VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html There was once an ocean where Asia’s mountains now rise and scientists say it helped build them NHL legend Wayne Gretzky responds humorously to Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers future speculation surrounding free agency trade rumors ‘West wants to impose homosexuality on the rest of the world’: Senegal PM’s makes shocking claim NEW DELHI: A doctor at a private hospital in Lucknow has been arrested after a female student accused him of rape during treatment, police told news agency PTI on Friday. The student was admitted to Tejas Hospital in the Bakshi Ka Talab area on May 18 after suffering a health-related episode. According to police, the accused doctor allegedly took the patient alone into the operation theatre and asked her father along with female staff members to wait outside.Deputy Commissioner of Police Twinkle Jain said the victim alleged that the doctor administered an intoxicating injection before sexually assaulting her during treatment. The woman, who belongs to the Dalit community, later told police she realised what had happened after the effect of the injection wore off. Her family subsequently lodged a complaint.Police identified the accused as Vijay Kumar Giri, proprietor of Tejas Hospital and a resident of Sitapur district. An FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST Act at Bakshi Ka Talab police station. The accused was detained for questioning before being formally arrested and produced before a court.Investigators said clothes allegedly worn by the accused during the incident were seized as evidence. Police also claimed that during questioning, the doctor admitted to the crime.Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister and health minister Brajesh Pathak said directions had been issued to seal the hospital and suspend the doctor’s licence. He added that the Ayurveda department had also been instructed to confiscate the accused doctor’s Ayurvedic degree to ensure he is unable to practise medicine in future.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 MediaVideosSuvendu Adhikari Announces New Direct Deportation Policy For Illegal Bangladeshi MigrantsKerala Swearing-In Sees Unity Moments As Rivals Exchange Smiles Inside Assembly Hall Today in KeralaTwisha Sharma Case: Husband Samarth Singh Surrenders In Court, Taken Into Police Custody | WatchWest Bengal: Crude Bombs Recovered In Birbhum’s Kod Village, Area Cordoned OffWest Bengal Begins Border Fencing In Phansidewa Amid Rising Infiltration And Smuggling ConcernsHumayun Kabir’s Cow Slaughter Remarks Trigger Political Row Over Qurbani And Law In West BengalUnion Home Minister Amit Shah Calls For Strong Action To End Illegal Infiltration Across BordersMankind Pharma May Raise Condom Prices As Middle East Conflict Pushes Oil Costs Higher | WatchIndian Army Issues Fake Alert Over AAP-RJD’s Viral Presser, Says They Are Spreading MisinformationMuslim Clerics Across India Appeal For Restraint On Cow Sacrifice Ahead Of Eid-al-Adha123PhotostoriesWhat is Lormalzi? Expert explains how it works and who it’s meant for5 cooling essential oils perfect for stressful summer daysHow to beat heatwave: 5 Himalayan towns in India where summer is pleasantAshish Nehra’s luxurious Goa home is a multi-crore home designed for peaceful family living, away from fast-paced cricketing world5 giant fish that rule the ocean10 subtle mind games people play (And how to spot them)Gym wear to innerwear: How often should you wash your clothesCannes 2026: While others screamed for attention, Diana Penty let butter-yellow elegance do the talking at the French RivieraHow to make Mango Cookie for weekend indulgence5 fiber-rich yellow-colored foods can be the best addition to the daily diet123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonNID DAT counsellingChristiano RonaldoPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana Ball hits glove, umpire gives LBW: Nepal captain loses cool after shocking call – Watch US stock markets today (May 22, 2026): Wall Street gains as bond market pressure eases, S&P eyes eighth straight winning week ‘Hardest phase of life’: Shaan’s wife Radhika Mukherji opens up about depression, credits the singer for support How often should you wash your clothes Scientists finally discover why gold never loses its shine after thousands of years Khosla and Desai come to the Musk-Altman party UK military air show Royal International Air Tattoo cancelled amid Middle East conflict concerns An AI-generated image The world’s most powerful nations aren’t competing over oil fields or trade routes anymore. They’re competing over India.When US Secretary of State Marco Rubio flies into New Delhi this weekend — straight from a NATO summit in Sweden — it tells you everything about where global power is shifting. This isn’t a courtesy call. It’s a recalibration.America Shows Up. But India Has Already Been Busy.US Ambassador Sergio Gor put the numbers plainly: bilateral trade between the US and India has grown from $20 billion to over $220 billion in two decades. An 11-fold increase. And Washington wants more.Rubio said it before boarding his flight: “We want to sell India as much energy as they can buy.” That’s not the language of a strategic alliance. That’s the language of a seller who knows the buyer has options.Because India does. Plenty of them.The queue outside India’s trade ministry is getting longerWhile Washington was preoccupied with tariff wars and geopolitical theatrics, New Delhi was signing deals.India–EU: The biggest Free Trade Agreement in India’s history. Prime Minister Modi called it the “mother of all deals” — covering 25% of global GDP and roughly a third of global trade.India–UK: A Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, described by Britain’s own trade committee as its most economically significant bilateral FTA since Brexit. Bilateral trade already stands at $56 billion, with a target to double it by 2030.India–Oman: Signed in December 2025. Gulf Cooperation Council negotiations are active. Talks with Canada, Israel, and others are underway.America just joined the back of this queue.So what does India have that everyone wants?Three words: Scale. Trust. Talent.India is the world’s most populous nation. Its manufacturing ambitions are backed by real policy. Its technology talent pool stretches from Silicon Valley to semiconductors to pharmaceuticals. Its middle class is the fastest-growing consumer base on Earth.And critically — India keeps its word. When New Delhi signs a deal, it delivers. In a world of unreliable partners, that’s worth more than any tariff concession.The tensions beneath the smilesThis relationship isn’t without friction. After India launched Operation Sindoor — a precise military strike against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians — Washington complicated things.President Trump claimed, nearly 80 times, that he “helped settle” the India-Pakistan conflict. India’s response was unambiguous. Prime Minister Modi stated in Parliament that no foreign leader asked India to stop. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar confirmed there was no third-party intervention. No trade conditions. No phone calls between Modi and Trump from April 22nd through June 16th.India defined its operation. India ended it. On its own terms.Then came the optics. Pakistan’s Army Chief was hosted at a two-hour White House lunch. Pakistan nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. India said nothing. In Indian diplomacy, silence is often the loudest answer.Reliable partner or strategic hedge?The broader question hovering over every meeting in Rubio’s itinerary is simple: Can Washington still be trusted?The US imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports mid-2025 — 25% reciprocal, plus an additional 25% for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. A partner that weaponizes trade during a security crisis is a partner you respect — and quietly diversify away from.India has been doing exactly that. Methodically. Brilliantly.What Rubio’s visit really meansRubio called the India-US relationship “the defining relationship of the 21st century.” That’s not rhetoric. That’s a country that looked at the scoreboard and recognized what the rest of the world already knows.India is indispensable.India will listen this weekend. It will engage. It will negotiate hard on energy, trade, defence, and technology. And it will remain exactly what it has always been — strategically autonomous, fiercely sovereign, and very much open for business.Because the most powerful nation today isn’t the one with the most weapons.It’s the one that everyone wants to do business with.About the AuthorDivya KocharEight years in the newsroom and still asking uncomfortable questions politely. She has interviewed politicians, defence experts, celebrities and international affairs specialists (100+ and counting), and somehow made all of them interesting. Believes great news shouldn’t need a dictionary. Travels a lot, reads too much, loves animals unconditionally and thinks peace is always the answer.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSuvendu Adhikari Announces New Direct Deportation Policy For Illegal Bangladeshi MigrantsKerala Swearing-In Sees Unity Moments As Rivals Exchange Smiles Inside Assembly Hall Today in KeralaTwisha Sharma Case: Husband Samarth Singh Surrenders In Court, Taken Into Police Custody | WatchWest Bengal: Crude Bombs Recovered In Birbhum’s Kod Village, Area Cordoned OffWest Bengal Begins Border Fencing In Phansidewa Amid Rising Infiltration And Smuggling ConcernsHumayun Kabir’s Cow Slaughter Remarks Trigger Political Row Over Qurbani And Law In West BengalUnion Home Minister Amit Shah Calls For Strong Action To End Illegal Infiltration Across BordersMankind Pharma May Raise Condom Prices As Middle East Conflict Pushes Oil Costs Higher | WatchIndian Army Issues Fake Alert Over AAP-RJD’s Viral Presser, Says They Are Spreading MisinformationMuslim Clerics Across India Appeal For Restraint On Cow Sacrifice Ahead Of Eid-al-Adha123PhotostoriesWhat is Lormalzi? Expert explains how it works and who it’s meant for5 cooling essential oils perfect for stressful summer daysHow to beat heatwave: 5 Himalayan towns in India where summer is pleasantAshish Nehra’s luxurious Goa home is a multi-crore home designed for peaceful family living, away from fast-paced cricketing world5 giant fish that rule the ocean10 subtle mind games people play (And how to spot them)Gym wear to innerwear: How often should you wash your clothesCannes 2026: While others screamed for attention, Diana Penty let butter-yellow elegance do the talking at the French RivieraHow to make Mango Cookie for weekend indulgence5 fiber-rich yellow-colored foods can be the best addition to the daily diet123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonNID DAT counsellingChristiano RonaldoPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana IPL 2026 | Virat Kohli reaction after Rasikh Salam Dar gives fiery send-off to Travis Head goes viral – WATCH | Cricket News Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Raftaar’ gets new release date, set for Dussehra theatrical launch on October 16 Ashish Nehra’s luxurious Goa home is a multi-crore home designed for peaceful family living, away from fast-paced cricketing world Surgeon removed healthy kidney instead of diseased one: NCDRC awards ₹2 crore compensation to family Indian man sentenced to 15.5 years in prison for gold scam in US, picked 16 gold bars from elderly victims 2 Indians die on Everest after summiting; 3rd critical at South Col | India News ‘Your 3D cricketer’: India’s 2019 World Cup squad member announces retirement Trained in classical music, prepared for UPSC, starred opposite Aishwarya Rai; then a freak accident destroyed THIS actor’s rising career Maya Angelou Quotes: Quote of the day for kids by Maya Angelou: “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything…” | Did China spy on Elon Musk, other tech executives during Trump’s Beijing visit? Blogger makes big claim Archaeologists found an intact Anglo-Saxon burial chamber in Essex, challenging old ‘dark ages’ views Trump flanked by US VP Vance and Marco Rubio US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will arrive in India on Saturday for his first official visit to the country, carrying with him a packed agenda centred on energy cooperation, trade, strategic security. The four-day visit, stretching from May 23 to May 26, comes at a delicate moment in India-US ties, one marked by growing economic engagement, but also friction over tariffs and Washington’s increasingly transactional foreign policy under US President Donald Trump.Also read: In an unusual move, Rubio says Venezuela leader to visit IndiaRubio’s trip will take him to Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, where he is expected to hold talks with external affairs minister S Jaishankar and participate in the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting alongside representatives from Japan and Australia. The visit is being seen as a major attempt by Washington to reinforce its partnership with New Delhi at a time when India has expanded ties with multiple global powers, including the European Union and Gulf nations.Ahead of the visit, Rubio repeatedly described India as a “great ally” and “great partner”, while making clear that energy and trade would dominate discussions. “We want to sell them as much energy as they’ll buy,” Rubio said while speaking to reporters in Miami before departing for Sweden and India. “We want to be a bigger part of their portfolio.”Energy and trade expected to dominate talksWashington’s push to deepen energy ties with India comes amid global concerns over supply disruptions and rising prices following instability in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio suggested the US sees India not only as a strategic partner, but also as one of the world’s most important energy markets.“We were already in talks with them to do more,” Rubio said, adding that Washington also sees “opportunities with Venezuelan oil”. He noted that Venezuela’s interim leadership was also expected to visit India next week, signalling broader conversations around alternative energy routes and supply chains.Also read: Rubio calls India ‘great partner’ ahead of key visit, pushes for stronger energy tiesThe emphasis on energy reflects the larger economic relationship both sides are now trying to expand. At the Annual Leadership Summit of the American Chamber of Commerce, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the bilateral relationship as standing at a “remarkable moment”.Gor pointed to the dramatic growth in trade between the two countries over the last two decades, from roughly $20 billion to more than $220 billion in goods and services. He said both nations were now working towards an ambitious target of $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.“Indian companies continue to expand in the United States, particularly in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and technology, while US firms are increasing their footprint in India,” Gor said.He also highlighted the growing presence of American corporate giants in India, saying top executives from companies including Uber, Walmart, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and GE Aerospace were regularly travelling to India as investment interest surged.Quad, Indo-Pacific and strategic balancingRubio’s visit will also feature a major diplomatic component through the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled for May 26. The grouping, comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia, has increasingly become central to Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the region and comes on the backdrop of Trump’s Beijing visit.Rubio underlined the importance Washington places on the Quad, noting that his first meeting as Secretary of State had been with Quad ministers. “I’m glad we are able to do it now in India and we’re going to do one later in the year as well,” he said.For New Delhi, however, strategic cooperation with Washington now exists alongside growing caution about America’s reliability as a partner. Relations between the two countries have become increasingly complicated during Trump’s second term. Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for ending tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent military response.India has firmly rejected suggestions of any US mediation. Symbolism and messaging around the visitRubio’s arrival also comes amid visible American public diplomacy efforts in India. In New Delhi, dozens of auto-rickshaws have been fitted with Trump-themed covers carrying images of the US president, the American flag and the Statue of Liberty to mark America’s upcoming 250th Independence celebrations and Rubio’s visit. The US Embassy said thousands of such covers were being distributed across the capital, although the campaign has drawn mixed reactions online.Rubio’s stop in Kolkata is also historically significant. It will mark the first visit by a US Secretary of State to the city in nearly fourteen years, following Hillary Clinton’s visit in 2012. The city houses America’s second-oldest consulate in the world, established in the late eighteenth century.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 MediaVideosHumayun Kabir’s Cow Slaughter Remarks Trigger Political Row Over Qurbani And Law In West BengalUnion Home Minister Amit Shah Calls For Strong Action To End Illegal Infiltration Across BordersMankind Pharma May Raise Condom Prices As Middle East Conflict Pushes Oil Costs Higher | WatchIndian Army Issues Fake Alert Over AAP-RJD’s Viral Presser, Says They Are Spreading MisinformationMuslim Clerics Across India Appeal For Restraint On Cow Sacrifice Ahead Of Eid-al-AdhaOn The Ground Viral ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ sparks buzz in Delhi: Real shift or social media storm?Why Shashi Tharoor Thinks The Viral ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ Reflects India’s Youth AngerPunjab Police Bust Suspected Spy Network; CCTV Camera Allegedly Used To Monitor Army MovementDelhi Government Issues Strict Bakrid Guidelines, Warns Of Criminal Action Over ViolationsVenezuela Overtakes Saudi Arabia As India’s Third-Largest Oil Supplier Amid Global Energy Turmoil123Photostories5 cooling essential oils perfect for stressful summer daysAshish Nehra’s luxurious Goa home is a multi-crore home designed for peaceful family living, away from fast-paced cricketing world5 giant fish that rule the ocean10 subtle mind games people play (And how to spot them)Gym wear to innerwear: How often should you wash your clothesCannes 2026: While others screamed for attention, Diana Penty let butter-yellow elegance do the talking at the French RivieraHow to make Mango Cookie for weekend indulgence5 fiber-rich yellow-colored foods can be the best addition to the daily dietBell Peppers vs Oranges: Which one really gives you more vitamin C?5 sugary drinks that are secretly ruining your skin123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonNID DAT counsellingChristiano RonaldoPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana Huge blow for KKR! Key player ruled out ahead of crucial clash vs Delhi Capitals | Cricket News ‘If I was Ajit Agarkar, I would switch off my phone’: Ashwin on Shubman Gill’s T20I selection Will the US Federal Reserve hike rates again? Governor Chris Waller joins hawkish camp Bruce Dern recalls how Quentin Tarantino scolded Brad Pitt: ‘Never again in your life will you…’ ‘Mubarakan’ to ‘Haye mera bacha’: Parents’ emotional reaction to son’s Google job offer goes viral ‘Warning shot’ from Iran? UAE nuclear plant attack from Iraq sparks fears of wider Gulf war as Tehran’s proxies step in Drugged, raped and filmed: German woman alleges years of horrific abuse by ex-partner Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday questioned the continued grant of reservation benefits to children of economically and educationally advanced families within backward classes, observing that social mobility comes with empowerment and that reservation cannot continue indefinitely for such sections.A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing a plea challenging a Karnataka high court judgment that upheld the exclusion of a petitioner from reservation benefits because both his parents are state government employees.”If both parents are IAS officers, why should they have reservations? With educational and economic empowerment, there is social mobility,” the bench observed, according to PTI.”So then again, to seek reservation for the children, we will never get out of it,” the court added while issuing notice in the matter.The top court further remarked that if parents are employed in good jobs and earn handsome incomes, their children should move out of the reservation system.The bench noted that several government orders already provide for excluding affluent sections from reservation benefits, though such provisions are now being challenged.”For the economically weaker section and disadvantaged group, there is no social backwardness but only economic backwardness. There has to be some balance. Socially and educationally backward, yes, but once the parents have attained a level because of taking advantage of reservation,” the bench said.The petitioner had been selected for appointment as an assistant engineer (electrical) in the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited under the reserved category.However, PTI reported that the District Caste and Income Verification Committee denied him a caste validity certificate after concluding that he belonged to the creamy layer.The authorities noted that both of the petitioner’s parents were government employees and that their combined income exceeded the prescribed creamy layer limit of Rs 8 lakh.PollShould children of economically advanced families within backward classes continue to receive reservation benefits?Yes, they should receive benefitsNo, they should not receive benefitsBased on this classification, the caste certificate issued to the petitioner certifying him as belonging to the Kuruba community was revoked.The petitioner challenged this action, but the Karnataka HC upheld the authorities’ decision.In January 2025, the Supreme Court had refused to entertain a separate plea seeking exclusion of children of IAS and IPS officers from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) reservation benefits in Madhya Pradesh.At the time, the apex court had said that references to excluding the creamy layer from SC/ST quotas in the seven-judge Constitution bench verdict in the State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh case were merely observations and that any such decision would have to be taken by the legislature PTI reported.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 MediaVideosHumayun Kabir’s Cow Slaughter Remarks Trigger Political Row Over Qurbani And Law In West BengalUnion Home Minister Amit Shah Calls For Strong Action To End Illegal Infiltration Across BordersMankind Pharma May Raise Condom Prices As Middle East Conflict Pushes Oil Costs Higher | WatchIndian Army Issues Fake Alert Over AAP-RJD’s Viral Presser, Says They Are Spreading MisinformationMuslim Clerics Across India Appeal For Restraint On Cow Sacrifice Ahead Of Eid-al-AdhaOn The Ground Viral ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ sparks buzz in Delhi: Real shift or social media storm?Why Shashi Tharoor Thinks The Viral ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ Reflects India’s Youth AngerPunjab Police Bust Suspected Spy Network; CCTV Camera Allegedly Used To Monitor Army MovementDelhi Government Issues Strict Bakrid Guidelines, Warns Of Criminal Action Over ViolationsVenezuela Overtakes Saudi Arabia As India’s Third-Largest Oil Supplier Amid Global Energy Turmoil123Photostories5 cooling essential oils perfect for stressful summer daysAshish Nehra’s luxurious Goa home is a multi-crore home designed for peaceful family living, away from fast-paced cricketing world5 giant fish that rule the ocean10 subtle mind games people play (And how to spot them)Gym wear to innerwear: How often should you wash your clothesCannes 2026: While others screamed for attention, Diana Penty let butter-yellow elegance do the talking at the French RivieraHow to make Mango Cookie for weekend indulgence5 fiber-rich yellow-colored foods can be the best addition to the daily dietBell Peppers vs Oranges: Which one really gives you more vitamin C?5 sugary drinks that are secretly ruining your skin123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonNID DAT counsellingChristiano RonaldoPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana ‘Your 3D cricketer’: India’s 2019 World Cup squad member announces retirement India blocks China’s WTO panel bid over solar support measures, dispute set for next stage Sulli’s brother shares cryptic message about Kim Soo Hyun: ‘it’s round two. The choice is yours’ 10 subtle mind games people play (And how to spot them) IPL 2026: Captain Rajat Patidar back for RCB; SRH opt to bat in Hyderabad Nobel Prize winner Olga Tokarczuk under fire after revealing she uses AI to develop ideas | World News NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday arrested Pune-based lecturer Manisha Sanjay Havaldar for NEET UG physics paper ‘leak’, news agency PTI reported.Havaldar, employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune, has been identified by the Central Bureau of Investigation as another alleged “source” of the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.“The CBI has identified another key accused who was the source for the leak of NEET-UG 2026 physics questions,” a CBI spokesperson said. The agency alleged Havaldar, appointed as an expert by the National Testing Agency, had full access to the physics paper and shared questions with co-accused Manisha Mandhare in April. The CBI said seized documents, laptops, bank records and phones are being analysed.The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), conducted on May 3 for medical admissions, was cancelled by the National Testing Agency following allegations of a paper leak. The case is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation, while a re-test is scheduled for June 21.Meanwhile, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said the government had been compelled to take “tough decisions” after irregularities were detected in the conduct of NEET-UG 2026, stressing that no deserving student should lose their rightful seat because of the “examination mafia”. Pradhan said the government was determined to ensure the re-examination remained “100 per cent error-free”.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 MediaVideosHumayun Kabir’s Cow Slaughter Remarks Trigger Political Row Over Qurbani And Law In West BengalUnion Home Minister Amit Shah Calls For Strong Action To End Illegal Infiltration Across BordersMankind Pharma May Raise Condom Prices As Middle East Conflict Pushes Oil Costs Higher | WatchIndian Army Issues Fake Alert Over AAP-RJD’s Viral Presser, Says They Are Spreading MisinformationMuslim Clerics Across India Appeal For Restraint On Cow Sacrifice Ahead Of Eid-al-AdhaOn The Ground Viral ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ sparks buzz in Delhi: Real shift or social media storm?Why Shashi Tharoor Thinks The Viral ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ Reflects India’s Youth AngerPunjab Police Bust Suspected Spy Network; CCTV Camera Allegedly Used To Monitor Army MovementDelhi Government Issues Strict Bakrid Guidelines, Warns Of Criminal Action Over ViolationsVenezuela Overtakes Saudi Arabia As India’s Third-Largest Oil Supplier Amid Global Energy Turmoil123Photostories5 cooling essential oils perfect for stressful summer daysAshish Nehra’s luxurious Goa home is a multi-crore home designed for peaceful family living, away from fast-paced cricketing world5 giant fish that rule the ocean10 subtle mind games people play (And how to spot them)Gym wear to innerwear: How often should you wash your clothesCannes 2026: While others screamed for attention, Diana Penty let butter-yellow elegance do the talking at the French RivieraHow to make Mango Cookie for weekend indulgence5 fiber-rich yellow-colored foods can be the best addition to the daily dietBell Peppers vs Oranges: Which one really gives you more vitamin C?5 sugary drinks that are secretly ruining your skin123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonNID DAT counsellingChristiano RonaldoPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana Updated: May 22, 2026, 18:37 IST Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Bihar to have its own IPL team? CM says government working in ‘mission mode’ ‘Maa Behen’ trailer: Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri face chaos in their upcoming family-drama 5 giant fish that rule the ocean ‘The tick-tick quake’: Scientists crack the code of the world’s most frequent earthquakes in the Pacific ‘It would be a big mistake’: WHO Africa chief warns against underestimating Ebola virus risk in Congo, Uganda Waiting for Green Card? Leave US first, re-enter with an immigrant visa AI-generated image used for representation NEW DELHI: In world’s largest democracy, election results do not always end the suspense. Sometimes, the real drama begins after the votes are counted — inside the Raj Bhavans.Whenever an assembly election throws up a fractured mandate, the governor takes centrestage and becomes the final arbiter. Political parties rush with letters of support, alliances are stitched overnight, and constitutional debates divide the masses.At the heart of the battle lies one question: Who gets invited first to form the government? The Constitution gives the governor the power to appoint the chief minister under Article 164, but it does not clearly spell out the order in which parties or alliances must be invited. That constitutional grey zone has triggered some of India’s biggest political flashpoints.Numbers test in Tamil NaduOne such flashpoint was in Tamil Nadu recently when people of the state voted for Thalapathy’s ‘vijay’ but the actor-politician’s star performance missed “success” by a whisker.Thalapathy Vijay’s entry into Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape shook the foundations of Dravidian politics. For nearly six decades, the state had swung between the DMK and the AIADMK. But the 2026 verdict shattered that familiar pattern. Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), barely two years old and contesting its first-ever assembly election, stormed past both Dravidian giants, emerging as the single largest party with 108 seats in the 234-member assembly. The Thalapathy wave was so potent that Tamil Nadu strongman and the then incumbent chief minister MK Stalin failed to even retain his MLA seat.The DMK was pushed down to 59 seats, while the AIADMK slumped to 47. The message from voters was unmistakable: Tamil Nadu wanted change. They did vote for change. But Vijay remained short of the halfway mark of 118 needed to bring about that change on his own.Since Vijay himself had contested and won from two constituencies, the effective strength of the TVK stood at 107. The Congress, with five MLAs, made the first big move. In a dramatic shift, it snapped its 11-year alliance with the DMK and extended support to Vijay. Soon after, the CPM and CPI, with two MLAs each, also backed the TVK from outside. But the numbers still fell short.Then came the rebels and the reluctant allies.AMMK MLA S Kamaraj crossed over to support Vijay’s camp. The VCK and IUML, both initially hesitant despite holding two seats each, eventually joined hands with the TVK after days of suspense-filled negotiations. Only then did Vijay finally gather enough support to cross the majority mark and stake claim to power. The celebrations, that started with the numbers, stopped midway as Vijay started looking for numbers in a hung assembly. The road to Fort St George suddenly became a test not of popularity, but arithmetic. The ball was now in the court of governor Rajendra Arlekar and he wanted to test the numbers. What followed was a week of relentless backroom discussions, persuasion, and political calculations.Raj Bhavan: The final hurdle?The spotlight had now shifted from the cine star to the governor. With a historic verdict and assurance of numbers in hand, Vijay went to the governor hoping to get an invite. But he was asked to show his numbers on paper.Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who was holding additional charge of Tamil Nadu at the time, did not immediately invite Vijay to form the government. The delay triggered intense political and also constitutional debate.The Constitution does not lay down a rigid formula for how governors must exercise their discretionary powers in such situations.Traditionally, governors invite the leader of the single-largest party or a pre-poll alliance capable of proving their majority. But our political history is filled with moments when this constitutional convention collided with the political discretion of the governor, who is often accused of working at the behest of the party ruling at the Centre. (ANI photo)Tamil Nadu in 2026 became the latest chapter in that story.Vijay eventually received the governor’s invitation after all the support letters were in place and the majority was demonstrated in numbers. On May 10 the actor-politician finally took oath as chief minister at Chennai’s Nehru Indoor Stadium becoming the first leader outside the DMK-AIADMK duopoly to occupy the post since 1967.But the number test was still not over. The governor gave him three days to prove his numbers on the floor of the assembly, which he did with ease.The Vijay fever not only swept the masses but also significantly influenced political circles. It went so far that the half-a-century-old party founded by veteran leader MG Ramachandran – AIADMK – split wide open. AIADMK’s current boss and former chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami could not hold back his MLAs, as a large section of the winning chunk emerged as rebels and supported chief minister Vijay in the floor test.For Vijay, it was more than a political victory. It was the climax of a remarkable transition from cinema icon to chief minister. For Tamil Nadu, it marked the collapse of a decades-old political order. And for Indian politics, it was yet another reminder that in democracy, the verdict of the people may decide the destination, but the journey to power can still depend on negotiations, conventions, and the discretion of constitutional offices.What the Constitution saysFormer Lok Sabha secretary general PDT Achary told TOI, “The Governor cannot insist on a floor test before a government is formed. He has the discretionary power to choose any person to form the government. But he should be able to command the majority in the Assembly. The Governor has to judge whether the person he chooses will be able to secure a majority. He can call the leader of the single largest party to form the government provided the Governor is satisfied that he can get a majority in the assembly.”But not everyone agrees on how far those powers extend.Senior advocate and former Delhi HC Bar Association president Kirti Uppal argued that being the single-largest party does not automatically guarantee the first invitation.“There is no constitutional rule or absolute right that the single largest party must be invited first. “Single largest party” is a political convention, not a binding constitutional mandate,” Uppal told TOI. He pointed to Article 163(2), which grants Governors discretionary powers in specific situations.“163(2): If any question arises whether any matter is or is not a matter as respects which the Governor is by or under this Constitution required to act in his discretion, the decision of the governor in his discretion shall be final, and the validity of anything done by the Governor shall not be called in question on the ground that he ought or ought not to have acted in his discretion.”Uppal also defended the use of floor tests as the ultimate democratic check. The governor can order a floor test at any time, whether it is before the government. formation or during the tenure of the ministry. Ultimately, the floor test is considered the supreme democratic method to test the majority of the government on the floor of the house.Senior advocate Kirti UppalHowever, Supreme Court advocate Vivek Narayan Sharma strongly disagreed with the idea of demanding proof of majority before inviting a government to take oath.“The governor cannot insist on a floor test before inviting a party to form the government. A floor test is constitutionally meant to test the majority of a government that has already been appointed, not to determine who gets appointed in the first place,” Sharma told TOI.“The governor’s role at the invitation stage is only prima facie satisfaction, not conclusive adjudication. The Governor may make a prima facie inquiry through letters of support or coalition claims, but cannot insist on a ‘prove majority first, then I will appoint you’ approach as if Raj Bhavan itself were the floor of the House.”Governors vs governments: A history of tussleThat debate is not just theoretical. The instances of friction between governor’s office and elected players are filled up in country’s political history.In Maharashtra in 2019, the state woke up to one of the most dramatic political twists in recent memory. Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered an early morning oath to Devendra Fadnavis with support from NCP’s Ajit Pawar. The surprise government collapsed within days after numbers failed to add up.When BJP ally Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray withdrew its support and added up with Congress and other faction of NCP to form their own government.A year earlier in Karnataka, governor Vajubhai Vala invited veteran leader BS Yediyurappa to form the government despite the Congress-JD(S) alliance claiming majority support. The Supreme Court had to step in and order an immediate floor test.In Goa and Manipur in 2017, Congress emerged as the single-largest party, yet Governors invited BJP leaders after post-poll alliances shifted the numbers game.The tension between Governors and elected governments has not remained limited to hung assemblies.In Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in 2016, political crises spiralled into full-blown constitutional battles involving governors, rebel MLAs and the Centre. In both cases, courts later restored the elected governments.The Article 356 debateAny discussion on the role of governors will be incomplete without a discussion on Article 356. There was a time when this provision of the Constitution was used with impunity to destabilize state governments, especially if they were opposed to the party that ruled at the Centre.Article 356 allows the President’s rule to be imposed in a state if constitutional machinery collapsed. And the basis of this was usually the governor’s report. One of the earliest and most controversial examples came in 1959, when the first-ever elected communist government led by EMS Namboodiripad in Kerala was dismissed.The landmark SR Bommai vs Union of India judgment later imposed major checks on the arbitrary use of Article 356, making floor tests the gold standard for proving majority and opening President’s Rule to judicial review.History is replete with instances when governors have used their discretion to dismiss state governments.Governors’ interference has long been criticised, with critics arguing that since they are appointed by the Centre, they often act in a partisan manner against opposition-ruled states.Yet, every time election results produce a hung verdict, the same political and constitutional questions return. How much discretion should a governor have? Can constitutional authority override political arithmetic? And ultimately, who truly decides the mandate — the assembly floor or Raj Bhavan?About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHumayun Kabir’s Cow Slaughter Remarks Trigger Political Row Over Qurbani And Law In West BengalUnion Home Minister Amit Shah Calls For Strong Action To End Illegal Infiltration Across BordersMankind Pharma May Raise Condom Prices As Middle East Conflict Pushes Oil Costs Higher | WatchIndian Army Issues Fake Alert Over AAP-RJD’s Viral Presser, Says They Are Spreading MisinformationMuslim Clerics Across India Appeal For Restraint On Cow Sacrifice Ahead Of Eid-al-AdhaOn The Ground Viral ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ sparks buzz in Delhi: Real shift or social media storm?Why Shashi Tharoor Thinks The Viral ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ Reflects India’s Youth AngerPunjab Police Bust Suspected Spy Network; CCTV Camera Allegedly Used To Monitor Army MovementDelhi Government Issues Strict Bakrid Guidelines, Warns Of Criminal Action Over ViolationsVenezuela Overtakes Saudi Arabia As India’s Third-Largest Oil Supplier Amid Global Energy Turmoil123Photostories5 cooling essential oils perfect for stressful summer daysAshish Nehra’s luxurious Goa home is a multi-crore home designed for peaceful family living, away from fast-paced cricketing world5 giant fish that rule the ocean10 subtle mind games people play (And how to spot them)Gym wear to innerwear: How often should you wash your clothesCannes 2026: While others screamed for attention, Diana Penty let butter-yellow elegance do the talking at the French RivieraHow to make Mango Cookie for weekend indulgence5 fiber-rich yellow-colored foods can be the best addition to the daily dietBell Peppers vs Oranges: Which one really gives you more vitamin C?5 sugary drinks that are secretly ruining your skin123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonNID DAT counsellingChristiano RonaldoPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana Were Rekha and Raj Babbar having an affair? 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