April 22, 2026

NEW DELHI: Nepal PM Balendra “Balen” Shah accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India even as he initiated a sweeping and radical 100-point governance agenda at home targeting VIP culture, political influence in campuses and bureaucracy, delays in public service, free healthcare access for the poor, safer public transport for women and stress-free schooling for younger children. Foreign minister Shishir Khanal said, “The Nepal govt has accepted the invitation, and the foreign ministries of both countries are now making preparations for the visit.” He indicated that the trip to New Delhi will be Shah’s first major diplomatic outreach since taking office. The last official visit by a Nepali PM to India was made by Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” in June 2023. Meanwhile, introducing a raft of changes, the new govt in Kathmandu has proposed cutting the number of federal ministries, banning political affiliations for sections of the state machinery and replacing party-linked student bodies with non-partisan platforms. The reform plan takes direct aim at political influence in education and the civil service. Under the new mandate, party-affiliated student organisations in schools and universities are to be dismantled within 90 days and replaced with non-partisan student councils or “Voice of students” platforms. Announcing the move, Shah said, “Schools and colleges will no longer serve as arenas for political activity but will function solely as centres of learning.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVikram Misri Holds Key Talks With French FM, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Bilateral TiesMEA Responds As 15 Indian Ships Remain Stranded Amid Trump’s Hormuz BlockadeUS Naval Blockade on Iran: Why Strait of Hormuz Tensions Could Hit India’s Oil, LPG and InflationTCS Nashik In Eye Of Storm As Women Allege Harassment, Conversion Pressure At Workplace’We Have Common Fate’: Iran Envoy Thanks ‘Friend’ India, Responds On Hormuz Toll RowSupreme Court Refuses To Quash CBI Case Against Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Scam, Trial To ContinueNoida Protests Explained: Pay Gap Rising Costs And Labour Issues Behind The ViolenceTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of Speed123Photostories8 elegant baby girl names inspired by rare flowers you have probably never heard of10 scientific breakthroughs that rewrote the rules of warPoila Boishakh 2026: 9 traditional Bengali dishes served on New YearDelhi-Dehradun Expressway: Travel From Delhi To Dehradun In Just 2.5 Hours! Check Top Facts & PhotosFrom Brad Pitt to Baby Dakota Fanning: 7 actors you totally forgot were on ‘Friends’TV’s 6 female protagonists who were ahead of their time: Tulsi Virani, Anupamaa and more5 cities in West India experiencing real estate boom in 2026Baisakhi 2026: Traditional Baisakhi dishes and their cultural importance in the harvest festival10 things that ruin first impressions— And how to fix themThis small trick can tell you whether you are consuming watermelon or a toxic fruit123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup

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NEW DELHI: Nepal PM Balendra “Balen” Shah accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India even as he initiated a sweeping and radical 100-point governance agenda at home targeting VIP culture, political influence in campuses and bureaucracy, delays in public service, free healthcare access for the poor, safer public transport for women and stress-free schooling for younger children. Foreign minister Shishir Khanal said, “The Nepal govt has accepted the invitation, and the foreign ministries of both countries are now making preparations for the visit.” He indicated that the trip to New Delhi will be Shah’s first major diplomatic outreach since taking office. The last official visit by a Nepali PM to India was made by Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” in June 2023. Meanwhile, introducing a raft of changes, the new govt in Kathmandu has proposed cutting the number of federal ministries, banning political affiliations for sections of the state machinery and replacing party-linked student bodies with non-partisan platforms. The reform plan takes direct aim at political influence in education and the civil service. Under the new mandate, party-affiliated student organisations in schools and universities are to be dismantled within 90 days and replaced with non-partisan student councils or “Voice of students” platforms. Announcing the move, Shah said, “Schools and colleges will no longer serve as arenas for political activity but will function solely as centres of learning.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVikram Misri Holds Key Talks With French FM, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Bilateral TiesMEA Responds As 15 Indian Ships Remain Stranded Amid Trump’s Hormuz BlockadeUS Naval Blockade on Iran: Why Strait of Hormuz Tensions Could Hit India’s Oil, LPG and InflationTCS Nashik In Eye Of Storm As Women Allege Harassment, Conversion Pressure At Workplace’We Have Common Fate’: Iran Envoy Thanks ‘Friend’ India, Responds On Hormuz Toll RowSupreme Court Refuses To Quash CBI Case Against Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Scam, Trial To ContinueNoida Protests Explained: Pay Gap Rising Costs And Labour Issues Behind The ViolenceTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of Speed123Photostories8 elegant baby girl names inspired by rare flowers you have probably never heard of10 scientific breakthroughs that rewrote the rules of warPoila Boishakh 2026: 9 traditional Bengali dishes served on New YearDelhi-Dehradun Expressway: Travel From Delhi To Dehradun In Just 2.5 Hours! Check Top Facts & PhotosFrom Brad Pitt to Baby Dakota Fanning: 7 actors you totally forgot were on ‘Friends’TV’s 6 female protagonists who were ahead of their time: Tulsi Virani, Anupamaa and more5 cities in West India experiencing real estate boom in 2026Baisakhi 2026: Traditional Baisakhi dishes and their cultural importance in the harvest festival10 things that ruin first impressions— And how to fix themThis small trick can tell you whether you are consuming watermelon or a toxic fruit123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup


In 1st major outreach, Balen accepts PM Modi's invite to visit India

NEW DELHI: Nepal PM Balendra “Balen” Shah accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India even as he initiated a sweeping and radical 100-point governance agenda at home targeting VIP culture, political influence in campuses and bureaucracy, delays in public service, free healthcare access for the poor, safer public transport for women and stress-free schooling for younger children. Foreign minister Shishir Khanal said, “The Nepal govt has accepted the invitation, and the foreign ministries of both countries are now making preparations for the visit.” He indicated that the trip to New Delhi will be Shah’s first major diplomatic outreach since taking office. The last official visit by a Nepali PM to India was made by Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” in June 2023. Meanwhile, introducing a raft of changes, the new govt in Kathmandu has proposed cutting the number of federal ministries, banning political affiliations for sections of the state machinery and replacing party-linked student bodies with non-partisan platforms. The reform plan takes direct aim at political influence in education and the civil service. Under the new mandate, party-affiliated student organisations in schools and universities are to be dismantled within 90 days and replaced with non-partisan student councils or “Voice of students” platforms. Announcing the move, Shah said, “Schools and colleges will no longer serve as arenas for political activity but will function solely as centres of learning.“



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NEW DELHI: Satya Vati, a 67-year-old battling breast cancer, has found a glimmer of hope after being denied treatment under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme, with the Delhi High Court stepping in to seek an explanation from the agency.Hearing the plea, the court on Tuesday issued notice to ESIC and asked why super speciality treatment (SST) was denied to the patient, who requires urgent chemotherapy and surgery. The matter is now listed for April 29.According to the petition, Satya Vati’s diagnosis followed a series of referrals across ESIC facilities. Her nephew Rajesh Rajora told TOI that she first approached the ESIC dispensary in Nand Nagri two months ago after detecting a lump in her right breast. She was referred to Jhilmil hospital in east Delhi, where doctors advised a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) test. As the test was not available there, it was conducted in the private sector.After reviewing the FNAC report, doctors referred her to ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, where further tests, including a biopsy, were conducted, while the PET scan was done in the private sector. Reports confirmed first-stage breast cancer, and doctors advised chemotherapy followed by surgery. April 15 was scheduled for initiating chemotherapy.However, when she reached the hospital for admission, treatment was denied on the ground that the super speciality treatment clause was not active, allegedly due to a brief break of a few months in employment of her son, Gaurav, in 2025.“We were given a date for chemotherapy, and then suddenly told she is not eligible. How can treatment be denied in a cancer case? The break was only for a few months, and she is still a beneficiary. We can’t wait for paperwork when the disease won’t wait,” her nephew Rajesh Rajora told TOI. “Since the next court date is at the end of April, we had no option but to rush her to GTB Hospital to start treatment.”Rajora said that despite the brief gap, Gaurav and his dependents continue to be ESIC beneficiaries, and denying treatment in such a case was unjustified.The petition stated that the denial of treatment is contrary to ESIC’s 2024 policy mandating super speciality treatment for insured persons and their dependents from the first day of employment, subject to case-based assessment.Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Ashok Agarwal told the court that Satya Vati — a dependent of an insured worker — was refused treatment despite clear medical advice, on grounds of “non-entitlement”.Calling the denial “illegal and arbitrary”, the plea argues that withholding life-saving care violates the fundamental right to life and health under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. It also cites previous High Court rulings underscoring the state’s obligation to ensure treatment in serious illnesses such as cancer.With no response to a legal notice sent earlier this month, the family moved the High Court seeking immediate and uninterrupted treatment.The case is expected to test the implementation of ESIC’s super speciality treatment framework, particularly in high-risk cases involving dependents.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation123Photostories5 largest birds in the world worth travelling forDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health5 places that are perfect to visit in MayAnushka Sharma-inspired simple kurta looks perfect for summer 2026Animals you might see in your backyard in AustraliaA dazzling night in Chandigarh over good food and even better mood7 baby names that mean love and affectionWorld’s top 5 most expensive real estate markets10 habits that instantly make you attractive, as per psychologyAnimals in India that can fly — and they’re not birds: Where to find them123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesHS Result 2026Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026Arvind kejriwal CaseYusuf PathanYogi AdityanathJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Allahabad High CourtIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price

NEW DELHI: Satya Vati, a 67-year-old battling breast cancer, has found a glimmer of hope after being denied treatment under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme, with the Delhi High Court stepping in to seek an explanation from the agency.Hearing the plea, the court on Tuesday issued notice to ESIC and asked why super speciality treatment (SST) was denied to the patient, who requires urgent chemotherapy and surgery. The matter is now listed for April 29.According to the petition, Satya Vati’s diagnosis followed a series of referrals across ESIC facilities. Her nephew Rajesh Rajora told TOI that she first approached the ESIC dispensary in Nand Nagri two months ago after detecting a lump in her right breast. She was referred to Jhilmil hospital in east Delhi, where doctors advised a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) test. As the test was not available there, it was conducted in the private sector.After reviewing the FNAC report, doctors referred her to ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, where further tests, including a biopsy, were conducted, while the PET scan was done in the private sector. Reports confirmed first-stage breast cancer, and doctors advised chemotherapy followed by surgery. April 15 was scheduled for initiating chemotherapy.However, when she reached the hospital for admission, treatment was denied on the ground that the super speciality treatment clause was not active, allegedly due to a brief break of a few months in employment of her son, Gaurav, in 2025.“We were given a date for chemotherapy, and then suddenly told she is not eligible. How can treatment be denied in a cancer case? The break was only for a few months, and she is still a beneficiary. We can’t wait for paperwork when the disease won’t wait,” her nephew Rajesh Rajora told TOI. “Since the next court date is at the end of April, we had no option but to rush her to GTB Hospital to start treatment.”Rajora said that despite the brief gap, Gaurav and his dependents continue to be ESIC beneficiaries, and denying treatment in such a case was unjustified.The petition stated that the denial of treatment is contrary to ESIC’s 2024 policy mandating super speciality treatment for insured persons and their dependents from the first day of employment, subject to case-based assessment.Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Ashok Agarwal told the court that Satya Vati — a dependent of an insured worker — was refused treatment despite clear medical advice, on grounds of “non-entitlement”.Calling the denial “illegal and arbitrary”, the plea argues that withholding life-saving care violates the fundamental right to life and health under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. It also cites previous High Court rulings underscoring the state’s obligation to ensure treatment in serious illnesses such as cancer.With no response to a legal notice sent earlier this month, the family moved the High Court seeking immediate and uninterrupted treatment.The case is expected to test the implementation of ESIC’s super speciality treatment framework, particularly in high-risk cases involving dependents.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation123Photostories5 largest birds in the world worth travelling forDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health5 places that are perfect to visit in MayAnushka Sharma-inspired simple kurta looks perfect for summer 2026Animals you might see in your backyard in AustraliaA dazzling night in Chandigarh over good food and even better mood7 baby names that mean love and affectionWorld’s top 5 most expensive real estate markets10 habits that instantly make you attractive, as per psychologyAnimals in India that can fly — and they’re not birds: Where to find them123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesHS Result 2026Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026Arvind kejriwal CaseYusuf PathanYogi AdityanathJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Allahabad High CourtIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price

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Cabinet secretary TV Somnathan NEW DELHI: Cabinet secretary TV Somanathan on Tuesday invoked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of a politically neutral and integrity-driven group of civil servants who are not involved in communal wrangles and are fearless in offering honest advice to the executive.TOI has learnt that in his address on “ethics and efficiency in civil services”, Somanathan, known for his frank views, also told officials to abide by the rules of conduct while suggesting that if they are asked to do anything that’s not as per rules, they should give “proper reasons” to seniors and political executives.Earlier in the inaugural session of the Civil Services Day attended by the country’s top bureaucrats, Somanathan said that individual officers may from time to time have fallen short of Patel’s ideals, but the basic ethos of a politically neutral civil service capable of tendering impartial and frank advice has “endured”.He said that civil services have played a vital role in preserving India’s unity, integrity, and democracy.The cabinet secretary read out Patel’s caution from his address to the first recruits of the Indian Administrative Service in 1947 — “A civil servant cannot afford to and must not take part in politics, nor must he involve himself in communal wrangles. To depart from the path of rectitude in either of these respects is to debase public services and to lower its dignity.”He also quoted a part of Patel’s speech in the Constituent Assembly in October 1949, highlighting how political executives should allow bureaucrats to express their opinion without “fear or favour”.Patel had said, “If you do not give your honest opinion for fear that it will displease your minister, please then you had better go. I will bring another secretary. I will never be displeased over a frank expression of opinion,” Somanathan quoted the country’s first home minister.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation123Photostories5 largest birds in the world worth travelling forDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health5 places that are perfect to visit in MayAnushka Sharma-inspired simple kurta looks perfect for summer 2026Animals you might see in your backyard in AustraliaA dazzling night in Chandigarh over good food and even better mood7 baby names that mean love and affectionWorld’s top 5 most expensive real estate marketsAnimals in India that can fly — and they’re not birds: Where to find themWhy Janhvi Kapoor’s Dahi Tadka is all you need to boost your digestion in summer; recipe inside123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesHS Result 2026Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026Arvind kejriwal CaseYusuf PathanYogi AdityanathJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Allahabad High CourtIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price

Cabinet secretary TV Somnathan NEW DELHI: Cabinet secretary TV Somanathan on Tuesday invoked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of a politically neutral and integrity-driven group of civil servants who are not involved in communal wrangles and are fearless in offering honest advice to the executive.TOI has learnt that in his address on “ethics and efficiency in civil services”, Somanathan, known for his frank views, also told officials to abide by the rules of conduct while suggesting that if they are asked to do anything that’s not as per rules, they should give “proper reasons” to seniors and political executives.Earlier in the inaugural session of the Civil Services Day attended by the country’s top bureaucrats, Somanathan said that individual officers may from time to time have fallen short of Patel’s ideals, but the basic ethos of a politically neutral civil service capable of tendering impartial and frank advice has “endured”.He said that civil services have played a vital role in preserving India’s unity, integrity, and democracy.The cabinet secretary read out Patel’s caution from his address to the first recruits of the Indian Administrative Service in 1947 — “A civil servant cannot afford to and must not take part in politics, nor must he involve himself in communal wrangles. To depart from the path of rectitude in either of these respects is to debase public services and to lower its dignity.”He also quoted a part of Patel’s speech in the Constituent Assembly in October 1949, highlighting how political executives should allow bureaucrats to express their opinion without “fear or favour”.Patel had said, “If you do not give your honest opinion for fear that it will displease your minister, please then you had better go. I will bring another secretary. I will never be displeased over a frank expression of opinion,” Somanathan quoted the country’s first home minister.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation123Photostories5 largest birds in the world worth travelling forDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health5 places that are perfect to visit in MayAnushka Sharma-inspired simple kurta looks perfect for summer 2026Animals you might see in your backyard in AustraliaA dazzling night in Chandigarh over good food and even better mood7 baby names that mean love and affectionWorld’s top 5 most expensive real estate marketsAnimals in India that can fly — and they’re not birds: Where to find themWhy Janhvi Kapoor’s Dahi Tadka is all you need to boost your digestion in summer; recipe inside123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesHS Result 2026Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026Arvind kejriwal CaseYusuf PathanYogi AdityanathJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Allahabad High CourtIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price

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ECI flags off Phase-II of International Election Visitors’ Programme NEW DELHI: Delegates from 17 countries, including representatives from their foreign missions in Delhi, will witness polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday as part of the Election Commission’s International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026.This is the second leg of the programme; the first phase had seen 43 delegates from 23 countries experiencing the polling process first-hand in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on April 8 and 9.Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar inaugurated the second edition of IEVP at the Indian International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) on Tuesday. As many as 34 delegates from 17 countries, including representatives from their foreign missions here, and a representative of International IDEA are participating in this phase.The delegated will visit Tamil Nadu and West Bengal from April 22 to April 23, 2026. They will visit the dispatch and distribution centres and other facilities, including district control rooms and media monitoring centres. On April 23 morning, the delegates will witness the polling as it happens.The delegates were on Tuesday given a demonstration of the EVM at IIIDEM. They took part in the mock poll using the machines, getting a hands-on experience of the voting process. The international visitors evinced keen interest in the technological interventions and administrative safeguards for the election process in India. An interactive session had experts clarifying the doubts/queries of delegates.IEVP is a flagship program of the ECI for international cooperation and engagement with the election management bodies (EMBs) of other countries and international organizations.The programme provides a comprehensive overview of India’s electoral framework, institutional mechanisms, and operational architecture, besides familiarising foreign EMB delegates with best practices and innovations in election management.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation123Photostories5 largest birds in the world worth travelling forDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health5 places that are perfect to visit in MayAnushka Sharma-inspired simple kurta looks perfect for summer 2026Animals you might see in your backyard in AustraliaA dazzling night in Chandigarh over good food and even better mood7 baby names that mean love and affectionWorld’s top 5 most expensive real estate markets10 habits that instantly make you attractive, as per psychologyAnimals in India that can fly — and they’re not birds: Where to find them123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesHS Result 2026Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026Arvind kejriwal CaseYusuf PathanYogi AdityanathJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Allahabad High CourtIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price

ECI flags off Phase-II of International Election Visitors’ Programme NEW DELHI: Delegates from 17 countries, including representatives from their foreign missions in Delhi, will witness polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday as part of the Election Commission’s International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026.This is the second leg of the programme; the first phase had seen 43 delegates from 23 countries experiencing the polling process first-hand in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on April 8 and 9.Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar inaugurated the second edition of IEVP at the Indian International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) on Tuesday. As many as 34 delegates from 17 countries, including representatives from their foreign missions here, and a representative of International IDEA are participating in this phase.The delegated will visit Tamil Nadu and West Bengal from April 22 to April 23, 2026. They will visit the dispatch and distribution centres and other facilities, including district control rooms and media monitoring centres. On April 23 morning, the delegates will witness the polling as it happens.The delegates were on Tuesday given a demonstration of the EVM at IIIDEM. They took part in the mock poll using the machines, getting a hands-on experience of the voting process. The international visitors evinced keen interest in the technological interventions and administrative safeguards for the election process in India. An interactive session had experts clarifying the doubts/queries of delegates.IEVP is a flagship program of the ECI for international cooperation and engagement with the election management bodies (EMBs) of other countries and international organizations.The programme provides a comprehensive overview of India’s electoral framework, institutional mechanisms, and operational architecture, besides familiarising foreign EMB delegates with best practices and innovations in election management.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation123Photostories5 largest birds in the world worth travelling forDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health5 places that are perfect to visit in MayAnushka Sharma-inspired simple kurta looks perfect for summer 2026Animals you might see in your backyard in AustraliaA dazzling night in Chandigarh over good food and even better mood7 baby names that mean love and affectionWorld’s top 5 most expensive real estate markets10 habits that instantly make you attractive, as per psychologyAnimals in India that can fly — and they’re not birds: Where to find them123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesHS Result 2026Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026Arvind kejriwal CaseYusuf PathanYogi AdityanathJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Allahabad High CourtIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price

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“Making reels or videography in Kedarnath temple courtyard is prohibited”: Rudraprayag SP Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said on Tuesday that the administration has tightened security and management arrangements in Kedarnath Dham during the pilgrimage season.She said that the use of mobile phones, drones, or any cameras for videography has been completely banned within the temple premises.”The gates of Kedarnath Dham are opening on April 22 at 8:00 AM. The ‘Doli’ (palanquin) has already arrived here, and along with it, a large number of devotees have also come. In accordance with the guidelines issued this time, making any kind of reels or videography in the temple courtyard is prohibited. The use of mobile phones within our perimeter is also prohibited,” SP Tomar told ANI.The official further said that a mobile counter and locker system has also been established by the temple administration.”I would like to appeal to all devotees not to do any kind of videography or make reels in the temple premises so that its dignity and sanctity are maintained,” SP Niharika Tomar said.”Along with this, flying drones without permission is also prohibited here. Today, we have taken action against two drones that were being flown unauthorised. This will continue in the future as well. Therefore, I would request and appeal to everyone not to engage in such unauthorised activities for the sake of the security and sanctity of the Dham,” the official said.The administration has urged devotees to follow the rules and help maintain the sanctity of the temple premises.With the Char Dham Yatra officially commenced on April 19 (Akshaya Tritiya), record numbers of pilgrims have already gathered at the base camps.Despite the festive air, authorities have issued advisories for devotees to carry heavy woollens, as temperatures remain near freezing due to the recent snow.As the sun rises on April 22, the echoing sound of conch shells and chants of “Kedar Baba Ki Jai” will mark the end of the six-month winter hiatus, reopening one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites to the world.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation10 Indian Ships Cross Sensitive Hormuz Stretch As India Engages Iran For SecurityNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil Nadu123PhotostoriesDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health5 places that are perfect to visit in MayAnushka Sharma-inspired simple kurta looks perfect for summer 2026Animals you might see in your backyard in AustraliaA dazzling night in Chandigarh over good food and even better mood7 baby names that mean love and affectionWorld’s top 5 most expensive real estate marketsAnimals in India that can fly — and they’re not birds: Where to find themWhy Janhvi Kapoor’s Dahi Tadka is all you need to boost your digestion in summer; recipe insideBengaluru 210km IRR corridor revived to improve city outskirts connectivity123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesHS Result 2026Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026Arvind kejriwal CaseYusuf PathanYogi AdityanathJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Allahabad High CourtIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price

“Making reels or videography in Kedarnath temple courtyard is prohibited”: Rudraprayag SP Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said on Tuesday that the administration has tightened security and management arrangements in Kedarnath Dham during the pilgrimage season.She said that the use of mobile phones, drones, or any cameras for videography has been completely banned within the temple premises.”The gates of Kedarnath Dham are opening on April 22 at 8:00 AM. The ‘Doli’ (palanquin) has already arrived here, and along with it, a large number of devotees have also come. In accordance with the guidelines issued this time, making any kind of reels or videography in the temple courtyard is prohibited. The use of mobile phones within our perimeter is also prohibited,” SP Tomar told ANI.The official further said that a mobile counter and locker system has also been established by the temple administration.”I would like to appeal to all devotees not to do any kind of videography or make reels in the temple premises so that its dignity and sanctity are maintained,” SP Niharika Tomar said.”Along with this, flying drones without permission is also prohibited here. Today, we have taken action against two drones that were being flown unauthorised. This will continue in the future as well. Therefore, I would request and appeal to everyone not to engage in such unauthorised activities for the sake of the security and sanctity of the Dham,” the official said.The administration has urged devotees to follow the rules and help maintain the sanctity of the temple premises.With the Char Dham Yatra officially commenced on April 19 (Akshaya Tritiya), record numbers of pilgrims have already gathered at the base camps.Despite the festive air, authorities have issued advisories for devotees to carry heavy woollens, as temperatures remain near freezing due to the recent snow.As the sun rises on April 22, the echoing sound of conch shells and chants of “Kedar Baba Ki Jai” will mark the end of the six-month winter hiatus, reopening one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites to the world.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation10 Indian Ships Cross Sensitive Hormuz Stretch As India Engages Iran For SecurityNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil Nadu123PhotostoriesDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health5 places that are perfect to visit in MayAnushka Sharma-inspired simple kurta looks perfect for summer 2026Animals you might see in your backyard in AustraliaA dazzling night in Chandigarh over good food and even better mood7 baby names that mean love and affectionWorld’s top 5 most expensive real estate marketsAnimals in India that can fly — and they’re not birds: Where to find themWhy Janhvi Kapoor’s Dahi Tadka is all you need to boost your digestion in summer; recipe insideBengaluru 210km IRR corridor revived to improve city outskirts connectivity123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesHS Result 2026Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026Arvind kejriwal CaseYusuf PathanYogi AdityanathJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Allahabad High CourtIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price

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