June 21, 2026
Fact check: Are LeBron James and his wife Savannah James getting divorced amid rumors of a strained relationship?

Fact check: Are LeBron James and his wife Savannah James getting divorced amid rumors of a strained relationship?

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Are LeBron James and his wife Savannah James getting divorced amid rumors of a strained relationship?(Image via Getty Images) The Los Angeles Lakers’ star player LeBron James has often been public about how his wife, Savannah James, has supported and been there for him through all the challenging phases of his career.While their love story…

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Gold price prediction today: Where are gold prices headed? Key levels to watch out for May 4, 2026 week

Gold price prediction today: Where are gold prices headed? Key levels to watch out for May 4, 2026 week

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Looking ahead, markets will closely track global PMI releases and US labor market data for further direction on inflation and policy outlook. (AI image) Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are seeing consolidation, according to Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.Gold prices extended last week’s decline, hovering near one-month…

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Germany Visa-Free Airport Transit: Germany introduces Visa-Free Airport Transit for Indians: What travellers need to know |

Germany Visa-Free Airport Transit: Germany introduces Visa-Free Airport Transit for Indians: What travellers need to know |

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

In a recent update, Germany has officially removed the airport transit visa requirement for Indian passport holders. The new rule came into effect on June 3, 2026 and allows Indian travellers to transit through German airports on their way to a third country without obtaining a separate Airport Transit Visa (ATV). This is a big…

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Rashmika Mandanna’s remuneration for ‘Cocktail 2’ revealed: How ‘Pushpa’ star’s fee has risen from Rs 2 crore to Rs 15 crore

Rashmika Mandanna’s remuneration for ‘Cocktail 2’ revealed: How ‘Pushpa’ star’s fee has risen from Rs 2 crore to Rs 15 crore

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Picture Credit: Instagram National crush Rashmika Mandanna has become one of the most sought after actresses in the Indian film industry. Beginning her career with Kannada films, she went on to feature in multiple language projects and tasted pan-India success with the 2021 film ‘Pushpa’ starring Allu Arjun. Rashmika Mandanna’s highest acting fee Since her…

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Six kids with thalassaemia in the state recently contracted HIV during blood transfusion, exposing systemic lapses in screening. Experts demand better testing, stronger regulation and blood safety laws to protect vulnerable patients AI image On returning from college recently, Kolkata-based Anusha (name changed) — a thalassaemia patient who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion a few years ago — read a headline that gave her pause.Two years after 14 children in Uttar Pradesh reportedly contracted HIV and hepatitis after blood transfusions, five children with thalassaemia tested HIV-positive after receiving blood at Jharkhand’s Chaibasa Sadar Hospital last month, with a sixth case emerging at another facility in the state.“At least I can afford treatment,” says Anusha. “Many who visit rural centres and govt hospitals can’t.”Opposition leaders have claimed that six more children in Ranchi and one child in Koderma have been affected.For thalassaemia patients — dependent on lifelong transfusions — the Jharkhand case has reopened an old wound.“We are sick and tired,” says lawyer Anubha Taneja Mukherjee. A thalassaemia patient herself, she is member-secretary of Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG), which has long been seeking a uniform national blood law and mandatory upgrade of screening technologies. “This isn’t just a system failure. It’s a violation of the right to safe, life-saving care.”A system under scrutinyInitial investigation indicates that the Chaibasa blood bank used fourth-generation ELISA tests, but not nucleic-acid amplification testing (NAAT), which can detect infections during the “window period” when ELISA may fail.Five cases have been traced to this facility, whose licence — according to local media reports — lapsed in 2023. While hospitals often operate under “deemed-continuation” rules during renewal, the case has raised questions about accountability, oversight and quality control.Jharkhand health authorities have suspended senior officers and ordered statewide inspections of blood banks, while the high court has taken suo motu cognizance, asking for data on monitoring, donor-camp protocols, and blood-availability practices.Following statewide inspections, the Jharkhand high court — on Nov 19 — noted that licences of 17 blood banks have been cancelled, and directed the state to set a clear timeline for adopting NAAT for blood screening. The court also found that although the inquiry into the Chaibasa incident is complete, the report has not yet been placed on record.“It’s not an isolated incident,” says Dr Ishwar Gilada, secretarygeneral, People’s Health Organisation (PHO), an NGO known for its work in HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and treatment advocacy. “They reflect policy paralysis and administrative collapse.”Lessons from other statesThe tragedy comes even as some states have attempted to build stronger shields around vulnerable patients.In Rajasthan, a health official says the state follows a two-layer protocol for those needing frequent transfusions.“For patients requiring frequent transfusions, we first test by ELISA and then use NAAT to prevent transfusion-transmitted infections,” the official says. “We have been using NAAT for four years.” Rajasthan has begun extending NAAT to general patients in Jaipur and Udaipur, with phased expansion planned across districts still reliant only on ELISA. “NAAT must become universal for high-risk groups,” the official adds.In UP, transfusion oversight is managed by the State Blood Transfusion Council, led by Dr Geeta Agarwal. “No case of contaminated blood transfusion has come to the council’s notice in the past 10 years,” she says, adding that UP follows guidelines and SOPs issued by National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC, the central body that coordinates state blood transfusion councils) and cross-checks compliance. “We reinforce rational use of blood every three weeks across all blood banks, mandate testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C, malaria and syphilis, review data monthly, and conduct quarterly quality assessments.”UP has also created a digital monitoring tool with nearly 200 parameters, she says, adding that the Food and Drug Administration conducts at least one physical inspection a year.This is in stark contrast to the gaps exposed in Jharkhand.A decades-long battleIndia’s fight for safe blood began in the late 1980s, when PHO’s public-interest petition spurred early HIV screening in Maharashtra and Goa. A landmark Supreme Court ruling in 1998 mandated national screening and empowered NACO (National Aids Control Organization, under the ministry of health and family welfare) to overhaul blood banks. The reforms worked: transfusion-linked HIV transmission in formal systems dropped from nearly 10% of infections to under 1%. According to NACO’s 2024 report, there are now 2.5 million Indians living with HIV.“While progress has been made, a blood market exists,” says Dr Sanghamitra Ghosh of the Indian Public Health Association. Informal networks, untrained staff and patchy supervision create unsafe pockets, especially in states with limited resources.Thalassaemics are the most vulnerable as they require regular transfusions. India has one of the world’s largest burdens of thalassaemia: of the 12,000 such patients born each year, nearly half don’t reach adulthood.A 2011-2018 study of 1,087 patients across five Indian centres found mortality up to seven times higher in children under five, with transfusion-transmitted infections significantly increasing risk.Tech debate: ELISA Vs NAATGlobally, NAAT is a gold-standard test because it detects viruses during the earliest phase of infection. It is, however, expensive and requires trained personnel. ELISA is mandated in India; NAAT is optional: “Why is NAAT testing only mandated in certain hospitals in certain states when it should be available to all?” Anusha asks.This safety gap is particularly dangerous in Jharkhand, where tribals constitute over 26% of the population. Experts, as cited in a media report, note that the prevalence of beta-thalassaemia traits is alarmingly high (11%) in these communities because of genetic clustering, historical malaria prevalence, and intra-community marriages, making the need for advanced screening critical.“What we call technology gaps are also governance and capacity gaps,” says Dr Yazdi Italia, Padma Shri awardee and blood-safety advocate. “Machines are only as good as the people running them.”A warning ignoredIn June, TPAG convened transfusion experts, policymakers and patient groups in Delhi for a strategic dialogue on strengthening blood safety. The group released a white paper shared exclusively with TOI, noting that India’s blood-safety system remains “complex and fragmented”, with varied practices across states and institutions.“Despite its proven effectiveness, NAAT is not yet mandatory or uniformly implemented across India, especially in govt-run or rural facilities,” the paper states.Mukherjee calls the tragedy a wake-up call. “This is not merely a medical systems issue. It is about dignity, equity and the right to safe care.” Transfusion-medicine specialist Dr Sangeeta Pathak told the forum that safety isn’t only about screening: “Any lapse in the chain — from improper cold storage to outdated transport protocols — can waste units and endanger lives.”She called for real-time coldchain trackers, digitised inventories, and geo-tagged traceability from donor to recipient.Still alive, a black marketDespite progress, a shadow market persists. In some pockets, up to 30% of blood still comes from paid donors, who often use false identities to bypass screening.“The blood market still exists,” says Dr Ghosh. “Donors must be traced in this case — otherwise, the chain of infection will continue.”Most banks test only for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and malaria. Donors aren’t always notified of positive results, enabling repeat donation elsewhere.Atul Gera, called the ‘Blood Man of Jharkhand’, told a media outlet that the only guaranteed way to prevent such incidents is to stop the acceptance of “replacement blood” (where a patient’s family must provide a donor) and mandate reliance solely on voluntary blood donation.A hub-and-spoke fixExperts argue that universal NAAT is unrealistic for every small centre. Instead, they recommend a hub-andspoke model: centralised high-tech hubs that perform advanced screening, with peripheral centres handling storage and distribution. Countries like Canada and the UK already follow this model. “It removes dependence on local equipment or staffing,” says Dr Italia.Why it mattersIndia has the science, infrastructure and experience to build a safe transfusion system. What it needs, experts say, is political will and urgency. “We owe the kids in Jharkhand — and every citizen — a system where every drop of blood is safe,” Dr Gilada says.Inputs from Shailvee Sharda & Intishab AliEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKejriwal, Mann Pay Homage to Ninth Sikh Guru on 350th Martyrdom DayYogi Adityanath Uncovers The Dark Truth Of Mughal’S Tyranny On Shaheedi DiwasIndia Entering ‘Golden Era’ Of Defence Innovation And Self-Reliance: Rajnath Singh‘Until Brahmin Donates His Daughter’: IAS Officer’S Remark Sparks Row, Issues Clarification’A Nation That Never Bows to Terror, Operation Sindoor Shows New India’s Resolve, Says PM ModiChina Rejects Charge of Harassing Indian Woman in Shanghai, But Insists Claim Over Arunachal PradeshMamata Banerjee Warns BJP With Nation-Shaking Threat As SIR Battle Erupts In Bengal Ahead Of PollsAssam CM Calls Zubeen Garg’S Death ‘Plain Murder’, Drops Explosive RevelationDrone Show Pays Homage To Guru Tegh Bahadur In 350th Martyrdom Anniversary Event At Anandpur SahibRed Fort Attack May Derail Benjamin Netanyahu’s India Visit As Israeli Media Flags Safety Concerns123PhotostoriesAlia Bhatt, Richa Chadha to Kangana Ranaut: Bollywood’s leading ladies who follow a cruelty-free dietDementia and normal aging: Here’s what you know (and what you don’t)5 Pashmina shawl styles every woman should ownLord Ganesha-inspired baby boy names that symbolise the perfect sonBollywood actresses whose film style moments still inspire iconic fashion trends today5 electric blue animals that seem to be painted with ocean water6 factors that are essential to balance blood sugar naturallyThe most viral MET Gala moments you almost forgot10 phrases your child should avoid saying and what to teach them insteadExclusive – Bigg Boss 19: From opening up about her relationship with Kumar Sanu to calling Malti Chahar a ‘lesbian’; Kunickaa Sadanand breaks silence on her journey123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeCyclone SenyarGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingLeanna LeneeAyesha CurryVirat Kohli BrotherDereck Lively ii injuryStefon DiggsMLB Trade RumorsKayla NicoleJordon HudsonShophie CunninghamJaiquawn Jay

Six kids with thalassaemia in the state recently contracted HIV during blood transfusion, exposing systemic lapses in screening. Experts demand better testing, stronger regulation and blood safety laws to protect vulnerable patients AI image On returning from college recently, Kolkata-based Anusha (name changed) — a thalassaemia patient who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion a few years ago — read a headline that gave her pause.Two years after 14 children in Uttar Pradesh reportedly contracted HIV and hepatitis after blood transfusions, five children with thalassaemia tested HIV-positive after receiving blood at Jharkhand’s Chaibasa Sadar Hospital last month, with a sixth case emerging at another facility in the state.“At least I can afford treatment,” says Anusha. “Many who visit rural centres and govt hospitals can’t.”Opposition leaders have claimed that six more children in Ranchi and one child in Koderma have been affected.For thalassaemia patients — dependent on lifelong transfusions — the Jharkhand case has reopened an old wound.“We are sick and tired,” says lawyer Anubha Taneja Mukherjee. A thalassaemia patient herself, she is member-secretary of Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG), which has long been seeking a uniform national blood law and mandatory upgrade of screening technologies. “This isn’t just a system failure. It’s a violation of the right to safe, life-saving care.”A system under scrutinyInitial investigation indicates that the Chaibasa blood bank used fourth-generation ELISA tests, but not nucleic-acid amplification testing (NAAT), which can detect infections during the “window period” when ELISA may fail.Five cases have been traced to this facility, whose licence — according to local media reports — lapsed in 2023. While hospitals often operate under “deemed-continuation” rules during renewal, the case has raised questions about accountability, oversight and quality control.Jharkhand health authorities have suspended senior officers and ordered statewide inspections of blood banks, while the high court has taken suo motu cognizance, asking for data on monitoring, donor-camp protocols, and blood-availability practices.Following statewide inspections, the Jharkhand high court — on Nov 19 — noted that licences of 17 blood banks have been cancelled, and directed the state to set a clear timeline for adopting NAAT for blood screening. The court also found that although the inquiry into the Chaibasa incident is complete, the report has not yet been placed on record.“It’s not an isolated incident,” says Dr Ishwar Gilada, secretarygeneral, People’s Health Organisation (PHO), an NGO known for its work in HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and treatment advocacy. “They reflect policy paralysis and administrative collapse.”Lessons from other statesThe tragedy comes even as some states have attempted to build stronger shields around vulnerable patients.In Rajasthan, a health official says the state follows a two-layer protocol for those needing frequent transfusions.“For patients requiring frequent transfusions, we first test by ELISA and then use NAAT to prevent transfusion-transmitted infections,” the official says. “We have been using NAAT for four years.” Rajasthan has begun extending NAAT to general patients in Jaipur and Udaipur, with phased expansion planned across districts still reliant only on ELISA. “NAAT must become universal for high-risk groups,” the official adds.In UP, transfusion oversight is managed by the State Blood Transfusion Council, led by Dr Geeta Agarwal. “No case of contaminated blood transfusion has come to the council’s notice in the past 10 years,” she says, adding that UP follows guidelines and SOPs issued by National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC, the central body that coordinates state blood transfusion councils) and cross-checks compliance. “We reinforce rational use of blood every three weeks across all blood banks, mandate testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C, malaria and syphilis, review data monthly, and conduct quarterly quality assessments.”UP has also created a digital monitoring tool with nearly 200 parameters, she says, adding that the Food and Drug Administration conducts at least one physical inspection a year.This is in stark contrast to the gaps exposed in Jharkhand.A decades-long battleIndia’s fight for safe blood began in the late 1980s, when PHO’s public-interest petition spurred early HIV screening in Maharashtra and Goa. A landmark Supreme Court ruling in 1998 mandated national screening and empowered NACO (National Aids Control Organization, under the ministry of health and family welfare) to overhaul blood banks. The reforms worked: transfusion-linked HIV transmission in formal systems dropped from nearly 10% of infections to under 1%. According to NACO’s 2024 report, there are now 2.5 million Indians living with HIV.“While progress has been made, a blood market exists,” says Dr Sanghamitra Ghosh of the Indian Public Health Association. Informal networks, untrained staff and patchy supervision create unsafe pockets, especially in states with limited resources.Thalassaemics are the most vulnerable as they require regular transfusions. India has one of the world’s largest burdens of thalassaemia: of the 12,000 such patients born each year, nearly half don’t reach adulthood.A 2011-2018 study of 1,087 patients across five Indian centres found mortality up to seven times higher in children under five, with transfusion-transmitted infections significantly increasing risk.Tech debate: ELISA Vs NAATGlobally, NAAT is a gold-standard test because it detects viruses during the earliest phase of infection. It is, however, expensive and requires trained personnel. ELISA is mandated in India; NAAT is optional: “Why is NAAT testing only mandated in certain hospitals in certain states when it should be available to all?” Anusha asks.This safety gap is particularly dangerous in Jharkhand, where tribals constitute over 26% of the population. Experts, as cited in a media report, note that the prevalence of beta-thalassaemia traits is alarmingly high (11%) in these communities because of genetic clustering, historical malaria prevalence, and intra-community marriages, making the need for advanced screening critical.“What we call technology gaps are also governance and capacity gaps,” says Dr Yazdi Italia, Padma Shri awardee and blood-safety advocate. “Machines are only as good as the people running them.”A warning ignoredIn June, TPAG convened transfusion experts, policymakers and patient groups in Delhi for a strategic dialogue on strengthening blood safety. The group released a white paper shared exclusively with TOI, noting that India’s blood-safety system remains “complex and fragmented”, with varied practices across states and institutions.“Despite its proven effectiveness, NAAT is not yet mandatory or uniformly implemented across India, especially in govt-run or rural facilities,” the paper states.Mukherjee calls the tragedy a wake-up call. “This is not merely a medical systems issue. It is about dignity, equity and the right to safe care.” Transfusion-medicine specialist Dr Sangeeta Pathak told the forum that safety isn’t only about screening: “Any lapse in the chain — from improper cold storage to outdated transport protocols — can waste units and endanger lives.”She called for real-time coldchain trackers, digitised inventories, and geo-tagged traceability from donor to recipient.Still alive, a black marketDespite progress, a shadow market persists. In some pockets, up to 30% of blood still comes from paid donors, who often use false identities to bypass screening.“The blood market still exists,” says Dr Ghosh. “Donors must be traced in this case — otherwise, the chain of infection will continue.”Most banks test only for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and malaria. Donors aren’t always notified of positive results, enabling repeat donation elsewhere.Atul Gera, called the ‘Blood Man of Jharkhand’, told a media outlet that the only guaranteed way to prevent such incidents is to stop the acceptance of “replacement blood” (where a patient’s family must provide a donor) and mandate reliance solely on voluntary blood donation.A hub-and-spoke fixExperts argue that universal NAAT is unrealistic for every small centre. Instead, they recommend a hub-andspoke model: centralised high-tech hubs that perform advanced screening, with peripheral centres handling storage and distribution. Countries like Canada and the UK already follow this model. “It removes dependence on local equipment or staffing,” says Dr Italia.Why it mattersIndia has the science, infrastructure and experience to build a safe transfusion system. What it needs, experts say, is political will and urgency. “We owe the kids in Jharkhand — and every citizen — a system where every drop of blood is safe,” Dr Gilada says.Inputs from Shailvee Sharda & Intishab AliEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKejriwal, Mann Pay Homage to Ninth Sikh Guru on 350th Martyrdom DayYogi Adityanath Uncovers The Dark Truth Of Mughal’S Tyranny On Shaheedi DiwasIndia Entering ‘Golden Era’ Of Defence Innovation And Self-Reliance: Rajnath Singh‘Until Brahmin Donates His Daughter’: IAS Officer’S Remark Sparks Row, Issues Clarification’A Nation That Never Bows to Terror, Operation Sindoor Shows New India’s Resolve, Says PM ModiChina Rejects Charge of Harassing Indian Woman in Shanghai, But Insists Claim Over Arunachal PradeshMamata Banerjee Warns BJP With Nation-Shaking Threat As SIR Battle Erupts In Bengal Ahead Of PollsAssam CM Calls Zubeen Garg’S Death ‘Plain Murder’, Drops Explosive RevelationDrone Show Pays Homage To Guru Tegh Bahadur In 350th Martyrdom Anniversary Event At Anandpur SahibRed Fort Attack May Derail Benjamin Netanyahu’s India Visit As Israeli Media Flags Safety Concerns123PhotostoriesAlia Bhatt, Richa Chadha to Kangana Ranaut: Bollywood’s leading ladies who follow a cruelty-free dietDementia and normal aging: Here’s what you know (and what you don’t)5 Pashmina shawl styles every woman should ownLord Ganesha-inspired baby boy names that symbolise the perfect sonBollywood actresses whose film style moments still inspire iconic fashion trends today5 electric blue animals that seem to be painted with ocean water6 factors that are essential to balance blood sugar naturallyThe most viral MET Gala moments you almost forgot10 phrases your child should avoid saying and what to teach them insteadExclusive – Bigg Boss 19: From opening up about her relationship with Kumar Sanu to calling Malti Chahar a ‘lesbian’; Kunickaa Sadanand breaks silence on her journey123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeCyclone SenyarGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingLeanna LeneeAyesha CurryVirat Kohli BrotherDereck Lively ii injuryStefon DiggsMLB Trade RumorsKayla NicoleJordon HudsonShophie CunninghamJaiquawn Jay

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

On returning from college recently, Kolkata-based Anusha (name changed) — a thalassaemia patient who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion a few years ago — read a headline that gave her pause.Two years after 14 children in Uttar Pradesh reportedly contracted HIV and hepatitis after blood transfusions, five children with thalassaemia tested HIV-positive after receiving…

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“I was a starter wife”: Elon Musk’s ex-wife Justine Wilson reveals emotional struggles, and life inside America’s messiest divorce |

“I was a starter wife”: Elon Musk’s ex-wife Justine Wilson reveals emotional struggles, and life inside America’s messiest divorce |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Justine Wilson, Elon Musk’s first wife, has opened up about the personal challenges she faced during their marriage from 2000 to 2008. As the mother of six of Musk’s children, Wilson reflects on the profound effects the relationship had on her emotional well-being, sense of self, and her ability to maintain personal identity amid constant…

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Manav Gohil on ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’s four hours runtime, says Aditya Dhar was very strict: Yeh sab dikhaana zaroori hai’

Manav Gohil on ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’s four hours runtime, says Aditya Dhar was very strict: Yeh sab dikhaana zaroori hai’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ has already become one of the biggest successes of recent times. At a time when audience attention spans are very low, the Ranveer Singh starrer managed to keep the audiences engaged despite its long runtime. Manav Gohil, who played IB deputy director Bansal in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, opened up about the film’s…

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UPI transactions near 30L cr, increase 19%

UPI transactions near 30L cr, increase 19%

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

MUMBAI: Unified Payments Interface transactions rose to 2,320 crore in May 2026 from 2,235 crore in April while value increased to Rs 29.9 lakh crore from Rs 29 lakh crore, translating into 24% growth in volume and 19% growth in value on a year-on-year basis.Average daily transactions stood at 74.8 crore with 74.5 crore in…

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Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma reviewed counter-terrorism efforts in Udhampur, urging vigilance against new hinterland threats. He visited Basantgarh and Rampur, acknowledging troops’ dedication to a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, he assessed operational readiness in Rajouri’s Nowshera and Bimber Gali sectors, commending soldiers’ high morale and advanced defensive measures. Representational image (PTI file photo) Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army’s Northern Commander, conducted a review of the counter-terrorism grid in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, emphasising the need for vigilance against emerging threats in the hinterland.The commander visited Basantgarh and Rampur areas, which have experienced several terror incidents in recent years.CDS General Anil Chauhan Highlights Inter-Service Jointness And Integration In Op Sindoor”Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Basantgarh and Rampur to review the counter terrorism grid. He exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant and proactive against emerging threats in the hinterland. During the visit he also interacted with troops, lauding their professionalism and unwavering commitment to keep Jammu and Kashmir terror free,” the army’s northern command stated on X.The Army commander also visited Nowshera and Bimber Gali sectors in Rajouri district on Saturday to review operational preparedness.During his interaction with troops along the Line of Control, he praised their high morale and professionalism. He received briefings on enhanced surveillance systems, precision engagement capabilities, and future-ready operational measures implemented to maintain a robust defensive posture.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 MediaVideosSGPC Mulls Banning Lone Women In Pilgrim Jathas After ‘Missing’ Punjab Woman Marries Pakistani ManRSS-Linked Youth Shot Dead In Punjab’s Firozpur, Probe UnderwayKerala: RSS Worker Dies By Suicide After BJP Denies Local Body Poll Ticket In Thiruvananthapuram1 Dead, Several Feared Trapped As Portion Of Stone Mine Collapses In UP’s Sonbhadra; Rescue Ops On”I have no family…” Rohini Acharya Cuts Ties With Lalu Clan, Exits Politics Post-RJD DefeatRK Singh Slams Bihar BJP Suspension, Says He Only Opposed Tickets to Criminal Candidates‘Premature to Speculate’: Tharoor Hits Back at Farooq Abdullah Over Operation Sindoor Remarks‘Nitish Still X-Factor’ Pavan Verma Decodes Why Jan Suraaj Couldn’t Break Through in Bihar PollsIndian Coast Guard Holds Massive Rescue Drill in Paradip; Focus on Coastal Preparedness’MMC’: PM Modi Mocks Congress After NDA’s Bihar Win; Calls It ‘Muslim League Maoist’ Party123Photostories5 unsung women freedom fighters of the Indian race to Independence5 most expensive foods in the worldUnseen childhood pictures of Shraddha Kapoor with Shakti Kapoor, Siddhant, and Lata Mangeshkaryoucan’tmiss5 timeless Swami Vivekananda quotes to inspire students on their journey10 benefits of playing chess for kidsRushing to Poop right after meals? Here’s what it says about your healthCheck if you’re truly compatible: Try this birthdate numerology test for partnersAlaya F to Fatima Sana Sheikh: Top celebrity looks of the day6 reasons to consume amla, beetroot, and carrot juice for 30 days on an empty stomach5 Japanese techniques to overcome laziness123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingKayla NicoleArjun TendulkarVasai School MaharashtraDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthRCB IPL RetentionBengaluru Techie Shoes MissingUS VisaWayne Gretzkys SonDak PrescottPercy Harvin

Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma reviewed counter-terrorism efforts in Udhampur, urging vigilance against new hinterland threats. He visited Basantgarh and Rampur, acknowledging troops’ dedication to a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, he assessed operational readiness in Rajouri’s Nowshera and Bimber Gali sectors, commending soldiers’ high morale and advanced defensive measures. Representational image (PTI file photo) Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army’s Northern Commander, conducted a review of the counter-terrorism grid in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, emphasising the need for vigilance against emerging threats in the hinterland.The commander visited Basantgarh and Rampur areas, which have experienced several terror incidents in recent years.CDS General Anil Chauhan Highlights Inter-Service Jointness And Integration In Op Sindoor”Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Basantgarh and Rampur to review the counter terrorism grid. He exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant and proactive against emerging threats in the hinterland. During the visit he also interacted with troops, lauding their professionalism and unwavering commitment to keep Jammu and Kashmir terror free,” the army’s northern command stated on X.The Army commander also visited Nowshera and Bimber Gali sectors in Rajouri district on Saturday to review operational preparedness.During his interaction with troops along the Line of Control, he praised their high morale and professionalism. He received briefings on enhanced surveillance systems, precision engagement capabilities, and future-ready operational measures implemented to maintain a robust defensive posture.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 MediaVideosSGPC Mulls Banning Lone Women In Pilgrim Jathas After ‘Missing’ Punjab Woman Marries Pakistani ManRSS-Linked Youth Shot Dead In Punjab’s Firozpur, Probe UnderwayKerala: RSS Worker Dies By Suicide After BJP Denies Local Body Poll Ticket In Thiruvananthapuram1 Dead, Several Feared Trapped As Portion Of Stone Mine Collapses In UP’s Sonbhadra; Rescue Ops On”I have no family…” Rohini Acharya Cuts Ties With Lalu Clan, Exits Politics Post-RJD DefeatRK Singh Slams Bihar BJP Suspension, Says He Only Opposed Tickets to Criminal Candidates‘Premature to Speculate’: Tharoor Hits Back at Farooq Abdullah Over Operation Sindoor Remarks‘Nitish Still X-Factor’ Pavan Verma Decodes Why Jan Suraaj Couldn’t Break Through in Bihar PollsIndian Coast Guard Holds Massive Rescue Drill in Paradip; Focus on Coastal Preparedness’MMC’: PM Modi Mocks Congress After NDA’s Bihar Win; Calls It ‘Muslim League Maoist’ Party123Photostories5 unsung women freedom fighters of the Indian race to Independence5 most expensive foods in the worldUnseen childhood pictures of Shraddha Kapoor with Shakti Kapoor, Siddhant, and Lata Mangeshkaryoucan’tmiss5 timeless Swami Vivekananda quotes to inspire students on their journey10 benefits of playing chess for kidsRushing to Poop right after meals? Here’s what it says about your healthCheck if you’re truly compatible: Try this birthdate numerology test for partnersAlaya F to Fatima Sana Sheikh: Top celebrity looks of the day6 reasons to consume amla, beetroot, and carrot juice for 30 days on an empty stomach5 Japanese techniques to overcome laziness123Hot PicksAlinagar Election ResultRaghopur Election ResultBihar Election Result 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingKayla NicoleArjun TendulkarVasai School MaharashtraDubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Net WorthRCB IPL RetentionBengaluru Techie Shoes MissingUS VisaWayne Gretzkys SonDak PrescottPercy Harvin

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Representational image (PTI file photo) Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army’s Northern Commander, conducted a review of the counter-terrorism grid in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, emphasising the need for vigilance against emerging threats in the hinterland.The commander visited Basantgarh and Rampur areas, which have experienced several terror incidents in recent years. CDS…

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Jun 02, 2026, 08:44 IST

Jun 02, 2026, 08:44 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

R Praggnanandhaa, Divya Deshmukh, D Gukesh, and Magnus Carlsen (Photo by Michal Walusza for Norway Chess) NEW DELHI: Ahead of the 2026 Norway Chess, which is currently in its 14th edition, if someone had told you that halfway down the line, reigning World Chess Champion D Gukesh and World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen would be…

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Who was Erica Fox? Family identifies missing swimmer after body recovered off California coast amid shark sighting reports

Who was Erica Fox? Family identifies missing swimmer after body recovered off California coast amid shark sighting reports

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Who was Erika Fox? Family identifies missing swimmer after body recovered off California coast amid shark sighting reports (Image via Getty) A body found in the ocean off the California coast has now been identified as Erica Fox, a 55-year-old swimmer who went missing six days ago. She disappeared while swimming near Lovers Point in…

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Russian oil trade: India slips to third-largest buyer in December; imports fall after refinery cuts

Russian oil trade: India slips to third-largest buyer in December; imports fall after refinery cuts

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

India fell to third place among buyers of Russian fossil fuels in December 2025 after sharp cuts in crude oil imports by Reliance Industries and state-owned refiners, a European think tank said on Tuesday.According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India’s total imports of Russian hydrocarbons stood at…

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Iran-linked hackers who brought down Stryker for a week claim they hacked Kash Patel’s personal email inbox: Read their message to FBI Director

Iran-linked hackers who brought down Stryker for a week claim they hacked Kash Patel’s personal email inbox: Read their message to FBI Director

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Iran-linked hackers have reportedly claimed that they broke into the personal email inbox of FBI Director Kash Patel and published a series of private photographs and documents online, marking one of the most sophisticated cyberattacks on a sitting US law enforcement chief. According to a report by news agency Reuters, the claim was made on…

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India’s best jobs 2026: Doctors, builders and boardroom leaders are redrawing country’s career map

India’s best jobs 2026: Doctors, builders and boardroom leaders are redrawing country’s career map

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

On a crowded Monday morning in Bengaluru, a young medical resident scrolls through job listings between patient rounds. Across town, a civil engineer studies blueprints for a housing project that will alter a neighbourhood skyline. In a glass-walled office, a finance chief prepares to sign off on a multi-crore expansion plan. They work in different…

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Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Kimi Antonelli stuns Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to snatch pole, Max Verstappen joins front row | Racing News

Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Kimi Antonelli stuns Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to snatch pole, Max Verstappen joins front row | Racing News

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Monaco Grand Prix preview (AI generated Image) It was Charles Leclerc, and maybe even the Prince of Monaco, who was deemed to take pole position, but 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli had a different plan. In the first three practice rounds, it was all about Ferrari until the qualifying session came, and Mercedes took pole position for…

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‘Lost interest’: Days after President’s Delhi visit, UAE scraps its airport deal with Pakistan

‘Lost interest’: Days after President’s Delhi visit, UAE scraps its airport deal with Pakistan

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Days after UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to New Delhi, Abu Dhabi has reportedly abandoned its deal with Pakistan for the management and operations of Islamabad International Airport.According to a report by Pakistan daily Express Tribune, the plan was shelved after the UAE failed to identify a local partner to whom…

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Suryakumar Yadav with team on tiger safari at Pench National Park ahead of New Zealand T20: Which animals did they spot? |

Suryakumar Yadav with team on tiger safari at Pench National Park ahead of New Zealand T20: Which animals did they spot? |

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Several members of the Indian men’s cricket team chose an unconventional way to unwind ahead of international cricket action, opting for a jungle safari near Nagpur before the start of the T20I series against New Zealand.India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, along with Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi, visited the Pench Tiger…

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