VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html “Who on Charlie’s team betrayed”: Candace Owens raises explosive questions over Ben Shapiro security updates Agency: Funds Used To Buy Aircraft & Chopper For ₹112 cr NEW DELHI: In yet another blow to TMC, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has frozen Rs 440 crore in three accounts held by the party with HDFC Bank as part of its investigation into alleged laundering of Rs 160 crore of party funds through a Kolkata-based company, Carewell Aviation. The funds were allegedly used to buy an Embraer 600 aircraft and an Agusta chopper for Rs 112 crore in what ED considers to be dubious transactions. This is the first time the agency has seized bank accounts of a political party.‘Chopper, plane bought from TMC corpus rented to party’ Last month, Kolkata police had frozen debit operations on these three accounts based on complaints from TMC rebel MLAs seeking a probe into the source of the funds. “It is also revealed that $1.7 million was arranged as an unsecured loan in 2023 from a Cayman Islands entity to purchase the said helicopter,” the ED said. These two flying assets were “rented” to TMC, even though they were purchased from the corpus of the party, it claimed. The aircraft and chopper were solely used by a top TMC functionary and more funds were laundered as “rentals” using the aviation firm, the ED claimed. The freeze is seen as a prelude to formal attachments of the three accounts and actions against party functionaries. “The Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft and Agusta helicopter were rented to TMC itself, even though they were purchased from the corpus of the party, and substantial amounts were transferred on the pretext of aircraft usage. The above stated dubious arrangement is under probe to ascertain the actual beneficial purpose of the transactions,” the ED said. The money trail could show if TMC functionaries laundered funds through shell entities to create personal assets. Sources said ED may question its functionaries, including Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops UnderwayPune Building Buried Under Collapsing Garbage Mound, 16 Feared Trapped Amid Heavy Rain FuryShiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Arrested In KDMC Doctors’ Assault Case: PoliceEggs Thrown, ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans At Mamata Banerjee’s Rally In West BengalRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second Terrorist123PhotostoriesFrom calling her son a miracle baby, gaining 83 kilos after pregnancy to being body-shamed: When Rupali Ganguly spoke about motherhood, career and lifeQuitting your job? 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These 3 additions can make it even better for your heart”It is the key to hydration of grains of rice”: Chef Vikas Khanna shares the secret to making fluffy rice at homeNick Jonas’ interviews reveal 5 relationship tips worth borrowingAfter ‘Alpha’ release, Alia Bhatt swaps athleisure for a statement green Banarasi lehenga by Anita Dongre10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strands123Hot PicksSilver import shortageUS Iran War ImpactNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallConnor MurphyE20 PetrolZhuang ZhouNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol World Cup final halftime show: Justin Bieber joins Madonna, Shakira and BTS in starry lineup; aims to raise USD 100 million towards children’s access to education and football Another paper leak? 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Are you still the best or not?’ Aries Horoscope Today, July 9, 2026: Single Aries may enjoy extra attention through social media chats JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon on CLARITY Act allowing yield-paying stablecoins: We will fight it, if we lose, we lose, and we will … YouTuber Rusty Cage goes viral after testing how long a Lone Star tick can survive Leo Horoscope Today, July 9, 2026: Married Leos should avoid making everything about being right Scientists invented a fake eye disease to see if AI chatbots could spot it, but the experiment took an unexpected turn when ChatGPT, Gemini started treating the fictional illness as a real medical condition ‘Holding Tehran accountable for Hormuz aggression’: US launches fresh strikes after Trump’s warning to Iran Taurus Horoscope Today, July 9, 2026: If you’re in a relationship, avoid keeping score The war that won’t end: Why Iran ceasefire was always destined to fail Who is Connor Murphy’s alleged girlfriend? What we know about the late influencer’s relationship with the woman 10 years younger Isro successfully conducts key test on main parachutes for Gaganyaan crew module | India News Elon Musk takes a swipe at Tom Holland, calls him a ‘cuck’ over The Odyssey, sparks confusion over the Spider-Man actor UAV crashes during training sortie near Porbandar; no loss of life: Navy | India News Weizenbaum: Computer scientist who created world’s first chatbot in the 1960s spent his whole life warning that AI should never replace humans, and the reason will shock you Saras MkII NEW DELHI: In a significant step towards building the country’s first indigenously designed light transport aircraft, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), India’s premier research and development agency for aviation, has completed the design phase of the 19-seater Saras MkII aircraft.Announcing the development in a post on X, space, science and technology minister Jitendra Singh called it a milestone for India’s indigenous aviation programme. Singh said, “Breaking News from the Ministry of Science & Technology. India achieves a milestone breakthrough in the aviation sector… CSIR-NAL Bengaluru has wrapped up the design phase of the 19-seater Saras MkII, a testament to India’s growing prowess in indigenous aircraft development.”The light transport aircraft, which can ideally serve smaller airports and reach India’s hinterland, had earlier undergone wind tunnel testing and preliminary designing of all the systems. “This milestone reinforces PM Narendra Modi ji’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and accelerates the UDAN initiative, enhancing connectivity to remote and high-altitude regions with homegrown technology,” Singh further said.Earlier, the science and technology ministry said that SARAS MkII marks only the beginning, as India needs to conceive and build larger aircraft in the long run to meet its growing aviation needs.Congratulating NAL, civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the breakthrough will further UDAN’s vision to connect the remotest and high-altitude airfields with made-in-India aircraft.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops UnderwayPune Building Buried Under Collapsing Garbage Mound, 16 Feared Trapped Amid Heavy Rain FuryShiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Arrested In KDMC Doctors’ Assault Case: PoliceEggs Thrown, ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans At Mamata Banerjee’s Rally In West BengalRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second Terrorist123PhotostoriesQuitting your job? Here’s how to leave on good terms without burning bridgesWalking every day? These 3 additions can make it even better for your heart”It is the key to hydration of grains of rice”: Chef Vikas Khanna shares the secret to making fluffy rice at homeNick Jonas’ interviews reveal 5 relationship tips worth borrowingAfter ‘Alpha’ release, Alia Bhatt swaps athleisure for a statement green Banarasi lehenga by Anita Dongre10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strandsHow to meditate: A step-by-step guide for beginners123Hot PicksSilver import shortageUS Iran War ImpactNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallConnor MurphyE20 PetrolZhuang ZhouNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol NHL trade rumor: Detroit Red Wings linked with former Seattle Kraken winger as potential Patrick Kane replacement | NHL News Shubhangi Atre reacts to Shilpa Shinde’s false se*ual harassment case against Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai producer: ‘People look up to us, we should respect the law’ | AI-generated image NEW DELHI: India’s higher education system is still expanding, but the latest numbers suggest it is not expanding fast enough to make the National Education Policy’s 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) target by 2035 look comfortably within reach.The education ministry’s All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24 report, released on Wednesday along with the 2022-23 report, shows total enrollment rising from 4.33 crore in 2021-22 to 4.46 crore in 2022-23 and 4.50 crore in 2023-24. GER moved from 28.4% to 29.5% and then to 30.0% over the same period.Enrolment grew by around 13 lakh between 2021-22 and 2022-23, but only by about 3.7 lakh in 2023-24. GER improved by 1.1 percentage points in 2022-23, but only 0.5 percentage point in 2023-24. At the latest annual pace, India would be nowhere near 50% by 2035; to reach that mark from the current 30.0%, the system would need to add roughly 1.8 percentage points every year.The latest report says AISHE “underscores India’s continued progress towards an equitable, inclusive, and expanding higher education system,” but also points to “areas requiring targeted policy intervention to improve quality, regional balance, and institutional capacity.”The institutional base has continued to grow. Registered universities rose to 1,289 in 2023-24 from 1,213 in 2022-23, while registered colleges increased to 48,246 from 46,624. But college expansion remains heavily private-led: 70.0% of responding colleges in 2023-24 were private unaided, while government colleges accounted for 17.1% and private aided colleges 12.9%.The access story also remains uneven. All-India GER was 30.0%, but SC GER stood at 27.8% and ST GER at 22.8%, showing that tribal participation remains well below the national average. High-GER States/ UTs include Puducherry at 72.3%, Chandigarh at 58.5%, Delhi at 53.0%, Tamil Nadu at 52.3%, Uttarakhand at 48.5%, Telangana at 46.6%, Himachal Pradesh at 46.4% and Karnataka at 41.9%. By contrast, several large-population states continue to carry the enrollment burden while remaining closer to, or below, the national average.The report’s own caveat matters: AISHE is based on “voluntary uploading of data” by higher education institutions, with non-response addressed through pooling and estimation. The direction of travel is positive, but the pace is the warning light.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops UnderwayPune Building Buried Under Collapsing Garbage Mound, 16 Feared Trapped Amid Heavy Rain FuryShiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Arrested In KDMC Doctors’ Assault Case: PoliceEggs Thrown, ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans At Mamata Banerjee’s Rally In West BengalRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second Terrorist123PhotostoriesQuitting your job? Here’s how to leave on good terms without burning bridgesWalking every day? These 3 additions can make it even better for your heart”It is the key to hydration of grains of rice”: Chef Vikas Khanna shares the secret to making fluffy rice at homeNick Jonas’ interviews reveal 5 relationship tips worth borrowingAfter ‘Alpha’ release, Alia Bhatt swaps athleisure for a statement green Banarasi lehenga by Anita Dongre10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strandsHow to meditate: A step-by-step guide for beginners123Hot PicksSilver import shortageUS Iran War ImpactNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallConnor MurphyE20 PetrolZhuang ZhouNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol Rahu Transit 2026: Money Warnings for These Birth Numbers (Check If Yours Is Listed) Forces shoot dead ‘category A’ LeT terrorist Zakir Ganie in J&K | India News Omar Abdullah SRINAGAR: The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was never in the interest of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, chief minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday said, backing the suspension of the treaty by India.“We opposed the Indus Water Treaty from day one. We stated that if there was any biggest betrayal of India and Pakistan with Jammu & Kashmir, it was the Indus Water Treaty. Due to IWT, we have no control over our rivers,” Omar said while talking to reporters here.Asked about the increasing tension between India and Pakistan on the issue, he said there was no escalation from the Indian side over IWT. “India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty. War threats are being given from there (Pakistan). Now, I will not answer that from here. The central govt will respond to that,” the CM said.India had placed the water sharing pact with Pakistan, signed in 1960, in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack last year. According to the treaty, India got full rights for utilisation of waters of the three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Satluj — while Pakistan got rights over the three western rivers — Indus, Chenab and Jhelum.Governing National Conference has always been opposed to the treaty, withOmar blaming IWT for the power crisis in J&K.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops UnderwayPune Building Buried Under Collapsing Garbage Mound, 16 Feared Trapped Amid Heavy Rain FuryShiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Arrested In KDMC Doctors’ Assault Case: PoliceEggs Thrown, ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans At Mamata Banerjee’s Rally In West BengalRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second Terrorist123PhotostoriesQuitting your job? Here’s how to leave on good terms without burning bridgesWalking every day? These 3 additions can make it even better for your heart”It is the key to hydration of grains of rice”: Chef Vikas Khanna shares the secret to making fluffy rice at homeNick Jonas’ interviews reveal 5 relationship tips worth borrowingAfter ‘Alpha’ release, Alia Bhatt swaps athleisure for a statement green Banarasi lehenga by Anita Dongre10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strandsHow to meditate: A step-by-step guide for beginners123Hot PicksSilver import shortageUS Iran War ImpactNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallConnor MurphyE20 PetrolZhuang ZhouNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol 78th Emmy Awards 2026 nominations revealed: Noah Wyle, Zendaya, ‘The Pitt’, ‘Pluribus’ And ‘The Bear’ lead the race Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for July 9, 2026 Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner Wimbledon 2026 semi-final match: Date, time, when and where to watch in UK, USA, India, France and more AI helped scientists discover two new superconductors, bringing them closer to a room-temperature breakthrough that could change electronics Who is Tilly Norwood? The AI actress that sparked a Hollywood backlash is now getting her first feature film Misaligned | English Movie News One of the world’s largest T. rex skeletons is heading to auction with a price tag of up to $30 million, and the 67-million-year-old giant could become the next record-breaking dinosaur fossil sale The Don of disorder: Allies duck as Trump changes script again, picking fights from Madrid to Tehran Scientists say NASA should quarantine alien life on the Moon before any space samples are brought back to Earth Health Affirmations: Looking for better health? Repeat these 10 powerful affirmations every day US launches major probe into H-1B visa ‘fraud’; Cognizant under scanner ‘Will hit even deeper’: Trump warns Iran as Tehran vows ‘no American soldier will return alive’ NEW DELHI: Home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday directed that all 62 major airports in the country — including 21 under development and 41 prioritised for development, based on passenger traffic — be brought in line within two years, with standards prescribed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), with the objective of enhancing passenger convenience while ensuring that the commercial areas remain within prescribed norms.Chairing a meeting here to review passenger facilities, security arrangements and the immigration system at the major airports, Shah asked the ministry of civil aviation — represented by minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu — to lay down norms for the number of aerobridges at all airports, after taking into account the passenger and air traffic. He directed that the baggage drop facility, currently available at the 16 major airports, be extended to other international airports with high passenger volume.Replicating the modernised systems at leading airports of the world, Shah pitched for installation of an automated X-ray tray return system (ARTS) — and making this part of the standard norms — in a phased manner at all airports of the country, so as to cut human resource costs. He suggested that the civil aviation ministry and CISF commission separate third-party studies during the peak travel season to assess and reduce passenger delays at all touch-points across major airports.Dwelling on immigration and visa compliance matters, Shah sought operationalisation of the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) offices at the headquarters of all states by 2027. Currently, FRRO offices exist at a dozen locations; with the FRRO functions are discharged by the district SP in other places. The home minister on Wednesday also directed that the authorized immigration checkpoints at Agartala and Jewar airports be made operational at the earliest.To ensure a smooth and seamless passenger flow at airports, Shah directed that a comprehensive framework be developed by taking into account the interdependence between entry lanes, check-in counters, security screening lanes, and immigration counters at airports. He said that a coordinated plan has been prepared for every touch-point at airports.Aiming to promote the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Travellers’ Programme (FTI-TTP), which allows pre-approved passengers to clear immigration through automated e-gates with biometric identification, in partnership with the airlines, Shah said a mechanism should be established wherein the airline can send a WhatsApp invite to passengers at the time of booking of an international ticket, to register for FTI-TTP.Shah insisted there should be no dilution in the educational qualifications prescribed for the CISF personnel deployed for X-ray screening.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops UnderwayPune Building Buried Under Collapsing Garbage Mound, 16 Feared Trapped Amid Heavy Rain FuryShiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Arrested In KDMC Doctors’ Assault Case: PoliceEggs Thrown, ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans At Mamata Banerjee’s Rally In West BengalRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second Terrorist123PhotostoriesWalking every day? These 3 additions can make it even better for your heart”It is the key to hydration of grains of rice”: Chef Vikas Khanna shares the secret to making fluffy rice at homeNick Jonas’ interviews reveal 5 relationship tips worth borrowingAfter ‘Alpha’ release, Alia Bhatt swaps athleisure for a statement green Banarasi lehenga by Anita Dongre10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strandsHow to meditate: A step-by-step guide for beginners5 innocent-sounding phrases that can leave a bad impression on your co-workers123Hot PicksSilver import shortageUS Iran War ImpactNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallConnor MurphyE20 PetrolZhuang ZhouNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol Jul 08, 2026, 23:15 IST Clean energy share in power mix breached 50% mark on July 6 ‘Fear they may target me again’: Dombivli doctor assaulted by Shiv Sena corporator weighs quitting job Representative image NEW DELHI: Giving a push to its ambitious coal and lignite gasification programme, govt Wednesday floated a request for proposal (RFP) inviting companies to set up projects under its Rs 37,500-crore incentive scheme.Launched in May, the scheme aims to support the gasification of 75 million tonnes (MT) of coal and lignite by 2030 to produce syngas, thereby reducing dependence on imports of LNG, urea, ammonia and methanol, and promoting self-reliance in the energy and chemicals sectors. Officials said they expect to select companies under the scheme within the next four months.RFP comes after Union cabinet approved the scheme in May and the ministry of coal issued the operational guidelines on June 25.To facilitate stakeholder participation and provide clarity on the scheme provisions and application process, the ministry will hold a pre-application conference on July 20.India currently imports nearly 85% of its crude oil requirement, around 90% of its methanol requirement and 13-15% of its ammonia requirement. The country’s import bill for key substitutable products — including liquefied natural gas, urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonia, coking coal, methanol and dimethyl ether (DME) — stood at nearly Rs 2.8 lakh crore in FY25.DME is considered a promising cleaner-burning substitute for LPG, with blends of up to 20% already permitted by the Bureau of Indian Standards for domestic, commercial and industrial use.Govt expects the scheme to attract investments of Rs 2.5-3 lakh crore across around 25 projects in coal-rich regions to gasify 75 MT of coal over the next five years.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops UnderwayPune Building Buried Under Collapsing Garbage Mound, 16 Feared Trapped Amid Heavy Rain FuryShiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Arrested In KDMC Doctors’ Assault Case: PoliceEggs Thrown, ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans At Mamata Banerjee’s Rally In West BengalRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second Terrorist123PhotostoriesQuitting your job? Here’s how to leave on good terms without burning bridgesWalking every day? These 3 additions can make it even better for your heart”It is the key to hydration of grains of rice”: Chef Vikas Khanna shares the secret to making fluffy rice at homeNick Jonas’ interviews reveal 5 relationship tips worth borrowingAfter ‘Alpha’ release, Alia Bhatt swaps athleisure for a statement green Banarasi lehenga by Anita Dongre10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by stars and the skyFrom carpets to mattresses: 7 Smart ways to use baking soda for cleaning everyday household items’You kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince’: Priyanka Chopra on why respect matters more than love for womenApple cider vinegar for hair: Mix it with these ingredients for stronger, longer, and shinier strandsHow to meditate: A step-by-step guide for beginners123Hot PicksSilver import shortageUS Iran War ImpactNew EPFO portalBaruipur rapeMumbai rainfallConnor MurphyE20 PetrolZhuang ZhouNew EPFO PotralTop TrendingLionel Messi Clash with Egypt CoachIshowspeedBengal Rape Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultKetan Agarwal murder caseMumbai rainDelhi rainWeather tomorrowE20 petrol Walking every day? These 3 additions can make it even better for your heart From Sleepy Joe to Dozy Don: Trump converts Japan and morphs Zelensky to Putin NEW DELHI: India and Myanmar held a national level meeting held here on Wednesday and Thursday, reviewing the prevailing security situation along their border, with Myanmar assuring Delhi that it shall not permit its territory to be used against India’s security interests.While Home Secretary Govind Mohan led the Indian side at the 23rd national level meeting, the Myanmar delegation was headed by their deputy minister for home affairs, Major General Min Thu.The two sides discussed bilateral security cooperation and reviewed progress under the bilateral dialogue mechanism. The talks focused on cooperation in combating transnational crimes, including terrorism, insurgency, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, wildlife trafficking, cybercrime and other forms of organised crime.They also agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and operational coordination, and undertake capacity-building initiatives to address shared security challenges effectively. Stressing the importance of maintaining peace, stability and security along the India-Myanmar border, both sides agreed in the need to prevent the misuse of sovereign territory for activities inimical to their security interests.Mohan underscored that Myanmar occupies an important place in India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies.The two sides shared the importance of working closely towards the completion of Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. India and Myanmar expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and agreed to continue close engagement and cooperation on security matters.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBuilding Collapses In Delhi’s Rohini; 1 Dead, Several Trapped; Rescue Ops UnderwayPune Building Buried Under Collapsing Garbage Mound, 16 Feared Trapped Amid Heavy Rain FuryShiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Arrested In KDMC Doctors’ Assault Case: PoliceEggs Thrown, ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans At Mamata Banerjee’s Rally In West BengalRetired Transport Officer’s House Raided: UP Vigilance Recovers ₹1.62 Cr Cash, Gold Worth ₹20 CrOperation Hard Ball: Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar Among 37 Charged In Largest-Ever Int’l Crime SweepAfter SC Rap, NCERT Removes Chapter On ‘Corruption In Judiciary’ In Revised Class 8 Textbook”Didn’t Raise My Hand..”: Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Expresses Regret For KDMC Hospital Ambush’Welcome To UP 2.0′ TMC MP Mahua Moitra Slams Baruipur Encounter As BJP Defends Police ActionLashkar Commander Zakir Ganai Killed In Encounter In J&K’s Shopian, Hunt On For Second Terrorist123PhotostoriesWalking every day? 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