VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html ‘Ted Lasso’ star Hannah Waddingham talks ‘Ride or Die’ and the future of James Bond: ‘A woman doesn’t need to play James Bond…’ | “I ate a raw, still-pumping snake heart”: This hidden snake village near Hanoi offers one of Vietnam’s wildest travel experiences | Masik Janmashtami July 7: Do This ‘Rina-Mukti’ Ritual to Clear Debts OFFSIDE: Mighty Viking Erling Haaland slays Brazil as England survive Mexican shootout at Azteca NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday staged a protest at LNJP Hospital, alleging a Rs 650 crore scam in the Delhi government’s health department.AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned chief minister Rekha Gupta over why the main accused was allegedly allowed to flee to Germany.”There was a health scam worth Rs 650 crore in Delhi. The main accused was not arrested by the ACB for a month, and he was allowed to flee to Germany. We kept saying it and kept holding press conferences, demanding the arrest of Rajiv Rangeela. They did not arrest him. Why not? Because they do not want to investigate,” Bharadwaj told PTI Videos.Several party workers, including MLAs Sanjeev Jha and Kuldeep Kumar, also joined the protest, demanding answers from the government.”A massive medicine procurement scam has taken place in Delhi’s health sector. The ACB says the scam is worth Rs 650 crore. People are saying that the contractor fled Delhi and left the country. He was allowed to escape in the same way Vijay Mallya was allowed to flee and Nirav Modi was allowed to flee,” Jha said.According to Bharadwaj, the ruling government has alleged that Dr Vatsala Agrawal committed a Rs 650 crore scam in the Directorate General of Health Services. He, however, claimed that “it was the Rekha Gupta government that appointed Agrawal by bypassing all the rules.””It bypassed those who were senior to her. It appointed her despite a vigilance inquiry,” he added.AAP has, for the past few days, been raising the issue, which is currently under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB).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 MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesRanveer Singh birthday special: Revisiting the ‘Dhurandhar’ star’s top-grossing movies of all time“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? Doctor shares 5 things you should do the moment you reach homeHow to enhance your self worth; based on your birth dateAnshula Kapoor’s mint green chooda look is the fresh Punjabi bridal trend every 2026 bride will bookmark123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment Growth, not gloom: Morgan Stanley keeps bullish stance on Indian equities Odisha schools closed in multiple districts as heavy rain continues, IMD issues orange alert Tabu to play powerful villain opposite Nagarjuna in ‘King100’ as duo reunites after 28 years – Reports How princes and princesses were raised in ancient India: A childhood shaped by duty, not privilege One motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth date Earth could have over 20 million insect species, leaving most still unknown to science Congress targets PM Modi after passport rank slips to 125th NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticised PM Modi’s government over India’s recent passport rankings, alleging that its policies had hurt the country’s global reputation. He also questioned the recent increase in passport fees, saying citizens were paying more despite what he described as poor services.In a post on X, Kharge referred to Prime Minister Modi’s 2018 remarks about the strength of the Indian passport and said the current rankings did not support those claims.”Modi Govt’s policies are responsible for hurting India’s global reputation,” Kharge wrote.”PM Modi claimed in 2018: ‘People travelling and living abroad know the respect and strength of the Indian passport today.’ Where is that ‘strength’ reflected? Facts bely his assertions,” he said.Citing different global passport rankings, Kharge claimed that India’s position had weakened over the years.”In one global passport ranking, India has fallen from 74th in 2013 to 80th in June 2026. [World Economic Forum] Another global passport index places India at a dismal 125th in 2026. [Global Citizen Solutions],” he wrote.Kharge also criticised the government’s decision to increase passport charges, saying fees had gone up without any improvement in services.”Instead of improving services, the Modi Govt has made passports more expensive. Passport fees have been hiked from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while Tatkal charges have gone up to Rs 5,000,” he said.The Congress chief also alleged that foreign tourist arrivals had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels and questioned the government’s tourism and visa policies.”Even with respect to the ease of travelling to India, Foreign Tourist Arrivals are still below pre-COVID levels: They have dropped from 10.93 million (2019) to 9.95 million (2024). Is the Modi Govt masking this failure by clubbing NRI arrivals with foreign tourist data? Why is India’s official visa application portal still so outdated and confusing that it resembles a website from the late 1990s? No one in India, the land of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ wants to welcome the tourists like this?” he wrote.Concluding his post, Kharge questioned the government’s claims about India’s international standing.”If the passport is weaker, tourism has not recovered, visa services are lacklustre and citizens are paying more for substandard services, then where exactly is this much-advertised global respect? Reality bites. India’s reputation suffers. Courtesy: Modi Govt!” he said.Kharge’s remarks came after the Global Passport Index 2026 ranked India 125th, down from 124th last year, with visa-free access to 26 destinations. The ranking placed India behind countries including the Philippines, Morocco, Uzbekistan and China, but ahead of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.His comments also follow the Centre’s decision to revise passport application fees from July 1, 2026. Under the new rates, the fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page ordinary passport has increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while the Tatkal charge has risen from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000. The fee for a 60-page passport has increased to Rs 3,500, with the Tatkal charge revised to Rs 6,000.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 MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreRanveer Singh birthday special: Revisiting the ‘Dhurandhar’ star’s top-grossing movies of all time“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? Doctor shares 5 things you should do the moment you reach home123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment Beyond internships: IIT Gandhinagar lets BTech students earn credits through a full semester in industry and startups ‘Anyone who doesn’t know Bhai well finds him intimidating’: Ali Abbas Zafar recalls how Salman Khan was the ‘only choice’ and said ‘YES’ in just 15 minutes as Anushka Sharma starrer ‘Sultan’ clocks a decade | Hindi Movie News IIT Advanced: How Gunjan Kumar’s mother helped him crack IIT- Delhi when he was bed ridden with a lung disease just days before the exam | ‘Our objective was never to … ‘: Prashant Kishor explains why he chose to contest from BJP stronghold Bankipur over ‘safe’ seat | India News ‘Kill them both like dogs’: Khamenei funeral mourners offer land for Trump and Netanyahu’s heads ‘Don’t politicise matter’: Ram Mandir trust chief amid donation ‘theft’ row | India News Updated: Jul 06, 2026, 15:48 IST HPBOSE DElEd CET answer key 2026 released at hpbose.org: Direct link to download, objection details here Quote of the day by Heath Ledger: ‘If you make decisions based upon people’s reactions or judgments, then you make really boring choices,’ when ‘The Dark Knight’ actor dropped timeless wisdom on breaking free from people’s expectations Why this simple shopping video of South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung is giving couples major relationship goals Dhurandhar star Ranveer Singh’s Birthday: Inside his luxury car garage ‘Will never forget this gesture of friendship’: Iran thanks India for attending Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral NEW DELHI: Infighting within the Punjab Congress intensified after representatives of the faction backing former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi over Amrinder Singh Raja Warring departed for Delhi on Monday to seek a meeting with the party high command, news agency ANI reported, citing sources.Sources told ANI that the faction headed to Delhi even as AICC in-charge of the state Bhupesh Baghel is scheduled to be in the state.This comes hours after Congress leader and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa shared a photograph on social media that appeared to be a show of strength Channi’s faction.Among those present were manifesto committee co-chairman and MLA Pargat Singh, election committee co-chairpersons Razia Sultana and Bharat Bhushan Ashu, along with several other senior party leaders.”Unity is strength,” Randhawa captioned the post.Notably absent from the gathering were Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira.However, the Punjab Congress, in a social media post, clarified that the meeting was part of preparations for the 2027 assembly elections.”In view of the preparations for the 2027 assembly elections, Punjab Congress campaign committee chairman Charanjit Singh Channi and core committee chairman Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa held an important meeting with their team and senior party leaders. During this meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding election strategy, further strengthening the organisation, and upcoming programmes,” the party said.’Please do not exaggerate the Morinda meeting’Reacting to the photo shared by Randhawa, Warring refuted speculation about the rift within Congress and said that “the meeting was not against anyone.””Channi saab (referring to Charanjit Singh Channi) has only shared his photograph and stated that the meeting held in Morinda was continued. That meeting was not against anyone. As I have already explained, the Morinda meeting was held at the residence of our senior leader, respected Charanjit Singh Channi, who has been appointed chairman of the campaign committee,” Warring said.”Many leaders went there to welcome and meet him. Those who did not attend may do so in the coming days. Please do not exaggerate the Morinda meeting. It was held to strengthen the Congress party, and today’s meeting is also for the same purpose. Within the next couple of days, you will see all Congress leaders together on one platform,” he added.The development comes days after Warring dismissed speculation about a rebellion within the party. He maintained that the Congress remained united and said he was not in the race for the chief minister’s post.He also asserted that the entire state Congress leadership would soon be seen together on one platform.”The Congress is united. Our rivals can dream on, but nothing is going to happen. Channi, Warring and all others will be seen together, fighting the battle for Punjab,” he said.”Channi is a respected senior leader, our brother and the campaign committee chairman. The colour of rebellion was given by rival political parties, which portrayed it as a challenge to the Congress high command,” he added.Asked about the party’s chief ministerial face for the 2027 elections, Warring said the decision rested entirely with the Congress high command.”I am in only one race and that is to bring the Congress to power (in Punjab),” he said.Last week, the Congress high command announced a major organisational reshuffle in Punjab, retaining Warring as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president while appointing Channi as chairman of the Campaign Committee, a move widely seen as an attempt to balance competing factions within the state unit.According to a statement issued by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge approved the appointments with immediate effect. Under the new structure, Channi will head the campaign committee, Vijay Inder Singla will chair the election management and coordination committee, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa will lead the core committee, and Amar Singh will head the manifesto committee.Later, Channi called a crucial meeting at his residence in Morinda, where several leaders, including stalwarts such as Bharat Bhushan Ashu, were in attendance and voiced support for his leadership. The leaders urged the party high command to reconsider the recently announced organisational appointments in Punjab, asserting that the Congress would return to power under Channi’s leadership.The Congress also confirmed that Warring will continue as the Punjab Congress president, while Partap Singh Bajwa will remain the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the state.Referring to the gathering at Channi’s residence, Warring rejected suggestions of a revolt and said, “There is no rebellion. They had gone to the residence of our former chief minister and the chairperson of our campaign committee. Some people went to meet him, some went to congratulate him and no one has stopped anyone from going or coming. So how is this a rebellion? It would have been a rebellion had Channi or Warring said something.” 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 MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123Photostories“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? Doctor shares 5 things you should do the moment you reach homeHow to enhance your self worth; based on your birth dateAnshula Kapoor’s mint green chooda look is the fresh Punjabi bridal trend every 2026 bride will bookmarkPsychology says keeping your childhood books isn’t just nostalgia; Here are 5 reasons why123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal begins India operations with daily Hyderabad-Riyadh flights RRB releases NTPC Graduate Level CBT-II admit card for July 10 examination; download here Real-life action sequence: Vande Bharat train slices and splashes through flooded railway tracks; netizens call it the ‘spirit of Mumbai’ | Crude comeback: IOCL, HPCL buy 7 million barrels of energy supplies 23,000-year-old footprints in White Sands are rewriting the story of the first humans in the Americas Delhi high court closes Vinesh Phogat petition as infructuous NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Monday disposed of wrestler and three-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat’s petition challenging her initial exclusion from selection trials for the Asian Games, observing that the matter had become “infructuous”, even as it directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to decide her pending show-cause notice within two weeks.According to news agency PTI, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma closed the proceedings after noting that Phogat had already been permitted to take part in the trials pursuant to earlier judicial orders, making her immediate grievance regarding participation no longer relevant.However, the court directed that the WFI must take a decision on the show-cause notice dated May 9 within two weeks and inform both the athlete and the court of the outcome.The federation also assured the court that Phogat would be given a personal hearing before any final decision.While Phogat’s counsel argued that her petition raised broader concerns over the federation’s selection policy, the court said those issues would require a fresh petition. “This can be disposed of and then you can file a fresh writ petition,” the court observed.The high court also noted that since Phogat had already competed in the trials, the specific challenge to her exclusion had effectively become infructuous.Phogat had challenged the WFI’s selection policy and circular that restricted eligibility for Asian Games trials only to medal winners of certain domestic events. She had argued that the rules were discriminatory, particularly in view of her maternity-related break and recovery period.Her participation in the trials followed a prolonged legal battle with WFI over selection criteria, with the Supreme Court also intervening earlier to grant interim relief allowing her to compete, while cautioning against excessive judicial interference in sports administration.Following the court’s intervention, Phogat participated in the trials held in May and was placed in the 53 kg category after weighing 53.9 kg. However, her campaign ended after she lost to Meenakshi in the semifinals.WFI show-cause notice to be decided in two weeksThe WFI had issued a show-cause notice to Phogat on May 9, raising issues including alleged indiscipline, anti-doping whereabouts failures, and concerns over her participation across multiple weight categories.The federation also cited mandatory compliance requirements linked to athletes returning from retirement, including a six-month notice period under anti-doping rules, and had declared her ineligible for domestic events till June 26, 2026.The court was informed that she would be given a hearing before any decision is taken, and that she has also received a fresh show-cause notice relating to her conduct during the trials.The high court’s order effectively closes the immediate litigation over her trial participation but keeps the disciplinary proceedings against her pending before the federation.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 MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? Doctor shares 5 things you should do the moment you reach homeHow to enhance your self worth; based on your birth dateAnshula Kapoor’s mint green chooda look is the fresh Punjabi bridal trend every 2026 bride will bookmarkPsychology says keeping your childhood books isn’t just nostalgia; Here are 5 reasons whyHigh cholesterol vs high blood pressure: Differences to know, including symptoms, causes, heart risks, and treatment123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment KEAM 2026 trial allotment result expected today at 4 PM: Check complete details here Is this Mahesh Babu’s Lord Ram look from ‘Varanasi’? Netizens compare him to Ranbir Kapoor World’s oldest scientifically dated banyan tree is in Bihar: How travellers can visit this remarkable 700-year-old living landmark | Budh Vakri Gochar: Why You Must Delay Buying Cars or Gadgets This Week Watch: Jude Bellingham’s heartwarming gesture to Gilberto Mora goes viral after England-Mexico World Cup thriller | Football News Uae Midday Break Programme: UAE announces midday break rules for outdoor workers; employers face fines of up to Dh50,000 | World News Indian-origin businessman ‘poses’ as CIA agent, woos Indonesian president to secure fighter gets deal, says report NEW DELHI: Indian-origin businessman Gaurav Srivastava allegedly posed as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operative and established ties with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in an attempt to secure a multibillion-dollar defence deal involving fighter jets and other military equipment, according to a report by Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).According to civil lawsuits filed by his former business partner, Niels Troost in California and the southern district of New York, the alleged scheme began with Srivastava claiming in recorded phone calls that he worked for the CIA. The lawsuits allege that he leveraged those claims to gain access to senior Indonesian officials, accompanying then-defence minister Prabowo Subianto to high-level meetings in Washington, DC, and Jakarta in 2020 where military procurement was discussed.That year, Srivastava obtained three letters of intention to purchase outlining plans for Indonesia to acquire fighter jets and other military equipment. He later secured another letter of intent and a memorandum of understanding covering two additional defence procurement arrangements in 2021 and 2022. However, none of the proposed agreements ultimately led to purchases by the Indonesian government, the report said.Between 2020 and 2022, four companies controlled by Srivastava obtained five preliminary defence agreements from Indonesia’s defence ministry and a state-owned defence firm. During this period, Srivastava was photographed alongside Prabowo and a company executive at a signing ceremony, and the agreement was later publicly announced at a press conference.The proposed deals included the supply of 36 F-15 fighter jets, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, C-130 transport aircraft, and a joint operations command and control centre for Indonesia’s defence ministry. In 2022, the United States approved the potential sale of 36 F-15 fighter jets and related equipment to Indonesia in a deal valued at up to $13.9 billion.However, corporate records showed that the four companies behind the agreements were shell entities with no prior experience in defence procurement. All were later deregistered for failing to pay taxes, and none were identified in the US defense security cooperation agency’s announcement on the proposed fighter jet sale.According to legal complaint, Srivastava also cultivated relationships with influential Indonesian business figures, including Prabowo’s brother, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, chairman of the Arsari Group. The complaint alleges that Troost, believing Srivastava’s claims that he was a well-connected CIA operative, transferred a 50 per cent stake in his company to him. It further alleges that Srivastava subsequently arranged a $51 million loan from their company to the Arsari Group.The businessman has denied the allegations, describing claims that he posed as a CIA agent as “gross fabrications” spread by his former business partner, Niels Troost, who was sanctioned by the United Kingdom, the European Union and Switzerland for trading Russian oil.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 MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? 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Having itself come under the scanner, the VHP has neither the moral authority nor the credibility to point fingers at the Opposition,” he said.Venugopal questioned why opposition leaders were being dragged into the matter when the temple trust, he said, had links to the BJP-led establishment.”Afterall, Temple Trust was set up by PM Modi; Trust General Secretary- Champat Rai, VHP Vice President and RSS Pracharak; Trust Chairman Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, awarded Padma Bushan by the BJP; Central and State Government — BJP-ruled. Then, how are Priyanka ji, Akhilesh ji or other opposition leaders even relevant to this matter?” he said.The Congress leader claimed that the VHP and the Sangh Parivar stood “completely discredited” over the issue.”The controversial Ram Temple movement has long been dogged by allegations of Chanda Chori, and the latest reports have once again exposed that these self-proclaimed ‘saviors’ of Hindus have nothing to do with religion or Lord Ram. They only exploit devotees’ faith and misuse Lord Ram’s name for political and financial gain,” Venugopal alleged.He also asked why the VHP had not demanded action against those within its own ranks if it was concerned about the sanctity of the Ram Mandir.”Why is it silent on the BJP leadership that claimed full credit for the temple’s construction but is now conspicuously absent when the Trust appointed by them is itself under scrutiny?” he asked.”Having been cornered by serious questions and left red-faced, they are now trying to create a spectacle, feign innocence, twist facts, intimidate critics and divert attention so that their own moral rot and ethical bankruptcy is not exposed,” Venugopal said.Reiterating the party’s demand for a court-monitored investigation, he added, “We reiterate our demand for an independent, Supreme Court-monitored probe. The current SIT is no more than an elaborate mechanism to protect the plunderers of Ram Mandir.”The Congress attack came a day after party leader Pawan Khera said fresh allegations and evidence were emerging every day in connection with the alleged donation theft at the Ram temple.In a video statement posted on X, Khera said VHP leader Alok Kumar had written to the investigating officer asking that evidence be sought from Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and Ram Gopal Yadav.”So, the implication is that one side commits the theft, while another is expected to provide the proof,” Khera said.”The truth is that they have no real intention of catching the thieves. As always, their only aim is to emotionally mislead Hindu society to further their own political interests,” he alleged.Khera also accused the VHP of using religion for political purposes and said the organisation should “stop being the contractors of the Hindu community”.”They must remove the word Hindu from their organisations and then carry out as many robberies as they want. Do not spoil the name of the Hindu community and stop running your shops at their expense,” he said.”Your intention is not to find out about the theft or to catch the thieves, your intention is what it was before the temple was built, that to make the Hindu community emotional and then rob them, snatch votes from them and now also snatch notes from them,” Khera said.”If they had to catch the thieves they would not have been demanding answers from Priyanka Gandhi,” he added.The VHP, meanwhile, has sought action against the opposition leaders if police find that they made “wild allegations” intended to create and promote “hatred, ill will and enmity”.In a letter dated July 4 to Ayodhya Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Tiwari, the investigating officer in the case, VHP international president Alok Kumar said the leaders had made specific allegations that were widely circulated on television channels, social media platforms and other electronic media.The VHP has urged the investigating officer to call the leaders and ask them to disclose the factual basis of their claims, the source of their information and any documents or material supporting them.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 MediaVideosNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol ProposalPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s Crackdown123PhotostoriesHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? 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