VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html “Will speaking two languages confuse my child?”: Pediatrician busts the most common bilingual parenting myth Tesla driver caught asleep at 100 km/h with two kids in car: How a pair of sunglasses ‘fooled’ the self driving feature Trump’s Board of Peace planning pilot ‘humanitarian zone’ in south Gaza: Official India, Kyrgyzstan launch ‘Manas and Mahabharata’ civilizational studies centre | India News No hotels, endless food, and family everywhere: Canadian woman shares what shocked her after marrying a Pakistani man Who are Arthur Fery’s parents? Meet millionaire businessman Loic Fery, former tennis pro mum, net worth and the family behind the British star Amit Shah to chair border SPs conference on infiltration, illegal immigration, demographic changes | India News Big blow for India: Opener Pratika Rawal ruled out of historic Lord’s Test against England; here’s why | Cricket News R Sai Kishore joins Gloucestershire for final six County Championship matches | Cricket News Lock Upp 2: Confirmed – Gaurav Khanna to enter the show as a special visitor to meet wife Akanksha Chamola | Scientists in Singapore have found a way to transform shrimp shell waste into ‘carbon-negative’ hydrogen fuel, turning biomass waste into valuable climate solutions NEW DELHI: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday termed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) decision to freeze its bank deposits worth Rs 440 crore as “politically motivated”, asserting that all its financial transactions had been fully disclosed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Income Tax Department.The statement came hours after the ED froze the party’s bank deposits under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation into financial transactions linked to the party’s bank accounts.Responding to the action, the TMC said in a post on X that all donations and bank accounts had been transparently disclosed and were available in the public domain.”All funds held in the party’s bank accounts have been fully and transparently disclosed. The party has duly reported all donation transactions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Income Tax Department. These disclosures are published annually on the ECI’s website and are available in the public domain.The details relating to electoral bonds are already available with the Government of India, as the bonds were issued by the State Bank of India (SBI) and subsequently submitted to the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.”The party also accused the Centre of using investigative agencies against political opponents.”The Enforcement Directorate’s decision to freeze the party’s bank accounts is a politically motivated act. We strongly condemn this arbitrary and illegal action. The misuse of investigative agencies to target political opponents has become a hallmark of the BJP’s politics and represents a serious assault on democratic institutions and the principles of a level playing field.”The ED had earlier said it froze the party’s deposits following a money laundering probe into alleged financial transactions involving TMC-linked bank accounts. The agency is investigating claims that more than Rs 150 crore was routed through a network of aviation, travel and allied service companies and is examining whether funds used for chartered flights during the party’s 2024 Lok Sabha campaign were layered through multiple entities to conceal their source.The investigation stems from a complaint alleging that proceeds of a major cyber fraud were transferred into certain TMC bank accounts. As part of the probe, the ED has searched multiple locations in Kolkata and is examining transactions involving several companies and at least 18 bank accounts linked to the case.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosShiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Arrested In KDMC Doctors’ Assault Case: PoliceEggs Thrown, ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans At Mamata Banerjee’s Rally In West BengalRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second TerroristRam Temple Trust Accounts Reveal ₹3,264 Crore Donations, 32 Kg Gold And 1.5 Tonnes Of SilverBJP, RSS Launch Damage Control Drive? As Ram Mandir Donation Row Escalates Ahead Of UP Polls123Photostories”It is the key to hydration of grains of rice”: Chef Vikas Khanna shares the secret to making fluffy rice at homeNick Jonas’ interviews reveal 5 relationship tips worth borrowingAfter ‘Alpha’ release, Alia Bhatt swaps athleisure for a statement green Banarasi lehenga by Anita Dongre10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strandsHow to meditate: A step-by-step guide for beginners5 innocent-sounding phrases that can leave a bad impression on your co-workersAnshula Kapoor’s sindoori red Amit Aggarwal reception saree redefines modern bridal fashion with a couture twist123Hot PicksSilver import shortageUS Iran War ImpactNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallConnor MurphyE20 PetrolZhuang ZhouNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol Trump’s ceasefire ‘over’ remarks & fresh Strait of Hormuz disruptions: What it means for India ‘On every single of their list’: Trump claims Iran is plotting to assassinate him India on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia following fresh attacks on commercial shipping, urging all sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue.In a statement, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said the latest developments threatened regional stability and the free flow of global trade and energy supplies.”India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in West Asia, which have followed fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region,” the MEA said.The ministry warned that “these developments risk undermining regional peace, security and stability.”Calling for de-escalation, the MEA said, “India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians as well as the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and commerce.”It further urged the conflicting sides to pursue diplomacy, saying, “We urge the parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.”India’s statement came after the United States launched large-scale military strikes on Iranian military targets, with US officials describing the operation as significantly more extensive than previous attacks. According to Axios, an American official said the operation was “four or five times bigger in scope and power” than strikes carried out ten days earlier.According to the US military, the strikes targeted Iranian military installations near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz after Tehran allegedly attacked three commercial vessels transiting the waterway.Iran responded by launching strikes targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, according to reports. Missile alerts were sounded in both countries, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard acknowledged targeting US military installations in the two Gulf states.Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was effectively over. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s over,” Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the Nato summit in Turkey when asked whether the truce remained intact. He added, “It’s just a waste of time dealing with them.”Trump also said, “I’ll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don’t see it. I don’t like these people.”Negotiations to reach a final deal had been due to start after Khamenei’s burial and focus on the toughest matters, including fully reopening the strait and rolling back Tehran’s disputed nuclear program. But the new attacks throw that into question, though neither country immediately signaled they’d walk away from the negotiating table.“The era of bullying and extortion is over,” Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf wrote on X. “It leads nowhere. We don’t fold.”Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosEggs Thrown, ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans At Mamata Banerjee’s Rally In West BengalRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second TerroristRam Temple Trust Accounts Reveal ₹3,264 Crore Donations, 32 Kg Gold And 1.5 Tonnes Of SilverBJP, RSS Launch Damage Control Drive? As Ram Mandir Donation Row Escalates Ahead Of UP PollsAircraft, Chopper Acquisition Under ED Lens: TMC’s ‘Dishonest Financial Dealings’ Case Deepens123Photostories”It is the key to hydration of grains of rice”: Chef Vikas Khanna shares the secret to making fluffy rice at homeNick Jonas’ interviews reveal 5 relationship tips worth borrowingAfter ‘Alpha’ release, Alia Bhatt swaps athleisure for a statement green Banarasi lehenga by Anita Dongre10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strandsHow to meditate: A step-by-step guide for beginners5 innocent-sounding phrases that can leave a bad impression on your co-workersAnshula Kapoor’s sindoori red Amit Aggarwal reception saree redefines modern bridal fashion with a couture twist123Hot PicksSilver import shortageUS Iran War ImpactNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallConnor MurphyE20 PetrolZhuang ZhouNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol Vande Bharat trains that take you to India’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites US stocks today: Oil jumps nearly 5%, shares tumble as Trump declares Iran ceasefire ‘over’ NEW DELHI: The Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Manas National Academy, has established the International Centre for Civilizational Studies “Manas and Mahabharata” in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, marking a new academic and cultural bridge between India and Central Asia.The centre was inaugurated during the July 4-7 visit of an Indian delegation to Kyrgyzstan. The ceremony also saw the release of the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic Manas, one of the country’s most important cultural texts.Trilateral cooperation agreements were signed between the Manas National Academy, CSIR and seven leading universities of Kyrgyzstan, including KNU, BSU, AUCA and Ala-Too. The centre is expected to focus on comparative civilisational studies, epic traditions of the Mahabharata and Manas, shared cultural heritage, humanitarian diplomacy and training of young researchers.RSS national executive member and media head Sunil Ambekar, who attended as chief guest, said India and Kyrgyzstan shared long-standing cultural relations rooted in common human values. He said the Mahabharata had deeply influenced Indian civilisation, while Manas had shaped Kyrgyz cultural consciousness for centuries.CSIR honorary director Dr Punit Gaur said the centre would promote scientific, educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries and was aligned with India’s wider civilisational dialogue outreach across Eurasia.The Indian delegation included scholars Hem Chandra Pande and Ramakant Dwivedi, who translated Manas into Hindi. The delegation also held meetings with senior Kyrgyz officials and visited key cultural sites in Bishkek.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosEggs Thrown, ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans At Mamata Banerjee’s Rally In West BengalRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second TerroristRam Temple Trust Accounts Reveal ₹3,264 Crore Donations, 32 Kg Gold And 1.5 Tonnes Of SilverBJP, RSS Launch Damage Control Drive? As Ram Mandir Donation Row Escalates Ahead Of UP PollsAircraft, Chopper Acquisition Under ED Lens: TMC’s ‘Dishonest Financial Dealings’ Case Deepens123PhotostoriesNick Jonas’ interviews reveal 5 relationship tips worth borrowingAfter ‘Alpha’ release, Alia Bhatt swaps athleisure for a statement green Banarasi lehenga by Anita Dongre10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strandsHow to meditate: A step-by-step guide for beginners5 innocent-sounding phrases that can leave a bad impression on your co-workersAnshula Kapoor’s sindoori red Amit Aggarwal reception saree redefines modern bridal fashion with a couture twistFrom Rajma to Rajgira: 7 delicious Indian food items that have more calcium than milk per 100 grams; alternatives for plant-based and diary-free diets123Hot PicksSilver import shortageUS Iran War ImpactNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallConnor MurphyE20 PetrolZhuang ZhouNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol “Age is just a number”: Fans react as Wimbledon celebrates Novak Djokovic and Lionel Messi’s legacy following their historic performances Telegram ‘drug rape’ network that shocked Germany! How secret codes were used to assault women Women power higher education growth as female GER widens lead over men | India News Another ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ moment in Indonesia as PM Modi, Prabowo try angklung – watch | India News Connor Murphy cause of death: New details emerge after influencer’s tragic death in Thailand Mamata Banerjee loses cool, slaps TMC worker during protest NEW DELHI: A video showing Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee slapping a party worker during a protest march in Kolkata has gone viral on social media, triggering political reactions.The video was shared on X by BJP National spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, who claimed that she hit multiple people from her party. “Mamata Banerjee has completely lost her mental balance after losing elections! Mamata Banerjee Hits Multiple People belonging to her own party during Protest march today,” Bhandari wrote. West Bengal Mahila Morcha in-charge and BJP social media coordinator Lakshmi Singh also criticised Mamata over the incident.According to the viral video circulating on social media, Mamata lose her cool during the rally and slapped a TMC worker who was trying to clear a path for her through the crowd. The clip shows the party chief walking amid a large gathering before briefly striking a worker standing close to her as supporters attempted to manage the crowd around her.Sharing the video, Lakshmi Singh wrote on X, “Mamata Banerjee’s arrogance was on full display during a #TMC protest. In a shocking moment, she slapped her own party worker—the very person trying to clear the crowd and make way for her.””If loyal workers are treated with such disrespect in public, imagine how ordinary people were valued under TMC’s rule,” she added.The incident took place during a protest march organised by the TMC’s youth wing over the alleged rape and murder of an 12-year-old girl in Baruipur. The rally, which was held after the Calcutta high court granted permission subject to several conditions, began at Ballygunge Phari and concluded at Hazra Crossing in south Kolkata.The march witnessed clashes between BJP workers and TMC supporters at several locations along the route. Police used batons to disperse the rival groups after tensions escalated.During the protest, BJP workers allegedly raised ‘chor, chor’ slogans, threw eggs at the procession and attempted to block the march by forming human barricades, while TMC leaders accused the BJP of deliberately trying to disrupt the rally.Addressing supporters after the march, Mamata accused the police of failing to enforce the Calcutta High Court’s order that had allowed the protest.”The high court allowed our rally, but BJP goons stopped it. How can the police undermine the court’s order allowing the rally? BJP goons beat up our party workers. Is this democracy?” she said.She also alleged that the police acted like ‘an arm of the BJP’ instead of ensuring the peaceful conduct of the rally.”The police cannot provide protection to common people and are being used to sabotage our programme,” Banerjee said.The BJP, meanwhile, alleged that TMC workers provoked its supporters during the march, leading to the clashes.The protest was organised amid widespread outrage over the alleged rape and murder of the minor girl in Baruipur. Police have arrested four accused in the case, while one of the prime accused, Prabhas Mondal, was killed in a police encounter during a crime scene reconstruction exercise earlier on Wednesday, according to officials.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second TerroristRam Temple Trust Accounts Reveal ₹3,264 Crore Donations, 32 Kg Gold And 1.5 Tonnes Of SilverBJP, RSS Launch Damage Control Drive? As Ram Mandir Donation Row Escalates Ahead Of UP PollsAircraft, Chopper Acquisition Under ED Lens: TMC’s ‘Dishonest Financial Dealings’ Case DeepensUS Charges Lawrence Bishnoi And Goldy Brar For Allegedly Ordering Nijjar’s Killing In Canada123PhotostoriesNick Jonas’ interviews reveal 5 relationship tips worth borrowingAfter ‘Alpha’ release, Alia Bhatt swaps athleisure for a statement green Banarasi lehenga by Anita Dongre10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strandsHow to meditate: A step-by-step guide for beginners5 innocent-sounding phrases that can leave a bad impression on your co-workersAnshula Kapoor’s sindoori red Amit Aggarwal reception saree redefines modern bridal fashion with a couture twistFrom Rajma to Rajgira: 7 delicious Indian food items that have more calcium than milk per 100 grams; alternatives for plant-based and diary-free diets123Hot PicksSilver import shortageUS Iran War ImpactNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallConnor MurphyE20 PetrolZhuang ZhouNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol ‘It’s harder to build rallies’: India’s star shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa criticises badminton’s new 15×3 scoring system | Badminton News ‘India-US trade deal will unleash animal spirits’: Economist Surjit Bhalla sees China benefitting if it doesn’t happen Before Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Dada’ first look, Sushant Singh Rajput tried to secure the rights in 2018 to play Sourav Ganguly on-screen ‘Suhagrat Express’ goes viral after 1st AC train coupe is transformed into a wedding suite; internet asks, ‘Who allowed this?’ History at Wimbledon: Arnav Paparkar becomes first Indian in 36 years to reach boys’ singles quarter-finals since Leander Paes Towering trees more than 200 feet tall may not be as vulnerable to drought as scientists thought, new study reveals how Southeast Asia’s dipterocarps efficiently move water Diljit Dosanjh starrer ‘Satluj’s 9.5 ratings vanish from popular aggregator platform, writer Niren Bhatt and Sanjay Gupta react: ‘Koi communication hi nahi tha’ Isro successfully tests main parachute for Gaganyaan crew module: Watch Saudi Arabia executes man for burning wife alive after luring her to desert Pests, hygiene scare in pantries: Railway Ministry directs zones to follow strict cleaning protocols | India News Jul 08, 2026, 18:59 IST How India’s silver import restrictions have created shortages; white metal trading at significant premium to global prices ‘This girl can take a hundred on her chin and still be standing’: ‘Dhamaal 4’ actress Anjali Anand refuses to let online trolls fat-shame her and how ‘society still sees her weight first before her job’ Katrina Kaif: Katrina Kaif is away from social media for over a month, and it is silently giving us major lessons on how to be a mom away from social media DRDO successfully tests Pinaka long-range guided rocket with 60-km minimum range ‘Lust for murder’: German doctor who killed 15 patients gets life term; suspected in 76 more deaths ‘Asked to stay away for a few days’: Gopal Rao denies being removed from Ram Temple trust | India News Jul 08, 2026, 19:58 IST Bihar ITI 2026 round 1 seat allotment result released at bceceboard.bihar.gov.in: Here’s how to check When Shilpa Shirodkar almost drowned in water while shooting for ‘Hum’, Govinda pulled her up: ‘I was in leather pant, no life jacket’ | Hindi Movie News Golden Retriever Nicknames: 7 cool nicknames for your pet Golden Retriever | England fan spent his £10,000 life savings to take grandfather to FIFA World Cup; he suddenly received the money back after the win NEW DELHI: Rains in different parts of the country due to monsoon recovery in the past seven-eight days brought some relief to farmers, but considering the uncertainty due to the potential impact of El Nino and the skewed distribution of rainfall, the agriculture ministry has stepped up its ground action with adequate seed availability and other measures to ensure uninterrupted sowing operations.Though the overall rain deficit reduced from 40% on June 30 to 15% on July 8, the acreage of Kharif (summer sown) crops was reported 21% down till Monday compared to the corresponding period last year. Low rainfall and delayed progress of the summer monsoon saw the sowing completed over nearly 351 lakh hectares, a decrease of 92 lakh hectares from 443 lakh hectares in 2025.Acreage of the most popular Kharif crop, paddy, is down by 14% to 60 lakh hectares till July 6, compared with 70 lakh hectares last year. Sowing area under oilseeds declined the most (nearly 40%) to 66 lakh hectares from 109 lakh hectares last year. Acreage of cotton also declined to 63 lakh hectares from 82 lakh hectares last year.IMD on Wednesday predicted “significant reduction” in rainfall activity over central India from Thursday onwards, hinting at an upcoming challenge. It already forecast “below normal” rainfall for July due to El Nino, a naturally occurring climate pattern characterised by above-average sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which is associated with a weak monsoon in India.Underlining the challenge amid the forecast, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said the Centre is closely monitoring the situation in 13 states — Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal and Odisha — where kharif sowing has been impacted due to the late arrival of the monsoon.As on Wednesday, the number of rainfall-deficient districts declined from 262 to 178. Many districts, however, received a substantially high quantity of rainfall during a shorter period of time in the past one week mainly due to the formation of the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, leaving farmers off guard.Chouhan said the efforts are being intensified to increase farmers’ participation under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’ (crop insurance scheme), ensuring their financial protection in the event of crop losses due to adverse weather conditions.Referring to the govt’s preparedness, the minister said that an extensive monitoring mechanism was put in place, keeping in view the potential impact of El Niño. “The entire system was activated in advance and is working proactively… The El Niño Monitoring Cell, Crop Weather Watch Group, state-level control rooms and designated officers are continuously monitoring the progress of the monsoon, crop sowing, crop conditions and market trends,” he said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second TerroristRam Temple Trust Accounts Reveal ₹3,264 Crore Donations, 32 Kg Gold And 1.5 Tonnes Of SilverBJP, RSS Launch Damage Control Drive? As Ram Mandir Donation Row Escalates Ahead Of UP PollsAircraft, Chopper Acquisition Under ED Lens: TMC’s ‘Dishonest Financial Dealings’ Case DeepensUS Charges Lawrence Bishnoi And Goldy Brar For Allegedly Ordering Nijjar’s Killing In Canada4 States Sign Historic Pact To End 50-Year Narmada Project Payment Dispute In Presence Of Amit Shah9 Indian Ships Carrying 198 Seafarers Remain Near Strait Of Hormuz; Govt Says All Vessels Are Safe123Photostories10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strandsHow to meditate: A step-by-step guide for beginners5 innocent-sounding phrases that can leave a bad impression on your co-workersAnshula Kapoor’s sindoori red Amit Aggarwal reception saree redefines modern bridal fashion with a couture twistFrom Rajma to Rajgira: 7 delicious Indian food items that have more calcium than milk per 100 grams; alternatives for plant-based and diary-free dietsWhite pedicures are out: Try these summer 2026 pedicure trends that are taking over every nail salon9 morning rituals that help high achievers and successful people stay ahead every day123Hot PicksWayanad landslideSiya GoyalNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallStock market crashE20 PetrolLNG Vessel strikeNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol Bot calls, AI chat generated Rs 5520 crore loans in FY26: Sanjiv Bajaj CSIR-UGC NET June 2026 exam city slip released, candidates can check allotted city here Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor groove as Himesh Reshammiya sings ‘Kitne Armaan’ and it’s the best thing on the internet today, don’t miss the ‘jhakaas’ Anil Kapoor touch – WATCH VIDEO | Hindi Movie News