VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Travel advisory for India: IMD warns of heat wave in several states; rain, thunderstorms likely across several regions | KL Rahul to Nitish Kumar Reddy: 5 players battle to watch in today’s IPL 2026 match between SRH and DC BPSC clarifies fake TRE-4.0 recruitment notice circulating on social media with false application dates claims Haylie Duff and Matt Rosenberg split after a 12 year enagement; actress seeks privacy of her girls amid relationship trouble 9 best natural sweetener substitutes for processed sugar Tim Cook in memo to employees on his exit as Apple CEO: I have never been more … File photo NEW DELHI: At least nine people, including members of the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), were arrested after a clash broke out outside Ekbalpur Police Station in Kolkata on Monday amid heightened election campaigning.According to Kolkata Police, the violence erupted on Hossain Shah Road during a political programme led by BJP candidate Rakesh Singh. The situation escalated after sloganeering by BJP supporters was met with counter-slogans from TMC workers, triggering a heated confrontation that soon turned violent.Police intervened to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation. “Three FIRs have been registered against different groups in connection with the incident,” Kolkata Police said, according to news agency ANI. Officials confirmed that five BJP workers and four TMC workers were taken into custody.Tensions rise ahead of pollingThe incident comes at a time when West Bengal is witnessing an intense political contest ahead of the Assembly elections, scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4.The state, which has 294 Assembly seats and a majority mark of 148, is seeing a high-stakes battle between the ruling TMC and the BJP, both of which have ramped up campaigning in the final stretch.Meanwhile, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has stepped up her attack on the BJP, alleging attempts to disrupt her campaign. She recently claimed that her flight was deliberately delayed and accused the party of deploying “cherry-picked” officers to create hurdles.Banerjee also alleged that BJP leaders were trying to intimidate TMC workers through false cases and misuse of agencies, urging voters to remain vigilant during polling and counting.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 MediaVideosGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation10 Indian Ships Cross Sensitive Hormuz Stretch As India Engages Iran For SecurityNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? 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Kalaava is your Sankar, Hindu! Sanatan is your identity, Hindu! The slogan of Har Har Mahadev is your pride, Hindus! Work at Lenskart or Air India! Wherever you live, or work never compromise your identity, Hindus!”Her statement came after a video surfaced showing Khan confronting staff at a Lenskart store in Mumbai over allegations that Hindu employees had been discouraged from wearing religious symbols at work.According to the video, Khan entered the store with members of her team and asked to meet the store manager. When the manager identified himself as Mohsin Khan, she questioned him over the alleged ban on tilak and other Hindu symbols. She accused him of selectively restricting Hindu expressions while allowing Islamic attire such as hijab.During the exchange, Khan demanded that Hindu staff members be called forward and asked them to identify themselves. She then applied tilak to several employees, saying, “There is no shame in bearing one, Even I have one even though I am a Muslim.”She also raised slogans and continued targeting the manager, questioning whether he ever compromised on his own religious practices while allegedly asking Hindu staff to do so. The manager repeatedly denied the accusations in the video.The incident has drawn fresh attention to an earlier controversy over Lenskart’s internal dress code. Social media backlash erupted after screenshots of an alleged company style guide were circulated online. The document appeared to restrict symbols such as tilak and bindi while providing separate guidelines for hijabs and turbans. Critics claimed the policy was discriminatory and inconsistent with constitutional protections on religious freedom.Responding to the criticism, Lenskart said it would revise and standardise its in-store style guidelines to clearly allow symbols of faith and culture. The company said the updated policy would “explicitly and unambiguously welcome every symbol of faith and culture,” including bindi, tilak, sindoor, hijab and turban.Lenskart also issued an apology, saying: “If any version of our workplace communication caused hurt or made any of our team members feel that their faith was unwelcome, we are deeply sorry.”The eyewear retailer said it operates more than 2,400 stores across India and that employees bring their “beliefs, traditions and identity” to work. It added that future workplace policies, training material and internal communication would reflect that position.The row has now widened beyond corporate policy, with Khan’s intervention adding a political and communal dimension to the debate over workplace expression and religious identity.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 MediaVideosGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation10 Indian Ships Cross Sensitive Hormuz Stretch As India Engages Iran For SecurityNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? 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Check April 21, 2026 outlook MG Windsor EV commute launched at Rs 13.49 lakh: Changes, range & more Apple names John Ternus as next CEO: Why what CEO Tim Cook told employees in memo that ‘now is the right time to exit’ has analysts asking questions KHARAGPUR: BJP candidate from Kharagpur Sadar assembly constituency Dilip Ghosh exuded confidence on party victory in the West Bengal polls, stating that the ruling Trinamool Congress’s “departure is ensured”. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Dilip Ghosh said, “The time has come for TMC to go… Now Mamata Banerjee has nothing in her hands. Their departure is ensured”. Ghosh also said that the deployment of central forces at the booth has assured people to exercise their right to vote without intimidation from TMC goons. “If the booths come under the control of central forces, people will go to vote without worry because here the police, along with the goons, intimidate people,” he said. Dilip Ghosh is seeking to repeat his 2016 performance in Kharagpur Sadar assembly constituency as he faces off with Trinamool Congress’s Pradip Sarkar, who is himself looking to come back from a 2021 defeat. With an estimated total population of 4 lakh with nearly 1.9 lakh voters, Kharagpur Sadar hopes to find a candidate who can help with solving the persistent problem of pollution, water crisis and youth unemployment.Assembly constituency number 224 is composed of the Kharagpur Railway settlement, Kharagpur I community development block, and Kharagpur municipality. The people have been hoping to get a leader who might ensure the continuation of developmental works in the area. The constituency, having been a railway junction, hosts a variety of people from across the country, including Telegu, Marathi and Tamil speakers, nearly outnumbering local Bengalis. Dilip Ghosh, having lost his 2024 Lok Sabha bid, is looking at making inroads again by hoping to repeat his 2016 performance, where he had managed to break the streak of 7-time Congress MLA Gyan Singh Sohanpal. Ghosh had left the MLA seat following his election to the Lok Sabha in 2019. Following a bypoll, it was the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) candidate Pradip Sarkar who managed to get a win against the BJP’s Prem Chandra Jha. However, the win lasted only till 2021, when BJP’s Hiramoy Chattopadhyay managed to wrest the seat back from the party. Chattopadhyay is now contesting from the Shyampur constituency. Congress has also fielded Papiya Chakraborty. The upcoming elections follow the 2021 battle, where the TMC secured a landslide 213 seats. However, the BJP’s growth from a minor player to 77 seats in the last cycle has set the stage for the current high-stakes confrontation. West Bengal is set for two phases of assembly polls on April 23 and 29, with the results set for May 4. End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation10 Indian Ships Cross Sensitive Hormuz Stretch As India Engages Iran For SecurityNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch Event123PhotostoriesGhee vs olive oil for Indians: Which is healthier and how to use both for better daily nutritionShark Tank India judge Namita Thapar’s luxury life: From a Rs 50 crore house to a stunning car collectionManu Bhaker’s Faridabad home blends minimalism with strong roots and emotional depthSimple AC maintenance tips to avoid costly repairs5 cities in India with high rents where housing comes at a premium priceDid Alia Bhatt just front a Pakistani label in silk suits, or is this another viral fashion mix-up? 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Report claims ‘dual-use’ cargo ‘Digging nuclear dust sites will be a difficult process’: Trump says Iran’s N-sites ‘obliterated’ Core sector output contracts in March on West Asia war KTM 390 Duke, Adventure get massive price cut, 350cc bikes launched! ‘Prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield’: Iran’s big warning to US as ceasefire deadline looms PSU insurers anchor pool to extend sea trade cover, commitments top $100mn Bengaluru-Pune Vande Bharat Sleeper trains: Travel time reduced to 13 hours? Here’s what to expect India Economy Growth: UN outlook: India’s economy to grow 6.4% amid global headwinds India looks to renegotiate trade pact with Korea SSC CHSL Tier II answer key 2025 released; objection window open till April 23 with response sheets ‘Dacoit’ box office collections day 11: Adivi Sesh film drops sharply; Overseas total crosses Rs 13 crore Manu Bhaker’s Faridabad home blends minimalism with strong roots and emotional depth Tariff refunds to start rolling out, Walmart to get $10 billion, here are all the other companies to get billions of dollars in refund Burj Al Arab Hotel Closed: Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel shutting down for 18 months for major refurbishment since 1999 | World News – NEW DELHI: With less than 1% of patients in need receiving palliative care in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is set to launch a multi-state implementation study to develop and scale services across the public health system.Palliative care—focused on relieving pain and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, neurological disorders and advanced chronic conditions—remains largely out of reach for most Indians.The need, however, is substantial. Studies estimate that 6.21 per 1,000 people in India require palliative care, with higher demand in rural areas and among the elderly. Globally, 56.8 million people need such care every year, most of them in low- and middle-income countries.Experts warn that the burden is set to rise sharply. The World Health Organization projects an 87% increase in serious health-related suffering by 2060, driven by ageing populations and a surge in non-communicable diseases.Despite this, access in India remains among the lowest globally, with gaps driven by shortage of trained personnel, limited services at the grassroots level, regulatory barriers and poor integration into the healthcare system.For families, the impact is severe. Lack of access often leads to high out-of-pocket expenditure and significant caregiver burden, particularly for patients needing long-term or home-based care.The proposed study aims to develop and test scalable palliative care models across district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres and home-based settings, covering patients across age groups and illnesses.It will evaluate whether integrating palliative care into routine health services can improve coverage, reduce symptom burden, lower hospitalisation rates and cut costs for families.ICMR has invited research teams to participate in the study, with selected groups expected to work with state governments and the ICMR to design and implement the model.Public health experts say the initiative could mark a turning point. If scaled effectively, it could help ensure that patients not only live longer but also suffer less.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos10 Indian Ships Cross Sensitive Hormuz Stretch As India Engages Iran For SecurityNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost TiesFire Erupts At Rajasthan’s HPCL Refinery Ahead Of PM Modi’s Launch EventNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And Energy123PhotostoriesSimple AC maintenance tips to avoid costly repairs5 cities in India with high rents where housing comes at a premium priceDid Alia Bhatt just front a Pakistani label in silk suits, or is this another viral fashion mix-up? 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