851254960; Assistant chief district officer, Rasuwa: +977 9851164422; Nuwakot Police: +977 9851282380; Assistant chief district officer, Nuwakot: +977 9851248777; Dhading Police: +977 9851229860; Chief district officer, Dhading: +977 9851247777; Chitwan Police: +977 9855013999; Assistant chief district officer, Chitwan: +977 9855088891.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesMassive flash floods originating in Tibet swept through central Nepal on Wednesday, devastating several towns and villages, washing away critical bridges and crippling a dozen hydropower projects, affecting multiple districts.India on Thursday said it stands “shoulder-to-shoulder” with Nepal to help it deal with the crisis as rescue operations gathered momentum in the Himalayan nation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNepal Floods: 288 Indians Uncontactable, 21 Rescued So Far, MEA Shares Key Updates | WatchFour Killed, One Missing In Manipur Ambush As Naga-Kuki Tensions Erupt Again, Probe Launch | WatchFake IAS Officer Tripti Rajput Under Probe, Police Recover CBI Cards And Government DocumentsWhy A Supreme Court Judge Wants The Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Transferred?18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch123Photostories4 countries where YouTube is blocked; here’s whyPolka dots to Gingham: 5 trendy prints taking over fashion this seasonLearn all about the viral Kora turmeric DIY mask: Does this desi glow hack actually work?Life didn’t go as planned? 5 things to remember when everything feels uncertain8 simple hacks to peel potatoes; the one that works the best and why5 Fluffy and furry dog breeds that can make your home even more adorable7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journey123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

NEW DELHI: Ministry of external affairs on Thursday set up a round-the-clock special control room in Delhi to assist people stranded in the flash floods of Nepal.This comes after death toll jumped to 359 while 288 were reported missing.”We have set up a control room in the Ministry of External Affairs here, which will function round-the-clock,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.”Our embassies, both in Kathmandu and in Beijing, have also set up 24×7 helplines,” he added.Later in the day. MEA shared details of the control room in a statement.“The control room can be contacted at +91 11 2308 8718 +91 11 2308 8719. For WhatsApp calls/messages: +91 9968291988. Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in,” it said.The emergency contact numbers of the Indian embassy in Kathmandu are (also on WhatsApp): +977 985 131 6807; +977 970 910 7500; and +977 981 032 6117.According to the MEA, Nepali authorities can be contacted at the following helpline numbers: Tourist Police: +977 9851289445; Nepal Army: +977 9851072914 (email: dgmi-foreign@nepalarmy.mil.np); NDRRMA: +977 9851320269 /+977 9849281097; Rasuwa Police: +977 9851254960; Assistant chief district officer, Rasuwa: +977 9851164422; Nuwakot Police: +977 9851282380; Assistant chief district officer, Nuwakot: +977 9851248777; Dhading Police: +977 9851229860; Chief district officer, Dhading: +977 9851247777; Chitwan Police: +977 9855013999; Assistant chief district officer, Chitwan: +977 9855088891.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesMassive flash floods originating in Tibet swept through central Nepal on Wednesday, devastating several towns and villages, washing away critical bridges and crippling a dozen hydropower projects, affecting multiple districts.India on Thursday said it stands “shoulder-to-shoulder” with Nepal to help it deal with the crisis as rescue operations gathered momentum in the Himalayan nation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNepal Floods: 288 Indians Uncontactable, 21 Rescued So Far, MEA Shares Key Updates | WatchFour Killed, One Missing In Manipur Ambush As Naga-Kuki Tensions Erupt Again, Probe Launch | WatchFake IAS Officer Tripti Rajput Under Probe, Police Recover CBI Cards And Government DocumentsWhy A Supreme Court Judge Wants The Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Transferred?18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch123Photostories4 countries where YouTube is blocked; here’s whyPolka dots to Gingham: 5 trendy prints taking over fashion this seasonLearn all about the viral Kora turmeric DIY mask: Does this desi glow hack actually work?Life didn’t go as planned? 5 things to remember when everything feels uncertain8 simple hacks to peel potatoes; the one that works the best and why5 Fluffy and furry dog breeds that can make your home even more adorable7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journey123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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Congress alleges Rs 35,000 crore sugar ‘scam’, accuses BJP government of creating artificial shortage ahead of festive season NEW DELHI: Amid spike in sugar prices, Congress Thursday alleged the crisis hides a ‘scam’ of Rs 35,000 crore by governing BJP to help black marketeers rake in money during the festival season. It said the “beneficiaries” may funnel part of the gains back to the party as donation and claimed diversion of 32% sugarcane for E20 petrol is another reason for the crisis.Congress spokesperson and MP Randeep Surjewala alleged govt artificially created the crisis as it knew the country had a sugar shortfall of 30 lakh MT at the year’s start but did nothing to address the situation. He said sugar mills association had said production was 275 lakh MT in 2025-26, even though govt claimed it would be 343 lakh MT.He said govt sat quietly from May to Aug as sugar prices shot up from Rs 40 a kg to Rs 75 closer to the festival season. He said govt’s import order in late Aug to bring in 10 lakh MT from Brazil is hogwash as the said sugar will only reach the country well after the festival season.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIndians are going to face a bitter festival season while BJP is rubbing salt to their wounds by saying the sugar shortage would help control diabetes and weight problem of the population, he said.The MP said sugar consumption during the festival season is 30 lakh MT per month, which from Aug till Diwali will be 120 lakh MT. “Sellers would gain an additional Rs 36,000 crore, which would be a direct loss to the consumers,” he said, adding, “What can be a bigger nexus between govt and business.”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 MediaVideosFake IAS Officer Tripti Rajput Under Probe, Police Recover CBI Cards And Government DocumentsWhy A Supreme Court Judge Wants The Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Transferred?18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’123PhotostoriesLearn all about the viral Kora turmeric DIY mask: Does this desi glow hack actually work?Life didn’t go as planned? 5 things to remember when everything feels uncertain8 simple hacks to peel potatoes; the one that works the best and why5 Fluffy and furry dog breeds that can make your home even more adorable7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient roots123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

Congress alleges Rs 35,000 crore sugar ‘scam’, accuses BJP government of creating artificial shortage ahead of festive season NEW DELHI: Amid spike in sugar prices, Congress Thursday alleged the crisis hides a ‘scam’ of Rs 35,000 crore by governing BJP to help black marketeers rake in money during the festival season. It said the “beneficiaries” may funnel part of the gains back to the party as donation and claimed diversion of 32% sugarcane for E20 petrol is another reason for the crisis.Congress spokesperson and MP Randeep Surjewala alleged govt artificially created the crisis as it knew the country had a sugar shortfall of 30 lakh MT at the year’s start but did nothing to address the situation. He said sugar mills association had said production was 275 lakh MT in 2025-26, even though govt claimed it would be 343 lakh MT.He said govt sat quietly from May to Aug as sugar prices shot up from Rs 40 a kg to Rs 75 closer to the festival season. He said govt’s import order in late Aug to bring in 10 lakh MT from Brazil is hogwash as the said sugar will only reach the country well after the festival season.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIndians are going to face a bitter festival season while BJP is rubbing salt to their wounds by saying the sugar shortage would help control diabetes and weight problem of the population, he said.The MP said sugar consumption during the festival season is 30 lakh MT per month, which from Aug till Diwali will be 120 lakh MT. “Sellers would gain an additional Rs 36,000 crore, which would be a direct loss to the consumers,” he said, adding, “What can be a bigger nexus between govt and business.”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 MediaVideosFake IAS Officer Tripti Rajput Under Probe, Police Recover CBI Cards And Government DocumentsWhy A Supreme Court Judge Wants The Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Transferred?18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’123PhotostoriesLearn all about the viral Kora turmeric DIY mask: Does this desi glow hack actually work?Life didn’t go as planned? 5 things to remember when everything feels uncertain8 simple hacks to peel potatoes; the one that works the best and why5 Fluffy and furry dog breeds that can make your home even more adorable7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient roots123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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A barrier lake near the China-Nepal border may breach in three days as flash floods and mudslides have killed at least 273 people and left over 1,300 missing.India is tracing 288 nationals unaccounted for after Nepal floods, while around 200 Indians in Tibet have sought help. India has also sent a second relief consignment to Nepal.Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to PM Modi seeking a 25-year freeze on Lok Sabha seat strength and an all-party meeting before any delimitation exercise.YouTuber Chhavi Varshney and her mother died after their SUV crashed into a truck near Ujjain. Three others were seriously injured, with police investigating the accident.A 42-year-old woman in Pinjore named her husband as her killer in a dying message after her throat was slit. Police arrested her husband within two hours.Here are top 5 stories of the dayBarrier lake near Nepal border could breach in 3 days, China warns A barrier lake near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal could face a high risk of breaching over the next three days. China’s water ministry said the lake had accumulated around 2 million cubic metres of water and was overflowing, with another 3 million cubic metres expected. Flash floods and mudslides have killed at least 273 people and left over 1,300 missing. Read full storyNepal floods: No contact with 288 Indians in NepalThe MEA said 288 Indian nationals remain unaccounted for after devastating floods and landslides in Nepal, including 73 workers at the Trishuli One Power Project. Twenty-one Indians from Tamil Nadu have been rescued, while around 200 Indians in Tibet sought assistance. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reviewed efforts to trace Indians and India sent 37.5 tonnes of relief supplies to Nepal. Read full storyKharge writes to PM Modi, demands 25-year delimitation freezeCongress chief Mallikarjun Kharge urged PM Modi to maintain the Lok Sabha’s existing strength of 543 seats and state-wise representation for another 25 years. He also demanded one-third reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and an all-party meeting before any delimitation proposals are introduced in Parliament. Kharge said political parties and state governments should get adequate time to examine the proposals. Read full storyYouTuber Chhavi Varshney killed as SUV crashes into truck near UjjainPopular YouTuber Chhavi Varshney and her mother Sarika were killed after their SUV crashed into a truck on the Ujjain-Garoth four-lane road near Ramakhedi village. Three others, identified as Surajpal, Sachin and Shyam, suffered serious injuries. The collision completely mangled the SUV’s front portion. Barod police have registered a case and begun investigating the crash. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRead full storyThroat slit, dying woman writes ‘husband is my killer’ in chilling death noteRajinder Kaur, 42, was found with her throat slit outside her boutique in Pinjore. Police recovered a bloodstained note in which she named her husband as her killer and blamed his family members. CCTV showed a man suspected to be her husband entering and shutting the shop before she emerged injured. Police arrested her husband within two hours and seized the weapon.Read full storyGet 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 MediaVideosFake IAS Officer Tripti Rajput Under Probe, Police Recover CBI Cards And Government DocumentsWhy A Supreme Court Judge Wants The Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Transferred?18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’123PhotostoriesLife didn’t go as planned? 5 things to remember when everything feels uncertain8 simple hacks to peel potatoes; the one that works the best and why5 Fluffy and furry dog breeds that can make your home even more adorable7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling you123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

A barrier lake near the China-Nepal border may breach in three days as flash floods and mudslides have killed at least 273 people and left over 1,300 missing.India is tracing 288 nationals unaccounted for after Nepal floods, while around 200 Indians in Tibet have sought help. India has also sent a second relief consignment to Nepal.Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to PM Modi seeking a 25-year freeze on Lok Sabha seat strength and an all-party meeting before any delimitation exercise.YouTuber Chhavi Varshney and her mother died after their SUV crashed into a truck near Ujjain. Three others were seriously injured, with police investigating the accident.A 42-year-old woman in Pinjore named her husband as her killer in a dying message after her throat was slit. Police arrested her husband within two hours.Here are top 5 stories of the dayBarrier lake near Nepal border could breach in 3 days, China warns A barrier lake near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal could face a high risk of breaching over the next three days. China’s water ministry said the lake had accumulated around 2 million cubic metres of water and was overflowing, with another 3 million cubic metres expected. Flash floods and mudslides have killed at least 273 people and left over 1,300 missing. Read full storyNepal floods: No contact with 288 Indians in NepalThe MEA said 288 Indian nationals remain unaccounted for after devastating floods and landslides in Nepal, including 73 workers at the Trishuli One Power Project. Twenty-one Indians from Tamil Nadu have been rescued, while around 200 Indians in Tibet sought assistance. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reviewed efforts to trace Indians and India sent 37.5 tonnes of relief supplies to Nepal. Read full storyKharge writes to PM Modi, demands 25-year delimitation freezeCongress chief Mallikarjun Kharge urged PM Modi to maintain the Lok Sabha’s existing strength of 543 seats and state-wise representation for another 25 years. He also demanded one-third reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and an all-party meeting before any delimitation proposals are introduced in Parliament. Kharge said political parties and state governments should get adequate time to examine the proposals. Read full storyYouTuber Chhavi Varshney killed as SUV crashes into truck near UjjainPopular YouTuber Chhavi Varshney and her mother Sarika were killed after their SUV crashed into a truck on the Ujjain-Garoth four-lane road near Ramakhedi village. Three others, identified as Surajpal, Sachin and Shyam, suffered serious injuries. The collision completely mangled the SUV’s front portion. Barod police have registered a case and begun investigating the crash. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRead full storyThroat slit, dying woman writes ‘husband is my killer’ in chilling death noteRajinder Kaur, 42, was found with her throat slit outside her boutique in Pinjore. Police recovered a bloodstained note in which she named her husband as her killer and blamed his family members. CCTV showed a man suspected to be her husband entering and shutting the shop before she emerged injured. Police arrested her husband within two hours and seized the weapon.Read full storyGet 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 MediaVideosFake IAS Officer Tripti Rajput Under Probe, Police Recover CBI Cards And Government DocumentsWhy A Supreme Court Judge Wants The Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Transferred?18 Rounds, Point-Blank: How Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Was Gunned Down Outside Gym In UPIndia-China Talks Yield 8-Point Consensus; New Military Hotlines, Border Talks On The TableSkardu Base Was India’s Target During Operation Sindoor, Ex-CDS Reveals Why Strike Was Aborted’Gone In Seconds’: Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims Missing, 77 Isha Foundation Members Among ThemSinger Mary Millben Hits Back Over ‘Anti-Modi’ Politics Over Mohan Bhagwat New York Event105 Indians Missing In Nepal Flash Floods; Tibet-Side Surge Leaves Eight Dead | Watch‘Big Reveal’ Or Big Scam? August 25 Insta Account Make Hype Sparks ₹8.5 Crore Scam Row’Hijab On Heads, Not Minds’: Owaisi Calls Allahabad High Court Ruling ‘Attack On Islam’123PhotostoriesLife didn’t go as planned? 5 things to remember when everything feels uncertain8 simple hacks to peel potatoes; the one that works the best and why5 Fluffy and furry dog breeds that can make your home even more adorable7 houseplants that may help keep mosquitoes away: From basil to mintCan infections such as mumps affect male fertility years later?Psychology says why the sibling you couldn’t stand as a child can become the person you trust most as an adultFrom working in Bhojpuri cinema, signing random films to pay his rent to earning Rs 1.5 lakh for one episode of Comedy Circus; When Krushna Abhishek opened up about his journeyLoro Piana to Zegna: Lesser-known luxury sneaker brands the old-money tribe knows by heart10 baby boy names with powerful meanings and fascinating ancient rootsIntuition or fear? 5 ways to tell what your gut is really telling you123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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