VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Jun 14, 2026, 17:19 IST Cillian Murphy returns for ‘A Quiet Place Part III’ as filming begins on horror franchise finale Japanese parenting secrets: 10 everyday habits that help children become thoughtful and responsible | Iran to immediately open Hormuz, US to lift Naval blockade: Draft deal details emerge Photo credit: Makemytrip As the Uttarakhand government’s ‘Celebrate in Uttarakhand’ initiative seeks to promote wedding tourism, two lake towns in the Kumaon region, Nainital and Bhimtal, are increasingly attracting attention from couples planning destination weddings.Nainital has long been known as one of India’s most popular hill stations, but it is now being positioned as a wedding destination under the state’s tourism strategy. Along with nearby Bhimtal, it has been identified as one of the four priority locations under the government’s wedding tourism initiative.Industry stakeholders say the appeal of Nainital lies in its natural setting. The lake at the centre of the town, hillside properties overlooking the water, colonial-era buildings and the bustling bazaar together offer a backdrop that differs from more established wedding destinations in the country.Wedding photographers and planners have also pointed to the town’s scenic landscape, particularly during sunset, as one of the factors drawing interest from prospective clients.Improved connectivity is another factor contributing to the region’s growing popularity. The Uttarakhand government has undertaken efforts to improve road links between Nainital, Pantnagar Airport and the Delhi highway as part of its broader infrastructure development programme. According to tourism stakeholders, these improvements have made travel easier for guests arriving from major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.About 15 kilometres away, Bhimtal is being promoted as a quieter alternative. With fewer crowds and a slower pace, the town is increasingly being considered for smaller and more intimate celebrations. Its boutique properties and lakeside venues are seen as suitable for multi-day wedding events where guests remain at a single location throughout the festivities.The state’s homestay policy has also contributed to an increase in accommodation options across the Kumaon region. Tourism officials say the expansion has helped address one of the long-standing challenges of hosting large gatherings in hill destinations by increasing the availability of guest accommodation.The ‘Celebrate in Uttarakhand’ initiative includes measures such as improved road connectivity, support for hospitality investments, expansion of accommodation capacity and a single-window clearance system aimed at simplifying procedures for event organisers and hospitality businesses.The initiative received national attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted it during the Global Investors Summit, bringing greater visibility to Uttarakhand’s efforts to position itself as a destination for weddings and other events.With improving infrastructure and growing government support, Nainital and Bhimtal are gradually finding a place in India’s destination wedding market. While Rajasthan continues to dominate the sector, tourism stakeholders believe the two Kumaon towns offer an alternative setting centred around lakes, hills and a cooler climate.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More Trains123PhotostoriesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuries123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result ‘All the hard work has finally paid off’: Gurnoor Brar’s emotional reaction after dream India debut RRB ALP recruitment CEN 01/2026 registration ends today for 11,127 vacancies: Direct link to apply here Nayanthara rumored to play the flashback lead alongside Pooja Hegde in Raghava Lawrence’s horror franchise ‘Kanchana 4’ Meet Dr Kumarasamy Thangaraj: The Padma Shri scientist whose 65,000-year-old DNA discovery could rewrite how humans left Africa ‘Operation Tiger’ buzz in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray holds meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs (Photo credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticised the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to order a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling the development an “insult to the Sanatana Dharma”.Speaking in Agra on Sunday, the Samajwadi Party chief said, “It is very unfortunate that the officials have to now investigate the priests in the Ram Mandir. It is an insult to the Sanatana Dharma that such a prestigious temple has to be probed.”His remarks came a day after the Uttar Pradesh government, acting on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, constituted a three-member SIT to investigate allegations of irregularities in the handling of donations received at the Ram Temple. The move followed a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which sought a government-led inquiry amid growing public scrutiny over the issue.The SIT will be headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and includes Lucknow Range Inspector General Kiran S and Finance Department Special Secretary Neelratan Kumar. The team has been asked to submit a preliminary report within seven days and a final report within 15 days.The controversy began after former Samajwadi Party MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey, alleged that between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in temple donations had been misappropriated. Akhilesh Yadav subsequently raised concerns over the management of donations and demanded a probe, while also questioning the state government’s response to the allegations.The Temple Trust has strongly denied any wrongdoing and maintained that routine audits had not revealed any irregularities. However, amid intense media attention, it requested the state government to conduct an SIT investigation to establish the facts and address what it described as misinformation surrounding the matter.Ram Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra welcomed the government’s decision, saying the speed with which the SIT was formed reflected the seriousness of the administration. He said senior officers had been entrusted with the inquiry and praised the government for setting a strict timeline for the investigation.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 MediaVideosNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More Trains123PhotostoriesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? 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Surbhi Jyoti welcomes baby girl with husband Sumit Suri; says, “Our hearts are filled with love and gratitude” | Thousands join anti-racism rally in Belfast after knife attack sparks anti-immigrant violence Mamata Banerjee Faces FIR: Sanjay Raut Questions Selective Action Against BJP Leaders | India News Updated: Jun 14, 2026, 16:24 IST PM Modi, French President Macron inaugurate ‘Bharat Innovates’ in Nice; pitch deeper India-France partnership MPSC Group B answer key 2026 expected to be released soon at mpsc.gov.in: Direct link to download here Is Chiyaan Vikram taking a pay cut? Actor’s remuneration for Anand Shankar’s next revealed Yogi’s UP beats national violent-crime decline across 5 key categories Ukraine drone strike kills one, hits oil facility in Russia Representative image NEW DELHI: Calling the incomplete fencing of the India-Bangladesh border a “historical mistake”, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the implementation of the border management provisions of the 1985 Assam Accord has effectively begun only in 2025.Speaking to reporters, Sarma said efforts to curb illegal movement from Bangladesh were delayed because border fencing was initially focused only on Assam and not extended simultaneously to other border states.”The actual implementation of the provisions of the 1985 Assam Accord has started from 2025. We were not able to stop the Bangladeshi movement earlier,” he said.Sarma noted that Assam shares a 1,600-km border with Bangladesh and said that after the Assam Accord was signed, fencing work was undertaken only along the Assam-Bangladesh border.”Assam shares a 1,600-km border with Bangladesh. After signing the Assam Accord, we said that border fencing should be done along the Assam-Bangladesh border, and accordingly, the work was undertaken,” he said.”But we did not think that fencing should be done in Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal as well. Our demand should have been for the entire 1,600 km border to be fenced,” he added.The chief minister said large stretches of the border in neighbouring states had remained open for years, facilitating cross-border movement.According to Sarma, nearly 90 per cent of the fencing work in Meghalaya has now been completed, while around 60 per cent has been completed in Tripura. Work is also progressing in Mizoram, he said.He further pointed out that fencing has now been taken up in West Bengal, where nearly 800 km of the India-Bangladesh border had remained unfenced.Questioning the logic of securing only select stretches of the international border, Sarma said, “If Siliguri is open and Mankachar is closed, then what is the meaning? These were historical mistakes.””The Union Government has formed a committee on demographic changes. I think the government is going to undertake more effective measures in bordering areas concerning demographic changes. Our suggestion will be to conduct scrutiny of the citizenship status of every family residing in the bordering areas,” he added.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 MediaVideosRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More TrainsDRDO’s Three Successful Missile Tests Put India Among Nations Capable Of Countering ICBM ThreatsCong Leaders Demand Accountability, Apology From US After Three Indian Sailors Killed In Strike123PhotostoriesInside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuriesWhat happens when you eat 1 banana daily for 45 days123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result ‘They start looking for your successor’: Rohit Sharma faces blunt warning from former England star ICAI CA Final result 2026 date and time: Here’s what we know so far Gautham Menon approaches Madras High Court to delay Chiyaan Vikram’s ‘Dhruva Natchathiram’ until July 15 David Beckham is still football’s most beloved icon: 4 personality traits that explain why the world can’t stop loving him | Microsoft president Brad Smith has a message for students booing tech CEOs: I agree with you, but… Pawan Kalyan Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan recently announced that his Jana Sena Party (JSP) would contest the 2028 Telangana assembly elections, triggering considerable political debate across the two Telugu-speaking states.At first glance, the actor-politician’s declaration appears to be a routine expression of electoral ambition. However, leaders in Telangana, particularly from the Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) have questioned both the timing and implications of his remarks.The ensuing war of words has brought to the surface unresolved political and emotional fault lines that continue to influence public discourse more than a decade after the creation of Telangana through the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014.Beyond the rhetoric, the debate raises important political questions: Can the “Power Star” successfully establish a meaningful presence for the Jana Sena in Telangana? And in pursuing that goal, does he risk upsetting his ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)?Pawan Kalyan: From ‘Power Star’ to deputy CMPawan Kalyan did not begin his political journey with Jana Sena. He entered politics in 2008 through the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP), founded by his elder brother and fellow film star, Chiranjeevi. Following PRP’s merger with the Congress in 2011, Kalyan stepped away from active politics before launching JSP in March 2014. Pawan Kalyan political journeyKalyan formally allied with the BJP in January 2020. Yet, electoral success remained elusive until April 2024, when the alliance of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), JSP and the BJP swept to power in Andhra Pradesh. He was subsequently appointed deputy chief minister in the government headed by TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu. His Telangana declaration, therefore, comes at perhaps the strongest point of his political career, backed by electoral success and a role in government.The announcement that triggered a controversyOn June 2, marking the 12th anniversary of Telangana’s formation, Kalyan formally announced Jana Sena’s re-entry into the state’s politics. He stated that JSP would contest the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections, expected later this year, as well as the Telangana assembly polls scheduled for late 2028.And then came the remark that sparked a political storm. Responding to critics who questioned his attempts to play an active role in Telangana politics, he asked whether Telangana was the “jagir” (fiefdom) of a select few.Telangana is not your father’s inherited estate/property (jagir)Pawan Klayan to his political criticsTelangana is indeed the jagir of the four crore people of the stateBRS working president KT Rama RaoFacing mounting backlash, the 54-year-old leader later issued a clarification, insisting that his remarks had been misconstrued.By then, however, the controversy had gathered momentum, with political opponents seizing on the comment to question both his understanding of Telangana’s political sensitivities and his party’s ambitions in the state.Declining BRS, Stagnant BJP: Opening for Pawan Kalyan and Jana Sena in Telangana? According to Kalyan, the decision was driven by repeated appeals from JSP leaders and supporters in Telangana, who, he claimed, have repeatedly urged him to expand the party in the state.But beyond these internal demands, Telangana’s evolving political landscape presents a strategic opportunity for JSP. Political observers believe Kalyan may be seeking to occupy the political space created by BRS’ weakening and the BJP’s failure to establish itself as a dominant force.BRS, founded as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) by K Chandrashekar Rao—a key leader of the Telangana statehood movement and the state’s first chief minister—has weakened significantly since losing power in the November 2023 polls. Although not officially retired, Rao has largely stayed away from public life since the defeat. Adding to BRS’ troubles, his daughter K Kavitha recently broke away and launched her own outfit: the Telangana Rakshana Sena.The BJP, too, has struggled to capitalise on BRS’ decline. Signs of internal discord surfaced in December 2025, when Telangana BJP president N Ramachander Rao travelled to Delhi to meet the top leadership amid reports of factionalism within the state unit. The visit came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the BJP’s MPs and MLAs from Telangana.The BJP’s electoral performance has also failed to match its ambitions. In the Jubilee Hills bypoll held in November last year, it finished a distant third, securing just over 17,000 votes and less than 9% of the vote share. This marked a decline from the 2023 assembly election, when the party had again placed third but polled around 26,000 votes and nearly 14% of the vote share. The result reinforced perceptions that the BJP’s growth in Telangana has plateaued, potentially creating political space for alternative challengers such as JSP.What Pawan Kalyan has going for him in TelanganaAn electoral opening, on its own, does not guarantee success. However, the Jana Sena chief has several advantages, ranging from his popularity to an existing support network built over years of cultural and political engagement.For instance, unlike many politicians attempting to expand into a new state, Kalyan is no stranger to Telangana. Born in a unified Andhra Pradesh, he shares linguistic and cultural ties with people on both sides of the bifurcation.His years in public life — first as a film star and later as a politician — have helped him cultivate a support base that extends to Hyderabad and other urban centres of Telangana. More importantly, he comes not merely as a celebrity politician but as a serving deputy chief minister with administrative responsibilities and governance experience.The Andhra Pradesh deputy CM is also a prominent and outspoken advocate of Sanatan Dharma, often describing himself as an “unapologetic Sanatani Hindu.” A frequent visitor to the Tirumala Tirupati Temple, his strong emphasis on Sanatan Dharma could resonate with a significant segment of Telangana’s predominantly Hindu population, which constitutes about 85% of the state’s residents.Taken together, these factors give Kalyan a degree of visibility and familiarity that few aspiring political entrants can match. Whether that translates into electoral success remains to be seen, but it helps explain why Jana Sena may carve out a space for itself in Telangana’s evolving political landscape.Challenges for Pawan Kalyan in TelanganaYet, for all the advantages Kalyan enjoys, Telangana is unlikely to be an easy political terrain.As the controversy over his remarks demonstrates, Telangana’s politics remains deeply shaped by the legacy of the statehood movement. More than a decade after bifurcation, parties continue to draw upon its emotional and political resonance. Against this backdrop, his comments may complicate Jana Sena’s efforts to broaden its appeal in the state. Telangana statehood movementAn equally important factor is its limited organisational footprint in Telangana. Despite enjoying both a degree of visibility and support, JSP has yet to translate that into meaningful electoral success in the state.The party would also have to contend with a well-entrenched Congress while competing with the BRS, BJP, and AIMIM for political space in an already crowded electoral landscape. JSP’s Telangana push could also test its ties with the BJP. Kalyan enjoys a close relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but the BJP has long viewed Telangana as a key expansion state. It may, therefore, be reluctant to see an ally compete for the same political space.Another challenge is JSP’s dependence on Kalyan as its only major face. In Andhra Pradesh, he has responsibilities as deputy chief minister and remains active as an actor. With his time divided between governance, politics and films, it may be difficult for him to devote sustained attention to building the party in Telangana.The road ahead for Pawan KalyanAs a deputy chief minister, the leader of a key regional outfit, and an ally of the country’s ruling party, Pawan Kalyan occupies a prominent position in Indian politics. A successful expansion into a second state would transform Jana Sena from an Andhra Pradesh-centric outfit into a genuine cross-border regional force.The immediate challenge for JSP in Telangana will be the Hyderabad civic body polls. A strong performance would provide an early indication of the party’s prospects in the state and serve as a springboard for larger electoral battles ahead. Conversely, a poor showing could force Jana Sena back to the drawing board in Telangana.For now, Telangana offers Jana Sena both an opportunity and a test—one that could determine whether the party remains confined to Andhra Pradesh or emerges as a force across both the Telugu-speaking states.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More TrainsDRDO’s Three Successful Missile Tests Put India Among Nations Capable Of Countering ICBM ThreatsCong Leaders Demand Accountability, Apology From US After Three Indian Sailors Killed In Strike123PhotostoriesInside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? 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The LoP keeps saying that there is a big disaster awaiting, but there is no disaster awaiting India.Rahul Gandhi has recently claimed that “economic tsunami” is awaiting India due to West Asia crisis.”Every time the Congress’s leader of opposition speaks in the Lok Sabha, it is only to decry everything, undermine the achievements of the people of India, thinking that he is undermining Prime Minister Modi or the central government,” she said.The finance minister dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s repeated warnings about looming crises, insisting that India’s economic fundamentals remain strong.”On the contrary, quarter after quarter, year after year India is the fastest growing economy,” she underlined.Sitharaman said India’s performance was not a claim made by the government alone but was reflected in GDP figures and acknowledged by international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).She accused the Congress leader of creating a false perception about the country’s economic health by repeatedly suggesting that India was headed for trouble.”Yet the leader of the opposition and his party continue to undermine India. They try to make people believe that India is in trouble. Even amidst crises in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, India continues to move forward.”Highlighting the challenges posed by tensions in the Gulf region, Sitharaman explained how disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz affect not just energy supplies but global trade and shipping costs.”These challenges affect not only crude oil prices and LPG prices but also global shipping. Shipping companies hesitate to send vessels through conflict zones. Insurance premiums increase because ships risk being attacked. Whether a vessel is empty or carrying crude oil, insurance costs rise significantly, and those costs ultimately have to be paid to ensure supplies reach the country.”Despite these challenges, she said, the Modi government had ensured uninterrupted supplies and economic stability.”Unfortunately, none of this seems to matter to the leader of the opposition,” Sitharaman said.Calling on BJP workers to spread awareness about the government’s achievements, the finance minister described the Viksit Bharat campaign as a national mission aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.”India fought for its independence in 1947. It was a great movement—the freedom movement. For us to attain economic freedom, self-respect, self-reliance and true Swaraj, we must work towards Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Therefore, this Sankalp Samavesh is a commitment towards that movement. All of us must participate in it.”Sitharaman highlighted what she described as the Modi government’s twin focus on development and welfare, citing reductions in poverty, expanded sanitation coverage, tap water connections, LPG access and food security programmes.”Twenty-five crore Indians have come out of multidimensional poverty. Extreme poverty has declined from 29.17 per cent in 2013-14 to about 11.28 per cent. Twelve crore household toilets have been built under rural sanitation programmes, achieving near-universal coverage,” she claimed.She also pointed to the expansion of India’s digital public infrastructure, saying the combination of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar and mobile connectivity had transformed governance and service delivery.According to Sitharaman, India today has 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts, 144 crore Aadhaar identities and 125 crore mobile connections, while UPI has emerged as a global benchmark for digital payments.The finance minister also rejected allegations that Karnataka had been neglected by the Centre, citing tax devolution, grants and infrastructure investments received by the state.”The Karnataka government frequently claims that the Centre is not giving the state its due share. Let us look at the facts. Tax devolution to Karnataka between 2014 and 2026 amounted to about Rs four lakh crore—five times more than the Rs 82,000 crore received in the comparable pre-2014 period,” Sitharaman, a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, said.She added that Karnataka had also received around Rs 2.71 lakh crore in grants-in-aid and over Rs 18,000 crore under the Centre’s 50-year interest-free loan scheme.Looking ahead to India’s centenary year of independence in 2047, Sitharaman said building a developed nation would require participation beyond governments alone.”We have only 21 years left until 2047. It may sound distant, but it is not. India needs greater innovation. Karnataka is India’s innovation capital. It has led aerospace development, defence manufacturing and biotechnology. Therefore, the responsibility cannot be left to the government alone.””All of us must commit ourselves so that ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ helps India achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” she added.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 MediaVideosMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More TrainsDRDO’s Three Successful Missile Tests Put India Among Nations Capable Of Countering ICBM Threats123PhotostoriesInside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuriesWhat happens when you eat 1 banana daily for 45 days123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result Market rally adds Rs 1.9 lakh crore to top 10 firms’ value; ICICI Bank emerges biggest gainer NIOS Class 10th result 2026 released at results.nios.ac.in with 66.92 pass percentage: Direct link to download scorecards here North West performs solo at Illinois music festival, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West show their support through online posts 5 smart vastu changes that could improve the wealth energy in your home Quote of the day by Max Planck: “It is not the possession of truth, but the success which attends the…” ‘Won’t let body leave this place until encounter’: Tension grips Dehradun after communal clash; accused’s house demolished Resident doctors call off England strike after last-minute government offer; pay deal put to vote Image: IANS NEW DELHI: Amid speculation that she could join a group of rebel Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MPs, TMC’s Jadavpur MP Saayoni Ghosh arrived in New Delhi on Sunday but declined to comment on the developments. Speaking to reporters at the airport, Ghosh said, “I will not say anything now. I will only speak when the time is right.”Meanwhile, TMC MP Mala Roy also arrived in New Delhi on Sunday amid the ongoing political turmoil and signs of dissent within the party ranks.Her arrival in Delhi comes a day before a proposed meeting between the rebel TMC MPs and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, during which they are expected to seek a separate seating arrangement in the Lower House.On Saturday, TMC’s Kolkata North MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay met union environment minister Bhupender Yadav at his residence in New Delhi along with rebel MP Satabdi Roy.The meeting drew a response from within the party after Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra alleged that Bandyopadhyay had informed the party that he was hospitalised in Kolkata with a stomach ailment before being seen at Yadav’s residence in Delhi.“His mask & his wig both come off — @SudipBAITC told us he was in Apollo Kolkata with a tummy bug when we suddenly saw him on TV in Delhi in Bhupinder Yadav’s home,” Moitra said through a post on X.Bandyopadhyay’s move would take the number of rebel MPs to 20 out of the TMC’s 28 Lok Sabha members. The dissident camp argues that this gives it the two-thirds strength required to seek recognition as a separate group in the House under anti-defection provisions, a claim disputed by the party leadership.In West Bengal, the rebellion has also spread to the state unit, with 60 of the party’s 80 MLAs reportedly backing the dissident faction. The developments come after the TMC’s defeat in the April Assembly elections, which brought an end to Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year tenure as chief minister.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 MediaVideosRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More TrainsDRDO’s Three Successful Missile Tests Put India Among Nations Capable Of Countering ICBM ThreatsCong Leaders Demand Accountability, Apology From US After Three Indian Sailors Killed In StrikeRubio Tells EAM All Vessels Must Follow US Orders In Hormuz; India Protests Death Of 3 Mariners123PhotostoriesInside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closetCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuriesWhat happens when you eat 1 banana daily for 45 daysThis wild cat can crush a skull with one bite123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result ‘Governor’ box office collection Day 5 [LIVE]: Manoj Bajpayee and Adah Sharma’s 1990 financial crisis drama eyes Rs 3 crore on first Sunday In video: Woman dies after fatal jump at Brazil’s Skeleton Bridge; what travellers should know before chasing adventure sports Affirmations according to your date of birth Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sends special message to India Women ahead of Pakistan World Cup clash India replaces BLS, SGIVS for passport, visa services in UAE; Al Hind to handle operations from July 1 Priyanka Gandhi (ANI) Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday criticised the Modi government for what she described as its silence following the deaths of three Indian mariners in a US attack on a commercial vessel near the Gulf of Oman.In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said the government’s response to the incident was “shameful” and argued that the United States should have apologised for the deaths of the Indian sailors.”The Modi government’s silence after the killing of three Indian sailors in an American attack is shameful. Instead of expressing regret over these murders and tendering apology, America is resorting to the language of threats and orders,” she wrote.She added that India must firmly assert its status as a sovereign nation capable of protecting its interests.Congress leaders demand stronger responseSeveral Congress leaders echoed similar concerns. Party leader Pawan Khera said the government should have demanded an apology from the United States.“There are international laws. You can’t attack a commercial vessel of a third country in a conflict,” he said, ANI reported. Referring to EAM S Jaishankar’s statement, Khera said India’s response appeared too mild given the loss of Indian lives.Congress MP Manish Tewari also criticised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s comments saying that he lacked empathy and was unnecessarily confrontational.He urged Jaishankar to publicly disclose details of the conversation and clarify India’s position.What Rubio and Jaishankar saidEAM Jaishankar conveyed India’s ‘strong protest’ to Rubio over the US Navy actions that resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners.He described such attacks on commercial shipping as unjustified.However, it followed a statement by the US state department stressing that all commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz must immediately comply with instructions issued by US forces.The statement also warned that violations of the US blockade and the transport of Iranian oil would not be tolerated.What’s the incident?Three Indian sailors were killed after the US military struck the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, alleging that the vessel had violated its blockade on Iranian ports.The tanker was carrying 24 Indian crew members when it came under attack while transiting waters near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.Union shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that all three sailors who were initially reported missing have been declared dead and that their bodies will be brought back to India.The incident is the latest in a series of attacks involving commercial vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. 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 MediaVideosRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More TrainsDRDO’s Three Successful Missile Tests Put India Among Nations Capable Of Countering ICBM ThreatsCong Leaders Demand Accountability, Apology From US After Three Indian Sailors Killed In StrikeRubio Tells EAM All Vessels Must Follow US Orders In Hormuz; India Protests Death Of 3 Mariners123PhotostoriesInside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closetCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuriesWhat happens when you eat 1 banana daily for 45 daysThis wild cat can crush a skull with one bite123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result