May 18, 2026
Health data of 500,000 UK volunteers listed for sale on Chinese platform, alarm raised | World News

Health data of 500,000 UK volunteers listed for sale on Chinese platform, alarm raised | World News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Sensitive UK Biobank health data, potentially affecting nearly 500,000 participants, was briefly listed for sale on a Chinese marketplace. British authorities acted swiftly to remove the listings, but the incident has raised fresh concerns about the security of the vast research database. Sensitive health data linked to nearly 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank was…

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​ SRINAGAR: J&K authorities announced Friday detentions of six people under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly inciting “law and order disturbances” and “acts of vandalism” during a recent students’ protest in Kashmir’s Sopore.The students were protesting against a schoolteacher accused of molestation and later taken into custody.Police said Umar Akbar Hajam, Salman Ahmed Shala, Altaf Ahmed Sheikh, Mubashir Ahmed Gilkar, Muzammil Mushtaq Changa, and Majid Firdous Dar were detained after authorisation from the district magistrate, as required under PSA. They have been jailed in Jammu’s Doda.All hail from Sopore, the police said, adding none is a student. “These miscreants were involved in attempting to disturb peace during a recent protest by students. Their activities posed a serious threat to public order and safety,” a police statement said, adding more individuals involved in the April 13 trouble are being identified for prosecution, including under PSA.In a warning to the public, the police asked them to “stay away from unlawful activities and not to fall prey to instigation by anti-social elements”.The police have not mentioned the specific PSA clause under which the six have been booked. The law allows detentions for six months without trial if an accused is a threat to the security of the State, with extensions of six months. Under a PSA clause on threat to public order, preventive detentions are allowed up to three months, with extensions of three months.Earlier, PSA allowed detentions without trials up to two years. But an amendment during a previous stint of J&K CM Omar Abdullah in 2011 reduced the detention period to six months from two years for threat to security of the State and from one year to three months for threat to public order.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why do aloo bhujia sticks to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looks123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap

​ SRINAGAR: J&K authorities announced Friday detentions of six people under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly inciting “law and order disturbances” and “acts of vandalism” during a recent students’ protest in Kashmir’s Sopore.The students were protesting against a schoolteacher accused of molestation and later taken into custody.Police said Umar Akbar Hajam, Salman Ahmed Shala, Altaf Ahmed Sheikh, Mubashir Ahmed Gilkar, Muzammil Mushtaq Changa, and Majid Firdous Dar were detained after authorisation from the district magistrate, as required under PSA. They have been jailed in Jammu’s Doda.All hail from Sopore, the police said, adding none is a student. “These miscreants were involved in attempting to disturb peace during a recent protest by students. Their activities posed a serious threat to public order and safety,” a police statement said, adding more individuals involved in the April 13 trouble are being identified for prosecution, including under PSA.In a warning to the public, the police asked them to “stay away from unlawful activities and not to fall prey to instigation by anti-social elements”.The police have not mentioned the specific PSA clause under which the six have been booked. The law allows detentions for six months without trial if an accused is a threat to the security of the State, with extensions of six months. Under a PSA clause on threat to public order, preventive detentions are allowed up to three months, with extensions of three months.Earlier, PSA allowed detentions without trials up to two years. But an amendment during a previous stint of J&K CM Omar Abdullah in 2011 reduced the detention period to six months from two years for threat to security of the State and from one year to three months for threat to public order.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why do aloo bhujia sticks to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looks123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

SRINAGAR: J&K authorities announced Friday detentions of six people under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly inciting “law and order disturbances” and “acts of vandalism” during a recent students’ protest in Kashmir’s Sopore.The students were protesting against a schoolteacher accused of molestation and later taken into custody.Police said Umar Akbar Hajam, Salman Ahmed…

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Indian-origin couple bags million after selling lottery-won luxury home in Perth: ‘I came to Australia…’

Indian-origin couple bags $5 million after selling lottery-won luxury home in Perth: ‘I came to Australia…’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Indian-origin Winners Sweety and Sanju An Indian-origin family in Australia has turned a charity lottery prize into a windfall of more than $5 million after selling a luxury beachfront home they won last year.Sanju and Sweety, who live in the Perth suburb of Success with their three children, had initially won the MSWA Lottery Home…

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. SRINAGAR: J&K administration’s move to remove Urdu, previously a mandatory qualification for revenue services, from the newly amended draft recruitment rules has sparked a political row in the Union Territory. The decision comes nearly a year after BJP protested and sought revocation of a govt order that made Urdu a compulsory subject for the naib tehsildar recruitment exam in J&K.PDP termed it a deliberate attempt to sideline and erase Urdu from the region’s administrative framework, even as BJP called it a “course correction”, insisting that any of the five official languages in J&K should be made a criterion for qualifying for revenue services.For generations, Urdu been the backbone of revenue records, land documentation, and official communication in the UT, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said. “Diluting its role is not only culturally insensitive but also administratively unsound. Removing Urdu from revenue services will create practical challenges in handling existing records and weaken the continuity of governance,” she said, adding that PDP views this decision as part of a broader pattern of undermining the linguistic and cultural identity of J&K.“Urdu has not been removed. It has been removed as the sole mandatory language for qualification,” BJP general secretary Ashok Koul said, adding that since J&K has five official languages, candidates should have knowledge of any one to qualify, and land records should be made available in all official languages.The row began after the revenue department on April 10 issued a draft of Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Service Recruitment Rules for non-gazetted posts, inviting objections within 15 days of the notification. According to the draft, the minimum qualification for direct recruitment has been kept as “graduation from any university”. Earlier, along with graduation, the knowledge of Urdu was a necessary criterion for recruitment.National Conference has not commented on the issue.Urdu has a long association with J&K. In 1889, Maharaja Pratap Singh, the third ruler of Dogra dynasty, replaced Persian with Urdu as the court language in the region. After 1947, the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir recognised Urdu as a link language of the erstwhile J&K state, which included Ladakh, and retained it as an official language.Over time, English gradually replaced Urdu in official communication, particularly after the extension of central services to the region in 1962. As IAS and IPS officers were posted in J&K, English increasingly became the preferred administrative language.This arrangement remained in place until Sept 2, 2020, when the Union Cabinet approved the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, declaring Urdu, Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri and English as official languages of the region. The bill was later passed by voice vote in Rajya Sabha, effectively ending Urdu’s 131-year status as the sole official language in J&K. Experts say apart from J&K, no other region in the country has five official languages in use.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why do aloo bhujia sticks to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looksThis everyday travel item often triggers airport bag checks — and you probably packed it123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap

. SRINAGAR: J&K administration’s move to remove Urdu, previously a mandatory qualification for revenue services, from the newly amended draft recruitment rules has sparked a political row in the Union Territory. The decision comes nearly a year after BJP protested and sought revocation of a govt order that made Urdu a compulsory subject for the naib tehsildar recruitment exam in J&K.PDP termed it a deliberate attempt to sideline and erase Urdu from the region’s administrative framework, even as BJP called it a “course correction”, insisting that any of the five official languages in J&K should be made a criterion for qualifying for revenue services.For generations, Urdu been the backbone of revenue records, land documentation, and official communication in the UT, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said. “Diluting its role is not only culturally insensitive but also administratively unsound. Removing Urdu from revenue services will create practical challenges in handling existing records and weaken the continuity of governance,” she said, adding that PDP views this decision as part of a broader pattern of undermining the linguistic and cultural identity of J&K.“Urdu has not been removed. It has been removed as the sole mandatory language for qualification,” BJP general secretary Ashok Koul said, adding that since J&K has five official languages, candidates should have knowledge of any one to qualify, and land records should be made available in all official languages.The row began after the revenue department on April 10 issued a draft of Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Service Recruitment Rules for non-gazetted posts, inviting objections within 15 days of the notification. According to the draft, the minimum qualification for direct recruitment has been kept as “graduation from any university”. Earlier, along with graduation, the knowledge of Urdu was a necessary criterion for recruitment.National Conference has not commented on the issue.Urdu has a long association with J&K. In 1889, Maharaja Pratap Singh, the third ruler of Dogra dynasty, replaced Persian with Urdu as the court language in the region. After 1947, the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir recognised Urdu as a link language of the erstwhile J&K state, which included Ladakh, and retained it as an official language.Over time, English gradually replaced Urdu in official communication, particularly after the extension of central services to the region in 1962. As IAS and IPS officers were posted in J&K, English increasingly became the preferred administrative language.This arrangement remained in place until Sept 2, 2020, when the Union Cabinet approved the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, declaring Urdu, Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri and English as official languages of the region. The bill was later passed by voice vote in Rajya Sabha, effectively ending Urdu’s 131-year status as the sole official language in J&K. Experts say apart from J&K, no other region in the country has five official languages in use.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why do aloo bhujia sticks to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looksThis everyday travel item often triggers airport bag checks — and you probably packed it123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

SRINAGAR: J&K administration’s move to remove Urdu, previously a mandatory qualification for revenue services, from the newly amended draft recruitment rules has sparked a political row in the Union Territory. The decision comes nearly a year after BJP protested and sought revocation of a govt order that made Urdu a compulsory subject for the naib…

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Hunter becomes the hunted: Five elephants crush 75-year-old millionaire trophy hunter to death during hunt

Hunter becomes the hunted: Five elephants crush 75-year-old millionaire trophy hunter to death during hunt

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A 75-year-old American millionaire known for hunting wild animals across continents has died after a sudden encounter with a herd of elephants in Central Africa. Ernie Dosio, a seasoned trophy hunter and vineyard owner from California, was on an expedition in Gabon when the incident occurred. While tracking a rare antelope through dense forest, he…

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Akshay Kumar daughter Nitara cyber harassment case: Maharashtra Cyber arrests accused; ‘She was very brave and informed her parents’

Akshay Kumar daughter Nitara cyber harassment case: Maharashtra Cyber arrests accused; ‘She was very brave and informed her parents’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The Maharashtra Cyber department has arrested a person in connection with the cyber harassment case involving Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar’s daughter, Nitara Kumar.As reported by IANS, Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, Yashasvi Yadav, confirmed the development and said the accused has been taken into custody after investigation into the matter.According to officials, Nitara…

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The queen of sarees: Nita Ambani owns the global stage at TIME100 Gala, no gown needed |

The queen of sarees: Nita Ambani owns the global stage at TIME100 Gala, no gown needed |

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Nita Ambani captivated the TIME100 Gala by opting for a classic handwoven Banarasi saree and a bold, handcrafted blouse, eschewing typical red carpet trends. Her choice, complemented by historically significant jewelry and understated makeup, powerfully represented Indian culture and identity on a global stage, aligning with Reliance’s initiative to spotlight rising Indian talent. In a…

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Peace talks back on? Trump sending envoys to Pakistan to meet Iran FM; Vance on standby

Peace talks back on? Trump sending envoys to Pakistan to meet Iran FM; Vance on standby

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

US President Donald Trump is sending senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan this weekend for crucial talks with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, the White House said on Friday, in a renewed push to revive negotiations amid escalating regional tensions.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is cautiously optimistic. “We’re…

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IPL 2026: Virat Kohli becomes third batter after Chris Gayle and Rohit Sharma to …

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli becomes third batter after Chris Gayle and Rohit Sharma to …

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Virat Kohli (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli continues to rewrite IPL history, adding yet another milestone to his glittering career during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 clash against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Having already become the first batter to smash 800 fours in the tournament, Kohli reached another elite landmark…

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Italian Job: Could Pep Guardiola be next Italy boss after World Cup disaster? Big reset being discussed | International Sports News

Italian Job: Could Pep Guardiola be next Italy boss after World Cup disaster? Big reset being discussed | International Sports News

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola walks off the pitch after the Premier League soccer match between Burnley and Manchester City in Burnley, England, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson) Pep Guardiola has emerged as a genuine target for Italy as the federation looks to rebuild after a run of results that has left…

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Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha with Nitin Nabin and others (Image/ANI) NEW DELHI: The exit of Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha along with six other members has significantly altered the composition of the Upper House, strengthening the ruling BJP-led NDA while sharply reducing the Aam Aadmi Party’s presence. The move has also hit the opposition camp, whose strength has dropped from 84 to 77 members after the AAP split.The BJP’s tally in the Rajya Sabha has risen from 106 to 113 following the merger of the breakaway AAP MPs, further consolidating its position in the House. The Upper House has a total strength of 245 members.In contrast, the AAP’s strength has dropped sharply from 10 to just three members.The development comes after Chadha, along with fellow MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, announced their exit from AAP and decision to join the BJP, triggering a broader split within the party. MPs including Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta and Vikram Sahney are also part of the group that backed the move.Announcing the decision, Chadha had sharply criticised his former party. “The Aam Aadmi Party, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat and to which I gave 15 years of my youth, has now completely deviated from its principles, values, and core morals. The party is no longer working for the country or in the national interest, but for personal gain,” he said.He also stated that the split had the backing of a majority of AAP’s MPs in the Upper House. “We have decided that we, the two-thirds members belonging to the AAP in the Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP,” Chadha said.NDA gains, BJP strengthens positionWith the addition of seven MPs, the BJP has further consolidated its position in the Rajya Sabha with 113 members.The broader National Democratic Alliance (NDA) continues to hold a comfortable edge, with allies such as the Janata Dal (United) with four members and the AIADMK with five backing the coalition.AAP reduced to just three MPsFor the AAP, the split has resulted in a dramatic fall in its parliamentary strength. The party is now left with just three MPs: Sanjay Singh, ND Gupta and Balbir Singh Seechewal.Sanjay Singh, who remains the party’s most vocal face in Parliament, has strongly criticised the defectors, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the split. He alleged that central agencies were being used as part of a larger political strategy and termed the departing MPs as ‘traitors.’“Operation Lotus is being executed on the Punjab government… ED and CBI are being used to carry out this Operation Lotus… The people of Punjab will never forget these traitors,” he said.Impact on Opposition blocThe shift has also impacted the opposition camp, of which AAP is a part. The bloc’s combined strength in the Rajya Sabha has now come down to 77 members, from 84 earlier following the exit of seven MPs.The bloc is led by Congress (29 members), followed by Trinamool Congress (13) and DMK (8), along with parties such as Samajwadi Party (4), CPI(M) (3), RJD (3), J&K National Conference (3), CPI (2), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (2), IUML (2), NCP (4) and AAP (3).A political turning pointThe developments mark a major political turning point for AAP, which had steadily built its presence in the Rajya Sabha over recent years. The sudden loss of two-thirds of its MPs not only impacts its numerical strength but also raises questions about internal cohesion within the party.For the BJP, the gains further strengthen its standing in the Upper House, giving it greater room to push its legislative agenda with reduced reliance on external support.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 MediaVideosWhy Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In AssemblyTamil Nadu Polls See Surge in First-Time Voters, Youth Drive Record TurnoutBJP Declares Yogi Adityanath as CM Face for 2027 UP Assembly Elections123PhotostoriesWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looksThis everyday travel item often triggers airport bag checks — and you probably packed it5 game-changing rituals that can save your relationshipVitamin B12 deficiency is more common than you think: Foods you need in your daily diet123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha with Nitin Nabin and others (Image/ANI) NEW DELHI: The exit of Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha along with six other members has significantly altered the composition of the Upper House, strengthening the ruling BJP-led NDA while sharply reducing the Aam Aadmi Party’s presence. The move has also hit the opposition camp, whose strength has dropped from 84 to 77 members after the AAP split.The BJP’s tally in the Rajya Sabha has risen from 106 to 113 following the merger of the breakaway AAP MPs, further consolidating its position in the House. The Upper House has a total strength of 245 members.In contrast, the AAP’s strength has dropped sharply from 10 to just three members.The development comes after Chadha, along with fellow MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, announced their exit from AAP and decision to join the BJP, triggering a broader split within the party. MPs including Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta and Vikram Sahney are also part of the group that backed the move.Announcing the decision, Chadha had sharply criticised his former party. “The Aam Aadmi Party, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat and to which I gave 15 years of my youth, has now completely deviated from its principles, values, and core morals. The party is no longer working for the country or in the national interest, but for personal gain,” he said.He also stated that the split had the backing of a majority of AAP’s MPs in the Upper House. “We have decided that we, the two-thirds members belonging to the AAP in the Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP,” Chadha said.NDA gains, BJP strengthens positionWith the addition of seven MPs, the BJP has further consolidated its position in the Rajya Sabha with 113 members.The broader National Democratic Alliance (NDA) continues to hold a comfortable edge, with allies such as the Janata Dal (United) with four members and the AIADMK with five backing the coalition.AAP reduced to just three MPsFor the AAP, the split has resulted in a dramatic fall in its parliamentary strength. The party is now left with just three MPs: Sanjay Singh, ND Gupta and Balbir Singh Seechewal.Sanjay Singh, who remains the party’s most vocal face in Parliament, has strongly criticised the defectors, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the split. He alleged that central agencies were being used as part of a larger political strategy and termed the departing MPs as ‘traitors.’“Operation Lotus is being executed on the Punjab government… ED and CBI are being used to carry out this Operation Lotus… The people of Punjab will never forget these traitors,” he said.Impact on Opposition blocThe shift has also impacted the opposition camp, of which AAP is a part. The bloc’s combined strength in the Rajya Sabha has now come down to 77 members, from 84 earlier following the exit of seven MPs.The bloc is led by Congress (29 members), followed by Trinamool Congress (13) and DMK (8), along with parties such as Samajwadi Party (4), CPI(M) (3), RJD (3), J&K National Conference (3), CPI (2), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (2), IUML (2), NCP (4) and AAP (3).A political turning pointThe developments mark a major political turning point for AAP, which had steadily built its presence in the Rajya Sabha over recent years. The sudden loss of two-thirds of its MPs not only impacts its numerical strength but also raises questions about internal cohesion within the party.For the BJP, the gains further strengthen its standing in the Upper House, giving it greater room to push its legislative agenda with reduced reliance on external support.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 MediaVideosWhy Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In AssemblyTamil Nadu Polls See Surge in First-Time Voters, Youth Drive Record TurnoutBJP Declares Yogi Adityanath as CM Face for 2027 UP Assembly Elections123PhotostoriesWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? 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Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha with Nitin Nabin and others (Image/ANI) NEW DELHI: The exit of Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha along with six other members has significantly altered the composition of the Upper House, strengthening the ruling BJP-led NDA while sharply reducing the Aam Aadmi Party’s presence. The move has also hit the opposition…

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Updated: Apr 24, 2026, 22:58 IST

Updated: Apr 24, 2026, 22:58 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Virat Kohli (BCCI/IPL Photo) NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans will rue a costly lapse from their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. After piling up a commanding 205/3, GT let the game slip early when they dropped Virat Kohli for a duck in the very first over.Facing Mohammed Siraj, Kohli…

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Apr 24, 2026, 22:21 IST

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Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz caresses with the trophy after defeating Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the final of the French Open tennis tournament, Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Paris. (AP Photo) Carlos Alcaraz will not defend his French Open title this year, as the two-time reigning champion has pulled out of both the Rome Masters and French…

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