August 21, 2026
NATA 2026 result expected soon as Phase 1 exam cycle nears completion; here’s how to check on nata.in

NATA 2026 result expected soon as Phase 1 exam cycle nears completion; here’s how to check on nata.in

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NATA 2026 schedule outlines weekly registration, admit card and result timeline for candidates NATA 2026 Result: NATA 2026 continues to draw attention as the Council of Architecture progresses through its examination cycle across India. Architecture aspirants are awaiting results from ongoing test sessions under the Phase 1 schedule, which began on April 4, 2026 and…

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177 pythons, four tons: Record 8,080 pounds of invasive Burmese pythons removed from Southwest Florida this breeding season

177 pythons, four tons: Record 8,080 pounds of invasive Burmese pythons removed from Southwest Florida this breeding season

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Florida’s battle against invasive Burmese pythons has seen a significant victory. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida reported its most successful season, removing a record 177 snakes weighing over 8,000 pounds. Innovative methods, including using tagged “scout snakes,” helped biologists intercept large breeding females, preventing thousands of eggs from entering the ecosystem. This ongoing effort is…

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‘Pushpa of Falta’, TMC leader Jahangir Khan paraded in shorts after arrest

‘Pushpa of Falta’, TMC leader Jahangir Khan paraded in shorts after arrest

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan, also known as ‘Pushpa’, was paraded through the Falta area by police on Thursday after his arrest in connection with extortion and other charges.In the video, Khan is seen walking through Falta under police escort, with helmet-clad officers surrounding him.Khan, who is currently in police custody, was arrested near…

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Hospital bills, captive patients: Why CCI’s ruling may weaken consumer protection | India News

Hospital bills, captive patients: Why CCI’s ruling may weaken consumer protection | India News

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

On 21st May, after a decade-long wait, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) absolved 12 Delhi-based super-speciality hospitals of allegations that they had subjected patients to exorbitantly marked-up healthcare charges. In what may prove to be a historic missed opportunity, the CCI effectively declined to intervene by holding that the regulation of healthcare pricing falls…

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Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary earns maiden Australia call-up for Bangladesh T20Is

Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary earns maiden Australia call-up for Bangladesh T20Is

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Nikhil Chaudhary (Getty Images) Delhi-born spin-bowling all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary has moved a step closer to a remarkable cricketing milestone after being named in Australia’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.The 30-year-old has become the first Indian-born male cricketer in more than 60 years to earn a place in an Australian national squad. Australia…

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Meet Ronit Chaodhary, an undergraduate researcher, who co-authors AI for science paper accepted at ICML 2026 workshop

Meet Ronit Chaodhary, an undergraduate researcher, who co-authors AI for science paper accepted at ICML 2026 workshop

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Ronit Chaodhary, Who Is A 21-Year-Old NST Student, Publishes AI For Science Paper Accepted At ICML 2026 Workshop Ronit Kumar Choudhary, a 21-year-old third-year student at Newton School of Technology, has co-authored “RETROSPECT: RETROsynthesis via Sequential Prediction, and Chemically Transformed-ranking”, a research paper accepted at the AI for Science Workshop at ICML 2026. The work…

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Prarthana Behere cites the Rs. 370 Biryani row as proof that society is becoming conscious about women: ‘Even men spoke up”

Prarthana Behere cites the Rs. 370 Biryani row as proof that society is becoming conscious about women: ‘Even men spoke up”

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

After delivering two successful Marathi films this year, Prarthana Behere is now looking to score a hat trick with her upcoming film ‘Mardini.’ Backed by actor-producer Shreyas Talpade, the film sees Prarthana stepping into a powerful, women-centric role that explores the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of a mother.The actress, who has largely been associated with…

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Lakshadweep ends nearly 47-year old liquor ban in tourism push; what travellers need to know |

Lakshadweep ends nearly 47-year old liquor ban in tourism push; what travellers need to know |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

In a bid to boost tourism, India’s one of the most sought-after tropical destinations, Lakshadweep will now allow regulated liquor sales across the archipelago. With this, the destination is entering a new phase of tourism after the Union government introduced Lakshadweep Excise Regulation, 2026. The new framework is a part of a broader strategy to…

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Image: PTI, IANS NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday sought to play down former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent criticism of him, saying Gehlot has always shown him affection. Emphasising party unity, Pilot said Congress leaders and workers should work together to strengthen the organisation.”I heard his statement. What I remember is that he said he has for me the same affection and attachment he has for his son Vaibhav Gehlot. We are all soldiers of the Congress party,” Pilot said, as cited by PTI. Pilot made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tributes to his father, former Union minister Rajesh Pilot, at his memorial in Dausa on his death anniversary.When asked why he continued to speak of affection and unity despite repeated remarks directed at him, Pilot said the country was facing much larger issues that deserved attention.”The country is facing huge challenges: the future of lakhs of children is affected; the NEET paper leak happened, there have been repeated exam paper leaks; corruption is spreading; farmers’ incomes have declined, while fuel and cooking gas prices continue to rise,” Pilot said. Pilot said people across the country were increasingly coming together against the policies of the BJP-led government and that the INDIA bloc remained committed to intensifying its challenge to the ruling party.”Recently, there was a meeting of the INDIA bloc where everyone resolved to fight the BJP. Our sole objective is to strengthen the Congress under the leadership given by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge,” he said.Criticising the BJP, Pilot said the party had been in power at the Centre for more than a decade but continued to hold previous governments responsible for current issues.”The BJP has completed 12 years. How long will they keep blaming Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh? The public has made up its mind. The opposition will emerge stronger in the coming days,” he added. Pilot also criticised the Rajasthan government over allegations of corruption, the law-and-order situation, and the delay in conducting panchayat and local body elections.Criticising the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination for the Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh, Pilot alleging that constitutional institutions were functioning under pressure.”Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination was rejected illegally. This is unprecedented. A candidate whose party has the required strength should not have the nomination rejected without valid grounds,” Pilot said. Pilot said the reasons cited for rejecting the nomination were incorrect and that the Congress would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.”We will go to the Supreme Court. But the manner in which the Election Commission is being forced to function under pressure is not a healthy sign for democracy,” he alleged.This comes after Gehlot said he remained hurt that Pilot had not publicly acknowledged his role in helping him become a Union minister.Speaking in Jaipur, Gehlot said Pilot was aware of the support extended to him but had chosen not to refer to it publicly, a grievance he said continues to trouble him.Gehlot also said on Sunday that MLAs loyal to him were ready to accept any leader chosen by the party high command except Pilot, citing resentment over Pilot’s 2020 rebellion against the then Congress government. He added that Pilot should “accept the truth” and acknowledge his mistakes.He also referred to the 2022 Congress presidential election, alleging a “big conspiracy” that created a false perception about his preference to remain Rajasthan chief minister instead of becoming Congress president. Questioning the narrative that emerged during the leadership tussle, Gehlot said, “I was going to become Congress President… and now Sonia Gandhi and Congress are making me that Congress President, so should I refuse? Should I refuse?”He further said that developments during the Rajasthan political crisis had unfairly damaged his reputation.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 MediaVideos”Time Will Tell..” says Ex TMC MP Prakash Baraik Admist Speculations Of Political ShiftTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Refuses Abhishek Legal RepresentationIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s TransformationMEA Condemns Oman Ship Attack As 21 Indians Rescued, Three Crew Members Still Missing123PhotostoriesThe ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal’s best-kept secretFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in proteinFrom elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai homeThis toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here’s how to check if your cooking oil is safe6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay young123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

Image: PTI, IANS NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday sought to play down former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent criticism of him, saying Gehlot has always shown him affection. Emphasising party unity, Pilot said Congress leaders and workers should work together to strengthen the organisation.”I heard his statement. What I remember is that he said he has for me the same affection and attachment he has for his son Vaibhav Gehlot. We are all soldiers of the Congress party,” Pilot said, as cited by PTI. Pilot made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tributes to his father, former Union minister Rajesh Pilot, at his memorial in Dausa on his death anniversary.When asked why he continued to speak of affection and unity despite repeated remarks directed at him, Pilot said the country was facing much larger issues that deserved attention.”The country is facing huge challenges: the future of lakhs of children is affected; the NEET paper leak happened, there have been repeated exam paper leaks; corruption is spreading; farmers’ incomes have declined, while fuel and cooking gas prices continue to rise,” Pilot said. Pilot said people across the country were increasingly coming together against the policies of the BJP-led government and that the INDIA bloc remained committed to intensifying its challenge to the ruling party.”Recently, there was a meeting of the INDIA bloc where everyone resolved to fight the BJP. Our sole objective is to strengthen the Congress under the leadership given by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge,” he said.Criticising the BJP, Pilot said the party had been in power at the Centre for more than a decade but continued to hold previous governments responsible for current issues.”The BJP has completed 12 years. How long will they keep blaming Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh? The public has made up its mind. The opposition will emerge stronger in the coming days,” he added. Pilot also criticised the Rajasthan government over allegations of corruption, the law-and-order situation, and the delay in conducting panchayat and local body elections.Criticising the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination for the Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh, Pilot alleging that constitutional institutions were functioning under pressure.”Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination was rejected illegally. This is unprecedented. A candidate whose party has the required strength should not have the nomination rejected without valid grounds,” Pilot said. Pilot said the reasons cited for rejecting the nomination were incorrect and that the Congress would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.”We will go to the Supreme Court. But the manner in which the Election Commission is being forced to function under pressure is not a healthy sign for democracy,” he alleged.This comes after Gehlot said he remained hurt that Pilot had not publicly acknowledged his role in helping him become a Union minister.Speaking in Jaipur, Gehlot said Pilot was aware of the support extended to him but had chosen not to refer to it publicly, a grievance he said continues to trouble him.Gehlot also said on Sunday that MLAs loyal to him were ready to accept any leader chosen by the party high command except Pilot, citing resentment over Pilot’s 2020 rebellion against the then Congress government. He added that Pilot should “accept the truth” and acknowledge his mistakes.He also referred to the 2022 Congress presidential election, alleging a “big conspiracy” that created a false perception about his preference to remain Rajasthan chief minister instead of becoming Congress president. Questioning the narrative that emerged during the leadership tussle, Gehlot said, “I was going to become Congress President… and now Sonia Gandhi and Congress are making me that Congress President, so should I refuse? Should I refuse?”He further said that developments during the Rajasthan political crisis had unfairly damaged his reputation.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 MediaVideos”Time Will Tell..” says Ex TMC MP Prakash Baraik Admist Speculations Of Political ShiftTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Refuses Abhishek Legal RepresentationIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s TransformationMEA Condemns Oman Ship Attack As 21 Indians Rescued, Three Crew Members Still Missing123PhotostoriesThe ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal’s best-kept secretFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in proteinFrom elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai homeThis toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here’s how to check if your cooking oil is safe6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay young123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday sought to play down former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent criticism of him, saying Gehlot has always shown him affection. Emphasising party unity, Pilot said Congress leaders and workers should work together to strengthen the organisation.“I heard his statement. What I remember is that he…

Read More
‘He knows how to leak paper’: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy attacks Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu over DSC recruitment

‘He knows how to leak paper’: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy attacks Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu over DSC recruitment

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, N Chandrababu Naidu YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday hit out at CM Chandrababu Naidu over the Mega District Selection Committee (DSC) recruitment process, alleging large-scale irregularities and saying the exercise had hurt the trust of lakhs of job aspirants. Addressing a press conference in Tadepalli,…

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Bobby Deol says his mother Prakash Kaur didn’t let Dharmendra’s fame and glory get to her, she was simple: ‘A mother plays a big role in how kids are’

Bobby Deol says his mother Prakash Kaur didn’t let Dharmendra’s fame and glory get to her, she was simple: ‘A mother plays a big role in how kids are’

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Before finding renewed success with ‘Race 3’ and enjoying a career resurgence, Bobby Deol went through one of the most difficult periods of his life. Work offers had slowed down, his confidence had taken a hit, and he found himself drinking heavily. Looking back, the actor says it was his wife, Tanya Deol, who stood…

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Not just a warning sound: 5 truths about rattlesnakes that flip the fear

Not just a warning sound: 5 truths about rattlesnakes that flip the fear

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The sound alone is enough for most people to freeze.That dry, buzzing rattle has become almost shorthand for danger – used in films, wildlife clips, and just about every “don’t go there” moment in nature documentaries. But rattlesnakes aren’t really the aggressive creatures they’re often made out to be.They’re survival specialists. Quiet, patient, and built…

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Mountaineer Shradha Gupta: Dubai-based Indian banker Shradha Gupta conquers Mount Everest after a life-changing accident and taking up mountaineering at 40

Mountaineer Shradha Gupta: Dubai-based Indian banker Shradha Gupta conquers Mount Everest after a life-changing accident and taking up mountaineering at 40

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Most people spend years waiting for the right time. The right time to switch careers. The right time to travel. The right time to pursue a dream that feels a little too ambitious, a little too impractical, or a little too late.Shradha Gupta knows what that feels like. She also knows what happens when you…

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UP Transformation Dialogues Law and order is often seen as the foundation stone of economic growth, of prosperity, investment, tourism, and of course, stability in any particular state.As Uttar Pradesh positions itself as a major investment destination and aims to become a trillion-dollar economy, questions around public safety, policing reforms, and citizen confidence have taken center stage.To discuss this crucial relationship between security and development, TOI’s Aditi Prasad talked to noted educationalist, and the former DG of police of UP, Dr Vikram Singh, under ‘UP Transformation 2026’ campaign.The campaign will run for 11 months and focus on building the narrative “Badalta UP, Badhata Bharat”.Speaking about the link between law and order and economic growth in Uttar Pradesh, the state’s director general of police (DGP) said the government’s policy of “zero tolerance towards crime and criminality” has played a crucial role in transforming the state over the past nine years.”Uttar Pradesh’s unprecedented success has happened in the last nine years because of zero tolerance towards crime and criminality,” he said. Referring to the state’s changing image, he added, “Uttar Pradesh was once known as the crime capital of the country. Today, the facts and figures speak for themselves.”The DGP pointed to growing investor confidence in the state, saying Uttar Pradesh has attracted investments worth over Rs 34 lakh crore.”There is now reverse migration, and the investment coming into the state speaks volumes about the confidence that captains of industry and financial markets have in Uttar Pradesh and its governance,” he said. Watch Surakshit Uttar Pradesh: Dr. Vikram Singh on Uttar Pradesh’s Security TransformationVikram Singh cited the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data to underline improvements in law and order. He pointed that robbery cases have declined by around 80 per cent, while incidents of dacoity have fallen by nearly 90 per cent.”The latest NCRB statistics show that murder cases have come down substantially, while crime against women has also reduced drastically, despite claims made by political opponents,” he said.The DGP also highlighted the success of Operation Conviction, launched in 2023, claiming that the initiative had led to over 1.2 lakh convictions.”From 2023 to 2025, unprecedented positive work has been done. There have been 1.2 lakh convictions and 79 death penalties awarded,” he said.Encounters subject to multiple layers of scrutinyResponding to questions about police encounters, the DGP said every encounter is followed by mandatory legal and administrative checks. He stressed that safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court are strictly followed.”Firstly, there is a magisterial inquiry. Then there is an investigation, and that investigation is scrutinised by the court of law. These three processes are mandatory,” he said.He added that if any party feels aggrieved by a police action, they have the right to file an FIR, including allegations of murder, which would then be investigated by a separate police station or agency.AI revolutionising policing in Uttar PradeshThe DGP also highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in policing.”YAKSH is an AI-enabled application that has brought about a revolution in policing,” he said.The platform integrates criminal records, facial recognition systems, voice samples and crime analytics to help investigators identify suspects and patterns more efficiently.According to the DGP, these tools are significantly improving the police force’s ability to prevent and solve crimes, and could serve as a model for other states as well.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s TransformationMEA Condemns Oman Ship Attack As 21 Indians Rescued, Three Crew Members Still MissingAt NDA Conclave, PM Modi Contrasts Congress Era With ‘NDA’s Development Record’ | WatchYusuf Pathan, Shatrughan Sinha, Sayoni Ghosh Among 19 MPs In Rebel Camp | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in proteinFrom elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai homeThis toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here’s how to check if your cooking oil is safe6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay youngAre your kids addicted to screens too? 5 things parents must fix first before limiting screen time123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

UP Transformation Dialogues Law and order is often seen as the foundation stone of economic growth, of prosperity, investment, tourism, and of course, stability in any particular state.As Uttar Pradesh positions itself as a major investment destination and aims to become a trillion-dollar economy, questions around public safety, policing reforms, and citizen confidence have taken center stage.To discuss this crucial relationship between security and development, TOI’s Aditi Prasad talked to noted educationalist, and the former DG of police of UP, Dr Vikram Singh, under ‘UP Transformation 2026’ campaign.The campaign will run for 11 months and focus on building the narrative “Badalta UP, Badhata Bharat”.Speaking about the link between law and order and economic growth in Uttar Pradesh, the state’s director general of police (DGP) said the government’s policy of “zero tolerance towards crime and criminality” has played a crucial role in transforming the state over the past nine years.”Uttar Pradesh’s unprecedented success has happened in the last nine years because of zero tolerance towards crime and criminality,” he said. Referring to the state’s changing image, he added, “Uttar Pradesh was once known as the crime capital of the country. Today, the facts and figures speak for themselves.”The DGP pointed to growing investor confidence in the state, saying Uttar Pradesh has attracted investments worth over Rs 34 lakh crore.”There is now reverse migration, and the investment coming into the state speaks volumes about the confidence that captains of industry and financial markets have in Uttar Pradesh and its governance,” he said. Watch Surakshit Uttar Pradesh: Dr. Vikram Singh on Uttar Pradesh’s Security TransformationVikram Singh cited the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data to underline improvements in law and order. He pointed that robbery cases have declined by around 80 per cent, while incidents of dacoity have fallen by nearly 90 per cent.”The latest NCRB statistics show that murder cases have come down substantially, while crime against women has also reduced drastically, despite claims made by political opponents,” he said.The DGP also highlighted the success of Operation Conviction, launched in 2023, claiming that the initiative had led to over 1.2 lakh convictions.”From 2023 to 2025, unprecedented positive work has been done. There have been 1.2 lakh convictions and 79 death penalties awarded,” he said.Encounters subject to multiple layers of scrutinyResponding to questions about police encounters, the DGP said every encounter is followed by mandatory legal and administrative checks. He stressed that safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court are strictly followed.”Firstly, there is a magisterial inquiry. Then there is an investigation, and that investigation is scrutinised by the court of law. These three processes are mandatory,” he said.He added that if any party feels aggrieved by a police action, they have the right to file an FIR, including allegations of murder, which would then be investigated by a separate police station or agency.AI revolutionising policing in Uttar PradeshThe DGP also highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in policing.”YAKSH is an AI-enabled application that has brought about a revolution in policing,” he said.The platform integrates criminal records, facial recognition systems, voice samples and crime analytics to help investigators identify suspects and patterns more efficiently.According to the DGP, these tools are significantly improving the police force’s ability to prevent and solve crimes, and could serve as a model for other states as well.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s TransformationMEA Condemns Oman Ship Attack As 21 Indians Rescued, Three Crew Members Still MissingAt NDA Conclave, PM Modi Contrasts Congress Era With ‘NDA’s Development Record’ | WatchYusuf Pathan, Shatrughan Sinha, Sayoni Ghosh Among 19 MPs In Rebel Camp | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in proteinFrom elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai homeThis toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here’s how to check if your cooking oil is safe6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay youngAre your kids addicted to screens too? 5 things parents must fix first before limiting screen time123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

UP Transformation Dialogues Law and order is often seen as the foundation stone of economic growth, of prosperity, investment, tourism, and of course, stability in any particular state.As Uttar Pradesh positions itself as a major investment destination and aims to become a trillion-dollar economy, questions around public safety, policing reforms, and citizen confidence have taken…

Read More