VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Clive Davis passes away at 94; Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, Michael Buble and other stars pay tribute Four fertiliser ships exit Strait of Hormuz, head to India The blaze engulfed a commercial building housing a pet shop, library, and gaming studio LUCKNOW: At least 15 people, most of them student trainees and staff of a gaming and animation studio, were killed and nine others were injured Monday afternoon in a fire that tore through a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj after a suspected AC short circuit in a pet store and clinic on the ground floor. Six pets trapped in the veterinary section also died in the blaze.Initial reports said a coaching centre was engulfed in the flames. Social media posts also erroneously referred to a coaching centre, based on preliminary information.The victims, all in their 20s, were among 22 people brought out by rescue teams from soot-laced rooms and toilets inside which they had apparently locked themselves to escape the fast-spreading flames. Preliminary forensic findings suggest “highly combustible material” stored in the building, on Usha Mehta Marg in north Lucknow, fed the flames, fire department sources said. AC Short CircuitIn Vet’s ClinicSuspected; FireAlso Kills 6 PetsThick smoke billowing from upper floors was visible from 2km away. A sanitation worker identified as Marzena was the first to raise an alarm around 2.30pm, screaming for everyone to run to safety. The building turned into an inferno in minutes, sealing all escape routes, sources said. First responders described seeing some survivors smashing windowpanes and using a rope to rappel down to safety. “A few jumped from the first and second floors,” a police officer said, quoting a witness. Dr Prem Raj Singh, chief medical superintendent of KGMU, said three of the seven people admitted to the trauma centre were in critical condition.CM Yogi Adityanath cut short his Aligarh visit and returned to Lucknow on hearing about the fire tragedy. He visited KGMU and announced Rs 5 lakh each in compensation to the families of the dead and Rs 50,000 each for the critically injured. “UP govt stands firmly with all the affected families with full sensitivity and commitment,” he said, also ordering a probe within seven days by a two-member SIT. Deathly flamesPM Narendra Modi, too, condoled the deaths and sanctioned Rs 2 lakh in ex gratia to the families that lost a member each in the blaze. Officials said 15 fire engines were deployed to fight the fire, with the first reaching the site within eight minutes of receiving an alert. NDRF and SDRF teams mounted a rescue even as firefighters battled the blaze for over an hour before bringing it under control.Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak was among the first to reach the site and monitor rescue efforts. DGP Rajeev Krishna, ACS (home) Sanjay Prasad and director general of fire services Sujeet Pandey were also there.The fire-ravaged building had business establishments spread across the basement, ground and two upper floors. The second floor housed Learning Space library and Head Hopper Studio, a gaming and animation firm with a training wing.Also read: Lucknow fire: Building owner among 4 arrested; SIT to submit report in 7 daysGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPathikrit ChakrabortyWhen not covering crime, he reads fiction, roams around the dark alleys of the city in the dead of night. An MA (English Litt) from University of Lucknow, Pathikrit loves to speak French, well at least a smattering of it. He did his graduation in French language. A recipient of the Road Safety Fellowship of the United Nations, Pathikrit drives cautiously and advises others to do that too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndians Among 13 Killed In Explosion At Ras Laffan LNG Complex In QatarStudents Jump, Rescuers Breach Walls: Inside The Lucknow Fire Tragedy That Claimed 15 LivesTMC Civil War Escalates As Rebels Claim Control Of Party, Removes ‘Supremo’ Mamata BanerjeeNEET Re-Test Heartbreak: Students Cry Outside Centres After Missing Entry DeadlineWest Bengal’s First BJP Budget: 1 Lakh Jobs, DA Hike, New Airport, Cut In Minority Affairs FundsUP CM Yogi Vows Action, Dy CM Breaks Down After 15 Students Killed In Lucknow Fire TragedySix Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Join Shinde Camp, Uddhav Suffers Fresh Political BlowUAE In Talks To Buy BrahMos Missile, Akashteer Air Defence System From India: ReportMahua’s ‘Rs 4 Crore Upfront’ Claim Sparks Defamation Threat; 20 Rebel TMC MPs To Sue Moitra | Watch84% Of Indians May Now Live In Urban Areas; India May Create A Third Settlement Category123Photostories“It was pressure, not pain”: The heart attack sign cardiologists never ignoreMeet Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor Amit Bhatt aka Champak Chacha’s real-life family; Here are lesser known facts about his wife Kruti Bhatt, kids and moreThis 18th-century fort overlooking Jaipur has legends, palaces and unmatched sunset views; no it’s not AmerRashmika Mandanna to Ananya Panday: 5 major fashion moments of the week that had everyone talkingAlways tired, forgetful or feeling pins and needles? 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In the meeting, Doval underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations will contribute to building trust and better understanding between the two sides.”The two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations and noted progress towards gradual normalisation,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. He said the Doval-Wang discussions were “constructive and forward-looking”.India and China rolled out a series of measures in the last one year to rebuild their relationship after it witnessed a major downturn following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020 and the subsequent military face-off that lasted for over four years.Following a series of diplomatic and military-level talks, the two sides withdrew their troops from several friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. ptiGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndians Among 13 Killed In Explosion At Ras Laffan LNG Complex In QatarStudents Jump, Rescuers Breach Walls: Inside The Lucknow Fire Tragedy That Claimed 15 LivesTMC Civil War Escalates As Rebels Claim Control Of Party, Removes ‘Supremo’ Mamata BanerjeeNEET Re-Test Heartbreak: Students Cry Outside Centres After Missing Entry DeadlineWest Bengal’s First BJP Budget: 1 Lakh Jobs, DA Hike, New Airport, Cut In Minority Affairs FundsUP CM Yogi Vows Action, Dy CM Breaks Down After 15 Students Killed In Lucknow Fire TragedySix Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Join Shinde Camp, Uddhav Suffers Fresh Political BlowUAE In Talks To Buy BrahMos Missile, Akashteer Air Defence System From India: ReportMahua’s ‘Rs 4 Crore Upfront’ Claim Sparks Defamation Threat; 20 Rebel TMC MPs To Sue Moitra | Watch84% Of Indians May Now Live In Urban Areas; India May Create A Third Settlement Category123PhotostoriesMeet Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor Amit Bhatt aka Champak Chacha’s real-life family; Here are lesser known facts about his wife Kruti Bhatt, kids and moreThis 18th-century fort overlooking Jaipur has legends, palaces and unmatched sunset views; no it’s not AmerRashmika Mandanna to Ananya Panday: 5 major fashion moments of the week that had everyone talkingAlways tired, forgetful or feeling pins and needles? 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Indian-American parents’ $500K scholarship promise gets support from 3 companies (Photo: PTI) NEW DELHI: Four government officials have been suspended and four building owners arrested in connection with the devastating fire that tore through a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday, killing 15 people and injuring several others.The Uttar Pradesh government said the suspensions were ordered on the directions of chief minister Yogi Adityanath. “On the directions of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, four persons have been suspended with immediate effect. They are: Gaurav Kumar (Executive Engineer Collection of Electricity Department), Kamlendra Kumar Singh, FSSO (Fire Department) Indira Nagar, Anil Kumar AE (LDA), and Pramod Kumar JE(LDA),” the state government said in a statement.Police said four people, all joint owners of the building, have been arrested in connection with the incident. An FIR has been registered at Aliganj police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Act against six named persons and others.Authorities are also probing allegations that the building, approved for residential use, was being illegally used for commercial purposes. Aliganj ACP Shashi Prakash Mishra said the allegations are being investigated and appropriate action will be taken.Students trapped on second floorThe fire broke out on Monday afternoon in the building located on Usha Mehta Marg in north Lucknow. The structure housed an animation centre on the second floor, while a pet shop and a clinic operated on the lower floors.Most of the victims were students attending classes at the animation centre when the blaze engulfed the building. Eyewitnesses said several people jumped from the structure in a desperate attempt to escape as flames completely gutted the premises.Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have originated in the building’s AC duct. Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister A K Sharma said the thick smoke caused suffocation and the absence of a proper exit route worsened the tragedy. He added that possible violations of building norms would be investigated.Rajnath visits site, promises accountabilityDefence minister Rajnath Singh visited the site soon after arriving in Lucknow and was briefed by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak. Speaking to reporters, Singh said CM Yogi Adityanath had assured that the incident would be thoroughly investigated. He said responsibility would be fixed for those found accountable and all necessary action would be taken.Describing the tragedy as “very unfortunate”, Singh expressed condolences to the bereaved families. The defence minister later visited King George’s Medical University (KGMU) to enquire about the condition of the injured. According to a statement issued by the Lucknow city unit of the BJP, he instructed doctors to ensure the patients received the best possible treatment.Before reaching Lucknow, Rajnath Singh spoke to Adityanath over the phone and was briefed on the entire sequence of events.”Briefing the defence minister on the entire sequence of events, chief minister Adityanath said that strict action is being taken against the guilty. An SIT has been constituted to investigate the incident. The team is to submit its report to the government within seven days,” the Lucknow city unit of the BJP said in a statement.The chief minister also informed Singh that the state government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for seriously injured victims. He directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment and extend all possible assistance to those affected.(With inputs from PTI)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 MediaVideosIndians Among 13 Killed In Explosion At Ras Laffan LNG Complex In QatarStudents Jump, Rescuers Breach Walls: Inside The Lucknow Fire Tragedy That Claimed 15 LivesTMC Civil War Escalates As Rebels Claim Control Of Party, Removes ‘Supremo’ Mamata BanerjeeNEET Re-Test Heartbreak: Students Cry Outside Centres After Missing Entry DeadlineWest Bengal’s First BJP Budget: 1 Lakh Jobs, DA Hike, New Airport, Cut In Minority Affairs FundsUP CM Yogi Vows Action, Dy CM Breaks Down After 15 Students Killed In Lucknow Fire TragedySix Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Join Shinde Camp, Uddhav Suffers Fresh Political BlowUAE In Talks To Buy BrahMos Missile, Akashteer Air Defence System From India: ReportMahua’s ‘Rs 4 Crore Upfront’ Claim Sparks Defamation Threat; 20 Rebel TMC MPs To Sue Moitra | Watch84% Of Indians May Now Live In Urban Areas; India May Create A Third Settlement Category123PhotostoriesMeet Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor Amit Bhatt aka Champak Chacha’s real-life family; Here are lesser known facts about his wife Kruti Bhatt, kids and moreThis 18th-century fort overlooking Jaipur has legends, palaces and unmatched sunset views; no it’s not AmerRashmika Mandanna to Ananya Panday: 5 major fashion moments of the week that had everyone talkingAlways tired, forgetful or feeling pins and needles? Doctor says these silent symptoms could point to vitamin B12 deficiencyMaharashtra’s reverse waterfall to Ladakh’s magnetic hill: 5 Indian places that defy scienceWhat would you do? My closest friend keeps joking about my weight in front of everyone; Here’s what these 4 women did about itJanhvi to Shanaya: How the Kapoor clan brought wedding fashion goals to Anshula Kapoor’s pre-wedding festivityCan a child’s favourite drink increase the risk of obesity and high blood pressure? doctor explainsThe hidden history of kajal: Why ancient Indian women never left home without it10 beautiful baby girl names that mean ‘Beauty’ in different languages123Hot PicksCGBSE NMMSE result 2026Gold rate todayIndia-US trade dealGorakhpur rapeAfrican proverb of the dayBest proverbWeather forecast tomorrowPortuguese proverb of the daySpanish proverb of the dayTop TrendingDelhi MurderUS-Iran WarBadlapur AccidentFIFA World Cup 2026Shiv Sena UBTTamil Nadu Ammonia Gas LeakNEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain Hidden costs in rental agreements: What tenants should watch out for UK PM Keir Starmer quits Nagpur: Observing that personal liberty cannot override the broader interests of society, Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court recently denied bail to a Chandrapur murder accused with multiple serious criminal cases, despite his prolonged incarceration and delay in trial.Justice MM Nerlikar rejected bail application filed by the murder accused, who has been in jail since Jan 26, 2024, in connection with a murder case registered at Ramnagar police station in Chandrapur.The court acknowledged that the accused remained behind bars for more than two years and four months and that charges were yet to be framed. However, the bench held that the accused’s extensive criminal antecedents and repeated involvement in violent offences outweighed his plea seeking protection under Article 21 of the Constitution.”Personal liberty is a cherished constitutional value, but it is not absolute. No individual can assert a freedom that imperils the life or liberty of others,” the court observed in its order.The case stems from murder of a contractor by the accused. The prosecution alleged that disputes arose between them over a two-wheeler purchased in the deceased’s name and unpaid loan instalments.Petitioner argued although chargesheet was filed on April 24, 2024, and matter was committed to sessions court in May 2024, charges still had not been framed. He contended the prolonged delay violated accused’s constitutional right to speedy trial and relied on recent SC judgments granting bail in cases involving long incarceration.Opposing the plea, assistant govt pleader AM Kadukar submitted the accused inflicted 14 injuries on the deceased and had 10 criminal cases registered against him. These included offences related to attempt to murder, grievous hurt, kidnapping, rioting and assault on public servants.The prosecution further informed the court that the petitioner’s earlier bail application was already rejected on merit and that the apex court also refused to interfere with that order.The bench noted that while the accused secured acquittals in four cases, six serious criminal cases were still pending against him. It observed that he repeatedly committed offences despite being granted bail.Justice Nerlikar observed that although courts have granted bail in cases involving prolonged custody, “petitioner is a menace to society” and, therefore, did not deserve relief.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndians Among 13 Killed In Explosion At Ras Laffan LNG Complex In QatarStudents Jump, Rescuers Breach Walls: Inside The Lucknow Fire Tragedy That Claimed 15 LivesTMC Civil War Escalates As Rebels Claim Control Of Party, Removes ‘Supremo’ Mamata BanerjeeNEET Re-Test Heartbreak: Students Cry Outside Centres After Missing Entry DeadlineWest Bengal’s First BJP Budget: 1 Lakh Jobs, DA Hike, New Airport, Cut In Minority Affairs FundsUP CM Yogi Vows Action, Dy CM Breaks Down After 15 Students Killed In Lucknow Fire TragedySix Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Join Shinde Camp, Uddhav Suffers Fresh Political BlowUAE In Talks To Buy BrahMos Missile, Akashteer Air Defence System From India: ReportMahua’s ‘Rs 4 Crore Upfront’ Claim Sparks Defamation Threat; 20 Rebel TMC MPs To Sue Moitra | Watch84% Of Indians May Now Live In Urban Areas; India May Create A Third Settlement Category123PhotostoriesMeet Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor Amit Bhatt aka Champak Chacha’s real-life family; Here are lesser known facts about his wife Kruti Bhatt, kids and moreThis 18th-century fort overlooking Jaipur has legends, palaces and unmatched sunset views; no it’s not AmerRashmika Mandanna to Ananya Panday: 5 major fashion moments of the week that had everyone talkingAlways tired, forgetful or feeling pins and needles? Doctor says these silent symptoms could point to vitamin B12 deficiencyMaharashtra’s reverse waterfall to Ladakh’s magnetic hill: 5 Indian places that defy scienceWhat would you do? My closest friend keeps joking about my weight in front of everyone; Here’s what these 4 women did about itJanhvi to Shanaya: How the Kapoor clan brought wedding fashion goals to Anshula Kapoor’s pre-wedding festivityCan a child’s favourite drink increase the risk of obesity and high blood pressure? doctor explainsThe hidden history of kajal: Why ancient Indian women never left home without it10 beautiful baby girl names that mean ‘Beauty’ in different languages123Hot PicksCGBSE NMMSE result 2026Gold rate todayIndia-US trade dealGorakhpur rapeAfrican proverb of the dayBest proverbWeather forecast tomorrowPortuguese proverb of the daySpanish proverb of the dayTop TrendingDelhi MurderUS-Iran WarBadlapur AccidentFIFA World Cup 2026Shiv Sena UBTTamil Nadu Ammonia Gas LeakNEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain Taurus Horoscope Today, June 23, 2026: If you’re single, luck is with you ‘Monday 11 hours, Tuesday 9 hours, Wednesday 10 hours…’: Tesla employee’s 54-hour workweek has netizens questioning work-life balance | Updated: Jun 23, 2026, 01:05 IST Aries Horoscope Today, June 23, 2026: Keep your wallet closed today Soldier ends life at Nagrota Army camp Maldivian wisdom of the day on exploitation, injustice: The rat gnaws into the young coconut, the bat drinks the water | World News Why California’s Billionaire’s Tax is ‘spooking’ its millionaires now Portuguese proverb of the day: ‘A thief who robs a thief has a hundred years of pardon’ — and the surprising logic behind it Who is Kunal Shah? CRED founder set to become WhatsApp’s next global CEO Spanish proverb of the day: ‘Tell me who you walk with, and I’ll tell you who you are’ — Our companions shape how we think, act, and are seen by the world In Pune Municipal Corporation, opposition corporators wear helmets in House citing ‘threat’ from BJP 3-year-old boy crushed to death by stone monument in New York rushed to hospital where mum worked as nurse Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for June 23, 2026 ‘Mujhe jaane do apne bete ke paas’: Inside Lucknow fire tragedy that left families shattered as 15 die life lesson Malay proverb of the day on humility and resilience: Follow the nature of the rice plant; the more grains it bears, the lower it bows | World News Keerthy Suresh pens heartfelt birthday note for Tamil Nadu CM Vijay: ‘This year feels different’ ‘Deeply concerned’: US echoes UN fears over looming Sudan atrocities Union home minister Amit Shah NEW DELHI: The four applications launched by home minister Amit Shah on Friday — Abhigyan, Criminal Procedure Identification (CrPI), e-prosecution 2.0 and e-forensics 2.0 —promise to integrate policing, criminal identification, forensic investigation and prosecution management into a seamless digital chain of the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), expediting investigation and prosecution through smart use of technology.While NAFIS and CrPI will identify the offender, the crime and criminal tracking and network system (CCTNS) and Crime Multi Agency Centre (Cri-MAC) will connect and support the investigation. E-forensics will strengthen the evidence and e-prosecution will drive the case towards conviction. Over the past four days, Shah has made multiple posts on X to apprise the pubic about the utility of each of the four apps.The first set of posts, uploaded on Friday, said the four apps “will equip our agencies with the key to speed and accuracy in justice delivery by enabling instant matching of fingerprints; integrated DNA, iris and face matching; and seamless digital coordination among the agencies”. In a more specific post on ‘Abhigyan’ on the same day, Shah said it “enables field police personnel to search the national fingerprint database (NAFIS) comprising 1.3 crore fingerprints, using their smartphone from any location, to identify a suspect”. He added: “This app, secured through two-step authentication, is strengthening ground policing through real-time fingerprint-based identification. Powered by fast identification, portable setup and crores of records, the Abhigyan app is a very robust tool.”On Saturday, Shah elaborated on the CrPI app with the post: “The CrPI application integrates facial recognition, iris matching, and DNA matching capabilities. The multi-modal biometric technology enhances the reliability of identification, reduces manual errors, and makes the process more transparent. Its primary applications include the identification of repeat offenders and CCTV-based suspect identification. So far, 2,190 CrPI units have been distributed, and more than 553,000 enrolments have been completed.”On e-forensics, the home minister, in a post on Sunday, said it will “facilitate the real-time use of scientific evidence in investigations by ensuring real-time flow of information”. “It will enable inter-lab case transfers, digital tracking and case monitoring, leading to prompt and perfect delivery of justice.”On Monday, Shah continued the awareness campaign with a post on the e-prosecution app. Describing it “as the new information highway connecting the investigating agencies, prosecution and judicial system,” he said it would facilitate “the bandwidth to dispose of cases within the timeframe set by the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita)”. He added: “Through seamless data streaming it will cut down the time required for identification of criminals, e-evidence integration and will allow monitoring of timelines to deliver prompt and perfect justice.”Under the BNSS, the total time period between the registration of an FIR and delivery of final judgement should not exceed three years. 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 MediaVideosIndians Among 13 Killed In Explosion At Ras Laffan LNG Complex In QatarStudents Jump, Rescuers Breach Walls: Inside The Lucknow Fire Tragedy That Claimed 15 LivesTMC Civil War Escalates As Rebels Claim Control Of Party, Removes ‘Supremo’ Mamata BanerjeeNEET Re-Test Heartbreak: Students Cry Outside Centres After Missing Entry DeadlineWest Bengal’s First BJP Budget: 1 Lakh Jobs, DA Hike, New Airport, Cut In Minority Affairs FundsUP CM Yogi Vows Action, Dy CM Breaks Down After 15 Students Killed In Lucknow Fire TragedySix Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Join Shinde Camp, Uddhav Suffers Fresh Political BlowUAE In Talks To Buy BrahMos Missile, Akashteer Air Defence System From India: ReportMahua’s ‘Rs 4 Crore Upfront’ Claim Sparks Defamation Threat; 20 Rebel TMC MPs To Sue Moitra | Watch84% Of Indians May Now Live In Urban Areas; India May Create A Third Settlement Category123PhotostoriesThis 18th-century fort overlooking Jaipur has legends, palaces and unmatched sunset views; no it’s not AmerRashmika Mandanna to Ananya Panday: 5 major fashion moments of the week that had everyone talkingAlways tired, forgetful or feeling pins and needles? Doctor says these silent symptoms could point to vitamin B12 deficiencyMaharashtra’s reverse waterfall to Ladakh’s magnetic hill: 5 Indian places that defy scienceWhat would you do? My closest friend keeps joking about my weight in front of everyone; Here’s what these 4 women did about itJanhvi to Shanaya: How the Kapoor clan brought wedding fashion goals to Anshula Kapoor’s pre-wedding festivityCan a child’s favourite drink increase the risk of obesity and high blood pressure? doctor explainsThe hidden history of kajal: Why ancient Indian women never left home without it10 beautiful baby girl names that mean ‘Beauty’ in different languages5 signs of a healthy gut, an NHS doc explains123Hot PicksCGBSE NMMSE result 2026Gold rate todayIndia-US trade dealGorakhpur rapeAfrican proverb of the dayBest proverbWeather forecast tomorrowPortuguese proverb of the daySpanish proverb of the dayTop TrendingDelhi MurderUS-Iran WarBadlapur AccidentFIFA World Cup 2026Shiv Sena UBTTamil Nadu Ammonia Gas LeakNEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain Best proverb of the day: “A man may rise like the sun through ambition, but a woman shines like…” – the quiet power of being strong and calm at once | Federal judge halts DOJ subpoena for Tim Walz over immigration probe, calls it ‘harassment’ ‘Many senior leaders have not yet been accommodated’: CM Shivakumar amid Karnataka cabinet expansion buzz | India News Updated: Jun 22, 2026, 23:28 IST This 18th-century fort overlooking Jaipur has legends, palaces and unmatched sunset views; no it’s not Amer 15 dead in Lucknow building fire: 3 arrested, SIT hunts for those behind lapses Jun 22, 2026, 23:10 IST ‘One final season’ incoming? Saints star Cameron Jordan reappears on NFL Top 100 alongside Colts mainstay Quenton Nelson US eases oil sanctions on Iran after Vance says it has agreed to nuclear inspections Ajit Doval holds ‘constructive” talks on normalising ties with China FM Wang Yi, discusses Middle East situation with Iranian Dy Secy Defence Ghadir Nezamipour National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Monday held a series of high-level bilateral meetings, including talks with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and senior Iranian security official Ghadir Nezamipour, as New Delhi hosted the BRICS National Security Advisers’ conclave amid growing geopolitical tensions and shifting regional dynamics.India is hosting the two-day security meeting in its capacity as the current chair of BRICS, bringing together top security officials from the expanded grouping for discussions on regional and global security challenges.In one of the most closely watched engagements, Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the conclave. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral ties and noted progress towards the gradual normalisation of relations.Sharing details of the meeting on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations and noted progress towards gradual normalisation. NSA underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations contribute to building trust and better understanding between the two sides. The discussions were constructive and forward-looking.”Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami and Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai were among the Indian officials present during the talks.The meeting comes as India and China continue efforts to rebuild ties following years of tension triggered by the 2020 border clashes. Since 2024, both sides have gradually moved towards de-escalation and increased diplomatic engagement. The latest interaction follows a series of meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of international summits, including the SCO Summit in Tianjin last year.The two leaders had then welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral ties and reiterated that India and China should remain development partners rather than rivals, while ensuring that differences do not turn into disputes.Separately, Doval also held wide-ranging discussions with Ghadir Nezamipour, Deputy Secretary for Defence Affairs at Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), focusing on the evolving security situation in West Asia.”Both sides reviewed the ongoing situation in West Asia. They also discussed cooperation under the BRICS platform and India-Iran bilateral ties,” Jaiswal said.The visit marks the first trip to India by a senior Iranian official since Tehran reached a peace agreement with Washington, adding significance to the discussions amid continuing regional uncertainty.The BRICS security conclave, which formally began on Monday, is expected to focus extensively on the security situation in West Asia, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, terrorism and other emerging geopolitical challenges. Besides Wang Yi, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and senior security officials from other BRICS nations are participating in the deliberations.India is also expected to raise concerns relating to terrorism, including cross-border terror activities targeting Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based groups. The situation in Afghanistan and tensions involving Pakistan are also likely to feature in the discussions, according to people familiar with the matter.The meeting takes place against the backdrop of growing complexity within the expanded BRICS grouping. Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the bloc expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, with Indonesia joining in 2025.Today, BRICS represents around 49.5 per cent of the world’s population, nearly 40 per cent of global GDP and approximately 26 per cent of global trade, making it one of the most influential platforms for emerging economies.However, differing geopolitical priorities among members continue to pose challenges. At the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in May, member states failed to agree on a joint statement after differences emerged, particularly between Iran and the UAE over developments in West Asia. As BRICS operates on the basis of consensus, India had instead issued a chair’s statement and outcome document reflecting areas of agreement while noting issues on which unanimity could not be reached.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. 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