VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Typhoon Maysak: Terrifying visuals emerge after over 900 snakes escape from a farm in China INS Mahendragiri commissioned: A milestone on India’s road to a 200-ship, atmanirbhar Navy FSSAI issues 9 notices to e-commerce app for alleged food safety violations | India News INI CET 2026 round 2 seat allotment result out at aiimsexams.ac.in: Direct link to download rank wise list here ‘Kannur Squad’ sequel: Rony David Raj shares an UPDATE; Says ‘ We have already spoken to Mammookka’ Kate Middleton ditched her signature Wimbledon dresses for a linen suit, and it completely paid off | Born on These Dates? Why You Might Face Challenges in Love Sunlight on demand? US approves plans to build 60-foot mirror in space The exchange began after President Lee replied to a post by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who had shared visuals of the ceremonial welcome accorded to PM Modi in Auckland. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to New Zealand was marked by an unexpected diplomatic moment on Saturday, as he exchanged warm messages with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung over strengthening ties between India and New Zealand. The friendly interaction unfolded on X after Lee publicly wished for the “friendship and progress” of India and New Zealand, prompting PM Modi to thank him for the thoughtful gesture.Responding to President Lee’s message, PM Modi expressed his appreciation, saying such greetings from friends are especially meaningful.”Thank you to President Lee Jae-myung for your warm congratulatory message. Thoughtful messages like these from friends are always deeply cherished,” PM Modi wrote on X.The exchange began after President Lee replied to a post by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who had shared visuals of the ceremonial welcome accorded to PM Modi in Auckland.”Wishing for the friendship and progress of both India and New Zealand,” President Lee wrote on X on Friday, in a message that added an unexpected touch of goodwill to PM Modi’s visit.The cordial social media interaction came as PM Modi and Luxon held wide-ranging bilateral talks in Auckland on Saturday, aimed at giving fresh momentum to relations following the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement earlier this year.The two leaders met after a ceremonial welcome at Government House, where PM Modi was accorded a Guard of Honour.Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to interact with leading business and sports personalities before addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, highlighting the strong people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.Soon after arriving in Auckland on Friday, PM Modi described the visit as “historic”, noting that it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.”Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades,” he wrote.PM Modi arrived in Auckland at the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon, who personally welcomed him at the airport with a warm embrace.The visit comes months after India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement in April and is expected to further strengthen trade, investment and broader bilateral cooperation. The two leaders had previously met in New Delhi on 17 March 2025 during Luxon’s official visit to India.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 MediaVideosIndia, New Zealand Grows Ties to Strategic Partnership; Aim to Double Trade to ₹35,000 Crore by 2030″J&K Is Part Of India”: Indian Diplomat Objects To Map Row At Dhaka Foreign Policy EventSupreme Court Drama: Petitioner Abuses CJI, Throws Papers; No Contempt Action TakenDevendra Fadnavis Clarifies ‘Bhade Ke Tattu’ Remark, Says He Will Call Critics ‘Hired Fools’Amit Shah Announces Smart Border Vision With Four-Pronged Security Grid40-Foot Illegal Pipeline Linked To IOCL Oil Network Found In Rajasthan; Police Probe Oil TheftThree-Fold Rise In Assam Budget: Aims At Uplifting People, Says CM Sarma’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s Death123PhotostoriesRelationship lessons from Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza that couples can learnHow to know if fish is fresh: 5 simple signs that can save you from buying stale seafoodWhat happens to your body when you eat chickpeas every day for a monthFrom Samosa to Bread Pakoda: Popular deep-fried snacks of India and their calorie count you should knowTop 6 most visited national parks in the USA every nature lover should experience once in their lifetimeHow Chanel No. 5 got its famous name: The story behind the iconic fragrance10 baby names that mean “miracle” in different cultures6 stunning red birds in India and where to find themIf your child says these 7 phrases often, psychologists say they’re asking for connectionAre you accidentally damaging your kidneys? Doctor reveals the common daily mistakes that can lead to silent kidney disease123Hot PicksSIRBlake LivelyGurgaon EncounterCM VijayAlex PereiraPM ModiNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war ICAI opens registration for CA September, November 2026 exams; application deadline is July 19 Kathy Griffin reveals her 22-year-old boyfriend post was a social experiment: ‘Thanks to all those who participated’ ‘Some rallies never end’: Sachin Tendulkar’s heartfelt message to Roger Federer goes viral West Bengal CM NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government has constituted a nine-member expert committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to examine and finalise the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC), 2026.The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced during the assembly’s August session, with indigenous communities proposed to remain outside its ambit.In a notification issued on Friday, the state government said the committee has been formed to undertake a comprehensive review of the draft legislation before it is placed before the assembly.”It has been further made to appear to the Governor that considering the wide ramification and voluminous nature of the subject domain, it is necessary to constitute a committee for a comprehensive examination and review of the DRAFT BILL titled The Uniform Civil Code, West Bengal, 2026,” the notification said.It further stated that the Governor “is pleased hereby to constitute, with immediate effect, a committee comprising the following persons of eminence to examine the bill.”The panel members include:Retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash DesaiFormer Meghalaya Governor Tathagata RoyResident Commissioner Dushyant Naraiala (IAS)Retired IAS officer Shatrughna SinghPrincipal Secretary (Home and Hill Affairs) Sanghamitra GhoshRetired anthropology professor Dr Ratna BhattacharyaFormer Gour Banga University vice-chancellor Gopalchandra MisraCalcutta high court advocate Osman Gani Mallick andFormer executive director Nirmalya BhattacharyyaThe notification further stated that the state government has already prepared a draft bill aimed at creating a uniform legal framework governing personal civil matters for all residents of West Bengal, irrespective of religion, faith or community.The proposed law seeks to replace religion-specific personal laws in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession and adoption with a common legal framework while retaining constitutional exemptions available to certain categories, including indigenous communities.Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari had formally announced the move to implement a UCC in the state assembly earlier this week, fulfilling a key promise made by the BJP in its Sankalp Patra, which pledged to introduce the bill within six months of coming to power in the state.Justice Desai has previously chaired the UCC committees in Uttarakhand and Gujarat and currently heads similar panels in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Officials said the Bengal panel is expected to study existing UCC models, particularly Assam’s, given the similarities in demographic and migration-related issues faced by the two states.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 MediaVideosIndia, New Zealand Grows Ties to Strategic Partnership; Aim to Double Trade to ₹35,000 Crore by 2030″J&K Is Part Of India”: Indian Diplomat Objects To Map Row At Dhaka Foreign Policy EventSupreme Court Drama: Petitioner Abuses CJI, Throws Papers; No Contempt Action TakenDevendra Fadnavis Clarifies ‘Bhade Ke Tattu’ Remark, Says He Will Call Critics ‘Hired Fools’Amit Shah Announces Smart Border Vision With Four-Pronged Security Grid40-Foot Illegal Pipeline Linked To IOCL Oil Network Found In Rajasthan; Police Probe Oil TheftThree-Fold Rise In Assam Budget: Aims At Uplifting People, Says CM Sarma’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s Death123PhotostoriesRelationship lessons from Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza that couples can learnHow to know if fish is fresh: 5 simple signs that can save you from buying stale seafoodWhat happens to your body when you eat chickpeas every day for a monthFrom Samosa to Bread Pakoda: Popular deep-fried snacks of India and their calorie count you should knowTop 6 most visited national parks in the USA every nature lover should experience once in their lifetimeHow Chanel No. 5 got its famous name: The story behind the iconic fragrance10 baby names that mean “miracle” in different cultures6 stunning red birds in India and where to find themIf your child says these 7 phrases often, psychologists say they’re asking for connectionAre you accidentally damaging your kidneys? Doctor reveals the common daily mistakes that can lead to silent kidney disease123Hot PicksSIRBlake LivelyGurgaon EncounterCM VijayAlex PereiraPM ModiNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war Tate McRae’s VMA performance earns rare Emmy nomination for choreography ‘Indians can learn this from Americans’: Content creator’s New York holiday observation sparks debate online Digital slate, classroom exchange, class teacher’s response: Questions cloud Jaipur schoolgirl death ‘Kireedam’ title was originally planned for Mammootty film; Sibi Malayil opens up about Mohanlal’s classic film Meet ‘Pagal Saab’: The 80-year-old Irishman Anand Mahindra saluted for cleaning Jodhpur’s forgotten stepwells 6 murdered near Hyderabad: Out on bail in Pocso case, man kills victim, her family, then his own wife and sons Jul 11, 2026, 11:37 IST BPSC 72nd Combined Preliminary exam 2026 on July 26; Commission announces schedule ‘Ramayana’ trailer to premiere worldwide on July 24; makers unveil global launch date for Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi starrer 5 simple signs that can save you from buying stale seafood Jeff Bezos is letting outside investors into Blue Origin for the first time in 26 years and the reason is Elon Musk who just pulled off … Jason Holder, Andre Russell power LA Knight Riders to crucial win over San Francisco Unicorns THIS actor won National Award and featured in an Oscar nominated film; today drives an AUTO RICKSHAW 65-foot-long-necked dinosaur fossils discovered in Thailand: Its unique ‘laminae’ bones are unlike any other species ever found on the Earth ‘1,000 missiles locked & loaded’: Trump warns Iran, claims ‘orders given’ if Tehran tries to assassinate him Centre orders probe after NCERT fails to defend paper supplier blacklisting in Delhi High Court ‘Looking very charming’: Jeetendra compliments Hema Malini at her celebratory concert ​What happens to your body when you eat chickpeas every day for a month Sadhguru explains how rudraksha protects your energy The latest allegations come at a time when the NEET-UG paper leak had triggered a major political storm and forced govt to promise stricter safeguards in high-stakes exams New Delhi: An organised examination racket is operating across several states, according to Haryana-based advocate and student leader Deepak Dhankhar, who claims the UGC-NET Sociology question paper was circulated to candidates just hours before the exam, with students reportedly cramming from the leaked material overnight.In an exclusive interview, Dhankhar said the investigation started almost by accident. One of his associates was approached by people claiming to have access to exam papers, and at first, the group assumed it was a scam. Watch ‘Exam Paper Came A Night Before’: UGC-NET Leak Trail, Whistleblower Tells His Story | Watch”We thought it was a cheating racket trying to dupe candidates,” Dhankhar said. “But then we realised this could be an opportunity to expose them.”The alleged operators kept in touch with his associate, insisting they could arrange papers for various exams. Dhankhar says he now has phone numbers, names and financial details tied to these individuals.The first paper the group handed over turned out to be fake. “Not a single question matched. We thought it was just a gang extorting money from students,” Dhankhar recalled. But the network didn’t disappear, instead, it doubled down, claiming it had access to the real paper through a longer chain of contacts, and set up another round of “preparation” sessions for candidates.That’s where things escalated. The most serious allegation concerns the Sociology paper held on June 30. During a late-night session, Dhankhar says his associate spotted a pen drive with what looked like exam material on it.”The Sociology PDF was open on their laptop. Taking advantage of a brief opportunity, my associate forwarded the file and immediately deleted the trace. They never realised the paper had reached us,” he said.Candidates who sat the exam the next day told him the questions matched almost exactly what they’d studied the night before. One student, he says, walked out of the hall and told him bluntly: “These were the exact questions. They matched completely.”Dhankhar alleges the operation isn’t confined to Haryana, the same people claimed to have active teams in Rajasthan, Delhi, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. “If they can bring original papers, it shows how extensive the network is,” he said.He’s also frustrated with the response, or lack of one, from authorities. “Every investigating agency has had my contact details for years. Nobody approached me to collect evidence. Instead, there appears to be pressure to ensure this issue does not reach the public,” he alleged.The claims picked up national attention after Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi referenced them in a social media post. So far, neither the National Testing Agency nor law enforcement has confirmed anything publicly, and no official probe has established that the paper was actually leaked.For now, the allegations remain just that, allegations. But they’ve put exam security, and the durability of paper-leak networks in India, back in the spotlight.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”J&K Is Part Of India”: Indian Diplomat Objects To Map Row At Dhaka Foreign Policy EventSupreme Court Drama: Petitioner Abuses CJI, Throws Papers; No Contempt Action TakenDevendra Fadnavis Clarifies ‘Bhade Ke Tattu’ Remark, Says He Will Call Critics ‘Hired Fools’Amit Shah Announces Smart Border Vision With Four-Pronged Security Grid40-Foot Illegal Pipeline Linked To IOCL Oil Network Found In Rajasthan; Police Probe Oil TheftThree-Fold Rise In Assam Budget: Aims At Uplifting People, Says CM Sarma’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? Kerala Orders Probe Into Wayanad Landslide Tragedy123PhotostoriesWhat happens to your body when you eat chickpeas every day for a monthFrom Samosa to Bread Pakoda: Popular deep-fried snacks of India and their calorie count you should knowTop 6 most visited national parks in the USA every nature lover should experience once in their lifetimeHow Chanel No. 5 got its famous name: The story behind the iconic fragrance10 baby names that mean “miracle” in different cultures6 stunning red birds in India and where to find themIf your child says these 7 phrases often, psychologists say they’re asking for connectionAre you accidentally damaging your kidneys? Doctor reveals the common daily mistakes that can lead to silent kidney diseaseSreeleela and Kalyani Priyadarshan ace the Wimbledon dress code with timeless London fashion5 natural alternatives to collagen supplements for healthy hair and skin123Hot PicksSIRBlake LivelyGurgaon EncounterCM VijayAlex PereiraPM ModiNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war Pitbull sets Guinness World Record for ‘most bald caps’ by more than 22,000 fans at London concert Quote of the day by Claude Monet: “I would like to paint the way a bird sings.” Shani’s Evil Eye: Burn This One Specific Kitchen Spice Today to Clear Debt Karma Newlyweds Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt to honeymoon in Australia? Couple off to attend Indian Film Festival of Melbourne | NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday handed an early edge to its opponents in the upcoming Bankipur Assembly bypoll after its candidate, Abhishek Kumar Sinha, pulled out of the contest, citing “family reasons.”The move gave fresh ammunition to the opposition, which claimed that the saffron party was “jittery at the prospect of a defeat” in the seat vacated by BJP national president Nitin Nabin.”Because of family reasons, I am unable to contest the bypoll. But I will continue to work for the party as a committed worker. I have conveyed the same to state president Sanjay Saraogi,” Sinha said while addressing a press conference, where he took no questions.Minutes later, the BJP national headquarters in New Delhi announced that the party’s central election committee had decided to field 32-year-old Neeraj Kumar Sinha.Why Abhishek Kumar Sinha backed outReportedly, Abhishek Kumar Sinha’s announcement came shortly after a meeting of the BJP-led NDA held at chief minister Samrat Choudhary’s residence.”Negative inputs” about the candidate may have been the reason behind the decision, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.BJP sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that a close family member of Abhishek Kumar Sinha was convicted in the fodder scam, and the party was wary that Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor could put it on the back foot once he got wind of the “tainted background”.The upcoming bypoll in the Bankipur constituency is expected to be a high-voltage contest, with Kishor also throwing his hat into the ring.PK, who is expected to file his nomination papers on Monday has been campaigning intensively, calling upon voters to register their dissatisfaction with the BJP by defeating the party in the bypoll.”I know that even if I win, the NDA, which enjoys a brute majority, will not lose power. But the people had voted for (JDU president) Nitish Kumar. They can make the BJP top brass understand their displeasure by defeating it in Bankipur. I promise that just one MLA of the Jan Suraaj Party will outweigh the remaining 242 ones,” has been a common refrain of Kishor.When Kishor was asked about the perception, he said: “I do not know about the NDA meeting. But Bankipur is witnessing a meeting of the people who are determined to vote against the Samrat Choudhary government. I shall not brag that the BJP is scared of me. But they are certainly scared of the public anger. They have begun to realise that before the will of the people, the ED, CBI and the entire power machinery is powerless.””So, it is an admission on the part of the BJP that it fields corrupt people. All the more reason for the people not to vote for the party,” Kishor said.RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav claimed that Abhishek Kumar Sinha “has not withdrawn his candidature of his own accord, but was forced to pull out at the instance of the BJP high command”.Congress spokesperson Asit Nath Tiwari, whose party is an RJD ally, said in a statement: “Nitin Nabin had given the ticket to one of his close associates, believing that as national president he was in a position to call the shots. But he got tattled upon by his detractors and received a dressing down from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.”The Bankipur bypoll was necessitated by the resignation of Nitin Nabin. Polling will be held on July 30, while the counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.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”J&K Is Part Of India”: Indian Diplomat Objects To Map Row At Dhaka Foreign Policy EventSupreme Court Drama: Petitioner Abuses CJI, Throws Papers; No Contempt Action TakenDevendra Fadnavis Clarifies ‘Bhade Ke Tattu’ Remark, Says He Will Call Critics ‘Hired Fools’Amit Shah Announces Smart Border Vision With Four-Pronged Security Grid40-Foot Illegal Pipeline Linked To IOCL Oil Network Found In Rajasthan; Police Probe Oil TheftThree-Fold Rise In Assam Budget: Aims At Uplifting People, Says CM Sarma’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? 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