VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Chloe Cherry and Bella Thorne open up on ‘Find Your Friends’: ‘Shows the actual anger that the victims of r*pe’ 6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologist 9 killed after pick-up van falls into well in Maharashtra Indian Vessel Sinks Oman: Evening news wrap: Indian vessel sinks off Oman coast; Abhishek Banerjee urges LS Speaker not to recognise rebel TMC faction & more | India News Jun 14, 2026, 15:34 IST Juairiya Ferdous fifty powers Bangladesh to winning start at Women’s T20 World Cup WBCS prelims answer key 2026 expected to be released soon at wbpsc.gov.in: Check steps to download here Is Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ cursed? Why a Tennessee priest’s viral warning has netizens freaking out NFL trade rumors: New England Patriots linked to $10 Million New York Giants pass rusher in surprise move NEET-UG retest: Centre on war footing to rebuild confidence | India News Rupee-dollar movement driven by global and domestic factors, FM Sitharaman says RBI steps in only to curb volatility Quote of the day by Jackie Chan: ‘Nothing makes me more determined to succeed than someone telling me something’s impossible’ India’s first 8-lane tunnel beneath a tiger reserve is set to open on June 20; what travellers need to know Next-gen Hyundai i20 unveiled globally! Key details, what’s new ‘Assaulted with belt, iron rod’: Dalit man beaten to death in UP’s Lalitpur after refusing to massage feet; 3 arrested Punjab’s Anti-Drug Campaign Sees Over 90,000 People in Treatment | India News ‘Even street dogs bark’: Raghava Lawrence faces severe backlash over ‘biscuits and biryani’ remark about government critics Boy Kicking Girl Viral Video: What this boy did during martial arts training in an Indian school is winning hearts online; many say it is great upbringing: Watch | 1,000 foreign debit cards, Rs 95 crore trail: US-based missionary group booked under UAPA for funding conversion, Maoist activities | Bengaluru News Immigration attorney says this one visa interview question is catching Indian workers off guard: ‘Why can’t an American…’ NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urging him to “decline any recognition to separate faction of TMC”.Banerjee said reports suggesting that a group of TMC MPs may seek recognition as an independent bloc were legally untenable. He asserted that the TMC remains a “single, indivisible political party” and argued that no member or group of members can create a parallel faction and claim separate recognition within the House.”The AITC is a single, indivisible political party. The legislative party in the Lok Sabha derives its very existence from, and remains an emanation of, the political party. There is in law only one AITC, one Leader of the Party in the House, and one Whip, all of whom hold office by authority of the political party and its competent organisational authority. No member or set of members can, by their own volition, carve out a parallel ‘group’ or ‘faction’ of the same party and claim independent recognition within the House,” he said in the letter.This comes amid claims by rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar that the dissident camp’s strength has risen to 22 MPs in the 28-member TMC contingent in the Lok Sabha.Dissident MPs have reportedly sought recognition as a separate parliamentary bloc, while several rebel lawmakers have also held meetings with senior BJP leaders in New Delhi, intensifying the political crisis facing Mamata Banerjee’s party.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 MediaVideos’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran Conflict123PhotostoriesThis is what parents of academically strong kids did differently at home: 5 powerful real life examplesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result India does not use methodology changes to inflate growth numbers, CEA Nageswaran defends GDP data ‘Sometimes ethnicity can work in your favour or against you’: Girija Oak on how looks dictate casting in Bollywood This is what parents of academically strong kids did differently at home: 5 powerful real life examples Trump’s rural approval rating drops to 50%; rising costs amid war fuel voter frustration Photo credit: PTI Planning a holiday has never been easier. A few years ago, most travellers would either visit a travel agency or spend hours researchingdestinations, hotels and transport options online. Today, many simply open an AI chatbot, type in a destination and budget, and receive a detailed itinerary within seconds.As artificial intelligence increasingly enters the travel industry, a question naturally arises: can AI plan a holiday better than an experienced travel agent?To find out, TOI conducted a simple experiment. We asked both an AI system and a veteran travel consultant to plan the same trip: a Budget-friendly holiday from Delhi to Manali.The AI chatbot used was OpenAI’s ChatGPT, one of the most commonly used generative AIs. The travel consultant was Rakesh Mohan Singh, who has spent more than 25 years in the tourism industry and holds an MBA in Tourism. The destination, duration and mode of transport were kept broadly similar for both planners.The results were surprising.AI and the travel agent came up with almost the same holidayInterestingly, both plans followed a similar route.The AI itinerary included Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, Sissu, Naggar and Vashisht Hot Springs. Singh’s packagecovered many of the same attractions, including Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, Naggar and Vashisht.Both recommended travelling by an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi and returning in the same manner.The overlap highlights something important: for popular destinations such as Manali, AI is already capable of identifying the attractions and experiences that human travel professionals routinely recommend.ChatGPT’s pitchIn other words, AI is not merely pulling random information from the internet. It is increasingly capable of producing travel plans that resemble those created by experienced tourism professionals.Where AI had an edgeThe most obvious advantage was speed and transparency. The AI-generated plan provided a detailed breakdown of expenses, estimating everything from Volvo fares and hotel costs to daily food expenses and local transport. It suggested that a solo traveller should budgetroughly Rs 18,000 for the trip and explained how that figure was calculated.QuoteFor a traveller trying to understand where their money is going, such transparency can be useful. The itinerary was also personalised. It considered accommodation preferences, food requirements and even included a flexible day that could be used for shopping, photography, café visits or additional sightseeing.This ability to customise a trip almost instantly is one of AI’s greatest strengths. Travellers can modify budgets, destinations or travelstyles in seconds and generate multiple versions of a holiday plan without making a single phone call.Gemini’s pitchWhile stating its weakness, even Singh acknowledges the usefulness of the technology.”In my opinion, AI will give you an idea. It provides a rough overview it can create a package or a programme for you, and even provide pricing. But it lacks the on-ground experience that a travel agent has,” he says.For travellers at the research stage, that capability can save considerable time.Planning vs execution However, the travel agent pulled ahead of AI in execution. While the AI itinerary estimated costs, Singh offered an actual package. His proposal included accommodation, Volvo tickets, sightseeing arrangements and local transport. The AI itinerary, meanwhile, still required the traveller to find hotels, compare transport options and make bookings independently.This distinction may seem small on paper, but it becomes important when things go wrong.Travel rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Hotels can overbook. Buses can be cancelled. Weather can disrupt schedules. Roads can close unexpectedly.An AI system may suggest alternatives, but it cannot negotiate with a hotel manager, arrange replacement transport or contact local operators on a traveller’s behalf.That human element remains one of the strongest arguments for traditional travel agents.The battle over pricingTravel agent’s pitchThe biggest difference between the two plans emerged when costs were compared.The AI-generated itinerary estimated that a solo traveller would spend between Rs 15,500 and Rs 19,500, depending on accommodation andspending habits. Singh’s package, however, came in at Rs 12,900 for a solo traveller.According to Singh, this reflects a challenge that AI has yet to overcome. He also seeks government intervention in the case of dynamic price changes, which have undermined a travel agent’s credibility.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPranjal PandeyPranjal Pandey is an intern at The Times of India. He holds a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and covers Real Estate, Defence, and International Relations, among other beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Historical Mistakes’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Flags Concerns Over India-Bangladesh Border FencingIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran Conflict123PhotostoriesThis is what parents of academically strong kids did differently at home: 5 powerful real life examplesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result NEET SS counselling schedule 2026: When is MCC expected to announce the next round dates? ‘Purely on footfalls, we are unmatched’: Ameesha Patel shares screenshots comparing Sunny Deol starrer ‘Gadar’ and ‘Ranveer Singh led ‘Dhurandhar’ Nature never forgets its dead: Study on 10 ecosystems found that death does something we never expected | Somvati Amavasya June 2026: Do’s and don’ts to follow on New Moon Quote of the day by Morgan Freeman: ‘Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen, that stillness becomes a radiance,’ when the veteran star taught us to find calmness | Meet Parveen Kumar: Indian-origin doctor awarded Britain’s highest order of British Empire honour (Image source: ANI) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and the Congress government, alleging that internal power struggles within the ruling party led to the denial of a Rajya Sabha berth to senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan.Addressing the BRS general body meeting in Khairatabad, KTR accused Revanth Reddy of undermining leaders within his own party.He claimed that Natarajan, regarded as a close associate of Rahul Gandhi, became a victim of factional politics after allegedly raising concerns about corruption involving land transactions and government contracts.Alleges Governance FailureStepping up his criticism of the Congress administration, KTR described the government as an “utter flop” and claimed it had failed to deliver on its major election promises despite being halfway through its term.KTR also accused the government of failing to provide the promised unemployment allowance of Rs 4,000 per month and challenged claims regarding women’s welfare initiatives.Focus on Khairatabad by-electionThe BRS leader also predicted an inevitable by-election in Khairatabad, alleging that legislator Danam Nagender had betrayed the public mandate by joining the Congress.He urged party workers to remain alert against alleged attempts to manipulate voter rolls and called for active participation in the upcoming Comprehensive Household Survey scheduled between June 25 and July 31.What we know about Natarajan’s caseIn a setback for the Congress, the Supreme Court dismissed party leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s plea challenging the rejection of her nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls, PTI reported.Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Natarajan, submitted that a candidate is required to disclose only criminal cases carrying a minimum sentence of two years, and in the present matter, only summons had been issued.Singhvi argued that Natarajan’s nomination paper for the Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh was wrongly rejected by the RO on the grounds of alleged non-disclosure of a criminal case under the Representation of the People Act.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 MediaVideosIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude Supplier123PhotostoriesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuries123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result UGC NET June 2026 admit card expected to be released on ugcnet.nta.nic.in: Check steps to download hall tickets here Maharashtra Home Department orders detailed probe into social media content of comedian Pranit More following controversy Shreyas Iyer Home: Shreyas Iyer leases luxury Worli apartment for ₹7.14 crore over three years, highlighting Mumbai’s booming premium rental market Maharashtra shocker: Woman stabbed multiple times in neck, chilling CCTV footage surfaces NEW DELHI: Trouble mounted for Trinamool Congree chief Mamata Banerjee as rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar on Sunday claimed that two more parliamentarians were set to join the dissident group, which would take its strength in the Lok Sabha to 22. TMC is the third largest party with 28 MPs in Lok Sabha. If 22 MPs rebel, it would be way past the two-third majority and the MPs would not be charged under anti-defection law.”We are going to Delhi for a meeting. Twenty-two MPs are with us. The Speaker has given us time. We will meet him on Monday and seek recognition as a separate bloc,” PTI quoted Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar saying.”Those who honestly voiced their opinions against the situation prevailing in West Bengal over the last four to five years have been in touch with us. Our number is now 22,” she added.Several dissident TMC MPs held discussions with senior BJP leader and Union minister Bhupender Yadav. Rebel MPs Saayoni Ghosh, Mala Roy, Satabdi Roy, Arup Chakraborty and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar were seen arriving at Yadav’s residence, fuelling speculation about the BJP’s engagement with the breakaway faction.Back in Kolkata, the TMC leadership was also engaged in consultations, with senior party leaders Gautam Deb and Chandrima Bhattacharya reaching Mamata Banerjee’s residence as the party grappled with its biggest parliamentary crisis in recent years.The political uncertainty within the Trinamool has intensified in the aftermath of the West Bengal assembly elections, with signs of a widening rift in the party’s Lok Sabha ranks.On Monday, TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claimed that nearly 20 party MPs were prepared to support the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre. The development gained further traction on Friday after a document bearing the signatures of 19 TMC MPs surfaced, indicating support for the dissident camp. A meeting between senior TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Union minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday fuelled fresh speculation over the ongoing turmoil. The signatories have reportedly written to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary group under Dastidar’s leadership. However, there has been no official word from the Speaker’s secretariat on whether the communication has been formally received or acted upon.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 MediaVideosIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude Supplier123PhotostoriesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuries123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result India vs Pakistan Live Score, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur’s India favourites against Fatima Sana’s Pakistan Amazon doubles down on India growth plans, sees current phase as its most aggressive expansion yet Virat Kohli and Karan Aujla’s unexpected Delhi collaboration sparks fan frenzy as ‘best crossover’: ‘Internet breaking soon’ NFL Trade Rumors: San Francisco 49ers eye $10 Million New York Giants pass rusher before training camp (Representative image) India-flagged mechanised sailing vessel (MSV) Virat 1 sank off the coast of Oman on Sunday after suffering a mechanical failure, prompting a major rescue operation involving Omani authorities, the US Navy and nearby commercial vessels.The incident occurred around 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd, Oman, on the morning of June 14. Virat 1, which had 14 Indian crew members on board, reportedly experienced an engine failure before beginning to take on water and eventually sink.After receiving information that the vessel was in distress, the US Navy alerted shore authorities and launched an emergency response. A US Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft was deployed to the area, where it dropped a life raft near the vessel and monitored the evacuation of the crew, as reported by ANI.The US Navy also coordinated assistance from MV Jabal Ali 9, a St Kitts and Nevis-flagged merchant vessel operating nearby. The crew members subsequently transferred to the life raft as Virat 1 began sinking.Confirming the incident, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said: “The Mission has learnt of an incident involving an Indian Flagged Mechanised Sailing Vessel Virat 1, off the coast of Oman, reportedly embarked with 14 Indian crew. Search and Rescue is being coordinated with the Omani authorities and vessels in vicinity of the incident.”In a later update, the embassy said: “It has emerged that the vessel experienced an engine failure, and the crew eventually transferred safely to a life raft. Rescue operation is presently underway through ships in vicinity, under coordination of Omani authorities.”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 MediaVideosIndian Vessel Sinks Off Oman, 14 Crew Members On Board Rescued As US Navy Joins EffortsNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? BJP Alliance Now Has 6/10 MLAs Across India | INDIA Bloc ShrinksMumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Introduces Tunnel Hood Technology To Reduce NoiseRahul Gandhi Slams US And Modi Over Death Of Three Indian Sailors In Gulf Of Oman StrikeRam Temple Donation Controversy Escalates: UP Government Forms SIT As Probe Widens In AyodhyaMahua Moitra Targets Sudip Bandyopadhyay Over Meeting With BJP Minister Amid Growing TMC RebellionIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude Supplier123PhotostoriesKorean love proverb of the day: “Even a distant pine nut tastes sweet when eaten”Inside Aditi Bhatia’s dreamy Mumbai home: Stunning balconies, a fancy vanity room and a walk-in closet“Not IQ or luck”: A child who learns to control these 4 things is more likely to succeed in life, says parenting expertCan this simple rice-cooking trick reduce arsenic? What a doctor wants you to knowKareena Kapoor Khan proves pink never retires in a traditional Banarasi suit and suddenly nothing else matteredWorld’s longest snakes and where travellers can spot themFrom music to handicrafts: 5 Indian markets that come to life at night, and what travellers need to know10 most common questions women Google during pregnancySuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuries123Hot PicksAkhilesh’s daughterUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result Jun 14, 2026, 17:19 IST Cillian Murphy returns for ‘A Quiet Place Part III’ as filming begins on horror franchise finale Japanese parenting secrets: 10 everyday habits that help children become thoughtful and responsible | Iran to immediately open Hormuz, US to lift Naval blockade: Draft deal details emerge Photo credit: Makemytrip As the Uttarakhand government’s ‘Celebrate in Uttarakhand’ initiative seeks to promote wedding tourism, two lake towns in the Kumaon region, Nainital and Bhimtal, are increasingly attracting attention from couples planning destination weddings.Nainital has long been known as one of India’s most popular hill stations, but it is now being positioned as a wedding destination under the state’s tourism strategy. Along with nearby Bhimtal, it has been identified as one of the four priority locations under the government’s wedding tourism initiative.Industry stakeholders say the appeal of Nainital lies in its natural setting. The lake at the centre of the town, hillside properties overlooking the water, colonial-era buildings and the bustling bazaar together offer a backdrop that differs from more established wedding destinations in the country.Wedding photographers and planners have also pointed to the town’s scenic landscape, particularly during sunset, as one of the factors drawing interest from prospective clients.Improved connectivity is another factor contributing to the region’s growing popularity. The Uttarakhand government has undertaken efforts to improve road links between Nainital, Pantnagar Airport and the Delhi highway as part of its broader infrastructure development programme. According to tourism stakeholders, these improvements have made travel easier for guests arriving from major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.About 15 kilometres away, Bhimtal is being promoted as a quieter alternative. With fewer crowds and a slower pace, the town is increasingly being considered for smaller and more intimate celebrations. Its boutique properties and lakeside venues are seen as suitable for multi-day wedding events where guests remain at a single location throughout the festivities.The state’s homestay policy has also contributed to an increase in accommodation options across the Kumaon region. Tourism officials say the expansion has helped address one of the long-standing challenges of hosting large gatherings in hill destinations by increasing the availability of guest accommodation.The ‘Celebrate in Uttarakhand’ initiative includes measures such as improved road connectivity, support for hospitality investments, expansion of accommodation capacity and a single-window clearance system aimed at simplifying procedures for event organisers and hospitality businesses.The initiative received national attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted it during the Global Investors Summit, bringing greater visibility to Uttarakhand’s efforts to position itself as a destination for weddings and other events.With improving infrastructure and growing government support, Nainital and Bhimtal are gradually finding a place in India’s destination wedding market. While Rajasthan continues to dominate the sector, tourism stakeholders believe the two Kumaon towns offer an alternative setting centred around lakes, hills and a cooler climate.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNDA’s Biggest Expansion Since 2024? 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