July 15, 2026
An Indian tourist, who was rescued from a speedboat that capsized, receives treatment at a hospital in Phu Quoc, Vietnam HYDERABAD/CHENNAI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, phones that carried holiday updates rang with news no family was prepared to hear, turning a sponsored Vietnam getaway into a journey remembered only for lives cut short and homes left waiting.Among the victims were AC Thomas (58) and wife Lovely Thomas (56), from Kottarakkara in Kerala’s Kollam district.They had left on July 7 on a weeklong tour organised by a private medical company. The couple remained in touch until Friday before they were first reported missing after a boat carrying 32 Indian tourists capsized off Phu Quoc Island Saturday afternoon.”They travelled to Vietnam on a weeklong package tour. We first came to know about the accident through news reports. Later, the tour coordinator informed us that both of them died and their bodies were recovered during rescue operations. We are yet to receive information on when the bodies will be repatriated to India. We are in constant touch with the Indian embassy in Vietnam,” Thomas’s brother AC Varghese said.Andhra’s Machilipatnam mourned Gelli Jaya Lakshmi, while her husband, businessman Gelli Kishore, remained in hospital in Vietnam. Friends remembered them as inseparable. “Whenever Kishore travelled, he always preferred to go with his family, especially his wife… It is heartbreaking that a joyful vacation ended in such a devastating tragedy…” family friend Bandi Rambabu said.Tamil Nadu bore the heaviest toll. Among those killed were Salem wholesale mobile phone dealer, N Sridhar (60), who had travelled with friends on July 8, and Senthil Kumar (45), a Lava mobile dealer in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts who also ran an aluminium factory and an RO system agency. Kumar’s father Jayavel, a retired sub-inspector, said his son had been reluctant to travel. “Fate took my son’s life,” he said.Three more victims came from Tiruchirappalli district – N Balaji (44), S Alagurajan (39), and A Shaik Abdullah (56). They had left Wednesday and were due back on Monday.At Alagurajan’s home, relatives struggled to absorb the loss. “Why should something like this happen to such kind-hearted people,” a family member said.Abdullah’s elder brother Mohammed Bawa recalled the family’s last call. “This morning, he called his son… he said he would be out of network because they were heading to an island. None of us knew that would be our last conversation.”Another victim from Tamil Nadu was Muruga Prabhu (43), in Dindigul district. A Lava mobile distributor, he had earned the company-sponsored Vietnam trip with friend Nirmal Kumar after meeting sales targets. They left Chennai on July 8 and were expected home Monday.Hundreds of kilometres apart, homes that had awaited souvenirs and smiling photographs braced for coffins, turning a reward trip into a trail of heartbreak.(Inputs from Salem, Trichy, Madurai)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

An Indian tourist, who was rescued from a speedboat that capsized, receives treatment at a hospital in Phu Quoc, Vietnam HYDERABAD/CHENNAI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, phones that carried holiday updates rang with news no family was prepared to hear, turning a sponsored Vietnam getaway into a journey remembered only for lives cut short and homes left waiting.Among the victims were AC Thomas (58) and wife Lovely Thomas (56), from Kottarakkara in Kerala’s Kollam district.They had left on July 7 on a weeklong tour organised by a private medical company. The couple remained in touch until Friday before they were first reported missing after a boat carrying 32 Indian tourists capsized off Phu Quoc Island Saturday afternoon.”They travelled to Vietnam on a weeklong package tour. We first came to know about the accident through news reports. Later, the tour coordinator informed us that both of them died and their bodies were recovered during rescue operations. We are yet to receive information on when the bodies will be repatriated to India. We are in constant touch with the Indian embassy in Vietnam,” Thomas’s brother AC Varghese said.Andhra’s Machilipatnam mourned Gelli Jaya Lakshmi, while her husband, businessman Gelli Kishore, remained in hospital in Vietnam. Friends remembered them as inseparable. “Whenever Kishore travelled, he always preferred to go with his family, especially his wife… It is heartbreaking that a joyful vacation ended in such a devastating tragedy…” family friend Bandi Rambabu said.Tamil Nadu bore the heaviest toll. Among those killed were Salem wholesale mobile phone dealer, N Sridhar (60), who had travelled with friends on July 8, and Senthil Kumar (45), a Lava mobile dealer in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts who also ran an aluminium factory and an RO system agency. Kumar’s father Jayavel, a retired sub-inspector, said his son had been reluctant to travel. “Fate took my son’s life,” he said.Three more victims came from Tiruchirappalli district – N Balaji (44), S Alagurajan (39), and A Shaik Abdullah (56). They had left Wednesday and were due back on Monday.At Alagurajan’s home, relatives struggled to absorb the loss. “Why should something like this happen to such kind-hearted people,” a family member said.Abdullah’s elder brother Mohammed Bawa recalled the family’s last call. “This morning, he called his son… he said he would be out of network because they were heading to an island. None of us knew that would be our last conversation.”Another victim from Tamil Nadu was Muruga Prabhu (43), in Dindigul district. A Lava mobile distributor, he had earned the company-sponsored Vietnam trip with friend Nirmal Kumar after meeting sales targets. They left Chennai on July 8 and were expected home Monday.Hundreds of kilometres apart, homes that had awaited souvenirs and smiling photographs braced for coffins, turning a reward trip into a trail of heartbreak.(Inputs from Salem, Trichy, Madurai)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

An Indian tourist, who was rescued from a speedboat that capsized, receives treatment at a hospital in Phu Quoc, Vietnam HYDERABAD/CHENNAI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, phones that carried holiday updates rang with news no family was prepared to hear, turning a sponsored Vietnam getaway into a journey remembered only for lives…

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File photo: SG Tushar Mehta (Picture credit: ANI) NEW DELHI: Solicitor general Tushar Mehta on Saturday said associating Hindu law with ‘Manusmriti’ was a misconception as an overwhelming number of Hindus, except those in Assam and Bengal, followed the ‘Mitakshara’ school of thought.Delivering a lecture on ‘Ancient Wisdom & Legal Intelligence’, Mehta said, “People who allege that Hindu law is based on ‘Manusmriti’ are factually wrong since most of India follows ‘Mitakshara’ school of thought which is based on ‘Yajnavalkya Smriti’.”He added, “There are two theories of Hindu law prevalent in India since time immemorial, at least since prior to 700 AD. The first school of thought in Hindu law is ‘Mitakshara’ school of thought and the second school of thought is ‘Dayabhaga’.”The SG said the ‘Mitakshara’ school of thought, developed by Vijnaesvara, was solely based on ‘Yajnavalkya Smriti’ and not ‘Manusmriti’ as was wrongly believed. He said it was prevalent in the entire country except Bengal and Assam, which followed ‘Dayabhaga’ school of thought, based on ‘Manusmriti’.Distinguishing between the two schools of thought based on rights of inheritance as provided in scriptures, he said, “Inheritance in ‘Dayabhaga’ school of thought used to be applicable only to those who could perform ‘pind daan’.According to this system, ‘pind’ would mean rice cake offered in ‘shraadh’ ceremony to the ancestors. This was a very restrictive meaning in the ‘Dayabhaga’ school of thought prevalent in two states.”He said the ‘Mitakshara’ school was liberal and more dynamic as it gave the right of inheritance by birth, considering ‘pind’ as DNA.This concept is still in existence as a coparcener in a Hindu family gets the right of inheritance by birth.On adoption, Mehta presented four prevailing interpretations of “right to adopt’ to argue Hindu scripture-based laws were capable of being interpreted in a dynamic way.He also praised ancient wisdom for devising ‘prohibited degrees of relationships’ between man and woman and said the system devised much prior to 700 AD had been approved by Parliament while codifying the Hindu law on marriage.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

File photo: SG Tushar Mehta (Picture credit: ANI) NEW DELHI: Solicitor general Tushar Mehta on Saturday said associating Hindu law with ‘Manusmriti’ was a misconception as an overwhelming number of Hindus, except those in Assam and Bengal, followed the ‘Mitakshara’ school of thought.Delivering a lecture on ‘Ancient Wisdom & Legal Intelligence’, Mehta said, “People who allege that Hindu law is based on ‘Manusmriti’ are factually wrong since most of India follows ‘Mitakshara’ school of thought which is based on ‘Yajnavalkya Smriti’.”He added, “There are two theories of Hindu law prevalent in India since time immemorial, at least since prior to 700 AD. The first school of thought in Hindu law is ‘Mitakshara’ school of thought and the second school of thought is ‘Dayabhaga’.”The SG said the ‘Mitakshara’ school of thought, developed by Vijnaesvara, was solely based on ‘Yajnavalkya Smriti’ and not ‘Manusmriti’ as was wrongly believed. He said it was prevalent in the entire country except Bengal and Assam, which followed ‘Dayabhaga’ school of thought, based on ‘Manusmriti’.Distinguishing between the two schools of thought based on rights of inheritance as provided in scriptures, he said, “Inheritance in ‘Dayabhaga’ school of thought used to be applicable only to those who could perform ‘pind daan’.According to this system, ‘pind’ would mean rice cake offered in ‘shraadh’ ceremony to the ancestors. This was a very restrictive meaning in the ‘Dayabhaga’ school of thought prevalent in two states.”He said the ‘Mitakshara’ school was liberal and more dynamic as it gave the right of inheritance by birth, considering ‘pind’ as DNA.This concept is still in existence as a coparcener in a Hindu family gets the right of inheritance by birth.On adoption, Mehta presented four prevailing interpretations of “right to adopt’ to argue Hindu scripture-based laws were capable of being interpreted in a dynamic way.He also praised ancient wisdom for devising ‘prohibited degrees of relationships’ between man and woman and said the system devised much prior to 700 AD had been approved by Parliament while codifying the Hindu law on marriage.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

File photo: SG Tushar Mehta (Picture credit: ANI) NEW DELHI: Solicitor general Tushar Mehta on Saturday said associating Hindu law with ‘Manusmriti’ was a misconception as an overwhelming number of Hindus, except those in Assam and Bengal, followed the ‘Mitakshara’ school of thought.Delivering a lecture on ‘Ancient Wisdom & Legal Intelligence’, Mehta said, “People who…

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File photo: PM Modi with New Zealand PM Luxon (Picture credit: PTI) India and New Zealand upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership as they signed defence agreements to boost maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, facilitate reciprocal logistics support between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force and strengthen hydrographic collaboration.The 18 agreements and announcements that followed PM Narendra Modi’s summit meeting with his counterpart Christopher Luxon included the establishment of a joint working group to combat terrorism and a joint action plan for collaboration in high-performance sports to expand ties beyond cricket. Modi described the two countries as “natural partners” that are “made for each other”.The leaders called for doubling of bilateral trade in the next five years to Rs 35,000 crore on the back of the newly signed FTA, with Modi welcoming New Zealand’s commitment to invest billion in India over the next 15 years – a key takeaway from the trade agreement.Luxon later said the FTA included a “commitment to promote” private investment. “We’ve been through this before – it’s very clearly understood on both sides – it’s a commitment to promote investment into India from New Zealand and vice versa,” said Luxon.PM Modi, Luxon agree to work towards early, effective implementation of free trade pactAccording to PM Modi, this wasn’t just a commitment to investment, but a commitment to becoming a partner in India’s developmental journey. Modi and his counterpart Luxon agreed to work towards early and effective implementation of the FTA.The strategic partnership — which is expected to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, tourism, culture, sports and multilateral issues — came coupled with a Roadmap to 2030 to guide structured implementation of the agenda across ministries and stakeholders in the next four years.“India and NZ’s firm belief in democratic values provides us with a natural comfort to move forward together. We have taken the historic decision to elevate India-NZ relations to the level of a strategic partnership. Under this, we will move forward with clear goals and concrete outcomes in every field,” said Modi, adding the FTA will open new doors for industries, farmers, and youth as the two countries also prepare a blueprint for trust, technology, and talent.PM Modi said cooperation between India and New Zealand is vital for peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific and the growing defence and security ties reflected a deep strategic trust.“Today, we have formed a Joint Working Group to move forward shoulder to shoulder on the issue of terrorism,” said Modi, as Luxon joined him in strongly condemning cross-border terrorism, the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the Red Fort “terror incident” in a joint statement. New Zealand backed India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. The working group on terrorism is expected to facilitate exchange of information also about Khalistan separatists active on foreign soil.Amid concerns in India over the delay in processing of student visas, the leaders recognised education in the joint statement as a “central pillar” of the relationship, underpinning people-to-people links, skills development, research collaboration and long-term economic partnership. Modi said New Zealand has been an important destination for Indian students and invited local universities to open campuses in India.On high rate of rejection of visas for Indians, MEA secretary (east) Rudrendra Tandon said visa is a sovereign issue but added it’s a “loss of opportunity for the speed at which we can build up a relation”.On regional and global issues, according to the joint statement, the leaders expressed concern over renewed escalation of tensions in West Asia and called upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians. They called for full restoration of freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, while opposing any constraints on shipping.As they underlined the need for an effective multilateral system and bold UN reforms, NZ reaffirmed support for India’s permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UNSC. New Zealand also reiterated support for India’s NSG membership bid.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

File photo: PM Modi with New Zealand PM Luxon (Picture credit: PTI) India and New Zealand upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership as they signed defence agreements to boost maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, facilitate reciprocal logistics support between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force and strengthen hydrographic collaboration.The 18 agreements and announcements that followed PM Narendra Modi’s summit meeting with his counterpart Christopher Luxon included the establishment of a joint working group to combat terrorism and a joint action plan for collaboration in high-performance sports to expand ties beyond cricket. Modi described the two countries as “natural partners” that are “made for each other”.The leaders called for doubling of bilateral trade in the next five years to Rs 35,000 crore on the back of the newly signed FTA, with Modi welcoming New Zealand’s commitment to invest $20 billion in India over the next 15 years – a key takeaway from the trade agreement.Luxon later said the FTA included a “commitment to promote” private investment. “We’ve been through this before – it’s very clearly understood on both sides – it’s a commitment to promote investment into India from New Zealand and vice versa,” said Luxon.PM Modi, Luxon agree to work towards early, effective implementation of free trade pactAccording to PM Modi, this wasn’t just a commitment to investment, but a commitment to becoming a partner in India’s developmental journey. Modi and his counterpart Luxon agreed to work towards early and effective implementation of the FTA.The strategic partnership — which is expected to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, tourism, culture, sports and multilateral issues — came coupled with a Roadmap to 2030 to guide structured implementation of the agenda across ministries and stakeholders in the next four years.“India and NZ’s firm belief in democratic values provides us with a natural comfort to move forward together. We have taken the historic decision to elevate India-NZ relations to the level of a strategic partnership. Under this, we will move forward with clear goals and concrete outcomes in every field,” said Modi, adding the FTA will open new doors for industries, farmers, and youth as the two countries also prepare a blueprint for trust, technology, and talent.PM Modi said cooperation between India and New Zealand is vital for peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific and the growing defence and security ties reflected a deep strategic trust.“Today, we have formed a Joint Working Group to move forward shoulder to shoulder on the issue of terrorism,” said Modi, as Luxon joined him in strongly condemning cross-border terrorism, the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the Red Fort “terror incident” in a joint statement. New Zealand backed India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. The working group on terrorism is expected to facilitate exchange of information also about Khalistan separatists active on foreign soil.Amid concerns in India over the delay in processing of student visas, the leaders recognised education in the joint statement as a “central pillar” of the relationship, underpinning people-to-people links, skills development, research collaboration and long-term economic partnership. Modi said New Zealand has been an important destination for Indian students and invited local universities to open campuses in India.On high rate of rejection of visas for Indians, MEA secretary (east) Rudrendra Tandon said visa is a sovereign issue but added it’s a “loss of opportunity for the speed at which we can build up a relation”.On regional and global issues, according to the joint statement, the leaders expressed concern over renewed escalation of tensions in West Asia and called upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians. They called for full restoration of freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, while opposing any constraints on shipping.As they underlined the need for an effective multilateral system and bold UN reforms, NZ reaffirmed support for India’s permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UNSC. New Zealand also reiterated support for India’s NSG membership bid.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

File photo: PM Modi with New Zealand PM Luxon (Picture credit: PTI) India and New Zealand upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership as they signed defence agreements to boost maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, facilitate reciprocal logistics support between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force and strengthen hydrographic collaboration.The 18 agreements…

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Norway Vs England Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Finals: ENG 0-0 NOR; Heavyweights England take on Norway for semi-final berth

Norway Vs England Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Finals: ENG 0-0 NOR; Heavyweights England take on Norway for semi-final berth

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

England Vs Norway Live: Lineups are in: Kane leads the Lions; Haaland out front for Norway The official team sheets are in Miami! Both managers have locked in their tactical blueprints for this high-stakes World Cup quarter-final, throwing some fascinating curveballs into the mix. Thomas Tuchel has completely reshuffled his defensive pack for England due…

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Cancer Horoscope Today, July 12, 2026: If you’re committed, this is a good day to bring softness into the relationship

Cancer Horoscope Today, July 12, 2026: If you’re committed, this is a good day to bring softness into the relationship

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

For you, this day carries the quiet promise of future security. The Moon, your ruler, supports practical choices, and Jupiter’s helpful glance says what you plant now can shelter you later, much like a tree that grows while no one is watching.This is a fine day for investment, not reckless gambling, but thoughtful placement of…

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US employers told to fire foreign workers who are on the way to lose Temporary Protected Status

US employers told to fire foreign workers who are on the way to lose Temporary Protected Status

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

.DHS asks US employers to fire foreign employees who lost Temporary Protected Status. The Department of Homeland Security told US employers to fire all those foreign workers who are now losing their ‘Temporary Protected Status’. The direction came as the Supreme Court recently upheld the Donald Trump administration’s authority to end the TPS for Haiti…

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Akash Dhar (second from left), with his restaurant team LANGATE (KUPWARA): At the centre of Langate’s main market in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district stands a brightly lit restaurant with modern decor and eight neatly arranged tables. In one corner, 29-year-old Akash Dhar welcomes customers with a smile. His eyes remain open though he cannot see.Two weeks ago, Dhar – whose Kashmiri Pandit family had migrated from J&K as violence peaked in the 1990s – tentatively opened ‘Taste and Treats’ restaurant.However, he was hardly ready for the response he would receive from the local community. “It has been incredible,” he beamed.”My landlord, Bashir Ahmad Beigh, won’t take any rent from me and customers are trooping in,” he told TOI.Starting a business back in Kupwara “felt like a natural step”, said Dhar, who had made several attempts to qualify for the civil services but couldn’t.‘We want eatery to do well and hope this will encourage other Kashmiri migrants to return’After all, his mother Chandra Dhar is from Handwara, about 4km from Langate, and his father Ashish Dhar is a “Langate native”.The family left for Jammu three decades ago where Dhar was born in a migrant colony.Dhar’s vision began deteriorating when he was a child. His parents took him to Delhi, where doctors diagnosed him with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative genetic eye disease that typically begins with night blindness, eventually leading to total blindness.His younger sister has the same condition. Both, however, pursued higher education. Akash graduated from University of Jammu and completed professional computer courses in Delhi. His sibling is studying music. An accomplished cricketer, Dhar represented the J&K blind cricket team in 2022.“It seems like this (the restaurant) is what I had always been waiting for,” Dhar said, as one of his employees, 22-year-old Yasir Aamir, nodded approvingly. “A neighbour told me about this restaurant,” Aamir said. “I applied for the job and got it. I am happy, so is my family.”The restaurant’s manager, Irfan Ahmad Lone, is upbeat. “We are getting customers from different areas,” Lone said. “Yesterday we had guests from Ganderbal. There were Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits. Some came from Srinagar too.”Latief Ahmad Ganai (30), president of the local market association, thinks so too. “We all want Taste and Treats to do well,” Ganai said.“We hope this will encourage other Kashmiri migrants to return.”Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

Akash Dhar (second from left), with his restaurant team LANGATE (KUPWARA): At the centre of Langate’s main market in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district stands a brightly lit restaurant with modern decor and eight neatly arranged tables. In one corner, 29-year-old Akash Dhar welcomes customers with a smile. His eyes remain open though he cannot see.Two weeks ago, Dhar – whose Kashmiri Pandit family had migrated from J&K as violence peaked in the 1990s – tentatively opened ‘Taste and Treats’ restaurant.However, he was hardly ready for the response he would receive from the local community. “It has been incredible,” he beamed.”My landlord, Bashir Ahmad Beigh, won’t take any rent from me and customers are trooping in,” he told TOI.Starting a business back in Kupwara “felt like a natural step”, said Dhar, who had made several attempts to qualify for the civil services but couldn’t.‘We want eatery to do well and hope this will encourage other Kashmiri migrants to return’After all, his mother Chandra Dhar is from Handwara, about 4km from Langate, and his father Ashish Dhar is a “Langate native”.The family left for Jammu three decades ago where Dhar was born in a migrant colony.Dhar’s vision began deteriorating when he was a child. His parents took him to Delhi, where doctors diagnosed him with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative genetic eye disease that typically begins with night blindness, eventually leading to total blindness.His younger sister has the same condition. Both, however, pursued higher education. Akash graduated from University of Jammu and completed professional computer courses in Delhi. His sibling is studying music. An accomplished cricketer, Dhar represented the J&K blind cricket team in 2022.“It seems like this (the restaurant) is what I had always been waiting for,” Dhar said, as one of his employees, 22-year-old Yasir Aamir, nodded approvingly. “A neighbour told me about this restaurant,” Aamir said. “I applied for the job and got it. I am happy, so is my family.”The restaurant’s manager, Irfan Ahmad Lone, is upbeat. “We are getting customers from different areas,” Lone said. “Yesterday we had guests from Ganderbal. There were Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits. Some came from Srinagar too.”Latief Ahmad Ganai (30), president of the local market association, thinks so too. “We all want Taste and Treats to do well,” Ganai said.“We hope this will encourage other Kashmiri migrants to return.”Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Akash Dhar (second from left), with his restaurant team LANGATE (KUPWARA): At the centre of Langate’s main market in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district stands a brightly lit restaurant with modern decor and eight neatly arranged tables. In one corner, 29-year-old Akash Dhar welcomes customers with a smile. His eyes remain open though he cannot see.Two…

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‘Stabbed 10 times’: Nursing student who blocked stalker’s calls murdered in Chhattisgarh PG

‘Stabbed 10 times’: Nursing student who blocked stalker’s calls murdered in Chhattisgarh PG

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The victim, Khushi Sahu, a native of Kumhi village in Bemetara district, had recently moved to Bhilai to pursue a pharmacy course at a private college. (Image-Social media) RAIPUR: A 24-year-old man was arrested on Saturday for allegedly stabbing a 19-year-old pharmacy student to death inside her paying guest accommodation in Chhattisgarh’s Bhilai after she…

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PM Modi addresses an Indian community event in Auckland, New Zealand (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Saturday listed out his government’s numerous measures for Sikhs, including FCRA clearance for Golden Temple, at a diaspora event in Auckland in an outreach to the community, who make up a sizeable part of people of Indian origin in New Zealand and maintain close ties with their native state Punjab where assembly polls are due early next year.With PM Christopher Luxon in attendance, PM Modi said Indians contribute to the development of their adopted country and stated that he felt proud when their positive role was acknowledged by the host government.”We love our motherland and dedicate ourselves equally to our ‘karmbhoomi’,” he said, before turning to his government’s focus on conserving India’s heritage and citing its emergency measures to bring back copies of Guru Granth Sahib from crisis-hit Afghanistan following Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.Lauding Sikh gurus, he said when members of the community brought up problems they faced in offering service at Golden Temple in connection with FCRA, his government immediately addressed them.PM Modi spoke of the ongoing work to connect Hemkund Sahib with a ropeway to make the holy place located at a high altitude more accessible to pilgrims and his government’s decision for annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons.In this context, he noted that the family of his Cabinet colleague Hardeep Puri had preserved the shoes worn by the last Sikh guru and his wife for 300 years. As they wanted the sacred relics open to the viewing of devotees, his government on the advice of experts turned them over to Patna Sahib Gurdwara, which is at the site of the guru’s birthplace, he said, adding that he was present during the ceremony.PM Modi’s 12 years in office have been marked by his repeated outreach to Sikhs to deepen BJP’s acceptance among the community, which is in a majority in Punjab and has been traditionally lukewarm to the party’s unabashed championing of Hindutva. With assembly polls approaching in Punjab where BJP’s vote share has increased on back of local satraps joining party over last few years, BJP is looking to win over a section of Sikhs to emerge as a strong force.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

PM Modi addresses an Indian community event in Auckland, New Zealand (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Saturday listed out his government’s numerous measures for Sikhs, including FCRA clearance for Golden Temple, at a diaspora event in Auckland in an outreach to the community, who make up a sizeable part of people of Indian origin in New Zealand and maintain close ties with their native state Punjab where assembly polls are due early next year.With PM Christopher Luxon in attendance, PM Modi said Indians contribute to the development of their adopted country and stated that he felt proud when their positive role was acknowledged by the host government.”We love our motherland and dedicate ourselves equally to our ‘karmbhoomi’,” he said, before turning to his government’s focus on conserving India’s heritage and citing its emergency measures to bring back copies of Guru Granth Sahib from crisis-hit Afghanistan following Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.Lauding Sikh gurus, he said when members of the community brought up problems they faced in offering service at Golden Temple in connection with FCRA, his government immediately addressed them.PM Modi spoke of the ongoing work to connect Hemkund Sahib with a ropeway to make the holy place located at a high altitude more accessible to pilgrims and his government’s decision for annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons.In this context, he noted that the family of his Cabinet colleague Hardeep Puri had preserved the shoes worn by the last Sikh guru and his wife for 300 years. As they wanted the sacred relics open to the viewing of devotees, his government on the advice of experts turned them over to Patna Sahib Gurdwara, which is at the site of the guru’s birthplace, he said, adding that he was present during the ceremony.PM Modi’s 12 years in office have been marked by his repeated outreach to Sikhs to deepen BJP’s acceptance among the community, which is in a majority in Punjab and has been traditionally lukewarm to the party’s unabashed championing of Hindutva. With assembly polls approaching in Punjab where BJP’s vote share has increased on back of local satraps joining party over last few years, BJP is looking to win over a section of Sikhs to emerge as a strong force.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

PM Modi addresses an Indian community event in Auckland, New Zealand (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Saturday listed out his government’s numerous measures for Sikhs, including FCRA clearance for Golden Temple, at a diaspora event in Auckland in an outreach to the community, who make up a sizeable part of people…

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‘Mixed poison in soft drink’: UP man kills son, dies by suicide over wife’s extended stay at parents’ home

‘Mixed poison in soft drink’: UP man kills son, dies by suicide over wife’s extended stay at parents’ home

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Kapil allegedly poisoned his four-year-old son and himself after a dispute with his wife MEERUT: A 35-year-old man and his four-year-old son died after he allegedly made the child consume a soft drink mixed with poison before consuming the substance himself, police said on Saturday.Preliminary investigations suggest the incident was triggered by a dispute with…

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EC sources stated that SIR is a constitutional exercise in accordance with the electoral laws of India (File photo) NEW DELHI: Three United Nations rapporteurs have flagged concerns regarding the special intensive revision (SIR) process completed in 13 states/UTs and ongoing in others, alleging shortcomings like “opaque AI-driven systems, weak ground for deletion of names, inadequate time given to electors for documentation and objections and the exclusion of minorities”.The allegations on Saturday drew a fierce rebuttal from Election Commission officials, who dismissed the charges as “unfounded” and “unwarranted”.A letter written to the government of India, reportedly on May 1, 2026, by the special UN rapporteur on minority issues, special rapporteur on promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, had claimed that the SIR process did not give electors a fair window to get their documents in order to prove their eligibility to be in the electoral roll and that the SIR process had led to a notable exclusion of minorities.It even referred to the “political narrative” ahead of the SIR rollout, recalling how some senior ministers had linked deletion of electors’ names to targeting the “illegal Bangladesh immigrants”.EC sources termed the allegations as “baseless”, asserting that the entire SIR process was transparent and executed by state/UT government employees under the watch of political parties.SIR a transparent process, endorsed by Supreme Court: Poll panelOn the UN rapporteurs concern over what they called: “The large-scale removal of millions of names… particularly affecting members of minority groups”, EC said that ample opportunity was given to electors to challenge the exclusions and that the final voter list did not point to any bias towards minorities. “This is why SC upheld both the intent and process of SIR,” an EC functionary told TOI.Stating that SIR is a constitutional exercise in accordance with the electoral laws of India, EC sources told TOI that the exercise is being conducted across the country by 12 lakh booth-level officers, 4,123 electoral registration officers, nearly 800 district election officers and 36 chief electoral officers.“All these officers executing SIR on the ground are state govt employees, who are on deputation to EC in line with Section 13 of the RP Act,” said an EC official.The official cited Article 326 of the Constitution — which requires an elector to be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of India and not legally disqualified — to underline that SIR ensures that every citizen who meets these criteria is included, while the “absent, shifted, dead, duplicate and foreigners” are weeded out.The UN report mentions SIR in Bengal, particularly its impact on Nandigram. “Muslim voters were reportedly disproportionately impacted… In Nandigram, allegedly 95% of the deleted voters were Muslims, even though Muslims only make up 25% of the constituency’s electorate,” notes the report. It called the ‘targeted deletions’ “serious violations of multiple human rights obligations”.Highlighting that political parties are an integral part of SIR, EC said while field verification of electors is done by BLOs, the voter list in concurrently audited by booth-level agents appointed by six national parties and 67 state-level parties. The decision regarding registration of voters and deletion of ineligible persons is taken by the ERO.“SIR is based on actual field verification of electors, checking of data and verification of documents by electoral staff. No artificial intelligence is used at any stage,” an EC official said, rejecting claims of UN rapporteur regarding the use of AI-driven systems in SIR.The official said after the publication of electoral roll for every booth and assembly constituency, objections can still be raised by anyone against any wrong entry and claims filed for inclusion of eligible electors as part of continuous updation.An EC functionary said the enthusiastic and full-scale participation of nearly 95 crore electors as well as all political parties in “the transparent SIR process” and its endorsement by Supreme Court, is the biggest validation of the exercise.The six assembly polls not only clocked record high voter turnouts since Independence, but the actual number of votes polled too were the highest since Independence.Bengal had recorded 93.7% polling, Puducherry 91.2%, Assam 86.3%, Tamil Nadu 86% and Kerala 79.5% in the April-May polls. Before that, Bihar assembly polls too saw a record 67.3% turnout.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? CM Omar Abdullah Claims BJP Offered NC MLAs Rs 20-30 Crore In JammuSIA Kashmir Secures Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Hizbul Terrorist KandooWhat India Gained From PM Modi’s New Zealand Visit: Defence, Trade, Indo-Pacific & More15 Indian Tourists Confirmed Dead As Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc IslandSonam Wangchuk Rejects ‘Modern Gandhi’ Label As Hunger Strike Enters Fourteenth Day In DelhiSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | Watch123PhotostoriesWhy India is facing a diabetes explosion: Stanford’s top 2% scientist reveals the hidden reasons Indians develop it younger than the rest of the worldFrom Priyanka Chopra to Ananya Panday: 5 best Wimbledon looks ever worn by Indian celebritiesChristopher Nolan’s best films to watch, ahead of ‘The Odyssey’: From ‘Oppenheimer’ to ‘Memento’10 foods that quietly contain too much saltWHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050; lifestyle changes, pollution and delayed diagnosis are fueling the riseAnkur Warikoo’s viral post on love after 20 years of marriage is striking a chord online10 foods that originated in India but became famous around the worldAlia Bhatt elevates a classic silk saree with modern draping at Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s wedding festivitiesStylish Shubman Gill joins Anjali Sachin Tendulkar at Wimbledon 2026; fans ask, ‘Where is Sara?’World’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know123Hot PicksTravis Kelce and Taylor SwiftBlake LivelyAlex OvechkinJayden Adams DeathAlex PereiraJayden Adams Net WorthNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingWilliam NylanderVietnam Boat AccidentTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war

EC sources stated that SIR is a constitutional exercise in accordance with the electoral laws of India (File photo) NEW DELHI: Three United Nations rapporteurs have flagged concerns regarding the special intensive revision (SIR) process completed in 13 states/UTs and ongoing in others, alleging shortcomings like “opaque AI-driven systems, weak ground for deletion of names, inadequate time given to electors for documentation and objections and the exclusion of minorities”.The allegations on Saturday drew a fierce rebuttal from Election Commission officials, who dismissed the charges as “unfounded” and “unwarranted”.A letter written to the government of India, reportedly on May 1, 2026, by the special UN rapporteur on minority issues, special rapporteur on promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, had claimed that the SIR process did not give electors a fair window to get their documents in order to prove their eligibility to be in the electoral roll and that the SIR process had led to a notable exclusion of minorities.It even referred to the “political narrative” ahead of the SIR rollout, recalling how some senior ministers had linked deletion of electors’ names to targeting the “illegal Bangladesh immigrants”.EC sources termed the allegations as “baseless”, asserting that the entire SIR process was transparent and executed by state/UT government employees under the watch of political parties.SIR a transparent process, endorsed by Supreme Court: Poll panelOn the UN rapporteurs concern over what they called: “The large-scale removal of millions of names… particularly affecting members of minority groups”, EC said that ample opportunity was given to electors to challenge the exclusions and that the final voter list did not point to any bias towards minorities. “This is why SC upheld both the intent and process of SIR,” an EC functionary told TOI.Stating that SIR is a constitutional exercise in accordance with the electoral laws of India, EC sources told TOI that the exercise is being conducted across the country by 12 lakh booth-level officers, 4,123 electoral registration officers, nearly 800 district election officers and 36 chief electoral officers.“All these officers executing SIR on the ground are state govt employees, who are on deputation to EC in line with Section 13 of the RP Act,” said an EC official.The official cited Article 326 of the Constitution — which requires an elector to be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of India and not legally disqualified — to underline that SIR ensures that every citizen who meets these criteria is included, while the “absent, shifted, dead, duplicate and foreigners” are weeded out.The UN report mentions SIR in Bengal, particularly its impact on Nandigram. “Muslim voters were reportedly disproportionately impacted… In Nandigram, allegedly 95% of the deleted voters were Muslims, even though Muslims only make up 25% of the constituency’s electorate,” notes the report. It called the ‘targeted deletions’ “serious violations of multiple human rights obligations”.Highlighting that political parties are an integral part of SIR, EC said while field verification of electors is done by BLOs, the voter list in concurrently audited by booth-level agents appointed by six national parties and 67 state-level parties. The decision regarding registration of voters and deletion of ineligible persons is taken by the ERO.“SIR is based on actual field verification of electors, checking of data and verification of documents by electoral staff. No artificial intelligence is used at any stage,” an EC official said, rejecting claims of UN rapporteur regarding the use of AI-driven systems in SIR.The official said after the publication of electoral roll for every booth and assembly constituency, objections can still be raised by anyone against any wrong entry and claims filed for inclusion of eligible electors as part of continuous updation.An EC functionary said the enthusiastic and full-scale participation of nearly 95 crore electors as well as all political parties in “the transparent SIR process” and its endorsement by Supreme Court, is the biggest validation of the exercise.The six assembly polls not only clocked record high voter turnouts since Independence, but the actual number of votes polled too were the highest since Independence.Bengal had recorded 93.7% polling, Puducherry 91.2%, Assam 86.3%, Tamil Nadu 86% and Kerala 79.5% in the April-May polls. Before that, Bihar assembly polls too saw a record 67.3% turnout.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Setback To Mamata Banerjee As Loyalist Anubrata Mandal Joins Ritabrata-Led Rebel CampOperation Lotus In Kashmir? 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EC sources stated that SIR is a constitutional exercise in accordance with the electoral laws of India (File photo) NEW DELHI: Three United Nations rapporteurs have flagged concerns regarding the special intensive revision (SIR) process completed in 13 states/UTs and ongoing in others, alleging shortcomings like “opaque AI-driven systems, weak ground for deletion of names,…

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