June 19, 2026
Jana Nayagan: Thalapathy Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ piracy case escalates as film gets aired on cable TV; cable operator arrested |

Jana Nayagan: Thalapathy Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ piracy case escalates as film gets aired on cable TV; cable operator arrested |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The eagerly awaited film, ‘Jana Nayagan,’ starring Thalapathy Vijay, is going to be a disastrous loss for the producers, as it has been leaked on the internet. Initially, around five minutes of footage surfaced on the internet, which quickly spread across several platforms, followed by the entire film being leaked online. The unexpected piracy incident…

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Nigeria arrests 22 Indian crew members: 31.5kg of cocaine found on merchant ship; vessel originated from Marshall Islands | India News

Nigeria arrests 22 Indian crew members: 31.5kg of cocaine found on merchant ship; vessel originated from Marshall Islands | India News

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said on Sunday that 22 Indian crew members of a merchant ship were arrested after 31.5 kilograms of cocaine were discovered aboard the vessel at Lagos’s main port.The seizure took place on Friday aboard the MV Aruna Hulya, which “originated from Marshall Islands,” NDLEA spokesman Femi…

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UAE: Sharjah Islamic Bank rolls out ‘SIB Pay’; QR code and smartphone tap-to-pay now available nationwide

UAE: Sharjah Islamic Bank rolls out ‘SIB Pay’; QR code and smartphone tap-to-pay now available nationwide

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

SIB Pay brings seamless QR and tap payments UAE-wide / AI-generated Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) has launched SIB Pay, a new digital-payments platform aimed at accelerating cashless transactions in the UAE. The platform offers QR payments, soft-POS, e-commerce gateways and pay-by-link tools for businesses and government entities, positioning SIB as a growing player in the…

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‘BCB will consider if … ‘: Bangladesh give Sheikh Hasina-linked cricketer Shakib Al Hasan ultimate selection conditions | Cricket News

‘BCB will consider if … ‘: Bangladesh give Sheikh Hasina-linked cricketer Shakib Al Hasan ultimate selection conditions | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Bangladesh cricket officials have said former captain Shakib Al Hasan could be considered for a return to the national team, reopening the possibility less than a year after his retirement from international cricket.Shakib, who was also a lawmaker from the former ruling party that was removed in a 2024 uprising, had become a focus of…

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‘Dare you to score 30% in English test right here’: SC junks AI-drafted PIL, schools Ludhiana cloth trader

‘Dare you to score 30% in English test right here’: SC junks AI-drafted PIL, schools Ludhiana cloth trader

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Image Used For Representational Purpose Only The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a Ludhiana-based cloth trader after he admitted using artificial intelligence tools to draft the petition and could not explain complex legal terms used in it. According to news agency PTI, the exchange took place before a…

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Shani Jayanti 2026: Planetary Combinations Explained, 3 Powerful Saturn Remedies to Reduce Negativity and Invite Blessings

Shani Jayanti 2026: Planetary Combinations Explained, 3 Powerful Saturn Remedies to Reduce Negativity and Invite Blessings

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Shani Jayanti is not a day for quick-fix remedies. It is a day to understand Saturn properly. Shani represents karma, delay, discipline, responsibility, old age, labour, silence, and the results of actions done over time. This is why remedies done on Shani Jayanti should not feel decorative. They should feel grounded.Shani Jayanti 2026In 2026, Shani…

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May 30, 2026, 19:47 IST

May 30, 2026, 19:47 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

India’s Chirag Shetty, left, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty reached the men’s doubles final of the Singapore Open Super 750 tournament after defeating top seeds and world No. 1 pair Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae of South Korea in straight games on Saturday. The fourth-seeded Indian duo beat the reigning…

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Ram Gopal Varma hypes ‘Dhurandhar 2’: ‘Will TERRIFY’ viewers, reveals KEY details in the new post

Ram Gopal Varma hypes ‘Dhurandhar 2’: ‘Will TERRIFY’ viewers, reveals KEY details in the new post

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Ram Gopal Varma obsesses over ‘Dhurandhar,’ hailing it as 2025’s box-office smash directed by Aditya Dhar, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. He teases ‘Dhurandhar 2’ on X, calling it a terror for Bollywood’s old formulas, likening the film to a haunting dog in production offices. Director Ram Gopal Varma remains fully obsessed with ‘Dhurandhar,’…

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Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner SPOTTED on double date with Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner – PICS

Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner SPOTTED on double date with Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner – PICS

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner are fuelling buzz about their hush-hush romance. The star couple, who were recently spotted holidaying together in Hawaii, seemingly went public with their romance as they headed out on a double date with Kendall’s sister Kylie Jenner and her beau, Timothee Chalamet.Jacob and Kendall spotted on a double dateThe star…

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Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, Pinarayi Vijayan and Himanta Biswa Sarma NEW DELHI: Exit poll predictions released on Thursday by Today’s Chanakya covered the upcoming assembly results in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala.The projections came a day after several other pollsters released their estimates for these states.According to Today’s Chanakya, the numbers represent the average seats parties are likely to win. The projections indicate a landslide victory for the BJP in Assam, suggesting another term for incumbent chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while the Congress appears to be trailing with a huge margin, offering little comfort for Gaurav Gogoi in a state once ruled by his father Tarun Gogoi.For Assam 2026, Today’s Chanakya projected a clear advantage for the BJP-led alliance, estimating between 93 and 111 seats, with an average of 102 seats. The Congress-led alliance is expected to secure between 14 and 32 seats, averaging 23 seats, while others are likely to remain marginal with 0 to 2 seats, averaging 1 seat.In Kerala, the projections point to a neck-and-neck contest between the incumbent LDF and the main opposition UDF.In Kerala 2026, the projections suggest a tightly contested battle between the two major fronts. The UDF is estimated to win between 60 and 78 seats, averaging 69 seats, closely followed by the ruling LDF at 55 to 73 seats, averaging 64 seats, pointing to a neck-and-neck race. The BJP is projected to secure between 3 and 11 seats, averaging 7 seats, while others are expected to get 0 to 1 seat, averaging 0 seats.Seat projections for the other two major states West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are yet to be released.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 MediaVideosLet’s Not Choose For People: Supreme Court Pulls Up Centre Over Minor Rape Survivor’s Pregnancy Case’Sonia Gandhi Takes Decisions’: Congress President Kharge On Karnataka CM Change BuzzHafiz Saeed’s Aides Hunted Down: Lashkar-e-Taiba Loses Commanders to Mysterious KillingsRecord Bengal Turnout at 92.9%, SIR Row and Voter Surge Complicate Poll ReadingKhera Tells SC Arrest Not Needed, Assam Govt Seeks Custodial Probe in Passport RowWhy Rising Jet Fuel Prices Are Putting Pressure on Indian Airlines: ExplainedSpiceJet Chaos | Mumbai Airport: Massive Delays, Cancellations Leave Passengers Stranded OvernightRajnath Singh’s Big Warning:“India Ready For Long War, No Distinction Between Terrorists & Sponsors”Yogi Adityanath Attacks Samajwadi Party In Assembly, Cites 1995 Guest House CaseIran’s Araghchi Speaks To EAM Jaishankar As West Asia Crisis Deepens, India Calls For De-escalation123PhotostoriesHow you can restore your mental health after an office blowupHow Rhea Kapoor is bringing traditional Indian weaves back into fashionBhuvneshwar Kumar’s Meerut bungalow is a multi-crore home shaped by cricketing success and strong family rootsKatrina Kaif’s “elevenses” breakfast is all you need during summer monthsGuwahati’s Property Market: 7 premium residential hubs transforming the cityPortable AC vs Window AC: From price to cooling and electricity bill, every aspect explainedHow to make ORS at home: Easy electrolyte drink for summer heat and dehydrationMost iconic antagonists of Indian television: From ‘Rumona’ to ‘Komolika’, and moreMumbai family deaths: Why watermelon demand has suddenly crashed in marketsHow central Bengaluru bore brunt of sudden cloudburst-like showers123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingPune Gas LeakBengaluru Wall CollapseVande Bharat expressDelhi NewsPawan KheraTripura Madhyamik Result 2026CBSE Class 12th ResultMumbai Police DeathBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, Pinarayi Vijayan and Himanta Biswa Sarma NEW DELHI: Exit poll predictions released on Thursday by Today’s Chanakya covered the upcoming assembly results in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala.The projections came a day after several other pollsters released their estimates for these states.According to Today’s Chanakya, the numbers represent the average seats parties are likely to win. The projections indicate a landslide victory for the BJP in Assam, suggesting another term for incumbent chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while the Congress appears to be trailing with a huge margin, offering little comfort for Gaurav Gogoi in a state once ruled by his father Tarun Gogoi.For Assam 2026, Today’s Chanakya projected a clear advantage for the BJP-led alliance, estimating between 93 and 111 seats, with an average of 102 seats. The Congress-led alliance is expected to secure between 14 and 32 seats, averaging 23 seats, while others are likely to remain marginal with 0 to 2 seats, averaging 1 seat.In Kerala, the projections point to a neck-and-neck contest between the incumbent LDF and the main opposition UDF.In Kerala 2026, the projections suggest a tightly contested battle between the two major fronts. The UDF is estimated to win between 60 and 78 seats, averaging 69 seats, closely followed by the ruling LDF at 55 to 73 seats, averaging 64 seats, pointing to a neck-and-neck race. The BJP is projected to secure between 3 and 11 seats, averaging 7 seats, while others are expected to get 0 to 1 seat, averaging 0 seats.Seat projections for the other two major states West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are yet to be released.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 MediaVideosLet’s Not Choose For People: Supreme Court Pulls Up Centre Over Minor Rape Survivor’s Pregnancy Case’Sonia Gandhi Takes Decisions’: Congress President Kharge On Karnataka CM Change BuzzHafiz Saeed’s Aides Hunted Down: Lashkar-e-Taiba Loses Commanders to Mysterious KillingsRecord Bengal Turnout at 92.9%, SIR Row and Voter Surge Complicate Poll ReadingKhera Tells SC Arrest Not Needed, Assam Govt Seeks Custodial Probe in Passport RowWhy Rising Jet Fuel Prices Are Putting Pressure on Indian Airlines: ExplainedSpiceJet Chaos | Mumbai Airport: Massive Delays, Cancellations Leave Passengers Stranded OvernightRajnath Singh’s Big Warning:“India Ready For Long War, No Distinction Between Terrorists & Sponsors”Yogi Adityanath Attacks Samajwadi Party In Assembly, Cites 1995 Guest House CaseIran’s Araghchi Speaks To EAM Jaishankar As West Asia Crisis Deepens, India Calls For De-escalation123PhotostoriesHow you can restore your mental health after an office blowupHow Rhea Kapoor is bringing traditional Indian weaves back into fashionBhuvneshwar Kumar’s Meerut bungalow is a multi-crore home shaped by cricketing success and strong family rootsKatrina Kaif’s “elevenses” breakfast is all you need during summer monthsGuwahati’s Property Market: 7 premium residential hubs transforming the cityPortable AC vs Window AC: From price to cooling and electricity bill, every aspect explainedHow to make ORS at home: Easy electrolyte drink for summer heat and dehydrationMost iconic antagonists of Indian television: From ‘Rumona’ to ‘Komolika’, and moreMumbai family deaths: Why watermelon demand has suddenly crashed in marketsHow central Bengaluru bore brunt of sudden cloudburst-like showers123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingPune Gas LeakBengaluru Wall CollapseVande Bharat expressDelhi NewsPawan KheraTripura Madhyamik Result 2026CBSE Class 12th ResultMumbai Police DeathBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, Pinarayi Vijayan and Himanta Biswa Sarma NEW DELHI: Exit poll predictions released on Thursday by Today’s Chanakya covered the upcoming assembly results in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala.The projections came a day after several other pollsters released their estimates for these states.According to Today’s Chanakya, the numbers represent the…

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Verizon outage disrupts services across US: Mobile, data users hit; tens of thousands report ‘SOS’ mode

Verizon outage disrupts services across US: Mobile, data users hit; tens of thousands report ‘SOS’ mode

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

A widespread outage disrupted Verizon’s mobile and data services across the United States on Wednesday, leaving tens of thousands of customers unable to make calls or access cellular data, The New York Times reported. According to the report, Verizon said it was working to restore services after more than 170,000 users flagged problems on Downdetector,…

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Mar 14, 2026, 11:44 IST

Mar 14, 2026, 11:44 IST

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

MUMBAI: Soon after defending champions India exited the 2009 T20 World Cup in England before the semis, then India head coach Gary Kirsten said the gruelling IPL, held a few months earlier in South Africa, had left his players “fatigued.”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Kirsten stressed that if the cricket calendar…

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West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari The BJP government in West Bengal has, within days of assuming office, rolled out a series of high-impact administrative, welfare and governance decisions aimed at signalling a policy break from the previous Trinamool Congress regime. The measures span welfare restructuring, recruitment reforms, reservation policy changes, scrutiny of caste certificates, educational directives and anti-corruption action. The government has simultaneously attempted to strengthen nationalist symbolism in institutions while tightening administrative oversight in welfare delivery and reservation systems. Many of the moves carry both political and legal significance, especially those linked to OBC reservation, caste certificate verification and investigations into alleged corruption under their predecessor.‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor transferred to Centre The West Bengal government approved the transfer of seven key national highways in the Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’, to central agencies, a move aimed at strengthening connectivity and facilitating faster movement of armed forces through the strategically sensitive stretch linking the Northeast to mainland India.Ayushman Bharat to be implementedThe newly formed BJP government in West Bengal announced the implementation of the Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme during its first cabinet meeting on May 11. Under Ayushman Bharat, eligible families receive annual health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for secondary and tertiary healthcare treatment at empanelled hospitals.West Bengal had previously stayed out of the centrally sponsored scheme under the Trinamool Congress government, which instead operated the Swasthya Sathi programme. The decision marks a significant policy shift by aligning the state with one of the Union government’s flagship welfare schemes. Along with Ayushman Bharat, the cabinet also discussed implementation of other central schemes and administrative measures, including border fencing-related land transfer to the BSF and recruitment reforms.Annapurna Yojna replaces Lakshmir BhandarThe West Bengal government notified the Annapurna Yojna on Wednesday, replacing the flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme introduced under the previous TMC government. Under the new programme, eligible women aged between 25 and 60 years will receive a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The scheme excludes permanent government employees, pensioners and income tax payers. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will automatically migrate to the new scheme, though names identified as dead, shifted, duplicate or deleted during voter verification exercises will be removed. The government has also linked the scheme to electoral verification processes, making it politically significant. An online portal for fresh applications is scheduled to open from June 1, with district magistrates and Kolkata civic authorities designated as sanctioning bodies for applicants.Vande Mataram made mandatory in schoolsThe School Education Department directed all state-run and state-aided schools to mandatorily sing Vande Mataram during morning assemblies through a communication issued on May 13 and implemented from May 18 onward. School authorities were instructed to ensure participation by all students and maintain video documentation as proof of compliance.The move adds the national song to the existing assembly practices where schools traditionally sang only the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and in recent years, the state song Banglar Mati Banglar Jol. The decision carries strong symbolic and ideological significance as the BJP government has framed it as an effort to strengthen patriotism and respect for national symbols. However, the move has also generated debate among sections of teachers and civil society over implementation logistics and concerns about compulsion in educational institutions.Land transfer for India-Bangladesh border fencingThe West Bengal government on May 11 initiated the process of transferring land to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the Border Security Force to complete fencing along unfenced stretches of the India-Bangladesh border, the CM had announced earlier this month.Announcing the decision after the first cabinet meeting of the new government, CM Suvendu Adhikari said the required land would be handed over within 45 days. The move comes amid prolonged judicial scrutiny over delays in border fencing projects in the state. According to data placed before the Supreme Court by the Union government, around 435 km of the border remains unfenced, with more than 286 km pending primarily because of land acquisition issues. The Calcutta high court had also directed the state earlier this year to expedite transfer of acquired land to the BSF. OBC reservation revised for 66 communitiesThe government notified 66 communities under the Other Backwards Classes category, restoring a 7 per cent reservation framework following a Calcutta High Court order that had struck down earlier TMC-era OBC notifications. The decision, formally notified on May 19 and implemented publicly on May 20, affects government jobs and educational admissions. The revised list includes communities such as Kurmi, Kapali, Teli, Yadav and several Muslim groups including Hajjam (Muslim), Pahadia Muslim and Jolah (Ansari-Momin). The move is significant because it rolls back the previous 17 per cent reservation structure and aligns the state policy with the High Court’s directive that benefits already enjoyed by the affected groups should continue without disruption. Free bus travel for womenThe state cabinet, on on Monday approved free bus travel for women in state-run transport services. The move is being projected as a major women-centric welfare measure aimed at reducing daily commuting costs and increasing workforce participation. The scheme is expected to cover government-operated buses across urban and rural routes. It was announced as part of the government’s first major welfare package after assuming office.Upper age limit for government jobs increasedOn May 18, the Finance Department formally increased the upper age limit for recruitment to state government posts by five years, fulfilling one of the BJP’s major promises to job aspirants. Under the revised rules, the upper age limit is now 41 years for Group A posts, 44 years for Group B posts and 45 years for Group C and D posts. For recruitments through statutory bodies, government companies and local authorities, the age limit has been uniformly fixed at 45 years. Existing relaxations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs and differently-abled candidates will continue. The first recruitment process expected to benefit from the decision is the ongoing Assistant Professor recruitment in government-aided colleges, for which the application deadline will also be extended. The move is aimed at expanding employment opportunities for candidates who had previously crossed the age threshold during years of delayed recruitment and stalled examinations in the state.Free bus travel for womenThe West Bengal cabinet approved free bus travel for women in state-run transport services on Monday as part of a set of early welfare measures announced after the new government assumed office. The scheme will apply to government-operated buses across urban and rural routes in the state. According to officials, the initiative is aimed at easing commuting costs for women who rely on public transport for work, education and daily travel. The decision is expected to impact a large section of regular commuters, particularly in Kolkata and district towns where state transport services form a major part of public mobility. The announcement came alongside other welfare measures, including the rollout of the Annapurna Yojna. Detailed operational guidelines and implementation modalities for the transport scheme are expected to be issued by the Transport Department separately.Prosecution sanctioned against Sandip GhoshThe West Bengal government sanctioned the prosecution of former R G Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh on May 19 in connection with alleged financial irregularities linked to procurement and administrative practices during his tenure. The sanction was granted under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Prevention of Corruption Act and Prevention of Money Laundering Act after examination of FIRs and investigation records. The case gained national prominence following the rape and murder of a doctor at the hospital in 2024, which subsequently triggered wider investigations into alleged corruption within the institution. The CBI and Enforcement Directorate are probing the matter after the Calcutta High Court ordered an inquiry.Re-verification of caste certificates issued since 2011The West Bengal government ordered a state-wide re-verification of all caste certificates issued since 2011, with the Backward Classes Welfare Department issuing directions to district magistrates on May 15. The exercise covers nearly 1.69 crore Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and OBC certificates, including those distributed through Duare Sarkar camps during the previous TMC regime. The government has alleged large-scale irregularities and fraudulent issuance of certificates over the past 15 years, with ministers claiming that fake beneficiaries availed reservation and welfare benefits illegally. Officials have been instructed to scrutinise certificates and cancel those found to have been issued through false information or procedural violations.Scrapping religion-based aid schemesThe new government had also announced that several religion-specific welfare and grant schemes introduced during the TMC regime would be discontinued. Though details are still emerging, BJP leaders said the move was aimed at ending what they described as “appeasement politics” and shifting towards religion-neutral welfare delivery. The decision is politically significant because it directly targets one of the BJP’s central campaign themes in Bengal.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 MediaVideosItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment’Economic Storm Raging, PM Busy Handing Out Candies’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi Over ‘Melody’ VideoPM Modi & President Trump To Cross Paths At G7 Summit In France Amid India-US Trade PushPakistani Lashkar Operative’s Hair Transplant Detour In Kashmir Exposes Sleeper Cell NetworkPakistani Military Officer Mocked Online After Claiming Strikes On Indian Airbases That Don’t ExistTwisha Sharma Case Triggers Debate After Mother-In-Law Criticises Her Even After Death123PhotostoriesFeeling Stressed? 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West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari The BJP government in West Bengal has, within days of assuming office, rolled out a series of high-impact administrative, welfare and governance decisions aimed at signalling a policy break from the previous Trinamool Congress regime. The measures span welfare restructuring, recruitment reforms, reservation policy changes, scrutiny of caste certificates, educational directives and anti-corruption action. The government has simultaneously attempted to strengthen nationalist symbolism in institutions while tightening administrative oversight in welfare delivery and reservation systems. Many of the moves carry both political and legal significance, especially those linked to OBC reservation, caste certificate verification and investigations into alleged corruption under their predecessor.‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor transferred to Centre The West Bengal government approved the transfer of seven key national highways in the Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’, to central agencies, a move aimed at strengthening connectivity and facilitating faster movement of armed forces through the strategically sensitive stretch linking the Northeast to mainland India.Ayushman Bharat to be implementedThe newly formed BJP government in West Bengal announced the implementation of the Centre’s flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme during its first cabinet meeting on May 11. Under Ayushman Bharat, eligible families receive annual health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for secondary and tertiary healthcare treatment at empanelled hospitals.West Bengal had previously stayed out of the centrally sponsored scheme under the Trinamool Congress government, which instead operated the Swasthya Sathi programme. The decision marks a significant policy shift by aligning the state with one of the Union government’s flagship welfare schemes. Along with Ayushman Bharat, the cabinet also discussed implementation of other central schemes and administrative measures, including border fencing-related land transfer to the BSF and recruitment reforms.Annapurna Yojna replaces Lakshmir BhandarThe West Bengal government notified the Annapurna Yojna on Wednesday, replacing the flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme introduced under the previous TMC government. Under the new programme, eligible women aged between 25 and 60 years will receive a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The scheme excludes permanent government employees, pensioners and income tax payers. Existing Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries will automatically migrate to the new scheme, though names identified as dead, shifted, duplicate or deleted during voter verification exercises will be removed. The government has also linked the scheme to electoral verification processes, making it politically significant. An online portal for fresh applications is scheduled to open from June 1, with district magistrates and Kolkata civic authorities designated as sanctioning bodies for applicants.Vande Mataram made mandatory in schoolsThe School Education Department directed all state-run and state-aided schools to mandatorily sing Vande Mataram during morning assemblies through a communication issued on May 13 and implemented from May 18 onward. School authorities were instructed to ensure participation by all students and maintain video documentation as proof of compliance.The move adds the national song to the existing assembly practices where schools traditionally sang only the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and in recent years, the state song Banglar Mati Banglar Jol. The decision carries strong symbolic and ideological significance as the BJP government has framed it as an effort to strengthen patriotism and respect for national symbols. However, the move has also generated debate among sections of teachers and civil society over implementation logistics and concerns about compulsion in educational institutions.Land transfer for India-Bangladesh border fencingThe West Bengal government on May 11 initiated the process of transferring land to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the Border Security Force to complete fencing along unfenced stretches of the India-Bangladesh border, the CM had announced earlier this month.Announcing the decision after the first cabinet meeting of the new government, CM Suvendu Adhikari said the required land would be handed over within 45 days. The move comes amid prolonged judicial scrutiny over delays in border fencing projects in the state. According to data placed before the Supreme Court by the Union government, around 435 km of the border remains unfenced, with more than 286 km pending primarily because of land acquisition issues. The Calcutta high court had also directed the state earlier this year to expedite transfer of acquired land to the BSF. OBC reservation revised for 66 communitiesThe government notified 66 communities under the Other Backwards Classes category, restoring a 7 per cent reservation framework following a Calcutta High Court order that had struck down earlier TMC-era OBC notifications. The decision, formally notified on May 19 and implemented publicly on May 20, affects government jobs and educational admissions. The revised list includes communities such as Kurmi, Kapali, Teli, Yadav and several Muslim groups including Hajjam (Muslim), Pahadia Muslim and Jolah (Ansari-Momin). The move is significant because it rolls back the previous 17 per cent reservation structure and aligns the state policy with the High Court’s directive that benefits already enjoyed by the affected groups should continue without disruption. Free bus travel for womenThe state cabinet, on on Monday approved free bus travel for women in state-run transport services. The move is being projected as a major women-centric welfare measure aimed at reducing daily commuting costs and increasing workforce participation. The scheme is expected to cover government-operated buses across urban and rural routes. It was announced as part of the government’s first major welfare package after assuming office.Upper age limit for government jobs increasedOn May 18, the Finance Department formally increased the upper age limit for recruitment to state government posts by five years, fulfilling one of the BJP’s major promises to job aspirants. Under the revised rules, the upper age limit is now 41 years for Group A posts, 44 years for Group B posts and 45 years for Group C and D posts. For recruitments through statutory bodies, government companies and local authorities, the age limit has been uniformly fixed at 45 years. Existing relaxations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs and differently-abled candidates will continue. The first recruitment process expected to benefit from the decision is the ongoing Assistant Professor recruitment in government-aided colleges, for which the application deadline will also be extended. The move is aimed at expanding employment opportunities for candidates who had previously crossed the age threshold during years of delayed recruitment and stalled examinations in the state.Free bus travel for womenThe West Bengal cabinet approved free bus travel for women in state-run transport services on Monday as part of a set of early welfare measures announced after the new government assumed office. The scheme will apply to government-operated buses across urban and rural routes in the state. According to officials, the initiative is aimed at easing commuting costs for women who rely on public transport for work, education and daily travel. The decision is expected to impact a large section of regular commuters, particularly in Kolkata and district towns where state transport services form a major part of public mobility. The announcement came alongside other welfare measures, including the rollout of the Annapurna Yojna. Detailed operational guidelines and implementation modalities for the transport scheme are expected to be issued by the Transport Department separately.Prosecution sanctioned against Sandip GhoshThe West Bengal government sanctioned the prosecution of former R G Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh on May 19 in connection with alleged financial irregularities linked to procurement and administrative practices during his tenure. The sanction was granted under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Prevention of Corruption Act and Prevention of Money Laundering Act after examination of FIRs and investigation records. The case gained national prominence following the rape and murder of a doctor at the hospital in 2024, which subsequently triggered wider investigations into alleged corruption within the institution. The CBI and Enforcement Directorate are probing the matter after the Calcutta High Court ordered an inquiry.Re-verification of caste certificates issued since 2011The West Bengal government ordered a state-wide re-verification of all caste certificates issued since 2011, with the Backward Classes Welfare Department issuing directions to district magistrates on May 15. The exercise covers nearly 1.69 crore Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and OBC certificates, including those distributed through Duare Sarkar camps during the previous TMC regime. The government has alleged large-scale irregularities and fraudulent issuance of certificates over the past 15 years, with ministers claiming that fake beneficiaries availed reservation and welfare benefits illegally. Officials have been instructed to scrutinise certificates and cancel those found to have been issued through false information or procedural violations.Scrapping religion-based aid schemesThe new government had also announced that several religion-specific welfare and grant schemes introduced during the TMC regime would be discontinued. Though details are still emerging, BJP leaders said the move was aimed at ending what they described as “appeasement politics” and shifting towards religion-neutral welfare delivery. The decision is politically significant because it directly targets one of the BJP’s central campaign themes in Bengal.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 MediaVideosItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment’Economic Storm Raging, PM Busy Handing Out Candies’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi Over ‘Melody’ VideoPM Modi & President Trump To Cross Paths At G7 Summit In France Amid India-US Trade PushPakistani Lashkar Operative’s Hair Transplant Detour In Kashmir Exposes Sleeper Cell NetworkPakistani Military Officer Mocked Online After Claiming Strikes On Indian Airbases That Don’t ExistTwisha Sharma Case Triggers Debate After Mother-In-Law Criticises Her Even After Death123PhotostoriesFeeling Stressed? 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Vamsikrishna08 mins mins

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari The BJP government in West Bengal has, within days of assuming office, rolled out a series of high-impact administrative, welfare and governance decisions aimed at signalling a policy break from the previous Trinamool Congress regime. The measures span welfare restructuring, recruitment reforms, reservation policy changes, scrutiny of caste certificates, educational…

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NEW DELHI: Conceding that its two-decade-long intervention to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR had failed to achieve desired results, Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to identify all major sources of pollution in two weeks and suggest long-term sectoral action plans to tackle each of them in a phased manner.A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi attributed the failure to loosen the grip of pollution over Delhi-NCR to the court heeding myriad and divergent individual suggestions of experts. It said that “we have many expert opinions before us which apportion 12%-41% of the pollution load to vehicular emissions”.”This does not mean we will become experts and give knee-jerk orders like transition of all vehicles to electric. That’ll cause chaos. Why can’t the expert statutory body like CAQM bring all domain experts under one roof, hold deliberations and come out with long-term solutions, which would be implemented in phased manner so as not to hurt livelihoods, industry and the public,” the bench said.Additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati’s request for two-month time to CAQM for this purpose drew sharp a reaction from the bench, which chastised it for being non-serious in tackling the perennial problem of severe levels of AQI in Delhi-NCR. “We’ll give two weeks to CAQM,” it said and sought the action plan by Jan 21. The bench said it had on Dec 17 asked CAQM to revisit its earlier long-term remedial measures but the authority, instead of filing a concrete action plan, has filed a status note.The CAQM’s status report, the court said, is “unfortunately silent on several issues flagged by the court during the last hearing”.The bench also asked CAQM to consider the issue relating to toll plazas separately uninfluenced by the stand taken by the MCD, Gurgaon civic body and NHAI.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”BJP People Are Mute” Owaisi Targets PM Modi Over Trump’s ‘Make Me Happy’ RemarkBMC Becomes Mega Battleground As Thackerays Reunite And Alliances Shift Ahead Of Civic Wars 2026Deepam row: Piyush Goyal Accuses MK Stalin Govt Of Targeting Hindu TraditionsDonald Trump, Venezuela And India: Prithviraj Chavan’s Remark On PM Modi Kidnapping Sparks Row’Hindus Will Not Be Allowed To Stay’: BNP Candidate’s Threat Sparks Alarm Amid Bangladesh KillingsNepal Imposes Curfew In Birgunj Near India Border After Social Media Sparks Religious TensionsHyderabad Techie Murdered In US: Father Denies Love Angle, Seeks Justice Across BordersIndia Speeds Up Chenab Hydropower Projects, Redrawing Indus Rivers Water Control Lines For PakistanPolitical War Erupts After JNU Slogans Target PM Modi Following Umar Khalid Bail Rejection VerdictUS Senator Claims India Cut Russian Oil Buys And Sought Trump Tariff Relief Amid Pressure Bid On Oil123PhotostoriesRobin Sharma reveals 5 super habits to be successful in lifeBirthday special: Bipasha Basu’s best movies to watch on OTTChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 14 kitchen tips that make life easierHow to make Anda Paratha for breakfastJiya Shankar and her love for ethnic wear: Surreal looks in sarees, lehengas, and more12 railway stations and the foods they are famous forFull list of the winners of ‘MasterChef India’: From Pankaj Bhadouria to Mohammed Ashiq5 simple neck exercises to ease stiffness and restore mobilityWhere will you be this Makar Sankranti? 5 best destinations in India to witness the festivalFrom opening up about losing a leg in a tragic accident to being unemployed for 7 years after Naache Mayuri: When Sudha Chandran spoke about life, parent’s support and career123Hot PicksBudget 2026Vande Bharat Sleeper TrainPublic holidays January 2026Gold rate todayUS Visa BondsCigarette tax hikeBank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersPaige Bueckers vs Sophie Cunningham Net WorthWho is Lenny DykstraYouTube Ad Changes In VietnamWayne GretzkyKliff KingsburyKevin StefanskiChicago Bulls vs Boston CelticsTaylor SwiftWho is Kris Humphries

NEW DELHI: Conceding that its two-decade-long intervention to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR had failed to achieve desired results, Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to identify all major sources of pollution in two weeks and suggest long-term sectoral action plans to tackle each of them in a phased manner.A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi attributed the failure to loosen the grip of pollution over Delhi-NCR to the court heeding myriad and divergent individual suggestions of experts. It said that “we have many expert opinions before us which apportion 12%-41% of the pollution load to vehicular emissions”.”This does not mean we will become experts and give knee-jerk orders like transition of all vehicles to electric. That’ll cause chaos. Why can’t the expert statutory body like CAQM bring all domain experts under one roof, hold deliberations and come out with long-term solutions, which would be implemented in phased manner so as not to hurt livelihoods, industry and the public,” the bench said.Additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati’s request for two-month time to CAQM for this purpose drew sharp a reaction from the bench, which chastised it for being non-serious in tackling the perennial problem of severe levels of AQI in Delhi-NCR. “We’ll give two weeks to CAQM,” it said and sought the action plan by Jan 21. The bench said it had on Dec 17 asked CAQM to revisit its earlier long-term remedial measures but the authority, instead of filing a concrete action plan, has filed a status note.The CAQM’s status report, the court said, is “unfortunately silent on several issues flagged by the court during the last hearing”.The bench also asked CAQM to consider the issue relating to toll plazas separately uninfluenced by the stand taken by the MCD, Gurgaon civic body and NHAI.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”BJP People Are Mute” Owaisi Targets PM Modi Over Trump’s ‘Make Me Happy’ RemarkBMC Becomes Mega Battleground As Thackerays Reunite And Alliances Shift Ahead Of Civic Wars 2026Deepam row: Piyush Goyal Accuses MK Stalin Govt Of Targeting Hindu TraditionsDonald Trump, Venezuela And India: Prithviraj Chavan’s Remark On PM Modi Kidnapping Sparks Row’Hindus Will Not Be Allowed To Stay’: BNP Candidate’s Threat Sparks Alarm Amid Bangladesh KillingsNepal Imposes Curfew In Birgunj Near India Border After Social Media Sparks Religious TensionsHyderabad Techie Murdered In US: Father Denies Love Angle, Seeks Justice Across BordersIndia Speeds Up Chenab Hydropower Projects, Redrawing Indus Rivers Water Control Lines For PakistanPolitical War Erupts After JNU Slogans Target PM Modi Following Umar Khalid Bail Rejection VerdictUS Senator Claims India Cut Russian Oil Buys And Sought Trump Tariff Relief Amid Pressure Bid On Oil123PhotostoriesRobin Sharma reveals 5 super habits to be successful in lifeBirthday special: Bipasha Basu’s best movies to watch on OTTChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 14 kitchen tips that make life easierHow to make Anda Paratha for breakfastJiya Shankar and her love for ethnic wear: Surreal looks in sarees, lehengas, and more12 railway stations and the foods they are famous forFull list of the winners of ‘MasterChef India’: From Pankaj Bhadouria to Mohammed Ashiq5 simple neck exercises to ease stiffness and restore mobilityWhere will you be this Makar Sankranti? 5 best destinations in India to witness the festivalFrom opening up about losing a leg in a tragic accident to being unemployed for 7 years after Naache Mayuri: When Sudha Chandran spoke about life, parent’s support and career123Hot PicksBudget 2026Vande Bharat Sleeper TrainPublic holidays January 2026Gold rate todayUS Visa BondsCigarette tax hikeBank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersPaige Bueckers vs Sophie Cunningham Net WorthWho is Lenny DykstraYouTube Ad Changes In VietnamWayne GretzkyKliff KingsburyKevin StefanskiChicago Bulls vs Boston CelticsTaylor SwiftWho is Kris Humphries

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Conceding that its two-decade-long intervention to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR had failed to achieve desired results, Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to identify all major sources of pollution in two weeks and suggest long-term sectoral action plans to tackle each of them in a phased…

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