VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html The Art of the kneel: China hands Donald Trump a reality check about its rise Care, courage & clinical excellence take centre stage Ranbir Kapoor buys land in Ayodhya worth Rs 3.31 crore, ahead of ‘Ramayana’ release where he plays Lord Ram: ‘It has chosen me’ Why is Sean Strickland being handed suspension after middleweight title win over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328? May 14, 2026, 21:49 IST Piyush Goyal seeks stronger India-Africa trade integration through aligned standards Shah Rukh Khan adds swanky new luxury SUV worth Rs 4 crore to his garage As Cisco to layoff 4,000 employees; CEO Chuck ⁠Robbins says: Companies that will win in the AI era will be those … Courts orders to bring 55-year-old Colombian woman back, was sent to DRC VD Satheesan has been chosen as Kerala’s next chief minister after the Congress-led UDF secured a decisive election victory.Donald Trump and Xi Jinping projected a cooperative tone during their Beijing summit amid efforts to stabilise US-China ties.The Election Commission of India has announced Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision exercise covering 16 states and 3 Union territories.Two more India-bound LPG carriers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, underlining India’s efforts to maintain energy supplies amid regional tensions.The CBI probe into the NEET-UG leak case has found that a handwritten question paper was allegedly scanned and circulated to students for large sums of money.Here are your top stories of the day.VD Satheesan named Kerala chief minister after UDF landslideThe Congress on Thursday announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala following the UDF’s sweeping victory in the Assembly elections. Satheesan emerged as the preferred choice over senior leaders KC Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala after days of consultations within the party leadership. The decision marks the Congress-led alliance’s return to power after defeating the Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. Read full storyDonald Trump and Xi Jinping stress cooperation at Beijing summitDonald Trump and Xi Jinping struck a warm and optimistic tone during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, despite continuing tensions over trade, technology and security. Xi said the two countries should be “partners, not rivals”, while Trump praised Xi’s leadership and expressed confidence in future relations. The summit is being closely watched as Washington and Beijing attempt to reset ties between the world’s two largest economies. Read full storyElection Commission of India expands electoral roll revision exercise nationwideThe Election Commission has announced Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls across 16 states and 3 Union territories. The exercise will involve more than 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers conducting door-to-door verification for over 36 crore electors. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have been excluded for now due to census and weather-related considerations. Read full storyTwo more India-bound ships cross Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensionsTwo additional LPG carriers carrying cooking gas supplies for India have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, taking the total number of vessels to 13. Officials said the ships were monitored through coordination involving multiple ministries and maritime authorities. The movement comes as India continues efforts to secure energy supplies amid instability in West Asia. Read full storyCBI probe finds NEET-UG paper was scanned and circulated in RajasthanThe CBI investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 leak case has found that a handwritten question paper was allegedly scanned and converted into PDF files in Rajasthan before being circulated to students. Investigators said some aspirants reportedly paid between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for access to the leaked material. The probe follows the National Testing Agency’s decision to cancel the examination held on May 3. Read full storyAbout 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’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending ClaimsIran Signals More Safe Passage For Indian Ships As BRICS Meet Faces West Asia Divide123Photostories6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey10 destinations in India that became viral sensations after featuring in Bollywood moviesThese Indian fruits have surprisingly different English names5 Indian states that consume the most petrol per person and why travellers should pay attentionCan Hantavirus spread between humans? Doctors reveal why this rare infection is nothing like Covid-197 foods Indian grandparents ate regularly that are suddenly trendy again123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav ‘I didn’t think I’d be India captain before MI captain’ Instead of starting a company together, go on vacation so that … In 1913, Harry Brearley accidentally created stainless steel while testing rifle barrels Despite a mandate for free maternal services in public healthcare, out-of-pocket expenditure for maternal care remains a significant burden on Indian families, primarily incurred for medications and diagnostic procedures, as per a journal published at the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine last year. In public health centres, the largest proportion of OOPE — 36 per cent — was allocated to unspecified “other” categories, followed by 26 per cent to medicine, 13 per cent each to transportation and hospital stay, and 11 per cent to tests. Conversely, private healthcare centres allocated the highest proportion of OOPE to hospital stays (34 per cent), followed by medicine (19 per cent), tests (16 per cent), others (22 per cent), and transportation (9 per cent).Moreover, between 3% and 7% of Indian households fall below the poverty line every year due to healthcare costs, and maternal care is a meaningful part of that story, as per the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). Further, funds released under the National Health Mission, which is the primary vehicle for maternal and child health services, have stagnated since 2019-20, as per the government data, even as the rhetoric around universal healthcare grows louder each budget cycle.The gap between policy intent and financial reality was exactly what a recent panel of public health professionals and economists set out to examine at the Times Future of Maternity 2026, organised by Times Internet and Pregatips.The panel looked at two Indias that barely speak to each other. In metros, the problem is a system that funds delivery but ignores everything before it. Aviral Shrivastava, founder of healthcare services marketplace for women MomKidCare, put it plainly, “Government is covering the events, they are not covering the journey.” Insurance schemes, public and private, reimburse hospitalisation and childbirth. Preventive care, mental health support and pre-conception counselling sit entirely outside the protocol.He pointed to the growth of IVF chains in urban centres as one consequence, with couples going for expensive fertility treatment without basic health screening, cycles fail, costs multiply, and the psychological toll on women goes unaddressed. “There is a huge cost which is involved in this process and again the mental stress for the mother who has failed IVF cycles,” he said.The second India is harder to look at. Dr Vandana Prasad, founder of the Public Health Resource Society and a community paediatrician with over three decades of work in deep rural and Adivasi areas, brought numbers that make the abstract concrete. “I have a line list at this point about 3,500 pregnant women in a very tribal location of India, where 22 per cent are teenage pregnancies. I have three or four girls who are 14 and are already mothers, while there have been five maternal deaths in the last six or eight months. That’s huge. And we don’t have maternal death audits.”Moreover, frontline ASHA workers, who are supposed to provide continuity of care from antenatal to postnatal, are under-capacitated. The private sector either doesn’t exist in these areas or operates in an informal, unregulated space, noted Dr Prasad.The financing picture that holds both realities together is one of consistent underinvestment. Prof. (Dr) Indranil Mukhopadhyay of OP Jindal Global University put India’s per capita public health spending at roughly $28, with China spending 15 times more per person and Sri Lanka more than three times.He pointed to the National Health Mission directly — since 2019, he said, the union government’s budgetary allocation to NHM has not increased in real terms, even though the majority of the population depends on the public system for childbirth.Reinforcing the accessibility dimension, Prof. (Dr) Sunita Reddy, Centre of Social Medicine & Community Health, JNU, said, “If we don’t finance public health systems, then we cannot reach the 70 per cent of the population who are in the rural and marginalised sections.” She also identified a specific distortion with state insurance schemes channelling money to the private sector rather than strengthening public facilities that most people actually use.Mukhopadhyay used caesarean section rates to illustrate how financial incentives distort care. Some districts in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand record C-section rates as low as 3 per cent. In parts of urban India, over three-quarters of all deliveries are surgical, climbing above 90 per cent among the wealthiest, most educated urban families. These rates are largely in the private sector, while public system rates run at 10 to 16 per cent.His preliminary research, using machine learning on NFHS data, suggested that nearly 68 per cent of these private-sector caesareans may not be clinically indicated, though he was careful to note the manuscript is not yet published.The driver isn’t clinical judgment. It’s the insurance market. “The package rates for caesarean section are way higher compared to a normal delivery. So why would a hospital or a gynecologist go for a normal delivery if they get paid much more through caesarean section?” In the same system, 80 to 85 per cent of gynaecologist and paediatrician positions in some community health centres sit vacant.Prasad, on the other hand, didn’t frame the underfunding as administrative failure, but she named it a political choice. “All political parties say they are going to put 2.5 per cent of the GDP, not one has done it, not one, it’s not just this government, not previous government, not previous to previous government.”Coming to the accountability part, which connects affordability and access, while the schemes exist, the targets are announced repeatedly, but the money hasn’t followed the promises, according to the experts. Fundamentally, the panel was clear on the aspect that India’s maternal care problem is not a knowledge gap but a question of political will, and of who gets to decide it matters.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending ClaimsIran Signals More Safe Passage For Indian Ships As BRICS Meet Faces West Asia Divide123Photostories6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey10 destinations in India that became viral sensations after featuring in Bollywood moviesThese Indian fruits have surprisingly different English names5 Indian states that consume the most petrol per person and why travellers should pay attentionCan Hantavirus spread between humans? Doctors reveal why this rare infection is nothing like Covid-197 foods Indian grandparents ate regularly that are suddenly trendy again123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Meet Grigori Perelman: The math genius who solved a 100-year-old problem and rejected a $1 million prize and the Fields Medal Delta Airlines ‘rejects’ Starlink, reportedly wants to ‘wait’ for Amazon Leo; Elon Musk says: Delta wanted to … Trump stays quiet, Xi warns of ‘clashes and conflicts if not handled properly’ Kalyan Banerjee (Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday appointed Kalyan Banerjee as the new Chief whip of the Trinamool Congress in Lok Sabha replacing Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. The announcement was made during an internal meeting of party MPs held at Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kalighat as the party leadership sought to regroup after its recent electoral setback in West Bengal. Kalyan Banerjee, who had earlier been removed from the post amid internal turbulence within the party last year following a public spat with Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra has now been brought back at a time when the TMC is attempting to steady its organisation and parliamentary strategy.The reshuffle was seen by party insiders as a signal that the leadership continues to value political aggression and loyalty during difficult times. In recent months, Kalyan Banerjee emerged as one of the party’s most vocal legal and political faces, actively defending the TMC in court battles and public confrontations during the election period.While the party retained Abhishek Banerjee as leader of the party in the Lok Sabha and Shatabdi Roy as deputy leader, Kalyan Banerjee’s return was considered the most significant organisational decision taken during the meeting.According to party sources, the meeting at Kalighat had the feel of a regrouping exercise after the party’s defeat, with discussions focused on maintaining unity and rebuilding morale among MPs and workers, PTI reported.Several leaders reportedly viewed the move as recognition of Kalyan Banerjee’s aggressive role in defending the party politically and legally. “The leadership values those who stand up and fight in difficult times,” a senior TMC MP said after the meeting.During the meeting, Mamata Banerjee reportedly urged MPs to stay connected with their constituencies and maintain coordination with local leadership as the party attempts to recover from one of its toughest political phases in years.Addressing the MPs, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the TMC had fought not just the BJP but ‘the entire machinery’ deployed by the saffron party during the elections. He also claimed there were irregularities during counting and alleged that TMC counting agents faced restrictions at several centres.Later, TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh struck a defiant note, claiming that the party was not afraid of setbacks.”TMC is not among those who are afraid or those who back down. Mamata Banerjee is a lioness, a fighter — she was before, and she will remain so. This vote is not the people’s mandate. The people of West Bengal did not want Mamata Banerjee’s government to be removed,” she said.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 MediaVideos2 Days WFH To ‘No Vehicle Day’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils Fuel-Saving Steps After PM Modi’s CallCong Picks VD Satheesan As Kerala CM; Iran FM Lands In India For Brics Meet With ‘Minab168’ MsgSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues Longer123PhotostoriesTop 10 fascinating facts about rhinos that make them unlike any other wild animal5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantly123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh script history vs MI, become first uncapped pair in IPL to… US authorities moving to drop fraud case against Gautam Adani, settle SEC suit: Report Child’s bones and mysterious ancient tech found in a remote Pyrenees cave at 2,235 meters NEW DELHI: The Calcutta high court on Thursday instructed the newly-elected BJP governmemt in West Bengal to “strictly maintain law and order at the ground level”. The order came after Mamata Banerjee told the court that the police had remained inactive during the post-poll violence, while also asserting that “Bengal is not a bulldozer state” in the context of continuing demolition drives against illegal structures.The court further instructed the police to guarantee the safety of those who had fled their homes fearing post-poll retaliatory violence, and to facilitate their secure return to their properties regardless of political affiliation.The writ petition was filed by Sirsanya Bandyopadhyay, a TMC candidate in the recently concluded assembly elections and son of Kalyan Banerjee, alleging widespread violence against party workers and attacks on TMC offices following the declaration of the 2026 assembly poll results on May 4. The interim order was passed by a bench comprising chief justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, which also directed the state to file its affidavit-in-opposition within three weeks and granted an additional two weeks for a reply, while keeping open the question of the maintainability of the TMC’s PIL.Assisting petitioner’s counsel Kalyan Banerjee while dressed in a lawyer’s robe, Banerjee told the court that at least 10 people had been killed, around 150-160 TMC offices vandalised and nearly 2,000 incidents of violence reported after the polls.She alleged that FIRs were not being registered and claimed that women, children and minorities were being specifically targeted. “Out of ten dead, six are Hindus. They are not allowing FIRs to be lodged. In my family, 12-year-old girls are being threatened with rape,” Banerjee argued.Arguing that criminals were taking the law into their own hands, she said even people accused of unauthorised construction were entitled to be heard before demolition. She questioned police inaction, asking, “People are entitled to be heard even if you are demolishing an unauthorised structure. Criminals are taking law into their own hands. Police should prevent crime. After an incident has happened, will they not investigate?”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 MediaVideosSupreme Court Questions CEC Appointment Process, Raises ‘Independence’ ConcernsMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal Tensions123Photostories5 animals with giant tusks and horns that make them look prehistoricHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Flying through unending turbulence: For Indian airlines one crisis lands, another takes off ‘Off Campus’ writer Louisa Levy weighs in on changes in the series compared to book: ‘It just made more narrative sense’ NFL Trade Rumor: Kansas City Chiefs reportedly eye reunion with former Miami Dolphins WR amid major injury concerns ‘You are doing nonsense’: Indian man counters Texas whistleblower Sara Gonzales over H-1B allegation, calls her jobless Celebrating those who shape tomorrow’s skylines FIR registered against Yograj Singh over alleged derogatory remarks against women in web series Mumbai Indians script unique IPL history as Jasprit Bumrah captains vs Punjab Kings Govt caps gold imports under advance authorisation at 100 kg, tightens compliance rules Hrithik Roshan’s sister Sunaina Roshan shares viral weight loss transformation after hospital scare: ‘Fear became my fuel’ Suriya and Trisha starrer confirmed for May 15 after financial deadlock Who was Pedro Ballester? UK student on path to becoming Catholic Church’s first Gen Z saint BRICS: EAM slams unilateral sanctions, says pressure can’t replace diplomacy (Image credit: ANI) NEW DELHI: The BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting began Thursday with external affairs minister S Jaishankar denouncing “increasing resort’ to unilateral coercive measures and sanctions inconsistent with international law and the UN Charter. Delivering India’s national statement, Jaishankar said such “unjustifiable” measures, which disproportionately affect developing countries, cannot substitute dialogue and that pressure cannot replace diplomacy.India has in the past signed on to similar BRICS statements against unilateral measures and sanctions aimed primarily at the West and its Western allies, choosing to mostly follow UN-authorised actions. However, Jaishankar’s remarks seemed designed also to reinforce India’s strategic autonomy and its credentials for Global South stewardship as he called for an equitable and inclusive international order, drawing attention to concerns over supply chain disruptions and food and energy insecurity.The minister underlined India’s concerns over energy supply disruptions caused by the Hormuz strait blockade, cross-border terrorism and long overdue UNSC reform, seeking BRICS solidarity when the world faced unprecedented geopolitical and economic uncertainty, along with challenges that were testing the resilience of multilateral systems.While singling out West Asia for special attention, the minister said continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlighted the fragility of the situation. “Safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being,” he said, speaking at a meeting on global and regional issues.The minister addressed the BRICS’ concerns over the Gaza conflict and its grave humanitarian implications, underscoring the need for a sustained ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a credible pathway towards a durable and peaceful resolution. He also reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution for Palestine and the importance of upholding international law.Jaishankar, however, said that it is important to address similar situations and challenges in countries like Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Lebanon and Syria. “Taken together, they underline a clear reality: stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot be piecemeal. It is essential to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure,” said the minister, adding that India stood ready to contribute constructively to de-escalation efforts and to support initiatives aimed at restoring stability.Jaishankar spoke about the threat from terrorism saying there can be no justification for the menace, and that cross-border terrorism violated the basic principles of international relations. “Zero tolerance must remain an uncompromising and universal norm,” he said. While reiterating India’s commitment to the UN Charter, Jaishankar said that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain the foundation of international relations, and dialogue and diplomacy the only sustainable means of resolving conflicts.Jaishankar expectedly gave vent to India’s frustration over the delay in UN reforms, as he said that while challenges were mounting, the multilateral system was weakening. “The state of the United Nations, which is at its core, is particularly worrisome. With each passing day, the case for reformed multilateralism only gets stronger. This includes the reform of the UN Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories,” he said, adding that continued delay came at a high cost.The main focus of his remarks remained the Global South, as he sought efforts for a more stable, equitable, and inclusive international order, saying that the message from these times remained clear: cooperation is essential, dialogue is necessary, and reform is overdue.He said that conflicts, climate events and Covid had weakened growth prospects and deepened vulnerabilities. “Many of these issues have far-reaching consequences beyond their immediate region. Their impact is particularly severe for emerging markets and developing countries, through pressures on energy, food and fertilizer security, supply chain disruptions, inflationary trends and constraints on growth,” said the minister, adding that for many developing countries, the priority is not only growth, but managing vulnerabilities under increasingly difficult global conditions.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123PhotostoriesRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? The 6-4-2 formula may be the balance your life is missing6 foods a Harvard doc eats daily to prevent colon cancer and fatty liverConstipated? NYC doc shares the ‘I love you’ technique to help you poop instantlyMouni Roy seperation buzz to Hansika Motwani’s divorce; Bollywood breakups that left fans stunned7 smart lighting ideas that instantly make your home feel luxurious5 oils you need to buy on your hair growth journey123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingWB Class 12 Result 2026WB Board 12th ResultIPL Points TablePM Internship SchemeCalcutta High CourtMI vs PBKS IPL MatchIPL Orange Cap 2026Haryana Board ResultAir India FlightsPrateek Yadav Jannik Sinner breaks Novak Djokovic’s 15-year record with dominant Italian Open run ‘If your cast is wrong, it’s nothing’: James Cameron shares masterclass tips to young filmmakers Hidden beneath Oklahoma’s white salt flats lies a crystal found nowhere else on Earth that people can dig up for free Why Donald Trump cosying up to Xi may leave India out in cold? Scientists discover 6,000-year-old massive monuments from a forgotten civilisation CBI arrests two more accused in Maharashtra; tally rises to 7 S&P 500, Nasdaq hit fresh highs as Nvidia rallies; US-China talks in focus SSC CGL 2025 final result declared with 15,118 candidates shortlisted; check cut-offs and other details here Alia Bhatt responds to a troll saying nobody noticed her at Cannes Film Festival, as videos of paps ignoring her went viral: ‘Why pity?’ How climate change may be fuelling the spread of deadly Hantavirus that killed three on the MV Hondius Anthropic CFO Krishna Rao says: While AI now writes 90% of the company’s code, we have hired a lot more people because … US and China are unlikely to fall into the Thucydides Trap, but history has another warning NEW DELHI: Delhi high court judge Swarana Kanta Sharma on Thursday said that she had decided to initiate contempt proceedings against some of the discharged accused in the excise policy case for posting “vilifying” and defamatory material against her. The court was hearing a petition filed by the CBI challenging the trial court’s decision to discharge former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his former deputy Manish Sisodia and 21 others in the liquor policy case.”It has come to my notice that extremely vilifying, extremely contemptuous, and defamatory material is being posted by some of the respondents against me and against this court and I cannot stay silent. I have decided to draw contempt proceedings against some of the respondents and some other contemnors,” ANI quoted the judge saying.During the hearing, Justice Sharma observed that several senior advocates had “graciously accepted” the court’s request to appear in the matter, but said she came across material in the meantime that she considered contemptuous. Arvind Kejriwal and other MLAs have been boycotting proceedings before Justice Sharma after she declined to recuse herself from the case despite applications alleging conflict of interest and apprehension of bias.The trial court, on February 27, discharged Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and 21 others in the liquor policy case, ruling that the prosecution’s case could not withstand judicial scrutiny and stood entirely discredited.Earlier, the court had decided to appoint senior advocates as amicus curiae to represent the respondents who were unrepresented, including AAP leaders Kejriwal, Sisodia and Durgesh Pathak.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 MediaVideosMan Trying To Hold Tin Shed Gets Swept Into Air During Violent Storm In Bareilly, Survives Fall’Unacceptable’: India Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Near OmanEC Announces Phase 3 Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs; J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Left OutEx-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee In Lawyer’s Gown Argues Post-poll Violence Case In High CourtKC Venugopal Backs VD Satheesan as Kerala CM, Says Congress Fully United Behind HimCongress Picks VD Satheesan as Kerala CM After 10 Days of Talks and Leadership BattleRBI Governor Warns Fuel Price Hike Possible If Middle East Crisis Continues LongerAIMIM Corporator’s Home Razed In Sambhajinagar Amid TCS Conversion Case Row EscalationKerala CM Race Ends as Congress Picks VD Satheesan Amid Venugopal Backing and Internal TensionsBJP Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Crore Foreign Travel Spending Claims123PhotostoriesHow these 5 Indian ice creams became among the 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the WorldRice water vs coconut water for hair growth: Which works better in summer?5 reasons why someone dislikes you – And why is it not your problemAditi Rao Hydari just landed in Cannes and her denim airport look already screams red carpet royalty10 affirmations to attract calm and genuine loveFeeling constantly exhausted at work? 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