VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html UAE flights update June 31, 2026: Etihad, Air Arabia cancel Bahrain and Kuwait flights; passengers advised to check flight status | New spy agency, higher defence spending, lethal arms exports: Japan’s security reset explained US summer heat triggered multiple dehydration emergencies in New York’s Adirondacks, where hikers needed airlifts, IV fluids and overnight rescues From H-1B to OPT: International students are Trump’s next $100,000 visa fee target KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza faces backlash after vacation photos surface following missed festival performance ‘Vendetta by filing FIRs against students’: Kharge demands Amit Shah’s resignation over police action Texas engineers are building fish-like nano-robots that could harvest lithium from seawater and transform the future of clean energy Tiwari was shot during a standoff with police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel on June 17. NEW DELHI: A Special Task Force (STF) jawan has been arrested in connection with the controversial police encounter that killed 28-year-old Bharat Bhushan Tiwari in Bihar’s Bhojpur district last month, officials said on Friday.Ara Superintendent of Police Raj said the arrested police personnel had been identified as Akshay. The arrest was carried out jointly by Bhojpur Police and the STF.”The police personnel involved in the Bharat Tiwari encounter case has been arrested. Further legal proceedings are underway, and the investigation is continuing in accordance with the law,” the SP said.Tiwari was killed during a police operation on June 17 after a standoff with local police and STF personnel. Police have maintained that he fired eight to ten rounds at officers with an illegal pistol, forcing them to retaliate in self-defence.However, the encounter sparked widespread controversy after a Facebook Live video, recorded shortly before the shooting, appeared to show Tiwari throwing away his pistol towards police personnel. His family has alleged that he had surrendered and was unarmed when he was shot, claims the police have denied.Following complaints from Tiwari’s family, Bihar Police registered an FIR against the Jagdishpur Deputy Superintendent of Police, the Shahpur Station House Officer and other police personnel over the alleged wrongful killing. The state government has also ordered a judicial inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge, while a Deputy Inspector General has been tasked with supervising the criminal investigation.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines Four police personnel, including the Shahpur SHO, were earlier suspended pending the outcome of the probe.Tiwari’s family had been demanding the arrest of the officers allegedly involved, withdrawal of cases registered against villagers after the incident and security for the family. His mother, Asha Devi, had also launched an indefinite hunger strike, saying it would continue until those named by the family, including STF jawan Akshay, were arrested.The case has triggered political controversy in Bihar, with opposition parties demanding accountability as the judicial and police investigations continue.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit BackAssam Flood Death Toll Rises To 78 As Over Three Lakh Remain Affected Despite Receding WatersHockey India’s Saffron Jersey Sparks Massive Row As Olympians, Critics Question Iconic Blue IdentitySonam Wangchuk Praises Vande Bharat Train; Reminds Govt To Honour Vow Made To Protesting Students₹28.5 Cr Cash Seized In Birbhum: Former Govt Bus Driver Arrested | Tulu Mondal Link Under ProbeMamata Banerjee Urges EC To End TMC Symbol Dispute As Rival Faction Misses Repeated Deadlines123Photostories10 tiny texting habits that quietly push people away without you realizing it10 foods that are traditionally avoided during the month of Sawan in IndiaThese 9 historic villages have survived wars, empires and centuries; yet visiting them feels like stepping into a storybookPowerful Shiva mantras you can chant for good luck based on your birth numberDR Congo Ebola second-deadliest outbreak: Death toll passes 1500; why it’s spreading so fast, the warning signs, and the vaccine challengeSawan 2026 daily rituals based on your date of birth6 traditional Pahadi dishes every food lover should try at least onceBrits dying from ‘Victorian lung disease’ mistaken for a smoker’s cough: What exactly is this disease? 6 warning signs you should watch forThe chemistry of crispy sweet potato fries: What happens when you add rice flour, baking powder and white vinegar to friesCyclosporiasis rise in UK travellers: What is the ‘explosive diarrhoea’ parasite, how does it spread? 5 safety tips for travellers123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowSPPU Summer SessionUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMeta India Head ArrestedPM ModiCJP Protest Woman ArrestedDehradun Teacher SuicideAbhijeet DipkeGujarat MurderRuchika SinghShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up DU PG cut off 2026 released: Over 10,500 candidates opt for spot round-1, check minimum allocation scores here ‘Tangled’ live-action being filmed in Spain: Teagan Croft’s Rapunzel look and iconic scene leak online 34 killed as methane explosion tears through coal mine in Pakistan’s Balochistan Priyanka Chopra jokes about 2004 thin eyebrows; shares ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’ OLD image as the film celebrates 22 years of its release Turn an old ladder into garden decor: The simple DIY project that can transform a boring balcony or backyard | Car sold without disclosing prior billing to another buyer; Mercedes, dealer fined Rs 10 lakh The Southern Ocean may be Earth’s safest place to remove carbon from the atmosphere, scientists find Jul 31, 2026, 11:51 IST After made-in-India bullet train, new high-speed corridors to get indigenous signalling system DU releases UG Law admission 2026 spot round 3 schedule; candidates must confirm allotted seats by August 3 Yash’s ‘Toxic’ drops Kiara Advani’s stunning NEW POSTER as Nadia on her birthday Meet Jose Flores: 119-year-old man who still smiles, walks and eats well; experts call him an ‘extraordinary case’ of good health There’s a price tag on college life: How rent, food and other costs add up JNVST Class 6 application 2027 closes today at cbseitms.rcil.gov.in: Direct link to apply here Kartik Aaryan contributes Rs 1 crore for Assam flood relief, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma lauds the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ actor’s gesture After decades of drought, water is returning to the south of Sahara Desert as ancient farming techniques and the Great Green Wall breathe new life into the Sahel ‘My father was almost lynched’: Families of injured cops during CJP protest speak out KEA releases NEET UG 2026 Karnataka score list for 69,170 candidates; MBBS and BDS counselling updates next ‘If he can do ‘Animal’, he can play Ram’: Dipika Chikhalia backs Ranbir Kapoor’s casting in Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’ These 9 historic villages have survived wars, empires and centuries; yet visiting them feels like stepping into a storybook Who is Ruchika Singh? Noida woman in soup over ‘abusive’ remarks against PM Modi BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has sparked exit buzz after he dropped part name from his social media bio NEW DELHI: BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla sparked rumours that he quit the saffron party after his changed his bio on X.In his latest bio, there’s is no mention of BJP. “Religion Islam, Culture~Hindu,Ideology~Bhartiya : ✍️Author: GST Ki Yatra,” specifies bio with added, “Lifelong follower of PM @narendramodi.”Meanwhile his current bio on Insta still mentions “BJP Spokesperson” as did his earlier bio on X.However, there has been no official confirmation from Poonawalla. He had joined BJP in December 2017 after calling the Congress’s organisational polls a “sham”. In 2021, he was also made the in-charge of the BJP’s social media wing for the national capital.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines Poonawalla has been a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, frequently defending the party on television debates and social media while launching sharp attacks on the Congress and its leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. Shehzad is the younger brother of political commentator Tehseen Poonawalla. The two were once known to share a close bond, but their relationship soured over political differences, with the brothers frequently taking opposing positions and engaging in public spats in recent years.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 MediaVideosCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit BackAssam Flood Death Toll Rises To 78 As Over Three Lakh Remain Affected Despite Receding WatersHockey India’s Saffron Jersey Sparks Massive Row As Olympians, Critics Question Iconic Blue IdentitySonam Wangchuk Praises Vande Bharat Train; Reminds Govt To Honour Vow Made To Protesting Students₹28.5 Cr Cash Seized In Birbhum: Former Govt Bus Driver Arrested | Tulu Mondal Link Under ProbeMamata Banerjee Urges EC To End TMC Symbol Dispute As Rival Faction Misses Repeated Deadlines123PhotostoriesDR Congo Ebola second-deadliest outbreak: Death toll passes 1500; why it’s spreading so fast, the warning signs, and the vaccine challengeSawan 2026 daily rituals based on your date of birth6 traditional Pahadi dishes every food lover should try at least onceBrits dying from ‘Victorian lung disease’ mistaken for a smoker’s cough: What exactly is this disease? 6 warning signs you should watch forThe chemistry of crispy sweet potato fries: What happens when you add rice flour, baking powder and white vinegar to friesCyclosporiasis rise in UK travellers: What is the ‘explosive diarrhoea’ parasite, how does it spread? 5 safety tips for travellersSobhita Dhulipala to Aditi Rao Hydari: Celebrity Showstoppers who lit up India Couture Week 2026Want to make money while you sleep? These 5 passive income ideas actually work10 baby names inspired by Celtic legendsOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden superpowers and weaknesses123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowSPPU Summer SessionUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMeta India Head ArrestedPM ModiCJP Protest Woman ArrestedDehradun Teacher SuicideAbhijeet DipkeGujarat MurderRuchika SinghShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up ‘I am sad, I couldn’t be selected’: 17-year-old aspiring woman cricketer dies by suicide What happens when you read hundreds of poems written by Gen Z? One educator found an unexpected answer Arlene Smith, lead singer of pioneering ’50s girl group the Chantels, passes away at 84 | English Movie News Powerful Shiva mantras you can chant for good luck based on your birth number Bernie Sanders makes fun of Mark Zuckerberg says how will he feed his family after California’s Billionaire Tax, gets ‘corrected’ German proverb of the day: “A fence lasts 3 years, a dog lasts 3 fences, a horse lasts 3 dogs, and a man lasts…” – a timeless lesson on life’s seasons and the value of time | World News CSIR NET June 2026 answer key expected today; NTA to open objection window soon ‘Chennai Love Story’ Box Office Collection Day 7: Kiran Abbavaram starrer drops 35%; crosses Rs 37.28 crore worldwide ‘Head of family PM Modi listens’: BJP’s Raghav Chadha hails ‘historic’ anti-paper leak Bill NEW DELHI: Reinforcing its focus on tackling substance abuse through a rehabilitation-led approach, the Punjab government launched the Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP), India’s first fellowship against substance abuse, in February 2026. Thirteen fellows from the inaugural cohort are currently working across Punjab to strengthen mental healthcare services and support the state’s anti-drug efforts.The fellows are deployed under the Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann-led Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, helping integrate mental healthcare and community-based rehabilitation into the state’s fight against drugs. The initiative aims to strengthen rehabilitation services while placing mental health at the centre of Punjab’s anti-drug strategy.The government is now preparing to launch applications for the programme’s second cohort, comprising 10 fellows and seven Senior Associates, with the goal of building a statewide network of trained young professionals across all 23 districts.Implemented by the Department of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the state’s Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit, the programme is designed to develop mental health leaders capable of driving evidence-based prevention, treatment and rehabilitation initiatives. The fellows, selected through a rigorous process, come from diverse fields including psychology, public health and social work and commit to supporting the state’s anti-drug campaign for two years.As part of the programme, they receive intensive training in psychosocial interventions, relapse prevention, programme management, community-based rehabilitation and leadership. The training is delivered with support from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, the programme’s selection and knowledge partner.Health minister Balbir Singh said the fellowship seeks to combine leadership with empathy while strengthening Punjab’s response to substance abuse. “Yudh Nashean Virudh is not just an initiative against drugs; it is a movement to reclaim Punjab’s youth. While strict action is being taken against drug peddlers and traffickers, we are equally committed to helping every victim of drug abuse return to a life full of dignity and prevent the youth from falling into the trap of addiction. Leadership in Mental Health Programme reflects our belief that making Punjab addiction-free is possible only when enforcement, treatment, and prevention work hand-in-hand and backed by strong healthcare setup and community support,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe minister said addiction should be treated as a chronic health condition requiring sustained care. During their postings at district hospitals and de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, fellows work with patients and families, facilitate treatment, support relapse prevention and promote community-based rehabilitation. They also focus on reducing stigma, encouraging community participation and ensuring continuity of care after rehabilitation.Beyond district-level interventions, the first cohort is also supporting healthcare workers, strengthening service delivery and helping institutionalise best practices in Punjab’s fight against substance abuse.According to the government, the programme is aimed at improving the way communities respond to substance use disorders by embedding mental health into the state’s broader anti-drug campaign, with rehabilitation and long-term recovery forming a key part of the strategy.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 MediaVideosCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit BackAssam Flood Death Toll Rises To 78 As Over Three Lakh Remain Affected Despite Receding WatersHockey India’s Saffron Jersey Sparks Massive Row As Olympians, Critics Question Iconic Blue IdentitySonam Wangchuk Praises Vande Bharat Train; Reminds Govt To Honour Vow Made To Protesting Students₹28.5 Cr Cash Seized In Birbhum: Former Govt Bus Driver Arrested | Tulu Mondal Link Under ProbeMamata Banerjee Urges EC To End TMC Symbol Dispute As Rival Faction Misses Repeated Deadlines123PhotostoriesSawan 2026 daily rituals based on your date of birth6 traditional Pahadi dishes every food lover should try at least onceBrits dying from ‘Victorian lung disease’ mistaken for a smoker’s cough: What exactly is this disease? 6 warning signs you should watch forThe chemistry of crispy sweet potato fries: What happens when you add rice flour, baking powder and white vinegar to friesCyclosporiasis rise in UK travellers: What is the ‘explosive diarrhoea’ parasite, how does it spread? 5 safety tips for travellersSobhita Dhulipala to Aditi Rao Hydari: Celebrity Showstoppers who lit up India Couture Week 2026Want to make money while you sleep? These 5 passive income ideas actually work10 baby names inspired by Celtic legendsOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden superpowers and weaknesses5 things difficult people teach you that kind people never can123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowSPPU Summer SessionUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMeta India Head ArrestedPM ModiCJP Protest Woman ArrestedDehradun Teacher SuicideAbhijeet DipkeGujarat MurderRuchika SinghShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up ‘We don’t have an MS Dhoni’: Ex-England captain’s blunt warning to Stephen Fleming ITR filing deadline extension: Is July 31, 2026 the last date to file income tax return? Check latest developments TN Supplementary Result 2026 for Class 10 and 12 expected shortly today; check marks memo details Does ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ have an end credits scene? Here’s what it means for the franchise 6 traditional Pahadi dishes every food lover should try at least once New York Liberty vs Las Vegas Aces final injury update: Latest on NaLyssa Smith and Satou Sabally and more Tiny reef fish flourished beside islands filled with seabirds; where rats removed the birds, the entire underwater food chain took another route ICAR Counselling 2026 Round 1 seat allotment result shortly at icarcounseling.com; check important dates and steps ‘Spider-Man 5’ in the works? Tom Holland’s cryptic response fuels speculation amid record-breaking ‘Brand New Day’ box office opening Don’t buy expensive planters: 7 household items you can turn into beautiful garden containers