VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Muzaffar Ahmed Sheikh (35) from Ganderbal district in Jammu & Kashmir. NEW DELHI: Challenging the Centre’s claim made in Parliament in the monsoon session that a survey conducted in all districts of the country during the year 2024-25 found no person engaged as a manual scavenger, Safai Karmachari Andolan (SKA) on Tuesday brought together women from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and youth from Jammu & Kashmir claiming to be engaged in manual cleaning of human excreta in insanitary latrines to highlight that the illegal practice still persists in atleast 46 districts of these four states.National Convenor and co-founder of SKA, Bezwada Wilson said that they have evidence by way of photographs showing women lifting waste from dry latrines in these districts. “We will be writing to the ministry of social justice and empowerment to seek a fresh survey citing this evidence and demand action to stop the illegal practice in these districts within 60 days,” Wilson said.He, however, made it clear that if the ministry fails to act over the next two months, SKA teams will carry out a survey and put together a report by early next year. “We will highlight the findings across states and share them with Parliamentarians and the Judiciary to seek enforcement,” Wilson said.Former Supreme Court Judges Justice Madan Lokur and Justice Sudhandhu Dhulia and former Patna High Court Judge Justice Anjana Prakash expressed solidarity with the women and men who came forward to share heartwrenching experiences of a life marked by exploitation and untouchability despite the law in place wherein manual scavenging is illegal and dry latrines are banned.At the meeting held at Press Club of India as SKA announced the launch of a year long campaign ‘INDIA @ 80’ to free the country from manual scavenging, the former judges announced full support. Elaborating on the struggle by those involved in manual scavenging to break free, Justice Lokur expressed concern over the practice persisting despite the protection guaranteed by the Constitution of India against untouchability which is abolished and forbidden.He also dwelled on the long and continuing struggle for justice by those affected and how they have repeatedly ended up approaching the judiciary that has resulted in various directions from the Supreme Court from time to time. Justice Lokur highlighted that what is most worrying is the denial by authorities that the problem exists and the approach towards addressing the issue shows that ending the problem of manual scavenging is not a priority of the govt.He asserted that the govt must give priority to remove dry latrines wherever they remain. This he said should be a key focus area under the Swachh Bharat Mission.Justice Dhulia expressed shock that manual scavenging and dry latrines still exist in more than 40 districts and said that everyone must feel shame that such a practice continues to exist in our society.Justice Anjana Prakash too expressed concern over the lack of required efforts to end manual scavenging.As the workers shared their lived experiences as manual scavengers, one heard 71 – year – old Mussi Devi from Sitapur district in UP tell how her entire life has passed cleaning dry latrines and even now she is called by families in her area to manually clean-up and dispose of the waste. “When are we going to get freedom from this untouchability?,” asked Mussi Devi and others in her position. Ageing and frail, Devi is also the caregiver for her husband who is paralysed.35 – year – old Muzzafar Ahmed Sheikh from Jammu and Kashmir shared that he is the third generation in his family engaged in manual scavenging in dry latrines. He shared that his community is subjected to untouchability and even their houses are located in a separate cluster. He hails from Wussan village of Ganderbal. A father of a six – year – old, he says, “I want to break free from this identity of being a manual scavenger and I don’t want my son to grow up to do this ever.”Bezwada Wilson summed up the sentiment of all those seeking justice. “I started the fight when I was 16 and now I am 60. Many things have changed but manual scavenging in dry latrines still remains. We have to end this menace without fail,” he asserted.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIt is pertinent to point that in the monsoon session of Parliament that concluded in August, in response to a written question in Lok Sabha by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale said that as per the “Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013)”, a fresh survey has been conducted in all districts of the country during the year 2024-25 in which no manual scavenger has been found. “All the districts of the country have completed the survey and declared themselves as manual scavengers’ free,” he said.However, he also added that 58,098 Manual Scavengers (MS) have been identified during two earlier surveys conducted in 2013 and 2018.Clearly differentiating “manual scavenging” and “hazardous cleaning”, the minister shared while the later pertains to manual cleaning of a sewer or septic tank, without the employer providing protective gear, cleaning devices and safety precautions, a manual scavenger is defined as someone employed for manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of human excreta in an insanitary latrine.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James TCS pips Accenture to take over Best Buy’s India GCC ops Sagittarius Horoscope Today, September 02, 2026: Jupiter and Moon boost confidence 5-member NCLT bench stays Subhash Chandra ‘6.5cr repayment order GST inflow rises by double digits 3rd month in a row Sun Pharma offers US cheaper drug supply Scorpio Horoscope Today, September 02, 2026: Confidence and cheerfulness mark your day Hikers heard ‘howling’ from a California water tank; rescuers found a mother bear and her cubs trapped inside and spent hours freeing them Libra Horoscope Today, September 02, 2026: Savings and discipline are key In 2001, scientists released 880 tiny weevils against a weed choking Texas waterways; by 2003, giant salvinia had almost disappeared | World News Ramabai ran 3km with the indomitable spirit of a mother competing for a cash prize PUNE: Ramabai Ranvir had no idea what running a race meant. All she had heard was there was Rs 3,000 to be won if she finished first.So, the 47-year-old widow hopped onto the pickup with a group of police aspirants from the Beed academy where she worked, hoping to compete in what would be the first race of her life. It didn’t bother her that she hadn’t trained for the rigours of a long-distance run. It hardly mattered that she was the lone runner without shoes.In her sari, barefoot after her slippers gave up midway through the run, Ramabai ran 3km with the indomitable spirit of a mother competing for a cash prize that would ease her struggle to pay for her daughters’ education, repo-rts Ardhra Nair.”I ran like my life depended on it. I didn’t know how much time I needed to cover the distance. I only sto-pped once I was past the finish line,” she told TOI. “I am so happy they gave me Rs 5,000 instead of Rs 3,000. I bought notebooks and pens for my daughter Pooja. The remaining money is for Arti.”Ramabai works in the kitchen at Dnyandeep Acad-emy, making over 200 chapatis a day for a monthly salary of Rs 9,000.The native of Potra, Hingoli, took the job to fund the education of her two daughters after her husband died in 2012.On Aug 28, her younger daughter Arti (20), a BSc computer science student who lives alone in Nanded, called asking for money for food and rent. Ramabai, who didn’t have any cash to spare, had a sleepless night.At dawn, she heard the academy’s trainers rounding up aspirants for a running competition nearby. She instantly decided to join in.”There is no pain worse than that of not being able to take care of your children. The moment I came to know of the race, winning was the only thing on my mind.”Datta Darade, who heads the academy, said Ramabai’s determination moved him. The academy had enrolled her elder daughter Pooja (22) free of cost and given her employment and a room to stay in. “I was taking my students to the marathon. When Ramabai said she wanted to come along, I asked her, ‘What will you do there?’ She said, ‘I will run.’ I couldn’t believe it when she won in the above-30 category.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesPooja finished second in the 18-30 age group and won Rs 2,000. Arti said she was dumbstruck when her sister called to say their mother had won.”Our mother studied till Class 7 and has worked all her life, not taking breaks even when she was unwell. She didn’t hesitate to send me to Nanded for my studies. I am not surprised she decided to win a race for her family,” she said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James R Madhavan says he treated son Vedaant like an adult from a young age; recalls his honest feedback on Dhurandhar and other films: ‘His opinion matters to me’ Supreme Court Tuesday sought Centre’s response to the use of a ‘totaliser’ mechanism to mix votes NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Tuesday sought Centre’s response to the use of a ‘totaliser’ mechanism to mix votes from different EVMs before counting, to prevent any backlash from candidates by preserving voter anonymity.Petitioner advocate Ashwini Upadhyay said a totalisation system hides booth-wise voting patterns by mixing up votes from multiple electronic voting machines (typically around 14) before displaying the count, which helps protect voters from post-poll violence and political victimisation.Election Commission, through senior advocate D Seshadri Naidu, said the issue was referred by EC to govt, which consulted stakeholders and found it inadvisable to employ the ‘totalisation’ mechanism, mainly because of staunch opposition by political parties. He said a switch to this method would require changing the statute which the commission could not bring about.When Upadhyay pointed out that the totalisation mechanism was adopted by EC to count paper ballots, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana asked Centre to respond on why the same mechanism could not be adopted for EVMs. Upadhyay also said in Jan 2018, EC itself had told the court that the “time had come” to introduce the totaliser to “protect secrecy of the ballot and privacy of the individual”.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines It had said that “the right of the people staying in a particular locality should not be exposed, and any kind of prejudice or discrimination because of the voting pattern should be avoided”.In a U-turn, EC in its affidavit filed on Aug 31 said, “Experience of litigations has revealed that the present system which includes a simultaneous audit by the candidates is necessary to ensure that frivolous and baseless allegations do not cloud the outcome…” It said the introduction of the totaliser system would give fresh anxieties, misgivings and allegations regarding data, machine tampering and transmission glitches.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James ‘The One About Matthew Perry’: Docuseries on late ‘Friends’ star set for OTT debut; title, release date; plot details and more revealed Virgo Horoscope Today, September 02, 2026: Drive carefully and think twice In 1985, a Florida couple moved into a 1908 house and spent 41 years preserving it; it has now become Manatee County’s first local historic landmark PM Modi repeats call to ‘shun unnecessary gold buys, foreign weddings & holidays’ Modi said countries that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy must be sent a strong message Framing security as a non-negotiable prerequisite for regional progress, PM Narendra Modi delivered a thinly veiled warning to Pakistan over state-sponsored terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. With Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif in attendance, Modi said countries that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy, and provide shelter and support to terrorists, must be sent a strong message that terrorism can never be a strategic asset for anyone.The remarks are significant also because of the timing. Pakistan assumed rotating chairmanship of SCO from Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday and will host the heads-of-state summit next year, for which it will invite Modi, along with others.Modi made the remarks, in which he also warned against double standards on terrorism, while expanding on India’s SCO vision – Security, Connectivity and Opportunity – that he articulated in Tianjin last year.With Chinese President Xi Jinping also present, PM reiterated India’s position that all connectivity initiatives must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states as this is also the “fundamental spirit” of SCO charter. Modi said that terrorism continued to pose a serious challenge to humanity and it’s important to not remain confined to an action-reaction approach in the fight against the menace.“We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation, and safe havens. We must speak with one voice and make it clear that there can be no place for double standards on this serious issue,” said PM, without naming Pakistan as SCO charter doesn’t allow members to raise bilateral differences.India and Pakistan together joined the China-dominated Eurasian grouping as full members in 2017. For India, the security-oriented SCO has served as a platform not just to assert its strategic autonomy but also flag regional risks from state-sponsored terrorism. Modi said that the bloc’s shared aspiration for a peaceful and secure Eurasia is also closely linked to peace and stability in Afghanistan and that India will continue to contribute to the development and provision of humanitarian assistance to people of the country.Modi addressed West Asia crisis, saying it was affecting energy security, maritime trade and supply chains around the world and recalling his message earlier that conflicts cannot be resolved on the battlefield. “Countries of Global South bear greatest brunt of such disruptions. Therefore, India has consistently called for all tensions and conflicts to be resolved not on battlefield, but through dialogue and diplomacy,” he added.While underlining the importance India attaches to SCO, Modi said that at a time when the world is passing through instability, the organisation must transform the shared geography into opportunities and bring about positive change in people’s lives. Describing SCO as a confluence of great civilisations, cultures, and ideas, he said that over next 25 years, people-to-people ties should remain at the heart of cooperation among the member states.“True measure of our success should be how many new opportunities our efforts create, how many new markets open up for entrepreneurs, how much farmers benefit from tech, and how much better the lives of our citizens become,” said the PM. According to an Indian readout of PM’s participation, Modi stated that strong and trusted connectivity initiatives were important for the group’s shared progress and prosperity.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“Underlining that India supports connectivity efforts that link markets, enhance trade and open new opportunities for development, he reiterated such efforts should respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations,” said the readout.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James Who is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s brother Aditya Rai? He spent years in the Merchant Navy, co-produced Dil Ka Rishta and leads a private family life Leo Horoscope Today, September 02, 2026: Lucky cosmic alignments signal success Australian home prices extend decline as inflation, rate fears weigh Rahul Gandhi (ANI image) NEW DELHI: Citing huge variations in the pre- and post-SIR voter lists, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the draft in Maharashtra and the revised Bengal lists prove his allegation that elections in those states were stolen by BJP.Dubbing Election Commission “vote chori commission”, Rahul said EC and BJP keep changing their tactics but their sole objective is “BJP’s victory at any cost, and the end of democracy.”Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said EC included a large number of voters ahead of the assembly elections in Delhi, and has now dropped over 47 lakh voters from the draft list while preparing to send notices to over 30 lakh more. “Congress workers are facing manipulations daily in Telangana and Karnataka as well,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul said in Maharashtra, 39 lakh new voters were added between the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in 2024. “… Now in Maharashtra, 2.1 crore voters have been removed from the draft list – that’s every fifth voter. Lok Sabha 2024: 9.3 crore, Vidhan Sabha 2024: 9.7 crore, SIR 2026: 7.8 crore. Which list was correct?” he asked. Rahul said in Bengal, 91% of all the names removed from the voters’ list after SIR ahead of the 2026 assembly polls has been reinstated. “That means 9 out of every 10 names were wrongly deleted, and added back only after the election… This was vote theft.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James ‘He killed her, then went back to sleep’: Chilling calm of Hyderabad nurse’s killer baffles cops SCO member-states, including India, reiterated the bloc’s condemnation of military strikes on Iranian territory Expressing deep concern over developments in “the Middle East and around Iran”, SCO member-states, including India, reiterated the bloc’s condemnation of military strikes on Iranian territory that resulted in numerous civilian casualties and significant damage to Iran’s economy, said the Bishkek Declaration Tuesday.India also joined other member-states in expressing condolences over the death of former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei at the SCO summit in Bishkek.This was the second time that the SCO denounced the strikes on Iran after the war started on Feb 28, the first being in an early March standalone statement that called the attacks unacceptable. India had endorsed that statement too, even though bilaterally it has not explicitly condemned the attacks on Iran the way it has the missile and drone strikes on GCC countries.India also joined other member-states in expressing condolences over the death of former Iranian supreme leader Ali KhameneiHowever, unlike the Tianjin Declaration last year that had condemned the June 2025 US and Israeli strikes on Iran, the Bishkek Declaration did not name the US and Israel. “Such actions violate the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter and create serious risks to international peace and security,” said the declaration. India and others backed Iran’s sovereignty, advocating a resolution to the conflict solely through political and diplomatic means.They welcomed all efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation and noted that the only possible way to ensure peace and stability in the region is a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question. PM Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the margins of the SCO summit Monday and backed expansion of ties with Tehran, while the latter sought India’s help to end the war. After distancing itself from a statement by SCO in June last year condemning Israel’s strikes, India has signed on to joint documents by the bloc censuring the US-Israel military action against Iran.The declaration reflected a major Indian concern as it strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, emphasised that “double standards” in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable and called on the international community to combat terrorism, including cross-border movement of terrorists. It called for UN playing a central role by fully implementing relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in accordance with the UN Charter and principles of international law to jointly combat all terrorist groups.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Member states, reaffirming their firm commitment to combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, emphasise the inadmissibility of attempts to exploit terrorist, separatist, and extremist groups for selfish purposes.,” said the declaration.Targeting use of economic sanctions by the West, leaders also came out in support of a fair multilateral trading system focused on the framework established by WTO, while slamming unilateral coercive measures. “Member states oppose unilateral coercive measures … that are detrimental to the interests of ensuring international security, including its food and energy, and that have a negative impact on the global economy.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James Cancer Horoscope Today, September 02, 2026: Emotional stress eases as Moon influences mood; opportunities for career advancement arise $4 million diamond necklace stolen in daylight heist at Vienna museum A Los Angeles theatre opened in 1932, then spent 15 years being rebuilt; its nearly $40 million restoration has finally brought the 729-seat landmark back SC has directed Centre, CBI and Himachal govt to bring Subhash Sharma to justice by getting him extradited NEW DELHI: Taking note that the main accused in Rs 20,000 crore cryptocurrency fraud case is safely holed up in Dubai for more than a year after duping around 2.5 lakh investors, SC has directed Centre, CBI and Himachal govt to bring Subhash Sharma to justice by getting him extradited. A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran also directed attachment of all movable and immovable property of Sharma and his relatives.An FIR was registered in the case in 2023 and Sharma fled the country but the other accused were arrested in 2025.Granting bail to one of the accused in the case, the bench passed the order to extradite Sharma. It also requested Chief Justice of HP HC to constitute a special court to exclusively deal with this crime.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James Taurus Horoscope Today, September 02, 2026: Moon affects financial concerns; be cautious with spending and avoid unnecessary investments Tribunal alters gay ex-IAF man ‘dismissal’ to ‘routine discharge’ Hollywood actor Joel McCrea bought a California ranch in 1933; his family later donated 74 acres as a wildlife preserve and effectively gave another 220 acres for parkland Gemini Horoscope Today, September 02, 2026: Calm day ahead despite potential travel disruptions; balance between income and expenses offers relief No fresh evidence after 40 years, court sets aside FIR order in 1984 riots case A 16th-century English longhouse hid serious structural problems behind its walls; the builder restoring it has now turned the centuries-old property into his own family home The traffic police has issued a detailed public advisory ahead of BRICS Summit 2026 NEW DELHI: The traffic police has issued a detailed public advisory ahead of BRICS Summit 2026, warning commuters of traffic diversions and restrictions during the motorcade rehearsal on Sept 2. The rehearsal will be held between 10am and 3pm, with traffic regulations planned at 22 diversion points covering more than 35 roads. The summit will be held from Sept 11-13 at Bharat Mandapam.Several key central and south Delhi corridors, including Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Tees January Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Mathura Road, Moti Lal Nehru Marg, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, Barakhamba Road, Tolstoy Marg, Janpath, among others, will be affected.At major diversion points, commuters will be redirected through alternate routes. They are encouraged to use public transport at this time.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James After maternity leave, women have right to resume at same functional status: HC Built in 1881 and closed in 2004 over structural problems, a Smithsonian building restored for $55 million has finally been chosen for a permanent new life MPSC drug inspector exam paper leak: ‘Top ranker’ Rutuja Patil arrested, intentionally gave 10 wrong answers Govt Tuesday halved sugar stock holding limit for dealers to 2,000 quintals NEW DELHI: Govt Tuesday halved sugar stock holding limit for dealers to 2,000 quintals from Sept 15 till Nov 30, in its bid to ensure adequate availability in the domestic market and prevent hoarding and speculative trading. The move comes as retail prices have moderated to around Rs 63 a kg, but still remain elevated even as ex-mill prices have crashed by more than 20% after govt took a series of steps.At present, stock holding limit for sugar dealers across the country is 4,000 quintals. As per the new order, no sugar dealer can hold any stock for a period exceeding 30 days from the date of receipt of sugar consignments and no dealer can keep over 2,000 quintals of sugar at any time.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesGovt expects the reduction will facilitate orderly movement of sugar through the supply chain and ensure its continuous availability to consumers at reasonable prices. Meanwhile, govt has undertaken intensive monitoring and physical verification of sugar stocks, covering sugar mills, dealers and traders.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123PhotostoriesLife doesn’t feel right anymore? 5 questions to ask yourself before you make a changeWhy are ambulances mostly white? The real reason behind their colour10 baby girl names that symbolise strength and courage5 things people secretly do when they have a crush on someone4 DIY skincare combinations you should never try at homeFrom Snehan to Sabarinathan: Where are the Bigg Boss Tamil runners-up now?“Drinking lemon water burns belly fat”: What this popular morning ritual can and can’t doOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals your hidden instincts and intuitionThink you have a weak jawline? Your chin could be the real reason your face looks less definedJanmashtami 2026 outfit ideas: Celebrity-inspired Indian looks to channel your inner Radha123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James Record Dhoni’s deposition in court, not in hotel: Former IPS officer’s plea In 2008, Allen University paid $116,000 to move a historic 1903 house two blocks and promised restoration; 18 years later, the work never came and the house is being demolished Iltija Mufti Tuesday joined the MBBS and BDS interns’ protest at Srinagar Government Medical College SRINAGAR: PDP’s Iltija Mufti Tuesday joined the MBBS and BDS interns’ protest at Srinagar Government Medical College on Tuesday, a day after they began their indefinite strike across J&K demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 and the govt agreed to consider their demand.Saying that Odisha and West Bengal provide around Rs 45,000 a month stipend, Iltija urged the J&K govt to immediately initiate dialogue with the protesting interns.On Monday, health and medical education minister Sakina Itoo requested the interns to call off their strike, saying it was affecting patient care. “Their demands are genuine. The govt is already working on it,“ Itoo had said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for September 02, 2026 Meet Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra: The 22-year-old Norway’s first adult heir as King Haakon takes oath, could become first reigning queen in over 600 years since Queen Margaret In 1905, a Bohemian prince released five muskrats into his estate ponds as a fur venture. Within a decade, around 2 million were in Bohemia | World News A special NIA court has ordered the attachment of the share of accused Fayaz Ahmed Mir in multiple properties in Kashmir JAMMU: A special NIA court has ordered the attachment of the share of accused Fayaz Ahmed Mir in multiple properties in Kashmir while the trial in an alleged terror-linked arms case remains pending. Special Judge Prem Sagar passed the order Monday while allowing NIA’s application filed under Section 33(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, officials said.The properties listed in the order include 15 marlas (1 marla = 272.2sqft) of residential land, two shops spread over 2 marlas, and agricultural land measuring 25 marlas in Bumhama village of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.The court directed that no third-party interest be created in the properties until the trial is over. The attachment applies only to Mir’s share in the listed properties and will remain in force until the proceedings conclude. A copy of the order has been forwarded to the Baramulla deputy commissioner for compliance, officials said.“Investigators alleged that Mir supplied arms, ammunition, and explosives to terrorists operating in south Kashmir, and received Rs 5.2 lakh in connection with an AK-47 rifle. The allegations are yet to be adjudicated by the trial court,” an official said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesMir’s counsel had opposed the attachment, arguing that the accused and his siblings had jointly inherited the properties, which were neither acquired through nor used for terrorist activities. The court, however, held that UAPA Section 33(1) permits attachment of property belonging to an accused facing trial for specified offences under the Act as a preventive measure.According to the case records, security forces intercepted a four-wheeler on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Kulgam on Jan 11, 2020, and seized an AK-47 rifle, three pistols, a hand grenade and other incriminating materials. The occupants were identified as J&K Police DSP Devender Singh; Hizbul Mujahideen members Irfan Shafi Mir alias Advocate, Syed Naveed Mushtaq alias Naveed Babu and Rafi Ahmad Rather; former LoC trader Tanveer Ahmad Wani, and Naveed Babu’s brother Syed Irfan Ahmad. Four suspects, including two Hizbul terrorists, were arrested.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James Edible grasshoppers, fresh flowers, hot ramen bowls and umbrellas; Japan has vending machines for everything and here’s the Science behind it Hammer-wielding Ohio man who smashed windows of JD Vance’s home pleads guilty Srinagar’s stalled commercial complex fetched an eye-popping Rs 421.75 crore (Representative image) SRINAGAR: For years, grass and weeds had more business at Sangarmaal City Centre than shoppers did. Then came the bidders. A 45-kanal (5.625 acre) parcel around Srinagar’s stalled commercial complex fetched an eye-popping Rs 421.75 crore after an overnight auction far exceeded what govt had pegged.Bidding opened at 11am on Aug 25 for land in front of and behind Sangarmaal, just behind Kashmir Golf Course and opposite Polo View, a pedestrian-only high-street market lined with cafes and boutique stores. One end of the property touches Chunt Khul, a stream running through Srinagar. Dal Lake is about 1km away. Lal Chowk is within easy reach.That mix of location, scale and commercial potential made this largely underused land a prized piece of real estate.By 1.48am on Aug 26, Sangarmaal became one of J&K’s hottest pieces of public real estate, with officials watching the price race far beyond their Rs 200-crore expectations. The highest bid touched Rs 421.75 crore on a full-lease basis.“My heart was racing as the bid was going up and up. It is an important project for J&K and this bid will open investment in the Union Territory after a long time,” an official said Tuesday.Parmesh Construction Company Ltd, a consortium of Pahalgam Green Hotels, a J&K firm and Bhutani Infra Ltd, emerged as the successful bidder.Sangarmaal City Centre traces its roots to 2015, when then CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed announced it as a new commercial venture meant to give Srinagar a modern skyline.What emerged was an ambitious complex with landscaped areas, fountains, basement and surface parking, lifts and escalators. Its commercial inventory included 62 shops in the main commercial module, 38 spaces in Craft Bazaar, 11 kiosks, two food courts, a restaurant and 11 office spaces.But the dream never got off the ground. Most shops stayed shut. Buyers who acquired units did not open them. Weeds overran the premises, turning what was meant to be a bustling commercial hub into a near-deserted property.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesNow, a fresh lease could mean a fresh start. The front and rear portions have been offered for development on a full-lease basis, with a multiplex and other commercial facilities proposed.The Sangarmaal auction also set the stage for another high-stakes property bid. At Batamaloo, about 6km away, roughly 70 kanals (8.75 acre) of bus-stand land has remained largely underused and vulnerable to encroachment. Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) is seeking to redevelop it for better use.Bidding opened at Rs 95 crore on Aug 27 and climbed to Rs 305 crore by evening, with Construction Engineers, another J&K consortium, emerging as highest bidder. Batamaloo is also being offered on a full-lease basis, with plans for shopping, office spaces and housing.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 CancelledMamata Banerjee’s Niece Found Dead In Birbhum Home, Post-Mortem Underway To Establish CauseSonia Gandhi’s ‘Belonging’ Book Row: Why Did Penguin India Drop the Publishing Deal?Centre Defers Census In Manipur Amid NRC ProtestsCash Shortage Unlocks ₹17 Crore Fake Note Mystery At PNB’s Saharanpur Currency ChestBihar, Jharkhand End 25-Year Dispute, Sign Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement‘Spreading Jhooth Ki Goonj’: PM Modi Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi, Hails 7.8% GDP Growth In New Video123Hot PicksNepal floodGrand Canyon floodsSugar importMumbai milk priceCNG priceGoa anti-conversion billTN milk price hikeMaharashtra SIRDelhi trafficTop TrendingDelhi Teen Gang RapeUS Iran WarNepal FloodsDan DriscollPakistan Hindu Temple DemolishedGlenn PhillipsPascal WehrleinConnor McDavidDelhi SIRLebron James Maharashtra puts FDA action against loose edible oil sales on hold for 1 year