VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Video shows fighter jet escorting slain Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei’s coffin to Mashhad A 2,500-year-old warrior prince tomb found in Italy had a chariot, helmet and weapons still inside 12 Bingson John, 69, who idolised serial killer Charles Sobhraj, arrested after 36-year, 300-hotel con spree across India.Three former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs — Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik — joined BJP in Kolkata amid growing rebellion in the party.US projectiles struck areas around Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, according to a provincial official, though details on damage remain unclear.Germany has recorded over 5,100 heat-related deaths as Europe continues to reel under a record-breaking summer heatwave.England pacer Jofra Archer has thrown down a challenge to India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the 4th T20I, saying “may the best man win.”Here are the top 5 stories of the day’Five-star food or prison meals’: ‘Bikini Killer’ Charles Sobhraj admirer’s 36-year luxury hotel trail baffles copsA 69-year-old man who idolised notorious serial killer and conman Charles Sobhraj has been arrested after allegedly cheating nearly 300 luxury hotels across India over 36 years. Bingson John, a Tamil Nadu native, was caught from Bhubaneswar within 72 hours after he checked out of a Raipur five-star hotel without paying a Rs 63,755 bill and fleeing with a rented laptop worth Rs 1.48 lakh. Police said John modelled his lifestyle on Sobhraj, frequently posing as a foreign tour guide, English teacher or yoga instructor to gain trust. He has spent nearly 15 years in prisons across the country, describing luxury hotels as his “tourist destinations” and prison as his “home stay.” Read full story.Setback for Mamata Banerjee: Three former TMC Rajya Sabha members join BJP in KolkataThree former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha members formally joined the BJP at the party’s Salt Lake office on Thursday, weeks after resigning from the TMC amid growing internal rebellion. Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik were inducted in the presence of West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya. The defections come as the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC continues to face turmoil following its defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections, with reports suggesting around 20 Lok Sabha MPs have aligned with a rebel faction led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee. Read full story.Area around Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant struck by US projectiles: OfficialProjectiles fired by the United States struck areas around Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant on Thursday, according to Ehsan Jahaniyan, deputy governor of Bushehr province. Quoted by state news agency IRNA, the official said several locations in the province were hit around midday but did not provide immediate details on any damage at or near the nuclear facility. The strike comes amid escalating US-Iran military tensions, with both sides exchanging attacks in recent days. Follow live updates.Germany records over 5,100 heat deaths under record-breaking summerGermany has recorded more than 5,100 heat-related deaths as Europe continues to grapple with a record-breaking summer heatwave. The extreme temperatures have overwhelmed healthcare systems, damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life across the continent, with scientists linking the intensity of the heatwave to climate change. Read full story.’May the best man win’: Jofra Archer throws down challenge to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of 4th T20IEngland pacer Jofra Archer has issued a challenge to India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the fourth T20I between the two sides, saying “may the best man win.” The remark adds to the growing rivalry between the two teams as the series progresses. The match is set to be a crucial encounter as both teams look to gain an upper hand. Read full story.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 MediaVideosTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding 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: Police123PhotostoriesShould you apply coconut oil before or after washing your hair? Experts finally settle the debate10 international baby names that work across different culturesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by”Eat this before your meal”: Sadhguru recommends eating a simple food combination before every meal; recipe and benefits insideJanhvi Kapoor trades her ethereal Apsara saree for a regal midnight blue Mayyur Girotra kalidar at Anshula Kapoor’s wedding reception5 natural sources of retinol that can help reduce signs of ageing123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war India vs England 4th T20I Live Score: Shreyas Iyer’s men face do-or-die against Harry Brook’s in from England at County Ground, Bristol US stock market today: Wall Street, oil prices steady after sharp swings yesterday Jharkhand PECE admit card 2026 released at polycet.jceceb.org.in: Direct link to download hall tickets Cab driver says, ‘I’m not your servant’ after passenger lights cigarette mid-ride; internet is split Dombivli hospital assault: Doctors treat arrested Shiv Sena corporator even as colleagues protest outside ICU Scientists have filmed a rare 125-million-year-old goblin shark alive in its natural deep-sea habitat for the first time, revealing a new depth record and a wider Pacific range Stationary vehicle does not escape liability if improperly parked; Calcutta High Court enhances compensation for deceased homemaker ‘Aashiqui’ was based on Mahesh Bhatt’s romance with first wife Lorraine, the fairytale ended with his relationship with Parveen Babi, Pooja Bhatt says, ‘my mother defended his marriage to Soni Razdan’ 10 international baby names that work across different cultures Lake Powell and Lake Mead are both running dangerously low, and scientists now say one radical idea could help: drain most of Lake Powell and store the water in Lake Mead instead Watch: F-16 burst into flames after crash-landing at Greek island airport; pilot safe ‎Meet Bakari, the 21-year-old gorilla chosen to lead Disney’s famous troop after the death of its longtime silverback ‘May the best man win’: Jofra Archer throws down challenge to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of 4th T20I | Cricket News Bonnie Tyler passes at 85: Bryan Adams, Catherine Zeta Jones, Sir Cliff Richard, and more share tributes Monsoon demands extra attention for children: The after-school routine every parent should follow | CM Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ finally gets an ‘A’ certificate from CBFC after months of legal battle and delays, after release date announcement | ‘Dangerous world demands hard power’: PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham vows to rebuild UK’s military, defence sector New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Thursday announced that 57 per cent of the country’s exports to India will be “tariff-free from day one” under the proposed India-New Zealand trade deal, a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic two-day state visit to the country.Taking to social media platform X, Luxon said the agreement would provide a major boost to New Zealand businesses by expanding their access to the Indian market.”New Zealand businesses are set to boom with our India Trade Deal.” He added, “57% of everything we export to India will be tariff free from day one.”The announcement comes ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to New Zealand from July 10 to 11, which follows an invitation from his Kiwi counterpart. The visit marks the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in nearly four decades.Earlier, while announcing PM Modi’s maiden official visit to New Zealand, Luxon had said on X, “I’m delighted to announce that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week.”Highlighting the significance of India for New Zealand’s economy, Luxon said the relationship between the two countries was entering a new phase through the trade agreement.”We are taking the two countries’ relationship to the next level with our New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in April, which will deliver more jobs, higher exports and stronger economic growth for New Zealand,” he said.Luxon also underlined the market access that the agreement would provide for New Zealand exporters. “Bringing more money into Kiwi communities, creating jobs and lifting wages.”According to the announcement, the agreement will open opportunities for New Zealand goods and services by providing access to a consumer market of 1.4 billion people.India and New Zealand signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) earlier this year to deepen bilateral trade, boost investment and expand cooperation across goods and services. Under the framework, all Indian exports will receive duty-free access to the New Zealand market.For India, the agreement is expected to strengthen its presence in a high-income Pacific economy as part of its broader Indo-Pacific economic strategy. For New Zealand, it provides greater access to one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies amid global trade uncertainty.During his visit to Auckland, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Luxon to review the full spectrum of India-New Zealand ties, with a focus on trade, commerce and defence cooperation. He is also expected to meet business and sports leaders and address the Indian diaspora.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding 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: Police123PhotostoriesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by”Eat this before your meal”: Sadhguru recommends eating a simple food combination before every meal; recipe and benefits insideJanhvi Kapoor trades her ethereal Apsara saree for a regal midnight blue Mayyur Girotra kalidar at Anshula Kapoor’s wedding reception5 natural sources of retinol that can help reduce signs of ageing’Alliance’ row: Kamya Punjabi stands by Kushal Tandon as Zareen Khan and Uorfi Javed call out his behaviour – all you need to knowPsychology says people who always save the best bite for last often share these personality traits123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war Axar Patel makes big confession ahead of his 100th T20I: ‘I never imagined this’ “What is going on in CBSE?” Class 10 students grow anxious as second board result delay stretches to 50 days ‘Most challenging thing ever’: Rashmika Mandanna shares BTS moments from ‘Mysaa’ featuring the first female underwater fight sequence 10 Gen Alpha words every parent should know in 2026 Why the world’s navies are going deep: Canada’s mega submarine deal explained Nasa captures stunning view of Super Typhoon Bavi from space Congress targets PM Modi for giving China ‘clean chit’ NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday accused the BJP of increasing India’s economic dependence on China despite the 2020 Galwan clash, alleging that Beijing has gained a dominant position in several strategic sectors under the current administration.Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, citing a media report and official trade data, claimed that Chinese imports had expanded significantly across industries critical to India’s economy, including pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles and renewable energy.”Six years ago, PM Narendra Modi handed over a clean chit to China after our 20 brave soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in Galwan. Our bravehearts chose martyrdom, but the Modi government has surrendered India’s interests to China,” Kharge said in a post on X.Kharge alleged that India’s imports from China had risen by 101.81 per cent since the Galwan clash, pushing the bilateral trade deficit to USD 112.1 billion in 2025-26.He claimed China supplied 86 per cent of India’s antibiotic imports and accounted for nearly 74 per cent of imports of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), bulk drugs and drug intermediates during 2024-25.The Congress chief also alleged that 66 per cent of India’s electric vehicle component imports originated from China, while nearly three-fourths of imported lithium-ion batteries used in Indian EVs were Chinese. He further claimed that China supplied around 93 per cent of India’s permanent magnet imports in 2025-26.On the renewable energy sector, Kharge alleged that China supplied more than 99 per cent of India’s undiffused silicon wafer imports in 2025-26, calling it a near-total dominance of a sector that the government has identified as central to its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.The Congress leader also criticised the Centre’s reported decision to allow four Chinese companies to bid for government power projects, alleging that it had “rolled out the red carpet” for what he referred to as PM Modi’s “Jhoola Friend”.He further alleged that China continued to encroach on Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh and claimed Beijing’s role in Pakistan’s actions during Operation Sindoor had been acknowledged by the Deputy Chief of Army Staff.”Modi government has hurt India’s national interests by letting Beijing capture India’s most critical industries since Galwan. Now they are opening more opportunities for the Chinese to flourish under the lens of his tinted ‘Laal Aankh’!” Kharge said.There was no immediate response from the Centre or the Bharatiya Janata Party to the Congress’ allegations.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 MediaVideosTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding 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: Police123PhotostoriesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by”Eat this before your meal”: Sadhguru recommends eating a simple food combination before every meal; recipe and benefits insideJanhvi Kapoor trades her ethereal Apsara saree for a regal midnight blue Mayyur Girotra kalidar at Anshula Kapoor’s wedding reception5 natural sources of retinol that can help reduce signs of ageing’Alliance’ row: Kamya Punjabi stands by Kushal Tandon as Zareen Khan and Uorfi Javed call out his behaviour – all you need to knowPsychology says people who always save the best bite for last often share these personality traits123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war Jul 09, 2026, 15:42 IST ‘If we win this Test … ‘: Harmanpreet Kaur banks on historic Lord’s Test to erase T20 World Cup disappointment PIL filed in Punjab and Haryana High Court for restoring Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’ on OTT after the film’s ban in India: ‘This amounts to a violation of Article 19’ What is IGCSE? How it is different from CBSE and ICSE; factors parents should consider before choosing it for their child | NHL Trade Rumor: Detroit Red Wings emerge as a landing spot for $57.5M Columbus Blue Jackets’ defenseman Italy’s 007 scandal: Two Russian military attaches expelled over spying Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik (L-R) NEW DELHI: Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata on Thursday, weeks after resigning from the TMC amid growing rebellion within the party.The three leaders were inducted into the BJP at the party’s Salt Lake office in the presence of West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya and other senior leaders. Bhattacharya welcomed them by presenting BJP flags and said their political experience would strengthen the party in the state.Their induction comes as the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC continues to face internal turmoil following its defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The crisis began after a large group of MLAs broke away under the leadership of expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, with several MPs also backing the rival camp. Rebel MPs have sought separate seating arrangements in Parliament and have held meetings with senior BJP leaders, fuelling speculation about more defections.Reacting to the development, senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said the party had given Sukhendu Sekhar Ray political opportunities that he did not receive before joining the TMC.Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said, “See everyone knows that Sukhendu Sekhar, who is a senior leader, prior to 2011, he never became MP or MLA. Respecting him, Mamata Banerjee sent him to Rajya Sabha. Today he joined BJP… They did not leave when Mamata Banerjee was the CM, public is seeing everything.”The three leaders had resigned from both the TMC and as Rajya Sabha leaders last month.After quitting the party, Sushmita Dev said her decision was based on both political and personal reasons.”It is a long story why I left TMC. I don’t want to be in a situation where I am in two boats at the same time. I will not comment on Mamata Didi,” she had said.She added, “I had political and personal reasons to do this. In an independent country, a politician can take any decision in their political life. I express gratitude towards the people of Bengal, but I have to work in Assam.”Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, who was among the first senior leaders to resign, had launched a sharp attack on the TMC after stepping down. He blamed the party’s electoral defeat on what he described as years of poor governance and had also alleged that he could have been targeted had he resigned during the RG Kar hospital controversy.”I have met Rajya Sabha chairman and submitted my resignation. I have conveyed my decision to resigning from the party through WhatsApp and email to Mamata Banerjee. I had my tenure till 2029 in the Rajya Sabha, but I have resigned in principle from the party as it would be difficult for me to continue,” he added further,” Ray wrote in his resignation letter. Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from the Rajya Sabha shortly after Dev and Ray, further deepening concerns over dissent within the TMC.”I hereby resign from the membership of the Rajya Sabha. Kindly accept my resignation with immediate effect,” Baraik wrote in his letter.The political crisis has intensified in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that around 20 Lok Sabha MPs have aligned with the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The dissident camp has claimed it represents the “real TMC” while ruling out any merger with the Congress.Meanwhile, Mamata in a video address accused the rival faction of betraying the party.”People shouldn’t forgive TMC leaders who are traitors, sided with BJP; don’t try to sail on two boats, there’s still time to look back and address barbarity,” she said.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 MediaVideosTensions In MVA As Sanjay Raut Slams Sharad Pawar For Holding Meeting At Eknath Shinde’s OfficeIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding 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: Police123PhotostoriesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? Start with these everyday habits attractive women swear by”Eat this before your meal”: Sadhguru recommends eating a simple food combination before every meal; recipe and benefits insideJanhvi Kapoor trades her ethereal Apsara saree for a regal midnight blue Mayyur Girotra kalidar at Anshula Kapoor’s wedding reception5 natural sources of retinol that can help reduce signs of ageing’Alliance’ row: Kamya Punjabi stands by Kushal Tandon as Zareen Khan and Uorfi Javed call out his behaviour – all you need to knowPsychology says people who always save the best bite for last often share these personality traits123Hot PicksIndia-AustraliaTiesOmar AbdullahNew EPFO portalMahadev AppNET paper leakMonsoon trackerStock market todayStrait of HormuzAP DEECET rank cardTop TrendingCrude oilRamesh MhatreUS Section 301FIFA World Cup 2026India u19 vs Sri Lanka U19Andhra Hospital MurderWeather todayDelhi NCR rainBihar BDO Wife MurderIran war Jul 09, 2026, 17:34 IST A 15-year-old student in Japan allegedly used ChatGPT to carry out a cyberattack, sparking debate over AI misuse Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’: Viral AI images reimagine Aamir Khan as Odysseus, Tabu as Penelope, Sai Pallavi as Athena Ancient Forests: Why tall and short trees can thrive side by side in ancient forests, according to science Quote of the day by Isaac Newton: “I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies but not the madness of people” – why human behaviour is harder to predict than the stars China shoe factory fire leaves ‘heavy human losses’ as rescuers battle blaze Inside details of Trump administration’s biggest crackdown on H-1B visa fraud: Human trafficking in the name of fake jobs ‘Purab mat jaiyo more Rajaji …’Passed down through generations, this folk song still echoes the reality of many villages in Bihar, where the men are forced to leave in search of greener pastures.Migration has long been woven into Bihar’s social and cultural landscape. But long-standing gaps in local employment, combined with rising aspirations, have increased the pace of out-migration from villages in recent years.And what is left behind? A patch of land, a half-finished brick house and, most importantly, women who are left to hold everything together.Migration and BiharBihar has long functioned as country’s great labour reservoir.In the early 19th century, young men from this region migrated because of widespread poverty and underdevelopment. After Independence, the trend continued, with migration largely directed towards India’s more developed states.Even today, Biharis can be found across the country in a wide range of roles: from running small businesses like tea stalls in Jammu and Kashmir, working in factories in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and contributing to agriculture in Punjab and Haryana, to taking up skilled, professional and entrepreneurial roles in rapidly growing cities.The decline of traditional industries, including sugar, jute, rice, flour, pulse, oil and paper mills, along with the slow expansion of local employment opportunities, has kept job creation a major challenge in Bihar.The exodus is visible at almost every railway station in the state, where trains bound for other parts of India are packed with young men leaving for a mix of aspiration and economic necessity.An estimated three crore Biharis now work outside the state. Roughly one in four adults and two out of every three households have a family member living away.Migration is no longer confined to the poor. It cuts across caste, class and community. Yet it remains overwhelmingly male, with women accounting for barely five per cent of migrants.The rural milieuMen leave villages in Bihar, often with the aspiration of providing a better standard of living for their families. However, remittances are not the only outcome. Male out-migration also skews the demography of villages and alters the dynamics of families.Just 36km from Patna, Baikatpur village offers a glimpse into the human cost of Bihar’s migration story.Ashok Kumar Dutta, a resident of the village, describes the situation as “dystopian”.Speaking to The Times of India, he says men from almost every household have left in search of work in bigger cities. While migration has marginally improved the economic condition of some families, it has also left behind villages inhabited largely by women, children and the elderly.”When people leave, they don’t take their entire families with them. Those who migrate rarely earn as much as they had hoped. As a result, instead of improving, the family’s economic condition often worsens,” Dutta told TOI.”The women left behind, and even the elderly and children, are forced to take up whatever small jobs they can to make ends meet. Women from the poorest households have little choice but to work in the fields, transplanting paddy and taking up daily-wage labour,” he added.Subhash Kumar, founder of Samadhan Kendra, an NGO in Vaishali district that works with women’s self-help groups, paints a similar picture.He says large-scale migration has drained the village economy and created an acute labour shortage. Even families planning to build a house often struggle to find enough workers.”If you look at the villages today, it’s only natural that there are fewer young people. There are simply no sources of income here. When there are no jobs locally, young people have no option but to leave,” Subhash Kumar told The Times of India.”Why do they migrate? Because they believe they can earn better elsewhere. Their calculations may not always work out, but they still see more opportunities outside Bihar than at home,” he added.The role of womenIt is encouraging when women in any society become economically and socially independent. In Bihar, however, this shift has often come out of necessity rather than choice. Many women have had to take on additional responsibilities beyond the household, including roles that were earlier less commonly undertaken by them.Subhash Kumar says a family cannot survive on the meagre remittances sent by migrants alone. To generate extra income, women often rear livestock or take up daily-wage work to keep the household running.”Today, it is simply not possible for an entire household to survive on the husband’s earnings alone. Suppose the husband is working outside the state and sends home Rs 5,000 or Rs 10,000 every month. A family cannot survive on that money alone. If there’s a wedding in the extended family, a social function, a medical emergency or any unexpected expense, they need extra,” Subhash Kumar said.”Now imagine the husband falls ill or is unable to send money for two or three months. How will the household manage? In such situations, women take up daily-wage work. They work in the fields or wherever they can find work locally. If there is no work available, they rear cows, buffaloes or goats. Whatever little income they earn from livestock helps keep the household running,” he added.Nabanipa Bhattacharjee, sociology professor at Sri Venkateswara College, says seasonal migration, which is prevalent in Bihar, often creates a temporary gender imbalance in villages, with women outnumbering men for much of the year.”Migration has pushed women into roles they didn’t traditionally occupy. They now manage agriculture, run households, look after children and the elderly, and handle finances sent back as remittances. You can call it the feminisation of agriculture,” Professor Bhattacharjee told The Times of India.”While the men are away, women have to manage everything. However, the right to take important decisions still largely remains with the men,” she added.Professor Bhattacharjee said that despite the growing role of women in villages, their workload and emotional stress from spousal separation have surged.”While seasonal migration temporarily skews village populations toward women and expands their roles, it doesn’t automatically translate into greater social status or authority,” she said.The fragile economicsThe Bihar government has launched several welfare schemes to make women in rural areas financially independent and improve the long-term viability of women-led enterprises. Schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana provide a grant of Rs 10,000 to women from households, with additional assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh linked to the progress of their enterprises.Jeevika is another poverty-alleviation programme that aims to empower rural women socially and economically by organising them into self-help groups. These groups help women save money, learn new skills, start small businesses and become part of the formal economy.Jeevika has mobilised more than 1.4 crore women across Bihar into self-help groups, creating one of the largest women’s collectives in the world.Initiatives such as self-help groups and community-based livelihood programmes like Jeevika have expanded women’s economic participation by promoting collective entrepreneurship and creating local livelihood opportunities. But for many families, migration still determines whether these efforts succeed.According to Subhash Kumar, however, these schemes also operate within a difficult rural economy. He says that direct financial support can help women start work, but low purchasing power in villages and dependence on remittances continue to shape whether small enterprises survive.”Most women here take loans, but even those loans depend on the men in the family. Suppose the husband has migrated for work. As long as he keeps sending money home, the loan instalments are paid on time. But if, for some reason, the money stops coming for two months, four months or even six months, how can the family avoid defaulting?” he told The Times of India.That is the paradox of migration in Bihar. It gives families a lifeline, but also leaves women carrying the burden of homes, farms, debts and decisions that are still not always theirs to make.Until local work becomes steady enough to keep men closer home, Bihar’s villages will continue to run on two engines: money sent from outside, and the unpaid, underpaid and often invisible labour of women left behind.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia, Myanmar Review Border Security, Intelligence Sharing’Hit With Iron Rod’: Bengaluru PT Teacher Booked After Allegedly Beating 12-Year-Old To DeathIndian Railways Clarifies Digital Ticket Rules: Only Original Rail One App Ticket Will Be AcceptedIndia and Australia Finalise Uranium Export Arrangement Under Civil Nuclear AgreementUGC-NET Under Scanner After Alleged Paper Leak; Education Ministry Seeks NTA InvestigationDRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket; Hits Target With Pinpoint AccuracyBuilding 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 Bengal123PhotostoriesAamir Khan’s rare ruby wedding ring for Gauri Spratt took 256 hours and 131 artisans to createPowerful life lessons Japanese parents teach their children that the rest of the world can learn fromClear your bowels naturally every morning with these 10 foodsReal Madrid star Kylian Mbappé’s ₹120 crore mansion in Spain features 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and a private golf areaWant to leave a lasting impression? 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