VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Bangalore based 5-year-old visually impaired girl learning to walk with a cane wins 3.5 million views: Her family was once told it was ‘karma’; today, she is fighting for inclusion and independence Chelsea land two-time world’s best goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on three-year deal File photo: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government on Sunday issued an order mandating automatic deduction of alimony payments from the salaries of its employees who default on maintenance obligations to their estranged wives and children despite clear court directives. Officials said the order, applicable to only govt employees, is aimed at ensuring timely financial support and dignity for distressed beneficiaries.“Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered strict enforcement of court‑mandated alimony and maintenance payments by government employees. Defaulted amounts will now be deducted directly from monthly salaries and transferred to the bank accounts of the estranged wives or children concerned,” Majhi’s office said in a statement.The order followed repeated complaints from women in distress reaching the chief minister’s office. “Several male employees failed to provide maintenance grants or alimony even after divorce, ignoring explicit court instructions. On average, two to three such complaints are received during the CM’s grievance hearings,” the statement noted.The CMO added: “Despite repeated judicial directives, many women and children were left without financial support. The chief minister has taken a stern stance against government employees who defy court orders and neglect their families.”Majhi himself underscored the moral dimension of the directive. “It is unacceptable for government employees to act unjustly towards their spouses and children while drawing salaries from the state exchequer,” he said.Following the order, the government issued detailed guidelines. Once a court order is received, the departmental drawing and disbursement officer (DDO) will deduct the specified amount from the employee’s salary bill and transfer it electronically to the beneficiaries. The CM has further directed that such cases be integrated into the state’s centralized human resource management system (HRMS) to ensure automated compliance and eliminate delays.Officials said they will track such errant husbands from complaints received by victims.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesLegal experts welcomed the initiative. “Salary deductions will ensure that court orders are not reduced to mere paperwork,” said senior advocate Pramod Mishra.Women’s rights activists also hailed the decision. “For years, women have struggled to enforce maintenance orders. This mechanism will bring relief and dignity to many households,” said activist Sunita Patnaik. She added: “By linking alimony enforcement to the HRMS system, the government hopes to prevent harassment of affected women and children.The move will not only uphold judicial authority but also ease the distress of families who often face prolonged battles for rightful support.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorDebabrata MohapatraDebabrata Mohapatra is an Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Bhubaneswar. He had been writing for TOI from Puri since 2006 before joining the Bhubaneswar bureau in August 2010. He covers crime, law & order and Congress.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Do You Feel You Are A Lord?’: Bombay High Court Raps Tukaram Mundhe-Led FDA Over MCA Order‘If Any Hindu Thinks…’: Opposition, Muslim Boards Respond To RSS Chief Bhagwat’s New York RemarksBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom gajra to jadai: Traditional Indian hair adornments that deserve a fashion revival5 things in your kitchen that may be dirtier than your toiletThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? 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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India and Uzbekistan have decided to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting an ambitious target of $5 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.Addressing a joint press meet with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, PM Modi said the two countries share common aspirations and are looking to expand cooperation across trade, technology, defence, energy, infrastructure and other strategic sectors.“Uzbekistan is at the heart of Central Asia and at the heart of India’s engagement with the region,” the Prime Minister said.He noted that 2026 marks 15 years of the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and said the two countries were now looking to give their relationship a broader and more ambitious framework.“India and Uzbekistan have deep similarities in their thinking and aspirations. Youth, innovation, inclusive growth and modern technology are at the core of both Young Uzbekistan and Developed India 2047. Following this shared vision, we are continuously working for the welfare of the people of both countries. This year marks 15 years of our strategic partnership. On this special occasion, we have decided to elevate our relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi said.“Our bilateral trade has crossed $1 billion. Now, we have set a target of $5 billion in trade by 2030,” he added.During delegation-level talks at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace, Modi announced a long-term arrangement for uranium supplies from Uzbekistan.“We will also establish a long-term arrangement for the supply of uranium. Today, we are formalising three sister-city and sister-state arrangements. We should create a roadmap to fully realise their potential,” PM Modi said.The two sides also discussed cooperation in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, clean energy, space and nuclear energy.“We will work together to enhance win-win cooperation in infrastructure development. Collaboration in areas such as digital public infrastructure, AI, critical minerals, clean energy, space, and nuclear energy is making our relationship future-ready,” Modi said.Defence and securityPM Modi said defence and security cooperation would be expanded through direct linkages, co-production and co-development between the defence industries of the two countries.“The close defence and security cooperation between our two countries reflects our deep mutual trust. In the future, we will promote direct linkages, co-production, and co-development between the defense industries of both nations,” he said.Modi said India and Uzbekistan shared a commitment to combating terrorism, extremism and separatism.“We believe that terrorism, extremism, and separatism pose serious challenges to the entire region. Maintaining a policy of zero tolerance against these threats has been, and will continue to be, our shared resolve,” he said.The prime minister also highlighted cooperation in agriculture, healthcare and traditional medicine, saying the strengths of the two countries could complement each other.“By combining Uzbekistan’s experience in horticulture with India’s modern agricultural practices, we will contribute to the food security of both nations. Uzbekistan’s medicinal herbs and India’s expertise in Ayurveda form a natural combination,” Modi said.Sister-city, state partnershipsPM Modi also announced that India and Uzbekistan would establish three sister-city and sister-state arrangements to expand cooperation beyond the national capitals.“We aim to ensure that our partnership is not limited merely to our national capitals; therefore, we are establishing partnerships between our cities and states,” he said.He also highlighted the potential for cooperation between Uzbekistan’s New Tashkent project and India’s GIFT City.“Mega-projects like ‘New Tashkent’ are underway in your country, while in India, we have developed GIFT City in Gujarat. We would be delighted to welcome a delegation from your country to study best practices and the use of technology in these developments,” PM Modi said.Mirziyoyev outlines new areas of cooperationMirziyoyev said the talks had identified several new areas where India and Uzbekistan could expand cooperation, including energy, culture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, jewellery and agriculture.“During our discussions, we identified new areas where we can realize our existing potential. We aim to advance cooperation in sectors such as energy, culture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, and agriculture,” he said.“We will prepare roadmaps for each of these sectors; specific teams from India will visit here, and our teams will travel to India, enabling us to clearly define our objectives in these fields,” Mirziyoyev added.The Uzbek president said the two countries would continue to coordinate on global issues and support each other at international platforms including the United Nations, BRICS and the Non-Aligned Movement.He also highlighted growing educational and cultural ties, noting that four Indian universities are currently operating in Uzbekistan. Mirziyoyev said a 30-day visa-free regime and efforts to promote direct flights would further boost people-to-people exchanges.“Our partnership has ascended to a new level of quality, emerging as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Mirziyoyev said.PM Modi receives Uzbekistan’s highest honourDuring his visit, Mirziyoyev conferred Uzbekistan’s highest state honour, the Order of “Oliy Darajali Dustlik”, on PM Modi.Calling it a moment of “immense pride”, PM Modi said the award reflected the longstanding friendship between the two countries.“’Dostlik’ means friendship. This single word exquisitely captures and expresses the sentiment that lies at the very core of relations between India and Uzbekistan,” Modi said.He dedicated the honour to the people of India and the shared heritage of the two countries.“This honour does not belong to just one individual; it belongs to 1.4 billion people of India,” Modi said.“From this historic land of Uzbekistan, I want to reassure the people of Uzbekistan today that India will never step back from its responsibilities. We will honour this friendship in every way,” he added.‘Uzbekistan loves Yoga!’The Prime Minister also witnessed a special yoga session in Tashkent featuring 52 practitioners from Uzbekistan.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“Uzbekistan loves Yoga!” PM Modi said in a post on X, highlighting the country’s participation in the first World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad earlier this year.“Uzbekistan was a proud participant in the first-ever World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad earlier this year. Some of the medalists were also present today. They came back with great memories of India and the Championship,” he said.PM Modi also commended the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan for promoting yoga in the country.The prime minister is on a two-nation visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. From Tashkent, he will travel to Bishkek to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit on August 31 and September 1.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Do You Feel You Are A Lord?’: Bombay High Court Raps Tukaram Mundhe-Led FDA Over MCA Order‘If Any Hindu Thinks…’: Opposition, Muslim Boards Respond To RSS Chief Bhagwat’s New York RemarksBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom Versace to Alex Perry: Suhana Khan’s Cartier moment was all about big-fashion energy10 must-try vegetarian dishes to try in DubaiFrom gajra to jadai: Traditional Indian hair adornments that deserve a fashion revival5 things in your kitchen that may be dirtier than your toiletThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to life123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James Rajkumar Santoshi disagrees with Shabana Azmi over Sunny Deol’s muslim character in ‘Batwara 1947’; ‘Amitabh Bachchan played Muslim hero in ‘Coolie’ ‘Is your battery dead already?’ Elderly woman travelling with 10+ relatives turns quiet morning flight into a family reunion as breakfast, pickles and relatives keep her busy Weekly numerology prediction, August 30 to September 05, 2026, based on the first letter of your name In 1990, the northern spotted owl became a symbol of America’s logging wars; 36 years later, scientists say it is already functionally extinct across large swaths of its range Nepal floods expose stark contrast as China keeps tight lid on information In 2013, Florida’s Tortuga Music Festival began restoring dunes with sea oats; 13 years later, fans and volunteers have planted 33,000+ on Fort Lauderdale Beach Akhilesh Yadav targets CM Yogi over Ankit Balyan murder NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday took a swipe at Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath over the fatal shooting of singer Ankit Balyan, stating that the gang allegedly behind the murder has a name that bears a “striking resemblance” to a “prominent figure” in the state.”The bullets didn’t just strike an innocent youth from our state; they also hit the law and order in the Kotwali area of UP,” Akhilesh Yadav wrote in Hindi on X, referring to the location of the murder.”The chief minister kept claiming that mafia and criminals have left Uttar Pradesh; but here, the opposite has happened—gangsters and thugs from other states have come to UP, firing dozens of rounds and committing murders,” he added.The SP supremo was referring to speculation that the Gogi gang, which operates primarily across Delhi and Haryana, was behind Ankit Balyan’s murder.”Their gang’s name also bears a striking resemblance to that of some prominent figure in UP. What is this connection called? The killers are brazen and their morale is sky-high because they feel a sense of belonging to the corrupt rule of the UP BJP government, which shields those of its own kind in power and corrupts the police through fake encounters,” Akhilesh Yadav stated.The former chief minister’s post was a direct attack on Yogi Adityanath’s projection as a leader tough on law and order. The ruling BJP will seek a third consecutive term when Uttar Pradesh goes to polls early next year.Ankit Balyan, a 32-year-old singer and YouTuber from Haryana, was shot dead by four armed assailants outside a gym in Shamli’s Kotwali area on August 26. Preliminary information suggested that around 18 rounds were fired at him in the point-blank attack.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesPolice are examining a possible gang-war angle after a social media post by Bholu Shahpuriya, who is purportedly linked to the Gogi gang, claimed responsibility for the killing. The post alleged that Ankit Balyan had been supporting the gang’s “enemies” and had made a song about the killing of gangster Jitender Mann, alias Gogi. It also warned that those supporting the gang’s rivals would meet a “similar fate.”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’Do You Feel You Are A Lord?’: Bombay High Court Raps Tukaram Mundhe-Led FDA Over MCA Order‘If Any Hindu Thinks…’: Opposition, Muslim Boards Respond To RSS Chief Bhagwat’s New York RemarksBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom gajra to jadai: Traditional Indian hair adornments that deserve a fashion revival5 things in your kitchen that may be dirtier than your toiletThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? 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(One World One Humanity/ ANI Video Grab) NEW DELHI: Nearly three decades after one of the world’s deadliest aviation disasters, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat returned to the memory of the Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision in Haryana.He recalled the chaos that followed the crash. He spoke of injured passengers, bodies that had to be recovered and families arriving from far away, searching for their loved ones and trying to identify those they had lost. And he remembered the RSS volunteers who, according to him, reached the site and began helping.They treated the injured. They helped recover the dead. They assisted relatives who arrived later. They also helped arrange funeral rites.Many of the victims were Muslims. But Bhagwat said that was never a consideration for the volunteers who were serving them.Speaking at the “One World One Humanity” event in New York on Saturday, Bhagwat recalled the tragedy as an example of what he described as the RSS’s philosophy of unconditional humanitarian service.”Two planes collided over Haryana, which is part of Bharat, over the place named Dadri. Both were from Arab countries. Most of the passengers were Muslims. After that collision, our Swayamsevaks reached there first, and they served. Served in treating the injured… Recovering their bodies, arranging for the funeral rites when their relatives come, helping them in identifying. We never thought at that time that these were Muslims,” said the RSS Chief.The disaster took place on November 12, 1996. A Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 collided in the skies over Charkhi Dadri, Haryana.There were no survivors.All 349 people aboard the two aircraft were killed. The crash became the deadliest mid-air collision in aviation history.For Bhagwat, the tragedy was not only about the terrible loss of life. It was also about what happened after the aircraft came down.He recalled a moment when grief and devastation had stripped away every distinction between people. Those at the crash site needed help. Families needed answers. The dead needed dignity.Bhagwat said the volunteers did not ask who the victims were before helping them.He also said the RSS did not publicise such work because it did not expect anything in return.”The prominent working organisation was RSS. We could do this because we are not in politics. And we don’t go on making these things famous because we don’t want anything from this. No return… In Sangha, we only give. We don’t want anything. That is why in publicity matters, we are way behind.”The RSS chief was speaking in New York as he began a three-nation global outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The visit has been organised as part of the organisation’s centenary year celebrations, following invitations from overseas local organisations.Bhagwat also used the occasion to speak about perceptions of the RSS. He said the organisation was often viewed through narratives that, in his view, did not reflect its work on the ground.”There are many perceptions created by wrong narratives. But when you come and see us from inside, all those will be disbelieved in the day.”He then broadened his argument beyond the RSS and its work during disasters. He spoke about the kind of social change he believes is necessary to create greater unity.Bhagwat said political systems alone could not bring about such change. In a democracy, he argued, political leaders ultimately respond to public opinion. The first step, therefore, had to be taken within society itself.”Politics today, especially in a democracy, depends on the public view. If there is public opinion, then no politician will dare to go against it. Therefore, I think after taking a common resolve today, we have to act in these societies, and we have to act first locally.”He argued that social harmony could not be built simply by gaining political power. It had to grow from everyday interactions and acts of service.For Bhagwat, the idea was rooted in what he described as the traditional thought of Bharat, where the unity of humanity is placed above individual interests.”This is the traditional thought of Bharat–unity of humanity. All our leaders, at any point in time, have emphasised that too. After independence, we got the constitution, which emphasises this, but that is not happening. Because these things do not happen through politics. I’m sorry to say, but the fact is, politics has now become a game of self-interest. And where there is me and I, there is no solution. We and ours are the solution. So our experience in Bharat is that we have to start with society.”He called for such efforts to begin locally. Small pockets of people working together, he said, could eventually become larger networks of service and unity.”Whatever we decide to do today, we should start in our own country and create pockets of such selfless service, such an atmosphere of unity, and then this dialogue should continue. Through this dialogue, we should connect them, and then we should grow.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesNearly 30 years after the Charkhi Dadri crash, the scale of the disaster remains difficult to comprehend. Hundreds of lives were lost in a matter of moments.But Bhagwat chose to remember what happened in the aftermath.Amid the wreckage, he said, volunteers came forward to help people they did not know. They treated the injured. They recovered bodies. They helped families search for answers.And, in his telling of that day, they did so without first asking whether the person in front of them was Hindu or Muslim.That memory formed the emotional centre of Bhagwat’s message in New York: that in moments of profound human suffering, service can begin before identity does.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Do You Feel You Are A Lord?’: Bombay High Court Raps Tukaram Mundhe-Led FDA Over MCA Order‘If Any Hindu Thinks…’: Opposition, Muslim Boards Respond To RSS Chief Bhagwat’s New York RemarksBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom gajra to jadai: Traditional Indian hair adornments that deserve a fashion revival5 things in your kitchen that may be dirtier than your toiletThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James Aug 30, 2026, 15:51 IST 5 things in your kitchen that may be dirtier than your toilet Speeding SUV kills 2 brothers, injures 2 sisters on way to celebrate Raksha Bandhan in Faridabad Indian-origin US politician Anand Shah pleads guilty in illegal gambling case; earned $900,000, used it to fund campaign | World News The two leaders also discussed ways to advance their shared developmental visions of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred Uzbekistan’s highest state honour, the Order of “Oliy Darajali Dustlik”, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his two-day state visit to the Central Asian country, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and deepening bilateral ties.The prestigious honour was presented to PM Modi in Tashkent as the two leaders held delegation-level talks aimed at expanding cooperation between India and Uzbekistan across several key areas.PM Modi dedicated the honour to the enduring friendship and close ties between India and Uzbekistan, describing it as a recognition of the strong bond between the two countries.The award ceremony came during a series of official engagements that highlighted the growing strategic relationship between New Delhi and Tashkent. The honour also underlined the importance both countries attach to their longstanding partnership and closer cooperation.During their talks, PM Modi and Mirziyoyev discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe two leaders also explored ways to advance their shared developmental visions of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’, reflecting their focus on economic growth, modernisation and development.The conferment of the Order of “Oliy Darajali Dustlik” marked a significant moment in PM Modi’s visit and added a diplomatic dimension to the expanding India-Uzbekistan relationship.The two-day state visit is focused on further deepening ties between the two countries and identifying new areas of cooperation as India strengthens its engagement with Central Asia.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom gajra to jadai: Traditional Indian hair adornments that deserve a fashion revival5 things in your kitchen that may be dirtier than your toiletThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James Aug 30, 2026, 15:31 IST India reaches fiscal deficit target for 2025-26, credit ratings improving: FM Sitharaman in US Samay Raina sparks fresh controversy with Bihar-Kashmir banter on ‘India’s Got Latent 2’; political leaders REACT: ‘Just stick to comedy’ Why do devotees offer cigarettes to this deity? The 130-year-old story of Surat’s Bhoot Mama temple What every zodiac sign needs to know this week August 30 to September 05, 2026 and 3 simple ways to align with the universe Delhi Police Awareness Programme: How to avoid rental disputes: Delhi Police plans awareness session for Northeast tenants Supreme Court to hear plea on monday NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea on Monday challenging the validity of a provision of the Income Tax Act that allows political parties to receive anonymous cash donations of less than Rs 2,000. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta is likely to hear the matter.The petitioner, Khem Singh Bhati, has argued that anonymous cash donations undermine transparency in elections by denying voters information about the source of political funding and the motives of donors. The plea has sought the striking down of Clause (d) of Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as unconstitutional.”The petitioner is seeking direction that the political parties must disclose the name and all other particulars of the person paying any amount of money to it, and no amount can be received in cash so as to maintain transparency in the political funding,” the plea, filed said.The petitioner has referred to the Supreme Court’s 2024 verdict striking down the electoral bonds scheme, arguing that political funding must remain transparent.Plea seeks EC, CBDT scrutiny of party financesThe plea has sought directions to the Election Commission to scrutinise Form 24A contribution reports of recognised political parties and take action against parties that fail to provide complete donor details, including addresses and PAN information. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIt has also sought independent audits of political party accounts and action under the Election Symbols Order, 1968, against defaulting parties.The petitioner has further urged the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to scrutinise the income tax returns and audit reports of political parties for the past five years and initiate tax, penalty or prosecution proceedings for violations of Section 13A of the Income Tax Act read with Section 29C of 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 MediaVideos’Do You Feel You Are A Lord?’: Bombay High Court Raps Tukaram Mundhe-Led FDA Over MCA Order‘If Any Hindu Thinks…’: Opposition, Muslim Boards Respond To RSS Chief Bhagwat’s New York RemarksBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom gajra to jadai: Traditional Indian hair adornments that deserve a fashion revival5 things in your kitchen that may be dirtier than your toiletThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James NEET PG 2026: NBEMS announces September 5 re-exam for 2,445 candidates affected at Jaipur’s Sitapura centres ‘It’s not Shiva vs Salman’: Shiva Rajkumar says ‘Original Monster’ is different from Salman Khan-Vamshi Paidipally film Black Flowers: Black hollyhock to Black Baccara: 5 black flowers that you may have never heard of Weekly Love Horoscope Predictions, August 30 to September 05, 2026: Your zodiac love forecast for this week AI-made music video that has become the symbol of Canadians’ anger toward US tariffs has porcupines pop tyres, grizzlies inspect trucks, a 10-meter-deep lake and more In the 1940s, Nevada’s six-week divorce law turned a 1,627-acre ranch into a refuge for women seeking quick divorces; after 155 years in private hands, it is becoming the state’s 28th park Priyanka also shared a video of leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s press conference in which he made a similar demand, accusing those behind the ceremony of practising untouchability and calling for action against them under the SC/ST Act. NEW DELHI: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday stepped up the Congress’ attack on the BJP over the alleged “shuddhikaran” of a rally venue in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensure an FIR is registered under the SC/ST Act against those responsible for the ceremony carried out after party president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally there.The Congress general secretary said the alleged purification ceremony, held at Ramlila Maidan after Kharge’s August 8 address, was a “grave violation” of the Constitution and the SC/ST Act. She questioned why no action had been taken nearly 20 days after the incident.”If the honourable Prime Minister Modi ji truly respects the Constitution of our country, then he should ensure that an FIR is filed against those who committed this crime in Uttarakhand and that action is taken under the SC/ST Act,” Priyanka Gandhi said in a post on X.She also shared a video of leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi’s press conference in which he made a similar demand, accusing those behind the ceremony of practising untouchability and calling for action against them under the SC/ST Act.”Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge ji addressed a rally in Haldwani, after which people from BJP-RSS ‘purified’ his stage. This ‘purification’ is not only a symbol of an extremely reprehensible and shameful mindset but also a grave violation of our Constitution and the SC/ST Act, and a crime,” Priyanka said.Rahul Gandhi attacks BJP-RSS ‘mindset’Rahul Gandhi had on Saturday demanded that PM Modi order an FIR against those who carried out the alleged purification ceremony. He said the incident reflected what he described as an “BJP-RSS mindset” and alleged that it amounted to untouchability.”The incident reflects the mindset of the BJP-RSS people who continue to practice untouchability, and they do not want Dalits to progress and live with respect and be successful,” Gandhi said.”We are demanding justice for the Congress president… It is the duty of the central and state governments to ensure that Kharge gets justice,” he added.The former Congress chief also alleged that Uttarakhand BJP president Mahendra Bhatt had defended the purification ceremony while PM Modi had remained silent on the issue.”We demand that an FIR be lodged against those who have done this. PM Modi states that he belongs to every caste and is the prime minister of the country, but his party chief of Uttarakhand defends ‘shuddhikaran’,” Gandhi said.BJP chief’s remarks trigger Congress criticismThe Congress has separately accused Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt of justifying the ceremony and questioned whether the ruling party would take action against him for allegedly defending untouchability.Bhatt had reportedly said the venue was polluted by slogans that were not appropriate for a religious place, while dismissing criticism of the purification ritual.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe alleged ceremony took place at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani after Kharge addressed a gathering there on August 8. Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal has alleged that the Shri Ram Sena carried out the purification and was associated with the BJP. The ruling party has vehemently denied the allegation.The controversy has also reached Parliament. Kharge had raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha earlier this month and demanded that cases be registered under the law against untouchability against those involved and that they be arrested.Leader of the house and Union minister JP Nadda had said the BJP did not subscribe to such activities and that the incident would be investigated.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘If Any Hindu Thinks…’: Opposition, Muslim Boards Respond To RSS Chief Bhagwat’s New York RemarksBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact Indians123PhotostoriesFrom gajra to jadai: Traditional Indian hair adornments that deserve a fashion revival5 things in your kitchen that may be dirtier than your toiletThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James Watch: Captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s brave DRS call gets East Zone crucial wicket Iran war at 6 months: Who gained, who lost the most economically Bihar to replace ‘Fail’ with ‘Eligible for Skill Development’ on Class 10, 12 marksheets The Great Khali escapes unhurt after accident in Panipat; calls it ‘No Big Deal’ Weekly Health Horoscope Predictions, August 30 to September 05, 2026: Tips for wellness and balance based on each zodiac sign A Chicago physicist proposed a way to create quantum images 20 years ago; after two decades waiting for experimental proof, superconductors have finally produced the effect he predicted An electrical equipment at a power plant is partially buried in slush brought in by the Trishuli river in flash floods, in Dhading District, Nepal, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Nepal has sought advance approvals to import electricity from India, effective Sept 2026, in view of generation deficits caused by flash floods, govt said.Power ministry officials said India will provide any additional electricity that Nepal may need and relevant authorities are processing these requests.India imports hydropower from Nepal during summer and exports electricity in the dry winter, when rivers freeze and generation is impacted. Both countries currently have a 1,000 MW electricity import-export capacity through the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV cross-border transmission line and have recently agreed to increase it to over 1,400 MW.Following flash floods in the Trishuli/Lhende Khola river basin on Aug 26 that caused severe local infrastructure damage and disrupted specific generating stations, officials said Kathmandu has requested India to advance the export mechanism, which otherwise begins during peak winter.The impact of the damage on India’s national power grid, however, is minimal and fully manageable, an official said.“Major cross-border transmission corridors, such as the high-capacity 400 kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur link (with a transfer capacity of 1,000 MW), remain operational,” said a power ministry official. According to assessments, domestic generation capacity in Nepal has seen a reduction of approximately 550 MW due to damaged facilities. Cross-border power flow to India is currently reduced by approximately 400 MW, from previous peak export levels of around 950-1,000 MW.“We do not foresee any requirement for exceptional emergency procurement or alternative arrangements to balance domestic demand. India’s vast national grid capacity and robust generation reserve margins are capable of absorbing a temporary shortfall of 400 MW seamlessly without disrupting grid stability or retail supply,” the official said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSome of the key under-construction projects, including the 900 MW Arun-3 and 669 MW Lower Arun projects in the Arun River basin, which are being executed by central public sector companies, are located in an unaffected catchment and continue on schedule without disruption, said an official.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 MediaVideosBJP Reprimands Three Delhi MPs Over Visit To Sajjan Kumar’s Home After His DeathKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom gajra to jadai: Traditional Indian hair adornments that deserve a fashion revival5 things in your kitchen that may be dirtier than your toiletThat oil sitting beside your stove may be going bad faster than you think: What heat and light do to cooking oilHow to clean a burnt pan without scrubbing hard and longBigg Boss Tamil 10: From Joy Crizildaa to Gayathri Sri, rumoured female contestants of Vijay Sethupathi-hosted showDoes microwaving food make it unhealthy? What the science saysStar Singer: Meet the finalists ahead of the grand finale10 baby names that bring the beauty of the seasons to lifePainful periods, changing cycles and menopause: Which symptoms are normal, which need attention and can protein help?Blueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingManjeet KaurKim KardashianMaya Higa FianceTravis KelceBrittany MahomesTravis Kelce BusinessKai CenatCoco GauffsNaomi OsakaLebron James Tim McGraw falls from platform while performing in Cincinnati, laughs off incident and tells fans ‘there’s hole there’ What heat and light do to cooking oil Weekly Wealth Horoscope Predictions, August 30 to September 05, 2026: Your money luck for the week