August 16, 2026
‘It is the men who have driven climate change’: Dia Mirza’s ‘patriarchy’ remark on Soha Ali Khan’s podcast divides the internet

‘It is the men who have driven climate change’: Dia Mirza’s ‘patriarchy’ remark on Soha Ali Khan’s podcast divides the internet

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Dia Mirza sparked controversy after claiming patriarchy and men are largely responsible for climate change during a podcast. While some supported her ecofeminist perspective, many criticised her for oversimplifying a complex issue and accused her of hypocrisy, citing celebrity lifestyles. The debate triggered widespread reactions across social media platforms. Actor and United Nations Environment Programme…

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Elon Musk, the world’s first trillionaire, once walked barefoot in the snow and fetched a handpicked flower bouquet for his then-wife |

Elon Musk, the world’s first trillionaire, once walked barefoot in the snow and fetched a handpicked flower bouquet for his then-wife |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Elon Musk recently crossed a line no human being had ever crossed before. After his rocket company SpaceX debuted on the stock market in the largest public offering in history, Musk’s fortune surpassed one trillion dollars, making him the world’s first trillionaire.His wealth now remains at more than the next few richest people on the…

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4am encounter on Agra Expressway: Baba Milandas murder accused gunned down; cop injured in firing

4am encounter on Agra Expressway: Baba Milandas murder accused gunned down; cop injured in firing

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Joint team of Bangarmau Police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) LUCKNOW: A joint team of Bangarmau Police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) shot dead a Rs 1 lakh reward-carrying criminal during an encounter in the early hours of Monday in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district.According to police, the encounter took place around 3.40am on…

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Meet Carol Ruckdeschel: The 84-year-old woman who chose to live alone on a wild island filled with snakes, horses and devoted life to nature

Meet Carol Ruckdeschel: The 84-year-old woman who chose to live alone on a wild island filled with snakes, horses and devoted life to nature

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Off the coast of Georgia, the Atlantic flattens into long pale stretches of sand that seem to go on without hurry. Marshland folds into forest, forest gives way to dune, and nothing holds a fixed line for long. Cumberland Island sits in that blur between land and water, reached only by ferry and left just…

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Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi to felicitate farmers who gave land for Noida International Airport | India News

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi to felicitate farmers who gave land for Noida International Airport | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi to felicitate farmers who gave land for Noida International Airport LUCKNOW: Following the commencement of commercial flight operations at Noida International Airport in Jewar on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to felicitate farmers who contributed their land for the project upon their arrival in Lucknow on the…

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Jun 15, 2026, 11:52 IST

Jun 15, 2026, 11:52 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Manuel Neuer (Pic credit: X) Manuel Neuer added yet another chapter to his extraordinary career as the legendary goalkeeper became Germany’s oldest-ever player at a major tournament while helping the four-time champions crush Curaçao 7-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.The 40-year-old’s return to the international stage proved memorable as Germany opened their campaign…

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Stocks to buy: What’s the outlook for Nifty for June 15-June 19 week? Check list of top stock recommendations

Stocks to buy: What’s the outlook for Nifty for June 15-June 19 week? Check list of top stock recommendations

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Top stocks to buy today (AI image) Stock market recommendations: Sudeep Shah, Head – Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities has picked Karnataka Bank, Avalon Technologies as the stocks to buy in the June 15-June 19, 2026 week. Outlook on Nifty50 and Bank Nifty has also been shared:Karnataka Bank Karnataka Bank has displayed impressive resilience…

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NEET UG admit card 2026: NTA assures quick fix as re-NEET hall ticket download problems continue

NEET UG admit card 2026: NTA assures quick fix as re-NEET hall ticket download problems continue

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEET UG 2026 Admit Card Portal Faces Technical Glitches As Candidates Report Access Issues NEET UG 2026 hall ticket: With the NEET UG 2026 Examination scheduled for 21 June, nearly 4 lakh candidates have successfully downloaded their admit cards. However, a significant number of aspirants have reported persistent technical glitches while trying to access the…

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Farming meets AI: California farmers cut pesticide use by 70% and save 0 per acre with laser robots

Farming meets AI: California farmers cut pesticide use by 70% and save $250 per acre with laser robots

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

For generations, farmers have relied on a combination of manual labour, herbicides and pesticides to protect crops from weeds and pests. Now, artificial intelligence is offering a radically different approach. In California’s Salinas Valley, often called America’s Salad Bowl, autonomous robots equipped with AI, high-resolution cameras, lasers and UV light are helping growers tackle some…

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TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee appears before the ED in Kolkata for questioning in the school jobs scam

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee appears before the ED in Kolkata for questioning in the school jobs scam

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee appears before ED in Bengal school jobs scam probe KOLKATA: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee reached the Enforcement Directorate’s CGO Complex office in Kolkata around 11 am on Monday in response to a summons issued in connection with the money laundering probe into the alleged school jobs scam, officials said.Investigators are set to…

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Sundar Pichai: Watch: Stanford students boo Sundar Pichai, walk out during Google CEO’s commencement speech

Sundar Pichai: Watch: Stanford students boo Sundar Pichai, walk out during Google CEO’s commencement speech

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Several students at Stanford University staged a walkout during Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s commencement address on Sunday, protesting the tech giant’s cloud-computing contract with the Israeli government.Around 200 students left Stanford Stadium as Pichai, an alumnus of the university, began speaking. Many carried Palestinian flags and banners, chanting “Free, free Palestine,” according to reports. The…

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TMC MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Satabdi Roy, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Mala Roy, Yusuf Pathan, and others meet Union minister and BJP leader Bhupender Yadav at his residence, in New Delhi. NEW DELHI: A little-known political outfit that struggled to make an impact in the 2023 Tripura assembly elections has suddenly found itself at the centre of rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC).Dissident MPs on Sunday announced their merger with the lesser-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking a separate seating arrangement in the House, even as TMC parliamentary party leader Abhishek Banerjee urged the Speaker not to accord any recognition to the breakaway faction.The move marks the latest escalation in the political crisis engulfing the Mamata Banerjee-led party after its crushing defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The rebels have also pledged support to the NDA in Parliament.If accepted, the merger would transform NCPI from a little-known regional outfit into a parliamentary bloc of 20 MPs, making it the fourth-largest party in the Lok Sabha and the second-largest constituent within the NDA after BJP.Why are the rebels merging with NCPI?The rebel MPs appear to have chosen the merger route to navigate the anti-defection law, which does not recognise a split within a party but permits a merger when at least two-thirds of a party’s legislators join another party.The dissident camp claims that 20 of the Trinamool Congress’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs have backed the move, comfortably crossing the two-thirds threshold required under the law. The group has also sought a separate seating arrangement in the Lok Sabha.While some rebel leaders continue to favour staking claim to the Trinamool Congress name and symbol in the future, merging with NCPI is being viewed as a legally safer route ahead of the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.Who are the 20 rebel MPs?The rebel bloc comprises:1. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar2. Satabdi Roy3. Bapi Haldar4. Sharmila Sarkar5. Sharmila Bandyopadhyay6. Jagadish Barma Basunia7. Asit Kumar Mal8. Arup Chakraborty9. Rachna Banerjee10. Saayoni Ghosh11. Khalilur Rahaman12. Abu Taher Khan13. Yusuf Pathan14. Mitali Bag15. Mala Roy16. Kalipada Soren17. Deepak Adhikari18. June Malia19. Partha Bhowmick20. Sudip BandyopadhyayAccording to rebel MP Arup Chakraborty, first-time MP Saayoni Ghosh is likely to lead the group in Parliament.”Saayoni Ghosh is our leader. Under the leadership of Bengal’s CM, our double-engine government wants to work for the interest of the nation. If BJP asks for our help, we will help them. If we want their help, we will ask for it,” Chakraborty said.What is NCPI?The Nationalist Citizens Party of India is a registered but unrecognised political party whose office is in Howrah, West Bengal. Its president is listed as Sheuli Kundu, an advocate practising at the Calcutta High Court.The party shot into the spotlight after the merger announcement, but its electoral record remains modest.NCPI contested the 2023 Tripura assembly elections under the slogan: “To save your rights, reject political turncoats. Support social workers, not political personalities.”The party fielded candidates in three constituencies, Chawamanu, Ambassa and Kailashahar, after another candidate’s nomination was rejected during scrutiny. Its election symbol was a pen nib.Its best-known candidate, Barjeda Tripura, secured just 536 votes in Chawamanu, narrowly ahead of NOTA’s tally of 500 votes. Speaking to PTI after learning about the merger, the 62-year-old daily wage labourer expressed surprise.”I contested in 2023. What has happened three years later now?” he said.The dramatic contrast between NCPI’s electoral footprint and its potential parliamentary strength has become one of the most striking aspects of the Trinamool split.What are the rebels saying?After meeting the Speaker, rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said the group had formally informed the Lok Sabha Secretariat of its decision.”Two-thirds MPs of TMC have given a letter to the Speaker for a separate seating arrangement. We will merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India and support the NDA,” she said.Sudip Bandyopadhyay also confirmed that the dissident camp had merged with NCPI.”We are merging with Nationalist Citizens’ Party. Moving forward, we will work for the nation and collaborate with NDA under the leadership of the Prime Minister,” he said.What is TMC saying?The Mamata Banerjee camp has challenged the rebels’ claims and dismissed the merger as politically and legally untenable.Senior TMC leader Sougata Roy ridiculed the decision to join NCPI.”Once you betray the party on whose symbol you were elected, how will you face your constituents? This merger is ridiculous. Who knows NCPI? Can they go to their constituencies and tell people that they are now part of NCPI?” Roy told PTI.He further alleged that the move was backed by the BJP and accused the rebels of abandoning the party for political convenience.”This merger reflects the desperation of the traitors to please their BJP masters,” he said.The TMC has also argued before the Speaker that the Constitution and anti-defection law do not recognise separate factions within an existing political party and has reserved its right to challenge any adverse decision.What is BJP saying?West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh on Sunday said that the decision on whether rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs would be recognised as a separate group rests with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, following reports that the MPs had met him to present their case.Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Ghosh said any Member of Parliament has the right to meet the Speaker and submit their views. He said he was not aware of the specific purpose of the meeting or the details of the discussions, but noted that developments were underway within the TMC.”Any MP can go and meet the Speaker and present their case. I don’t know the specific objectives or the details of the conversation, but a lot is indeed going on,” Ghosh said.He added that once a written submission is examined, the Speaker would take an appropriate decision. According to Ghosh, if the MPs are recognised as a separate party or group, they would be entitled to separate seating arrangements in Parliament.”Once a written submission is made and the details are examined, the Speaker will make a decision. If they are recognised as a separate party, they have the right to separate seating; however, everyone indeed wants to leave the TMC,” he said.Commenting on the CID questioning of TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Ghosh said Banerjee had appeared before investigating agencies on multiple occasions and continued to receive notices.”He has had to go repeatedly; he has gone before, and now the CID is summoning him, and the ED is also sending notices,” Ghosh said.What happens next?The fate of the merger now rests with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who will have to decide on the rebels’ request for separate recognition and seating arrangements in the House.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 MediaVideosTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll BuzzNoida International Airport Opens For Flights; Passengers Praise Faster AccessAbhishek Banerjee Writes To Speaker Om Birla Against Recognition Of Rebel TMC FactionIndia Eyes Local Production Of 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In Landmark France DealBritish Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over crackdown in PoJK by Pakistani forcesNirmala Sitharaman Rejects Karnataka Fund Bias Claims, Attacks Congress Over ‘Adani-Ambani’ ChargeRebel TMC MPs To Merge With Nationalist Citizens Party, Support NDA’Modi Is A Swayamsevak, But…’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Speaks On PM’s Ties With Sangh’Undermining India’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Economic Disaster’ Warnings123PhotostoriesThai love proverb of the day: “When in love, even boiled vegetable broth tastes sweet; when hating…”You need 4 days to recover from an hour of lost sleep: Doctor explains the true cost of sleep deprivation7 Garden mistakes that can clog drains and lead to costly maintenance problems5 uncomfortable truths that can quietly make you successful and happierWorking parents: 7 expert-backed ways to avoid burnoutThink all steel utensils are safe? 5 must do quality checks before buying themThese 5 animals turn white in winter – here’s whyWin your week before Monday 9am: Simple habits that matter”Boys don’t cry” may be hurting our sons more than we realise; 5 ways parents can help their son express emotions without shame6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologist123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshDelhi rain

TMC MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Satabdi Roy, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Mala Roy, Yusuf Pathan, and others meet Union minister and BJP leader Bhupender Yadav at his residence, in New Delhi. NEW DELHI: A little-known political outfit that struggled to make an impact in the 2023 Tripura assembly elections has suddenly found itself at the centre of rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC).Dissident MPs on Sunday announced their merger with the lesser-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking a separate seating arrangement in the House, even as TMC parliamentary party leader Abhishek Banerjee urged the Speaker not to accord any recognition to the breakaway faction.The move marks the latest escalation in the political crisis engulfing the Mamata Banerjee-led party after its crushing defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The rebels have also pledged support to the NDA in Parliament.If accepted, the merger would transform NCPI from a little-known regional outfit into a parliamentary bloc of 20 MPs, making it the fourth-largest party in the Lok Sabha and the second-largest constituent within the NDA after BJP.Why are the rebels merging with NCPI?The rebel MPs appear to have chosen the merger route to navigate the anti-defection law, which does not recognise a split within a party but permits a merger when at least two-thirds of a party’s legislators join another party.The dissident camp claims that 20 of the Trinamool Congress’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs have backed the move, comfortably crossing the two-thirds threshold required under the law. The group has also sought a separate seating arrangement in the Lok Sabha.While some rebel leaders continue to favour staking claim to the Trinamool Congress name and symbol in the future, merging with NCPI is being viewed as a legally safer route ahead of the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.Who are the 20 rebel MPs?The rebel bloc comprises:1. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar2. Satabdi Roy3. Bapi Haldar4. Sharmila Sarkar5. Sharmila Bandyopadhyay6. Jagadish Barma Basunia7. Asit Kumar Mal8. Arup Chakraborty9. Rachna Banerjee10. Saayoni Ghosh11. Khalilur Rahaman12. Abu Taher Khan13. Yusuf Pathan14. Mitali Bag15. Mala Roy16. Kalipada Soren17. Deepak Adhikari18. June Malia19. Partha Bhowmick20. Sudip BandyopadhyayAccording to rebel MP Arup Chakraborty, first-time MP Saayoni Ghosh is likely to lead the group in Parliament.”Saayoni Ghosh is our leader. Under the leadership of Bengal’s CM, our double-engine government wants to work for the interest of the nation. If BJP asks for our help, we will help them. If we want their help, we will ask for it,” Chakraborty said.What is NCPI?The Nationalist Citizens Party of India is a registered but unrecognised political party whose office is in Howrah, West Bengal. Its president is listed as Sheuli Kundu, an advocate practising at the Calcutta High Court.The party shot into the spotlight after the merger announcement, but its electoral record remains modest.NCPI contested the 2023 Tripura assembly elections under the slogan: “To save your rights, reject political turncoats. Support social workers, not political personalities.”The party fielded candidates in three constituencies, Chawamanu, Ambassa and Kailashahar, after another candidate’s nomination was rejected during scrutiny. Its election symbol was a pen nib.Its best-known candidate, Barjeda Tripura, secured just 536 votes in Chawamanu, narrowly ahead of NOTA’s tally of 500 votes. Speaking to PTI after learning about the merger, the 62-year-old daily wage labourer expressed surprise.”I contested in 2023. What has happened three years later now?” he said.The dramatic contrast between NCPI’s electoral footprint and its potential parliamentary strength has become one of the most striking aspects of the Trinamool split.What are the rebels saying?After meeting the Speaker, rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said the group had formally informed the Lok Sabha Secretariat of its decision.”Two-thirds MPs of TMC have given a letter to the Speaker for a separate seating arrangement. We will merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India and support the NDA,” she said.Sudip Bandyopadhyay also confirmed that the dissident camp had merged with NCPI.”We are merging with Nationalist Citizens’ Party. Moving forward, we will work for the nation and collaborate with NDA under the leadership of the Prime Minister,” he said.What is TMC saying?The Mamata Banerjee camp has challenged the rebels’ claims and dismissed the merger as politically and legally untenable.Senior TMC leader Sougata Roy ridiculed the decision to join NCPI.”Once you betray the party on whose symbol you were elected, how will you face your constituents? This merger is ridiculous. Who knows NCPI? Can they go to their constituencies and tell people that they are now part of NCPI?” Roy told PTI.He further alleged that the move was backed by the BJP and accused the rebels of abandoning the party for political convenience.”This merger reflects the desperation of the traitors to please their BJP masters,” he said.The TMC has also argued before the Speaker that the Constitution and anti-defection law do not recognise separate factions within an existing political party and has reserved its right to challenge any adverse decision.What is BJP saying?West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh on Sunday said that the decision on whether rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs would be recognised as a separate group rests with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, following reports that the MPs had met him to present their case.Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Ghosh said any Member of Parliament has the right to meet the Speaker and submit their views. He said he was not aware of the specific purpose of the meeting or the details of the discussions, but noted that developments were underway within the TMC.”Any MP can go and meet the Speaker and present their case. I don’t know the specific objectives or the details of the conversation, but a lot is indeed going on,” Ghosh said.He added that once a written submission is examined, the Speaker would take an appropriate decision. According to Ghosh, if the MPs are recognised as a separate party or group, they would be entitled to separate seating arrangements in Parliament.”Once a written submission is made and the details are examined, the Speaker will make a decision. If they are recognised as a separate party, they have the right to separate seating; however, everyone indeed wants to leave the TMC,” he said.Commenting on the CID questioning of TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Ghosh said Banerjee had appeared before investigating agencies on multiple occasions and continued to receive notices.”He has had to go repeatedly; he has gone before, and now the CID is summoning him, and the ED is also sending notices,” Ghosh said.What happens next?The fate of the merger now rests with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who will have to decide on the rebels’ request for separate recognition and seating arrangements in the House.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 MediaVideosTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll BuzzNoida International Airport Opens For Flights; Passengers Praise Faster AccessAbhishek Banerjee Writes To Speaker Om Birla Against Recognition Of Rebel TMC FactionIndia Eyes Local Production Of 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In Landmark France DealBritish Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over crackdown in PoJK by Pakistani forcesNirmala Sitharaman Rejects Karnataka Fund Bias Claims, Attacks Congress Over ‘Adani-Ambani’ ChargeRebel TMC MPs To Merge With Nationalist Citizens Party, Support NDA’Modi Is A Swayamsevak, But…’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Speaks On PM’s Ties With Sangh’Undermining India’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Economic Disaster’ Warnings123PhotostoriesThai love proverb of the day: “When in love, even boiled vegetable broth tastes sweet; when hating…”You need 4 days to recover from an hour of lost sleep: Doctor explains the true cost of sleep deprivation7 Garden mistakes that can clog drains and lead to costly maintenance problems5 uncomfortable truths that can quietly make you successful and happierWorking parents: 7 expert-backed ways to avoid burnoutThink all steel utensils are safe? 5 must do quality checks before buying themThese 5 animals turn white in winter – here’s whyWin your week before Monday 9am: Simple habits that matter”Boys don’t cry” may be hurting our sons more than we realise; 5 ways parents can help their son express emotions without shame6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologist123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshDelhi rain

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

TMC MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Satabdi Roy, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Mala Roy, Yusuf Pathan, and others meet Union minister and BJP leader Bhupender Yadav at his residence, in New Delhi. NEW DELHI: A little-known political outfit that struggled to make an impact in the 2023 Tripura assembly elections has suddenly found itself at the centre of…

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Japan fans criticised for cleaning up stadium at FIFA World Cup 2026, they have been doing it for decades

Japan fans criticised for cleaning up stadium at FIFA World Cup 2026, they have been doing it for decades

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The FIFA World Cup is an event where almost everything goes viral in just minutes, and the tradition continues to grab attention for all the right reasons and sometimes for unexpected reasons too! Yes, something similar happened following Japan’s thrilling 2-2 draw against the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup 2026; social media wasn’t just…

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Kainchi Dham shocker: Massive protest at hill shrine after 2 drunk cops ‘molest’ local woman, clash with family

Kainchi Dham shocker: Massive protest at hill shrine after 2 drunk cops ‘molest’ local woman, clash with family

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Visuals from the protest at Kainchi Dham after 2 cops were arrested NAINITAL: Tension gripped the Kainchi Dham area late Saturday night after two policemen deployed for the annual foundation day celebrations were accused of molesting a local woman and assaulting her family members when they resisted.The incident triggered protests by residents and traders, prompting…

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NEW DELHI: From the stirring notes of Vande Mataram sung by a Slovak folk ensemble to the traditional offering of bread and salt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm cultural welcome in Bratislava as he began the second leg of his European tour.As India’s first Prime Minister to visit Slovakia, PM Modi was greeted with a colourful display of Slovak traditions, folk music and dance performances that showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage.Sharing a video of the welcome ceremony on X, PM Modi highlighted a performance by the Lucnica Ensemble, which sang Vande Mataram during the event.”This comes at a time when we are marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and recalling its glorious contribution to India’s history and freedom struggle,” he wrote on X.One of the highlights of the welcome was the traditional Slovak custom of offering bread and salt, a centuries-old symbol of hospitality, respect and goodwill.”The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish,” PM Modi said in a post on X.In Slovak culture, honoured guests are traditionally welcomed with bread and salt, a gesture that signifies warmth, friendship and respect. According to ANI, bread represents prosperity, sustenance and abundance, while salt symbolises value, protection and enduring friendship.Rooted in Slavic traditions, the custom reflects the importance Slovaks place on welcoming visitors and sharing the blessings of home, community and goodwill.The Prime Minister also shared glimpses of a folk performance by Kopaniciarik from Slovakia’s Myjava region.”Witnessed a captivating performance by Kopaniciarik from the Myjava region of Slovakia. Folk traditions such as these help preserve one’s culture and history,” he said.The Prime Minister also thanked the Indian community in Slovakia for the warm reception he received upon arrival.”Yesterday evening’s welcome in Bratislava was truly special. I am grateful to the Indian community for their warmth and affection. Such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect our people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship,” he said.PM Modi arrived in the Slovak capital on Sunday evening at the invitation of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. He was received by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and welcomed with a series of cultural performances by local artists.During the visit, he is also scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Fico and meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, automobile manufacturing, railway development and other strategic sectors.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 MediaVideosTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll BuzzNoida International Airport Opens For Flights; Passengers Praise Faster AccessAbhishek Banerjee Writes To Speaker Om Birla Against Recognition Of Rebel TMC FactionIndia Eyes Local Production Of 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In Landmark France DealBritish Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over crackdown in PoJK by Pakistani forcesNirmala Sitharaman Rejects Karnataka Fund Bias Claims, Attacks Congress Over ‘Adani-Ambani’ ChargeRebel TMC MPs To Merge With Nationalist Citizens Party, Support NDA’Modi Is A Swayamsevak, But…’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Speaks On PM’s Ties With Sangh’Undermining India’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Economic Disaster’ Warnings123Photostories5 uncomfortable truths that can quietly make you successful and happierWorking parents: 7 expert-backed ways to avoid burnoutThink all steel utensils are safe? 5 must do quality checks before buying themThese 5 animals turn white in winter – here’s whyWin your week before Monday 9am: Simple habits that matter”Boys don’t cry” may be hurting our sons more than we realise; 5 ways parents can help their son express emotions without shame6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologistFrom getting emotional while recalling husband Remo’s heart attack to losing 40 kilos: When Remo D’Souza and wife Lizelle spoke about their love story and becoming parents before marriage10 under-15-minute high-protein desi Indian breakfast dishes for summer monthsRekha to Kajol: Best-dressed celebrities at Aamir Khan Productions’ 25th anniversary celebration123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshDelhi rain

NEW DELHI: From the stirring notes of Vande Mataram sung by a Slovak folk ensemble to the traditional offering of bread and salt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm cultural welcome in Bratislava as he began the second leg of his European tour.As India’s first Prime Minister to visit Slovakia, PM Modi was greeted with a colourful display of Slovak traditions, folk music and dance performances that showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage.Sharing a video of the welcome ceremony on X, PM Modi highlighted a performance by the Lucnica Ensemble, which sang Vande Mataram during the event.”This comes at a time when we are marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and recalling its glorious contribution to India’s history and freedom struggle,” he wrote on X.One of the highlights of the welcome was the traditional Slovak custom of offering bread and salt, a centuries-old symbol of hospitality, respect and goodwill.”The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish,” PM Modi said in a post on X.In Slovak culture, honoured guests are traditionally welcomed with bread and salt, a gesture that signifies warmth, friendship and respect. According to ANI, bread represents prosperity, sustenance and abundance, while salt symbolises value, protection and enduring friendship.Rooted in Slavic traditions, the custom reflects the importance Slovaks place on welcoming visitors and sharing the blessings of home, community and goodwill.The Prime Minister also shared glimpses of a folk performance by Kopaniciarik from Slovakia’s Myjava region.”Witnessed a captivating performance by Kopaniciarik from the Myjava region of Slovakia. Folk traditions such as these help preserve one’s culture and history,” he said.The Prime Minister also thanked the Indian community in Slovakia for the warm reception he received upon arrival.”Yesterday evening’s welcome in Bratislava was truly special. I am grateful to the Indian community for their warmth and affection. Such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect our people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship,” he said.PM Modi arrived in the Slovak capital on Sunday evening at the invitation of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. He was received by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and welcomed with a series of cultural performances by local artists.During the visit, he is also scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Fico and meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, automobile manufacturing, railway development and other strategic sectors.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 MediaVideosTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll BuzzNoida International Airport Opens For Flights; Passengers Praise Faster AccessAbhishek Banerjee Writes To Speaker Om Birla Against Recognition Of Rebel TMC FactionIndia Eyes Local Production Of 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In Landmark France DealBritish Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over crackdown in PoJK by Pakistani forcesNirmala Sitharaman Rejects Karnataka Fund Bias Claims, Attacks Congress Over ‘Adani-Ambani’ ChargeRebel TMC MPs To Merge With Nationalist Citizens Party, Support NDA’Modi Is A Swayamsevak, But…’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Speaks On PM’s Ties With Sangh’Undermining India’: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Economic Disaster’ Warnings123Photostories5 uncomfortable truths that can quietly make you successful and happierWorking parents: 7 expert-backed ways to avoid burnoutThink all steel utensils are safe? 5 must do quality checks before buying themThese 5 animals turn white in winter – here’s whyWin your week before Monday 9am: Simple habits that matter”Boys don’t cry” may be hurting our sons more than we realise; 5 ways parents can help their son express emotions without shame6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologistFrom getting emotional while recalling husband Remo’s heart attack to losing 40 kilos: When Remo D’Souza and wife Lizelle spoke about their love story and becoming parents before marriage10 under-15-minute high-protein desi Indian breakfast dishes for summer monthsRekha to Kajol: Best-dressed celebrities at Aamir Khan Productions’ 25th anniversary celebration123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshDelhi rain

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: From the stirring notes of Vande Mataram sung by a Slovak folk ensemble to the traditional offering of bread and salt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm cultural welcome in Bratislava as he began the second leg of his European tour.As India’s first Prime Minister to visit Slovakia, PM Modi was greeted…

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Jun 15, 2026, 11:20 IST

Jun 15, 2026, 11:20 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Sweden’s Yasin Ayari (18) scores his team’s fifth goal during the World Cup Group F match against Tunisia. (AP Photo) Sweden announced their return to the FIFA World Cup stage in emphatic fashion as Yasin Ayari struck twice in a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia to move to the top of Group F on Sunday.With…

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