VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Man paid Rs 3.7 lakh for Israel job, got no employment; consumer panel orders refund, Rs 2 lakh compensation ‘Unlike any in 22 years’: Oregon sheriff describes unusual case as five deaths probed as quintuple homicide TN CM Vijay announces 3 free LPG cylinders, expands free bus travel for women NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday announced a set of welfare measures in the state Assembly, including three free cooking gas cylinders a year for eligible beneficiaries and an expansion of the fare-free bus travel scheme for women.Under the cooking gas scheme, the amount for the three cylinders will be credited directly to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries.Vijay announced the launch of the Vetri Payanam scheme, expanding the existing fare-free bus travel programme for women across the state.Under the scheme, women will be allowed to travel free of charge on Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses operating in metropolitan and urban areas. For inter-district travel, the benefit will cover ordinary-fare government buses in mofussil and hilly areas.The scheme will come into effect from October 2, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Vijay said there would be no income ceiling or restriction on the number of trips under the programme. Transgender persons will also be eligible for free travel.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”No riders like income ceiling or number of trips for women to avail fare-free bus travel,” Vijay added.Vijay had earlier outlined several welfare measures in his election manifesto, including six free LPG cylinders a year for every family, up to 200 units of free electricity, a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 for women below the age of 60, and family health coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAadrita HalderWrites on social matters, geopolitics, and trending issues for the Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha’No Full Press Conference’: US Envoy Gor On India’s ‘No Questions’ Request Before Modi-Trump Meet‘Represented India In 3 Nations’: Former Envoy Flags ‘Trouble Establishing Citizenship’ During SIRJaish Rebuilds Bahawalpur Complex Struck By India During Op Sindoor’India Can Attract Global Talent With Your Help’: PM Modi Meets Space Startups On National Space DayDelhi Cops Attacked With Chilli Powder & Bricks In Mukundpur; 17-Year-Old Arrested‘Plan To Meet Vance, Mamdani’: Why MEA Denied Permission For Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s US Trip?’No Problem When Boys Do It’: Rahul Gandhi’s Attack At PM Modi Over Jantar Mantar AbuseYoutuber Ajeet Bharti Lists 4 Big Demands At Jantar Mantar, Calls For Reservation Reform And MeritPM Modi Meets BJP’s New Team At Delhi HQ As Party Pushes Vande Mataram Legacy Nationwide123PhotostoriesNauvari to Coorg style: Practical saree drapes that turned India’s traditional six yards of grace into comfortable workwear10 traditional Maharashtrian breakfast dishes for a flavourful start5 Indian bridal fabrics that were once considered more auspicious than silkThin hair looking flat? Try these hairstyles for instant volume6 subtle signs you’re being taken for granted by your partner10 baby names inspired by Sanskrit words that signify success and prosperityYour body after 40: 10 changes doctor says you should never dismiss as “just ageing”5 signs you’re losing yourself while trying to save your relationshipThe slow fade: 5 signs someone you love is pulling away5 best hair colours for Indian skin tones that instantly brighten your look123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026US-Canada tradeSIM card rulesBank holiday todayTop TrendingNBA Trade RumorReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakBengaluru RapidoAston Martin Crash Another nightclub incident hits England: Fast bowler handcuffed, detained by police; ECB launches probe Karnataka UG NEET 2026 Round 1 provisional seat allotment result for MBBS, BDS released; check PDF and objection deadline here Ranveer Singh submits formal defence against Farhan Akhtar’s Rs 45 crore compensation claim over ‘Don 3’, threatens legal action if film body intervenes Numerology horoscope today, August 24, 2026: What your name’s first letter reveals today Starting September 1, stamping of boarding passes for immigration clearance will be discontinued; why Bureau of Immigration has introduced the change TikToker Ayesha Gilamana murder case takes shocking turn as police uncover family link The Moradabad athlete has won 27 national and 10 international medals and recently clinched gold at the 1st UTT Para National Ranking Table Tennis Championship 2026-27 in Indore. NEW DELHI: A three-inch difference in his leg lengths, persistent back pain and other physical problems have forced 29-year-old Kunal Arora to cut his table tennis training by more than half. Yet, the thalassemia major patient and international para table tennis player is set to leave for Finland on August 26 with the Indian team, even as doctors have advised him to get a prosthetic extension to improve his alignment and mobility.The Moradabad athlete has won 27 national and 10 international medals and recently clinched gold at the 1st UTT Para National Ranking Table Tennis Championship 2026-27 in Indore.Arora will also be felicitated on Sunday by the Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG), in collaboration with Thalassemics India, at an event in New Delhi honouring thalassemia patients for their achievements and resilience.Diagnosed with thalassemia major at birth, Arora said severe iron overload led to two major leg surgeries in 2010. The difference developed gradually as he grew after the surgeries, leaving his left leg around three to four inches shorter than the right.A July 22 prescription records a three-inch left-side limb-length discrepancy and recommends an extension prosthesis with an Axion carbon-fibre foot and laminated socket. Arora said the imbalance has caused spinal curvature, persistent back pain and mobility problems, with doctors recommending the device to improve alignment and daily mobility. He said it would also help during training, though it is unclear if he can wear it in competitions. The prosthesis is estimated to cost Rs 2,66,910 including GST, which his family cannot afford.“My father is a small businessman and my mother is a homemaker. I completed my graduation from Delhi University in 2021 and I am continuing with table tennis. I also help my father with his business whenever he needs me,” Kunal told TOI.The physical problems have cut his training from 7-8 hours in two sessions to about 2.5-3.5 hours in one session. “The difference in my leg length causes pain and affects my daily activities as well as my training. I am now hoping for support to get the prosthetic extension, which costs around Rs 2.7 lakh. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesI want to continue playing for India and need this support to manage my mobility and training,” he said.Arora has represented India internationally since 2014 and is seeking sponsorship for international tournaments, which he says would help him compete more frequently and work towards the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Paralympic Games. For now, he is managing without the prosthesis and plans to give his measurements in the first or second week of September. The device is expected to take about a month to prepare.“Life gave me thalassemia major, but also a choice: to be defined by my diagnosis or my determination. I chose the paddle,” Arora said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha’No Full Press Conference’: US Envoy Gor On India’s ‘No Questions’ Request Before Modi-Trump Meet‘Represented India In 3 Nations’: Former Envoy Flags ‘Trouble Establishing Citizenship’ During SIRJaish Rebuilds Bahawalpur Complex Struck By India During Op Sindoor’India Can Attract Global Talent With Your Help’: PM Modi Meets Space Startups On National Space DayDelhi Cops Attacked With Chilli Powder & Bricks In Mukundpur; 17-Year-Old Arrested‘Plan To Meet Vance, Mamdani’: Why MEA Denied Permission For Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s US Trip?’No Problem When Boys Do It’: Rahul Gandhi’s Attack At PM Modi Over Jantar Mantar AbuseYoutuber Ajeet Bharti Lists 4 Big Demands At Jantar Mantar, Calls For Reservation Reform And MeritPM Modi Meets BJP’s New Team At Delhi HQ As Party Pushes Vande Mataram Legacy Nationwide123PhotostoriesNauvari to Coorg style: Practical saree drapes that turned India’s traditional six yards of grace into comfortable workwear10 traditional Maharashtrian breakfast dishes for a flavourful start5 Indian bridal fabrics that were once considered more auspicious than silkThin hair looking flat? Try these hairstyles for instant volume6 subtle signs you’re being taken for granted by your partner10 baby names inspired by Sanskrit words that signify success and prosperityYour body after 40: 10 changes doctor says you should never dismiss as “just ageing”5 signs you’re losing yourself while trying to save your relationshipThe slow fade: 5 signs someone you love is pulling away5 best hair colours for Indian skin tones that instantly brighten your look123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026US-Canada tradeSIM card rulesBank holiday todayTop TrendingNBA Trade RumorReservation Hatao AndolanLucknow Double Murder SuicideMadhapur Road AccidentMaharashtra Hill TragedyAbhijeet DipkeJharkhand Factory FireRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoAston Martin Crash East Zone 395/7 in 94.3 Overs West Zone 61/3 in 23.1 Overs Mark Ruffalo defends himself after being called ‘antisemitic’; says the allegations are ‘appalling and fundamentally dishonest’ Rupee climbs to 95.64 against US dollar; Iran sanctions, crude prices in focus Twitch streamer Kameaisweird’s Uber ride takes unexpected turn after driver recognizes her P Chidambaram; ex-diplomat Navdeep Suri NEW DELHI: Former Union minister P Chidambaram on Monday said the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls could leave 10% of India’s eligible population — or nearly 10 crore people — without the right to vote, after a former diplomat detailed difficulties he faced establishing his citizenship during the exercise in Punjab.Navdeep Suri, who served as India’s Ambassador to Egypt and the UAE and High Commissioner to Australia, questioned what the experience of a common citizen might be if he himself faced difficulties despite having represented the country in three nations.“Based on the outcomes so far, at the end of the S.I.R. process, 10% of India’s adult population will be ‘citizens’ but without the right to vote, thanks to the ECI. That is nearly 10 crore people. The ECI has created a new category of ‘non-voting citizens’,” the senior Congress leader wrote, referring to Suri’s post.Earlier, Suri said his details did not match the 2003 electoral rolls used for verification because he was posted in London at the time and had not participated in that revision.“Sharing my experience with #SIR in Punjab. Went to BLO, submitted Voter ID and Aadhaar card, was assured that everything is in order. Got a message today from a volunteer saying some details don’t match with SIR in 2003!!” Suri posted on X.According to the former diplomat, officials later asked him to produce his passport as proof of citizenship.“Spoke with BLO, was told that I should come and collect the notice. And then come again with unspecified documents that show I am an Indian citizen… I happen to have documents other than voter ID and Aadhaar card. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesBut can’t help asking: If I have trouble establishing my citizenship after representing India in three countries, what’s the fate of the common citizen? Ease of Living, I presume!” he added.Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer assured citizens that receiving a notice was not a cause for concern.“As part of the ongoing SIR process, notices are being delivered to voters where required. Received a notice? Don’t worry! Simply check the details, submit the required documents, and complete the process,” the Punjab CEO stated on X earlier.The draft electoral roll for Punjab was published on August 13. The state is currently undergoing the second phase of the SIR, which involves reviewing the draft electoral rolls and filing claims and objections.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha’No Full Press Conference’: US Envoy Gor On India’s ‘No Questions’ Request Before Modi-Trump Meet‘Represented India In 3 Nations’: Former Envoy Flags ‘Trouble Establishing Citizenship’ During SIRJaish Rebuilds Bahawalpur Complex Struck By India During Op Sindoor’India Can Attract Global Talent With Your Help’: PM Modi Meets Space Startups On National Space DayDelhi Cops Attacked With Chilli Powder & Bricks In Mukundpur; 17-Year-Old Arrested‘Plan To Meet Vance, Mamdani’: Why MEA Denied Permission For Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s US Trip?’No Problem When Boys Do It’: Rahul Gandhi’s Attack At PM Modi Over Jantar Mantar AbuseYoutuber Ajeet Bharti Lists 4 Big Demands At Jantar Mantar, Calls For Reservation Reform And MeritPM Modi Meets BJP’s New Team At Delhi HQ As Party Pushes Vande Mataram Legacy Nationwide123Photostories10 traditional Maharashtrian breakfast dishes for a flavourful start5 Indian bridal fabrics that were once considered more auspicious than silkThin hair looking flat? 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