April 4, 2026

MK Stalin at Nagercoil rally NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, campaigning ahead of the state assembly elections, on Saturday slammed the Union government’s proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), alleging it targets minorities, particularly Christians.Also Read | ‘Anxiety among minorities’: Shashi Tharoor questions FCRA Ammendment BillThe FCRA bill could not be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha due to opposition protests. The BJP-led Centre has defended the legislation, with Union minister Kiren Rijiju asserting that it aims to protect national security and is not targeted at any particular religion.Addressing an election rally in Nagarcoil, Stalin called the FCRA bill an “assault on freedom of religion.”“The FCRA bill is draconian. It targets minorities, especially Christian organisations. If passed, recognition of Christian NGOs can be cancelled and their funds taken away even for minor lapses,” PTI quoted him as saying.The DMK supremo added, “The bill is tantamount to taking away rights provided by the Constitution, and it is a serious assault on the freedom of religion and also on people who wish to do social service. SCs, STs, and the rural poor will be affected the most.”Stalin also claimed he was the first to condemn the proposed amendments and stated that he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging that the bill be withdrawn.Nagercoil, where Stalin addressed the rally, has a significant Christian population. According to the 2011 national census, the town in Kanniyakumari district had a population of 2.24 lakh, of which around 30% are Christians.Meanwhile, Stalin further alleged that the Centre has failed to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen and criticised its foreign policy. He also claimed that PM Modi has weakened India’s influence, even among smaller neighbouring countries.Voting for all 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for April 23, with counting of votes set for May 4. In the 2021 polls, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance won 159 seats, with the DMK alone securing 133 victories—well above the majority mark of 118.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 MediaVideosIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major RoadblockAfter Op Sindoor Row, India Reopens Talks With Azerbaijan, Balancing Disputes And Cooperation’Will Use India, Throw Under The Bus’: Ex-Pentagon Analyst Reveals US Policy Towards DelhiBangladesh PM Tarique Rahman To Visit India Soon As Delhi-Dhaka Reset Ties: ReportCongress Leader Anand Sharma Praises Modi Govt’s West Asia Diplomacy, Urges National Unity Amid WarIndian Navy Boosts Nuclear Deterrence With INS Aridhaman Submarine, Enforces Undersea Strike PowerWhy Did India-Bound Oil Tanker Carrying Iranian Crude Change Course At The Last Minute?India’s Medium Transport Aircraft Programme Gains Momentum, HAL Joins Global Firms In RaceBrahMos-Armed INS Taragiri Marks Major Leap In India’s Naval Strength And Self-Reliance123PhotostoriesConscious Parenting: 5 major lessons from Brahma Kumaris6 health benefits of drinking buttermilk in summer5 benefits of using earthen pots to make food taste better than steel utensils this summerIn summer, your kidneys need extra care, doctor shares 5 simple tips that can help5 posh residential areas in Chandigarh driving the city’s premium real estate market6 idli varieties every food lover should tryBaby boy names inspired by the mighty Saturn10 most expensive mango varieties from across the worldHow to grow dragon fruit in pots on a balconyIs your silver real or fake? 5 easy ways to test its purity at home123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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MK Stalin at Nagercoil rally NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, campaigning ahead of the state assembly elections, on Saturday slammed the Union government’s proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), alleging it targets minorities, particularly Christians.Also Read | ‘Anxiety among minorities’: Shashi Tharoor questions FCRA Ammendment BillThe FCRA bill could not be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha due to opposition protests. The BJP-led Centre has defended the legislation, with Union minister Kiren Rijiju asserting that it aims to protect national security and is not targeted at any particular religion.Addressing an election rally in Nagarcoil, Stalin called the FCRA bill an “assault on freedom of religion.”“The FCRA bill is draconian. It targets minorities, especially Christian organisations. If passed, recognition of Christian NGOs can be cancelled and their funds taken away even for minor lapses,” PTI quoted him as saying.The DMK supremo added, “The bill is tantamount to taking away rights provided by the Constitution, and it is a serious assault on the freedom of religion and also on people who wish to do social service. SCs, STs, and the rural poor will be affected the most.”Stalin also claimed he was the first to condemn the proposed amendments and stated that he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging that the bill be withdrawn.Nagercoil, where Stalin addressed the rally, has a significant Christian population. According to the 2011 national census, the town in Kanniyakumari district had a population of 2.24 lakh, of which around 30% are Christians.Meanwhile, Stalin further alleged that the Centre has failed to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen and criticised its foreign policy. He also claimed that PM Modi has weakened India’s influence, even among smaller neighbouring countries.Voting for all 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for April 23, with counting of votes set for May 4. In the 2021 polls, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance won 159 seats, with the DMK alone securing 133 victories—well above the majority mark of 118.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 MediaVideosIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major RoadblockAfter Op Sindoor Row, India Reopens Talks With Azerbaijan, Balancing Disputes And Cooperation’Will Use India, Throw Under The Bus’: Ex-Pentagon Analyst Reveals US Policy Towards DelhiBangladesh PM Tarique Rahman To Visit India Soon As Delhi-Dhaka Reset Ties: ReportCongress Leader Anand Sharma Praises Modi Govt’s West Asia Diplomacy, Urges National Unity Amid WarIndian Navy Boosts Nuclear Deterrence With INS Aridhaman Submarine, Enforces Undersea Strike PowerWhy Did India-Bound Oil Tanker Carrying Iranian Crude Change Course At The Last Minute?India’s Medium Transport Aircraft Programme Gains Momentum, HAL Joins Global Firms In RaceBrahMos-Armed INS Taragiri Marks Major Leap In India’s Naval Strength And Self-Reliance123PhotostoriesConscious Parenting: 5 major lessons from Brahma Kumaris6 health benefits of drinking buttermilk in summer5 benefits of using earthen pots to make food taste better than steel utensils this summerIn summer, your kidneys need extra care, doctor shares 5 simple tips that can help5 posh residential areas in Chandigarh driving the city’s premium real estate market6 idli varieties every food lover should tryBaby boy names inspired by the mighty Saturn10 most expensive mango varieties from across the worldHow to grow dragon fruit in pots on a balconyIs your silver real or fake? 5 easy ways to test its purity at home123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news


‘FCRA bill draconian’: TN CM Stalin slams BJP-led Centre for 'targeting' Christians ahead of polls
MK Stalin at Nagercoil rally

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, campaigning ahead of the state assembly elections, on Saturday slammed the Union government’s proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), alleging it targets minorities, particularly Christians.Also Read | ‘Anxiety among minorities’: Shashi Tharoor questions FCRA Ammendment BillThe FCRA bill could not be taken up for discussion in the Lok Sabha due to opposition protests. The BJP-led Centre has defended the legislation, with Union minister Kiren Rijiju asserting that it aims to protect national security and is not targeted at any particular religion.Addressing an election rally in Nagarcoil, Stalin called the FCRA bill an “assault on freedom of religion.”“The FCRA bill is draconian. It targets minorities, especially Christian organisations. If passed, recognition of Christian NGOs can be cancelled and their funds taken away even for minor lapses,” PTI quoted him as saying.The DMK supremo added, “The bill is tantamount to taking away rights provided by the Constitution, and it is a serious assault on the freedom of religion and also on people who wish to do social service. SCs, STs, and the rural poor will be affected the most.”Stalin also claimed he was the first to condemn the proposed amendments and stated that he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging that the bill be withdrawn.Nagercoil, where Stalin addressed the rally, has a significant Christian population. According to the 2011 national census, the town in Kanniyakumari district had a population of 2.24 lakh, of which around 30% are Christians.Meanwhile, Stalin further alleged that the Centre has failed to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen and criticised its foreign policy. He also claimed that PM Modi has weakened India’s influence, even among smaller neighbouring countries.Voting for all 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for April 23, with counting of votes set for May 4. In the 2021 polls, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance won 159 seats, with the DMK alone securing 133 victories—well above the majority mark of 118.



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NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday unveiled the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026, announcing a series of measures including strict enforcement of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule, curbs on polluting vehicles and a push for cleaner transport and dust control.Announcing the rollout of the plan, Gupta said the initiative builds on the government’s ‘historic’ Green Budget for 2026-27 and aims to translate clean air goals into measurable outcomes.The action plan, announced after a high-level review meeting held at the Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan, is aimed at tackling key sources of pollution such as vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activity, industrial discharge and biomass burning, officials said.Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said clean air and environmental protection were now central to the government’s policy framework and would be backed by dedicated budgetary allocations and strict enforcement.”This is not just a policy announcement, it is an enforcement-driven campaign powered by resources, technology and strict oversight,” she said.Taking a tough stance on vehicular pollution, Gupta said the “No PUC (Pollution Under Control), No Fuel” rule would be strictly implemented with support from Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and digital tracking systems.From November 1, entry of goods vehicles into the national capital will be restricted to those compliant with Bharat Stage (BS)-VI norms or powered by CNG or electricity, officials said.The government will also regulate non-essential traffic inflow and may consider staggered office timings, work-from-home directives and additional restrictions on polluting vehicles during periods of severe air pollution, they added.As part of efforts to reduce vehicular emissions, the government plans to expand the city’s bus fleet to 13,760 by 2028-29, with priority being given to electric buses.Officials further said the government also plans to improve last-mile connectivity through better integration of metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) networks with feeder buses, e-autos and shared mobility services.To accelerate electric mobility, 32,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points will be installed over the next four years, while the proposed EV Policy 2026 will focus on two-wheelers, commercial vehicles and the transition of government fleets to cleaner fuels, they said.The chief minister also announced measures to ease traffic congestion at 62 identified hotspots through time-bound interventions and the rollout of an Intelligent Traffic Management System, along with smart parking solutions and pricing reforms.Recognising road dust as a major contributor to pollution, the government said it would deploy mechanical road sweepers, water sprinklers, anti-smog guns and mist spray systems on a large scale, with all operations monitored through GPS tracking and a centralised dashboard.Nearly 3,500 km of roads are to be redeveloped with paved surfaces, green buffers and utility ducts, while construction-related pollution will be monitored through an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled C&D Portal 2.0 for real-time tracking, geo-tagging and enforcement, officials said.The government has also set deadlines for clearing legacy landfill sites, such as Okhla by July 2026, Bhalswa by December 2026 and Ghazipur by December 2027, and have said that strict action would be taken against biomass burning and non-compliant industrial units.The city’s air quality monitoring network will be expanded, and a centralised Green War Room and Integrated Command and Control Centre will be set up to strengthen environmental governance, they added.Ward-level “Vayu Rakshak” teams will also be deployed and the 311 platform upgraded to improve citizen reporting and participation, they said.The government has set a target of planting 70 lakh trees, shrubs and bamboo in 2026-27, with a long-term goal of over one crore plantations across the city.Gupta said the action plan would also rely on innovation and public participation, with research institutions, technical experts and startups being involved in developing solutions to curb pollution.”The Action Plan 2026 is not just about intent; it is a robust execution model with financial backing, strict timelines and accountability at every level. Clean air is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right, and we are committed to delivering it,” she said.The meeting was attended by cabinet ministers Pravesh Sahib Singh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Pankaj Kumar Singh, chief secretary Rajiv Verma, representatives of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Traffic Police, and senior government officials, officials said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Will Use India, Throw Under The Bus’: Ex-Pentagon Analyst Reveals US Policy Towards DelhiBangladesh PM Tarique Rahman To Visit India Soon As Delhi-Dhaka Reset Ties: ReportCongress Leader Anand Sharma Praises Modi Govt’s West Asia Diplomacy, Urges National Unity Amid WarIndian Navy Boosts Nuclear Deterrence With INS Aridhaman Submarine, Enforces Undersea Strike PowerWhy Did India-Bound Oil Tanker Carrying Iranian Crude Change Course At The Last Minute?India’s Medium Transport Aircraft Programme Gains Momentum, HAL Joins Global Firms In RaceBrahMos-Armed INS Taragiri Marks Major Leap In India’s Naval Strength And Self-RelianceWest Asia Crisis: India’s Balanced Approach Wins Global Trust As Pakistan’s Mediator Gamble Stumbles‘Ghar Wapsi Will Happen Soon’: Imam Ilyasi Predicts PoK ReunificationRajnath Singh’s ‘Decisive Action’ Warning Evokes Pakistan’s ‘Swift Response’: What Khawaja Asif Said123Photostories6 idli varieties every food lover should tryBaby boy names inspired by the mighty Saturn10 most expensive mango varieties from across the worldHow to grow dragon fruit in pots on a balconyIs your silver real or fake? 5 easy ways to test its purity at homePM Narendra Modi highlights ‘Modi Tea Stall’ in Puducherry: How chai holds India’s heartDipika Kakar gets emotional after cyst removal surgery, says “joh ye reoccurrence hua hai uske baad main thoda sa ghabra gayi hoon”7 saree styling hacks to look taller and slimmer instantlyRamayana actor Ravie Dubey’s wealth decoded: From luxury cars to a Rs 8 crore Mumbai penthouse, exploring his reported Rs 80 crore net worthHow to prepare your car for extreme off-road conditions123Hot PicksTravis KelceOliver rowlandKick StreamerTiger WoodsCSK vs PBKS PreviewPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday unveiled the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026, announcing a series of measures including strict enforcement of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule, curbs on polluting vehicles and a push for cleaner transport and dust control.Announcing the rollout of the plan, Gupta said the initiative builds on the government’s ‘historic’ Green Budget for 2026-27 and aims to translate clean air goals into measurable outcomes.The action plan, announced after a high-level review meeting held at the Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan, is aimed at tackling key sources of pollution such as vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activity, industrial discharge and biomass burning, officials said.Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said clean air and environmental protection were now central to the government’s policy framework and would be backed by dedicated budgetary allocations and strict enforcement.”This is not just a policy announcement, it is an enforcement-driven campaign powered by resources, technology and strict oversight,” she said.Taking a tough stance on vehicular pollution, Gupta said the “No PUC (Pollution Under Control), No Fuel” rule would be strictly implemented with support from Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and digital tracking systems.From November 1, entry of goods vehicles into the national capital will be restricted to those compliant with Bharat Stage (BS)-VI norms or powered by CNG or electricity, officials said.The government will also regulate non-essential traffic inflow and may consider staggered office timings, work-from-home directives and additional restrictions on polluting vehicles during periods of severe air pollution, they added.As part of efforts to reduce vehicular emissions, the government plans to expand the city’s bus fleet to 13,760 by 2028-29, with priority being given to electric buses.Officials further said the government also plans to improve last-mile connectivity through better integration of metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) networks with feeder buses, e-autos and shared mobility services.To accelerate electric mobility, 32,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points will be installed over the next four years, while the proposed EV Policy 2026 will focus on two-wheelers, commercial vehicles and the transition of government fleets to cleaner fuels, they said.The chief minister also announced measures to ease traffic congestion at 62 identified hotspots through time-bound interventions and the rollout of an Intelligent Traffic Management System, along with smart parking solutions and pricing reforms.Recognising road dust as a major contributor to pollution, the government said it would deploy mechanical road sweepers, water sprinklers, anti-smog guns and mist spray systems on a large scale, with all operations monitored through GPS tracking and a centralised dashboard.Nearly 3,500 km of roads are to be redeveloped with paved surfaces, green buffers and utility ducts, while construction-related pollution will be monitored through an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled C&D Portal 2.0 for real-time tracking, geo-tagging and enforcement, officials said.The government has also set deadlines for clearing legacy landfill sites, such as Okhla by July 2026, Bhalswa by December 2026 and Ghazipur by December 2027, and have said that strict action would be taken against biomass burning and non-compliant industrial units.The city’s air quality monitoring network will be expanded, and a centralised Green War Room and Integrated Command and Control Centre will be set up to strengthen environmental governance, they added.Ward-level “Vayu Rakshak” teams will also be deployed and the 311 platform upgraded to improve citizen reporting and participation, they said.The government has set a target of planting 70 lakh trees, shrubs and bamboo in 2026-27, with a long-term goal of over one crore plantations across the city.Gupta said the action plan would also rely on innovation and public participation, with research institutions, technical experts and startups being involved in developing solutions to curb pollution.”The Action Plan 2026 is not just about intent; it is a robust execution model with financial backing, strict timelines and accountability at every level. Clean air is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right, and we are committed to delivering it,” she said.The meeting was attended by cabinet ministers Pravesh Sahib Singh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Pankaj Kumar Singh, chief secretary Rajiv Verma, representatives of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Traffic Police, and senior government officials, officials said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Will Use India, Throw Under The Bus’: Ex-Pentagon Analyst Reveals US Policy Towards DelhiBangladesh PM Tarique Rahman To Visit India Soon As Delhi-Dhaka Reset Ties: ReportCongress Leader Anand Sharma Praises Modi Govt’s West Asia Diplomacy, Urges National Unity Amid WarIndian Navy Boosts Nuclear Deterrence With INS Aridhaman Submarine, Enforces Undersea Strike PowerWhy Did India-Bound Oil Tanker Carrying Iranian Crude Change Course At The Last Minute?India’s Medium Transport Aircraft Programme Gains Momentum, HAL Joins Global Firms In RaceBrahMos-Armed INS Taragiri Marks Major Leap In India’s Naval Strength And Self-RelianceWest Asia Crisis: India’s Balanced Approach Wins Global Trust As Pakistan’s Mediator Gamble Stumbles‘Ghar Wapsi Will Happen Soon’: Imam Ilyasi Predicts PoK ReunificationRajnath Singh’s ‘Decisive Action’ Warning Evokes Pakistan’s ‘Swift Response’: What Khawaja Asif Said123Photostories6 idli varieties every food lover should tryBaby boy names inspired by the mighty Saturn10 most expensive mango varieties from across the worldHow to grow dragon fruit in pots on a balconyIs your silver real or fake? 5 easy ways to test its purity at homePM Narendra Modi highlights ‘Modi Tea Stall’ in Puducherry: How chai holds India’s heartDipika Kakar gets emotional after cyst removal surgery, says “joh ye reoccurrence hua hai uske baad main thoda sa ghabra gayi hoon”7 saree styling hacks to look taller and slimmer instantlyRamayana actor Ravie Dubey’s wealth decoded: From luxury cars to a Rs 8 crore Mumbai penthouse, exploring his reported Rs 80 crore net worthHow to prepare your car for extreme off-road conditions123Hot PicksTravis KelceOliver rowlandKick StreamerTiger WoodsCSK vs PBKS PreviewPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayGood Friday 2026India Labour CodeRandy GeorgeLuigi MangioneGucci ManeRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

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