VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos may have enough money to buy entire countries, but they cannot buy their way into this exclusive club on Florida’s ‘Billionaire Bunker’ Before breakfast or playtime, this little girl has one adorable morning routine with her three Golden Retriever pet dogs Evening news wrap: Delhi HC seeks Centre’s reply on Sonam Wangchuk’s PIL; Madan Mitra quits Mamata camp & more | India News Aamir Khan reveals wife Gauri Spratt is Christian, not Hindu amid fatwa and allegations of Love Jihad: ‘Both my sisters married a Hindu, we are an inclusive family’ ‘My mother…’: Woman buys earrings from a young boy in Mumbai, then discovers the heartbreaking reason he is working instead of going to school | A sharp stone tool cut this early human’s jaw 100,000 years ago, but the healed bone shows he survived Historic! Rodri breaks 60-year-old record, becomes first ever player in FIFA World Cup to … | Football News Switzerland built giant tunnels under the Alps to reduce truck traffic, but the project is now helping protect the country’s mountains from climate threats | World News China’s ‘project of the century’ near Arunachal Pradesh fuels concerns over water security, seismic risks and strategic leverage (Image credit: PTI ) NEW DELHI: China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, known downstream as the Brahmaputra, has renewed concerns in India over water security, seismic safety, ecological impacts and the strategic implications of Beijing’s growing control over infrastructure on a transboundary river.The project, commonly known as the Medog Dam or the Yarlung Tsangpo Hydropower Project, is being built at the river’s dramatic “Great Bend” in Medog County in Tibet, where the river makes a sharp U-turn before entering Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River. The site lies close to India’s eastern border, with Gelling, Norbuling and Bishing among the nearest Indian locations.According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Chinese Premier Li Qiang described the hydropower project as the “project of the century” while inaugurating construction.Where is the dam being built?The dam is coming up on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet’s Medog County, one of the world’s deepest river gorges. Over a stretch of nearly 50 kilometres, the river drops around 2,000 metres, creating one of the world’s richest hydropower resources.Scientists have warned that the project could affect one of the world’s richest mountain ecosystems.According to SCMP, the project will comprise five cascade hydropower stations capable of generating around 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, more than three times the annual output of China’s Three Gorges Dam.The project is estimated to cost around 1.2 trillion yuan (about $167 billion), making it the costliest hydropower project ever undertaken, according to the newspaper.Why is the Brahmaputra strategically important?The Brahmaputra is one of Asia’s most important transboundary rivers. Known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the Siang (or Dihang) in Arunachal Pradesh and the Jamuna in Bangladesh, it flows through China, India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.Stretching roughly 2,900 kilometres, the river drains a basin of around 580,000 square kilometres shared by China, India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. China accounts for the largest share of the basin.The Brahmaputra is the ninth-largest river in the world by discharge and among the world’s largest braided rivers. It is a lifeline for irrigation, agriculture, transportation, fisheries and hydropower across northeastern India and Bangladesh.Can China stop the Brahmaputra from flowing into India?Hydrologists say China cannot permanently stop the Brahmaputra from flowing into India because the river receives substantial additional water from heavy monsoon rainfall and numerous tributaries after entering Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.However, experts say a massive upstream reservoir would enable China to regulate the timing and volume of water releases to a certain extent.According to a Reuters report on India’s hydropower strategy, New Delhi fears an upstream Chinese dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo could reduce dry-season flows by as much as 85% under certain operating scenarios, although there is no publicly available evidence suggesting China intends to do so.Indian officials and strategic analysts fear Beijing could gain greater leverage by controlling key infrastructure upstream.Experts also distinguish between water diversion and flow regulation. China’s project has been described as a hydropower dam rather than a diversion scheme. Run-of-the-river hydropower projects generally release water downstream after generating electricity, although reservoirs can alter seasonal flows and the timing of releases.Why is India concerned?India’s concerns extend beyond water availability.According to SCMP, New Delhi increasingly views the project through the prism of national security because the river flows through Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as “South Tibet.”Indian officials and strategic analysts fear Beijing could gain greater leverage by controlling key infrastructure upstream.Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently described the project as a potential “water bomb”, warning that river flows could “dry up considerably” while the reservoir is being filled and that sudden releases could increase flood risks downstream, according to SCMP.Experts have also pointed to the absence of a comprehensive water-sharing treaty governing the Brahmaputra between India and China.Geological concerns over the mega damBeyond geopolitics, the project’s location has become the focus of growing scientific scrutiny.According to a PTI report citing the South China Morning Post, Chinese geologists have identified an active fault line beneath the hydropower project that could affect its long-term structural stability.The findings were published in the Chinese-language journal Sedimentary Geology and Tethyan Geology under the supervision of the China Geological Survey.The study found that the Paizhen Fault, an active geological fracture in the eastern Himalayas, has remained active since the Pleistocene.According to the researchers, prolonged tectonic activity has weakened surrounding rock formations, making dam foundations, bridges, roads, tunnels and reservoir infrastructure more vulnerable.”The Paizhen area is located within the reservoir area of the Yarlung Tsangpo downstream hydropower station,” the researchers wrote.They warned that earthquakes could trigger landslides and rock collapses that may threaten engineering infrastructure. The study cited the 2017 magnitude 6.9 Milin earthquake as evidence that the region remains seismically active.China’s responseChinese authorities have consistently rejected suggestions that the project poses risks to downstream countries.According to PTI, Beijing has repeatedly maintained that the hydropower project has undergone extensive geological surveys and meets the highest engineering standards.An official Chinese statement issued in December 2024 described it as a safe project that prioritises ecological protection.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the project had undergone decades of scientific studies and environmental assessments. According to SCMP, she said China would continue maintaining communication with downstream countries while strengthening cooperation on disaster prevention and mitigation.Chinese officials have also maintained that the project will not adversely affect downstream water flows.Environmental concernsScientists have warned that the project could affect one of the world’s richest mountain ecosystems.According to SCMP, Sichuan-based geologist Fan Xiao described the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon as a rare biodiversity hotspot located in a geologically unstable region.He warned that constructing multiple mega hydropower stations involving high dams, large reservoirs and extensive tunnel systems could increase landslide risks and cause irreversible environmental damage.Fan also questioned official claims that large hydropower projects are entirely “green”, arguing that the long-term geological and ecological costs remain uncertain.Researchers have additionally raised concerns about the displacement of local communities and the possible impact on culturally significant Tibetan sites.China suspended hydrological data sharing in 2017: MEAConcerns over China’s management of transboundary rivers are not new.In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on February 8, 2018, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that China did not provide hydrological information on either the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Zangbo) or the Sutlej (Langqen Zangbo) during the 2017 flood season despite existing bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).Responding to an unstarred question, then Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd.) said China had informed India that the interruption was due to “technical reasons.”The MEA said India continued to monitor transboundary rivers for any abnormalities and regularly raised river-related issues through the India-China Expert Level Mechanism (ELM), established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels.China resumed Brahmaputra data sharing in 2018China resumed sharing hydrological data on the Siang River, the main stem of the Brahmaputra in India, on May 15, 2018, under the bilateral MoU that requires Beijing to provide river flow information during the flood season from May 15 to October 15, according to officials in India’s then Ministry of Water Resources.The resumption followed concerns in India after China suspended data sharing during the 73-day Doklam standoff in 2017. While many analysts viewed the suspension as linked to deteriorating bilateral ties, Beijing maintained that the interruption was caused by the upgrading of hydrological monitoring stations in Tibet.Data sharing resumed after the 11th meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-Border Rivers in Hangzhou in March 2018. Following the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said China would continue cooperation on hydrological information.The original MoU on sharing hydrological data for the Brahmaputra was signed in 2002 and renewed in 2008 and 2013. India and China also have a separate agreement covering the Sutlej River, originally signed in 2005 and renewed in 2010.Could earthquakes threaten the project?The project sits along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, one of the world’s most seismically active regions.According to the Chinese geological study reported by PTI, the Paizhen Fault has remained active into the Holocene period, with geological evidence suggesting movement as recently as 9,500 years ago.The researchers recommended reinforcing vulnerable slopes and constructing retaining structures to minimise landslide risks.The region has also witnessed glacier collapses and landslides in recent years.According to SCMP, Sayanangshu Modak, a researcher at the University of Arizona, cited the massive 2021 glacier collapse near the Great Bend that temporarily blocked the river and sharply raised water levels, saying such cascading events highlight the vulnerability of large hydropower infrastructure in the region.Could the dam become a geopolitical lever?Several analysts believe the project could reshape the strategic balance between China and India.According to SCMP, Sayanangshu Modak said the project would not only showcase China’s engineering capabilities but also strengthen its strategic influence in the region.He also noted that India has accelerated dam construction downstream as part of its own strategy to strengthen water utilisation rights.Shanghai-based security analyst Ni Lexiong told SCMP that although China considers the project an internal matter, the dam could effectively provide Beijing with additional geopolitical leverage because of its upstream location.”It would effectively create geopolitical leverage vis-a-vis India diplomatically,” he said.However, Liu Zongyi, a senior fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, argued that concerns over China’s ability to manipulate river flows were overstated and maintained that the project would not fundamentally alter bilateral relations.India’s responseIndia has responded by accelerating hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh.According to Reuters, New Delhi has approved investments of more than $4 billion for two major hydroelectric projects along the Brahmaputra.The 1,720 MW Kamala project, estimated at 260.7 billion rupees, will be developed jointly by NHPC and the Arunachal Pradesh government.The 1,200 MW Kalai-II project, costing 141 billion rupees, will be implemented by THDC India Ltd in partnership with the state government.Reuters also reported that India plans to develop more than 76 GW of hydropower capacity in the Brahmaputra basin by 2047 through a transmission investment programme worth $77 billion.These projects are intended to strengthen India’s energy security while reinforcing its strategic presence along the eastern Himalayan frontier.What happens next?Construction of the Medog mega dam is expected to take at least a decade because of the engineering challenges posed by the Himalayan terrain. According to SCMP, the project is expected to begin operations in the 2030s.As construction advances, the project is likely to remain under close scientific and geopolitical scrutiny.For India, the debate extends beyond electricity generation. The central questions are whether China’s control over major upstream infrastructure could alter river management, affect downstream ecology, complicate disaster response, or become another strategic factor in an already complex India-China relationship.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war ‘If Ronaldo, Messi can do it…’: Ex-cricketer questions India’s treatment of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli UPSSSC rolls out One-Time Registration system to simplify PET; here’s how it works ‘Jana Nayagan’ advance booking: Canada gives VIP members priority as Vijay starrer sees strong overseas response Nonno Exercise Routine: Meet the 95 year old Nonno, who follows a secret band exercise routine to stay put and keep going at nearly a century Chinese Horoscope Today, July 16, 2026: These Zodiac Signs May See Luck, Money, and Support Scientists warmed the same forest soil by 5°C for 37 years; in the fourth decade, microbes began releasing carbon once thought safely locked away ‘Next week comes bridges, power plants’: Donald Trump says US strikes on Iran to escalate in three days Quote of the day by Mike Tyson: “Fear is like fire. If you learn to control it, you let it work for you. If you don’t…” – the boxing legend’s powerful lesson on controlling fear before it controls you | World News EC releases revised SIR schedule for electoral rolls NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday released a revised schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in six states, updating the dates for draft publication and final electoral rolls.The revised schedule covers Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. The exercise is being carried out with different qualifying dates for voters in each state.For Delhi, where the qualifying date is July 1, the draft electoral roll will now be published on August 17, while the final electoral roll will be published on October 19.The same schedule will apply to Karnataka, where the qualifying date is October 1. The draft roll will be published on August 17 and the final roll on October 19.For Telangana, also with a qualifying date of October 1, the draft electoral roll will be published on August 10, while the final roll will be released on October 12.In Punjab, where the qualifying date is October 1, the draft electoral roll will be published on August 13 and the final roll on October 12.For Haryana and Andhra Pradesh, both with a qualifying date of July 1, the draft electoral rolls will now be published on July 31, while the final electoral rolls will be released on October 3.The revised schedule follows the Election Commission’s earlier decision to extend the ongoing SIR exercise in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana by 10 days, allowing voters more time to submit their enumeration forms.Under the extension, booth level officers (BLOs) will continue house-to-house visits until July 24 to collect enumeration forms. Earlier, the deadline had been set for July 14.The EC had also revised the timeline for claims and objections in these two states. Voters can now file claims and objections between July 31 and August 30, while their disposal will continue until September 28. The final electoral rolls for both states will be published on October 3, instead of the earlier scheduled date of September 22.The poll panel has said the Special Intensive Revision aims to update electoral rolls by including eligible voters and removing duplicate, deceased, shifted, absent and foreign voters. The Phase 3 SIR exercise is currently underway in 16 states and three Union Territories.The Election Commission has also made it mandatory for new applicants seeking inclusion in the electoral rolls through Form 6 to provide details related to their parents’ SIR records. According to EC officials, the declaration will help map electors more efficiently and reduce the number of supporting documents required from new voters. Officials said applicants using the online Form 6 portal will not be able to complete their application without filling in the declaration.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 MediaVideosExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war Tom Holland called THIS Marvel star after bagging role in ‘The Odyssey’: ‘I definitely had a very long conversation’ Kitchen Sink Stains: 7 simple ways to remove kitchen sink stains without vigorous scrubbing These zodiac signs are believed to have a strong ability to heal themselves, According to astrology RE Shotgun 650 x Rough Crafts launched: Pricing, changes explained ‘Combine our strengths’: EU, Ukraine sign multi-billion ‘drone deal’ to counter Russia Pakistan Social Media Ban: ‘Protection of children is state’s responsibility’: Pakistan lawmaker seeks social media ban for under-16s 2020 Delhi riots case: Court allows Umar Khalid 2 family video meetings every week NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Wednesday allowed activist Umar Khalid’s plea seeking restoration of two video meetings with his family every week in jail. The court observed that Khalid had been using the facility for the past six years without violating any jail rules.The order comes after jail authorities reduced the number of weekly video meetings from two to one in May 2026.The Karkardooma Court directed that Khalid’s earlier facility be restored, observing that there was no material to justify the reduction.Allowing the plea, the court observed that Khalid had been availing the facility for six years without any breach of prison rules and found no reason to continue the restriction.Khalid has been lodged in jail in connection with the larger conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots.The case relates to allegations that Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and several others were part of a larger conspiracy behind the riots that broke out during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). The violence claimed 53 lives and left more than 700 people injured.The accused have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.The latest order comes days after a Delhi court rejected fresh bail pleas filed by Khalid and Imam. They had argued that their prolonged incarceration without the trial beginning violated their fundamental right to personal liberty and cited recent Supreme Court observations that “bail is the rule” even under the UAPA in appropriate cases.However, the court dismissed their pleas, observing that the Supreme Court had already refused them bail on January 5, 2026, while granting relief to five co-accused. The apex court had held that Khalid and Imam stood on a “qualitatively different footing” because of their alleged role in the larger conspiracy. It had also directed that they could renew their bail pleas only after protected witnesses were examined or after one year, whichever was earlier.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 MediaVideosExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war Jul 15, 2026, 17:30 IST Two Varanasi highway projects worth Rs 25,446 crore approved – how they will affect commuters NMC adds 9,911 MBBS seats for 2026-27; total intake reaches 1,36,939 Anya Taylor-Joy’s ‘Lucky’ releases on Apple TV: All about the unconventional plot, cast, and episodes Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adults Princess Margaret’s former country retreat is for sale for £3.95 million, inside the 4,195-square-foot home where royals and artists gathered How elephants use their footsteps to send messages through the ground, and hear through skull vibrations HDB Financial Services Q1FY26 net profit up 38% at Rs 785 crore Anuradha Paudwal reacts to controversy surrounding her comments on Ram Mandir donation theft and ‘Vishwaguru’ narrative: ‘It is taken out of context and sensationalised’ Jude Bellingham’s home is a cradle of minimalism with modernity: Art inspirations to take away | Drone warfare 2.0: Unmanned vehicles outfitted with long-range missiles deliver deep strikes Saudi Arabia is building a giant car-free region beside the Red Sea, but its futuristic city plans have changed | World News Updated: Jul 15, 2026, 17:10 IST Investment 101: How to rebalance your portfolio for FY27 – top mistakes to avoid Rajju Bhaiya University result released for various undergraduate and postgraduate courses: Check direct link to download scorecards here Priyanka Chopra recalls Nick Jonas’ unusual request when they first began chatting: ‘He asked me for a photo that moment looking into the camera with a time stamp’ From the small town of Kolhapur to the CEO of Chanel, how Leena Nair is redefining leadership through ambition, empathy, and compassion. Who is Rafael Jodar? Meet the Spanish teen sensation named in Team Europe for the Laver Cup 2026 alongside Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz A Canadian entrepreneur sold his tech company for millions, then spent $1.5 million building tiny homes for people without homes | World News Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj leaders switch to BJP ahead of Bankipur bypoll NEW DELHI: In a setback to Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor ahead of the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, several party leaders, including candidates who contested the 2025 Bihar assembly elections on the party’s ticket, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday.The leaders who joined the BJP included renowned mathematician KC Sinha, Ritesh Ranjan alias Bittu Singh, Gopal Singh and Jan Suraaj Kisan Morcha district president Braj Kishore Sinha.KC Sinha had contested from Kumhrar, Ritesh Ranjan alias Bittu Singh from Digha and Gopal Singh from Maner in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections as Jan Suraaj candidates.The development comes ahead of the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, scheduled for July 30, where Prashant Kishor is contesting against BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha.Welcoming the new entrants, Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi said the party was attracting leaders from across the political spectrum because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.”Inspired by the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, there has been a rush among politicians of opposition parties across the country to join the saffron party. People from all over the country want to join it,” Saraogi told reporters.He said the new entrants would strengthen the BJP organisation in the state.KC Sinha said he joined the BJP to contribute to India’s development through education.”In the current situation, national interest is paramount. Amid the clouds of war hovering across the world, the hands of the central government need to be strengthened so that India’s voice can resonate globally. India had once led the world as a Vishwaguru and must regain that position, especially through excellence in education,” he said.Ritesh Ranjan Singh apologised for joining Jan Suraaj and reaffirmed his commitment to the BJP.”I just want to say that one should never act in the heat of the moment. Whatever I did, I apologise for that. ‘Jeena yahan, marna yahan, iske siwa jana kahan’,” he said, quoting a popular Hindi film song.Calling his induction into the BJP a ‘homecoming’, Gopal Singh said he had earlier worked with the party in the 1990s.”When I contested on a Jan Suraaj ticket from Maner last year, I realised there was no vision there, only hollow talk. Above all, an arrogant person can never run an organisation. That is why we have returned to our home,” he said.The Bankipur bypoll was necessitated after BJP leader and former state minister Nitin Nabin resigned from the assembly seat following his elevation as the party’s national president.Prashant Kishor, a former election strategist who founded Jan Suraaj after ending his political consultancy career, is contesting his first-ever election from the BJP stronghold. In his nomination affidavit, he declared movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 96 crore. The affidavit also stated that he holds a 100 per cent controlling stake in a private company that donated Rs 85 crore to the Jan Suraaj Party and Rs 50 lakh to the Jan Suraaj Foundation during the 2024-25 financial year.According to the affidavit, Kishor has eight pending criminal cases but has not been convicted in any of them.The Bankipur assembly bypoll will be held on July 30, while the counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.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 MediaVideosKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators123PhotostoriesNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the societyDiscontinued snacks every ’90s and 2000s kid desperately wants backSnakes with the most vibrant colours and patterns in the animal kingdomAlison Hammond opens up about 22-year age gap with David Putman: Inside the British broadcaster’s dating historyFrom ‘Love for You’ to ‘Dazzling’: The ‘pseudo-sibling’ romance trope taking over Chinese dramas123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingMLB All Start Best MomentsTamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war Shadow of Falklands, legacy of Maradona: England vs Argentina – the match fate ‘owed’ Lionel Messi | Football News Oil, LNG, fertilisers and maybe diamonds: What is at risk from Iran’s wider blockade threat India-UK FTA: What it means for India’s agriculture, farmers and MSMEs and other sectors Inside Govinda and Sunita Ahuja’s Rs 16 crore Mumbai residence designed around Vastu with Italian furniture and rare décor Psychology reveals that people who chronically stay late to finish work are often dealing with perfectionism, difficulty setting boundaries, or emotional exhaustion rather than just superior dedication