VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Orphaned twice: SIR strips Kolkata’s Kerala-born man of vote, identity ‘UCC rollout, triple talaq ban, end to polygamy’: Amit Shah rolls out BJP’s key promises at Bengal rally | India News Updated: Apr 26, 2026, 18:35 IST IPL 2026: Sanju Samson pulls off MS Dhoni-like stunner to dismiss Shubman Gill – WATCH Noah Wyle on how he deals with ‘The Pitt’ craze and goes to his happy place: ‘That’s where I decompress’ Full Moon in May 2026: 5 dos and don’ts to realign your personal life | Mohini Ekadashi 2026 Fasting Rules: Do’s and don’ts to follow during fast Delhi heatwave: Simple ways riders can use to prevent heatstroke Flight, train fares to Kolkata soar as voters rush home to cast ballots Indian man arrested in Texas after attacking woman and biting her child; student visa was revoked in 2025 Generative image Public anger is brewing across the country over the alleged “illegal” removal and “mistreatment” of community dogs by authorities at Delhi’s IGI Airport, after a series of disturbing videos went viral on social media.One widely circulated video shows a brown stray dog, Dholu, being tied with ropes and dragged across Terminal 1 by sanitation workers on April 2. Animal rights activists have alleged the use of wire nooses and rough handling, describing the incident as a clear case of cruelty.In a separate incident days earlier, Kaddu — a 14-year-old, toothless female dog familiar to regular flyers — reportedly disappeared from Terminal 3. Local feeders claim she was forcibly relocated by airport authorities, in violation of animal protection laws.The videos have sparked online campaigns under hashtags such as #JusticeForDholu and #BringKadduBack, drawing widespread condemnation from animal lovers and frequent travellers alike.“It is evident from the videos that the two friendly dogs have been unlawfully removed by airport authorities. We demand that long-time community dogs be allowed to remain on airport premises,” said Gurgaon resident Mini Mehra, a frequent flyer.Activists have since escalated the matter legally, seeking action against airport authorities and their contractors for allegedly violating India’s Animal Birth Control Rules, which prohibit the relocation of sterilized community dogs from their designated territories.A Delhi court has also intervened, asking local police to explain why no FIR has been registered so far. The next hearing is scheduled for April 29.Activists warn that any confirmed acts of cruelty could invite strict penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.“Based on the court’s decision, we will decide our next course of action. We are also planning to file a separate petition with the central government seeking strict action against the airport authorities,” said animal welfare activist Sanjoy Roy.Meanwhile, airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited has defended its actions, citing passenger safety concerns. The administration maintains that stray dogs are cared for under veterinary supervision and that any intervention is conducted responsibly.”We also want to inform you that the brown dog… has been carefully handled, calmed, and gently returned to its familiar area. Our approach remains rooted in care, safety, and responsible management,” Delhi Airport tweeted recently.”At the same time, we learnt from some social media posts about another dog at T3 which has reportedly been missing since 26th March. We sincerely hope it is safe and around,” it added.Frequent flyers have rejected the explanation offered by Delhi Airport authorities. “The videos are outrageous,” said Anjali Y. “Whenever my mom and I fly to Delhi for her treatment, we make it a point to cuddle Dholu, a harmless dog. We want both dogs returned to the airport premises at the earliest.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAAP Seeks Disqualification Of 7 Rajya Sabha MPs Who Joined BJP, Legal Battle On Anti-Defection LawNSA Ajit Doval Meets UAE President In Abu Dhabi, Holds Talks On West Asia, Energy SecurityIndia Uzbekistan Forces Complete Dustlik 2026 With Seamless Joint Mission ValidationBJP MP Ravi Kishan Alleges ‘Politics of Fear’ in WB, Claims Voters Rising Against Violence & ThreatsDRDO Unveils Next-Gen Armoured Platforms Designed For Multi-Terrain Combat And Rapid DeploymentRahul Gandhi Reacts to Cong Worker Killing in WB, Seeks Strict Action and JusticeEngine Failure Forces Emergency Evacuation of Swiss Delhi-Zurich Flight; Six InjuredManipur Govt Addresses COCOMI Demands After Protesters Clash With Police During March To CM’S HousePM Modi Condemns Shooting Near White House Dinner, Says ‘Violence Has No Place’Strait of Hormuz to US Elections: Ex-CJI Maps Shockwave of Global Interconnection123PhotostoriesUTI symptoms you shouldn’t ignore: How a simple infection can lead to kidney damage5 moments when you should never scold your child (and what to do instead)6 Indian foods that were shaped by the Mughal eraAncient Indian wisdom in modern life: Lessons from the Bhagavad GitaPuffy eyes that won’t go away? Why it could signal kidney trouble, and when to get tested8 surprising benefits of drinking lassi regularly in summersFrom not wanting to marry outside her religion to facing mistreatment by senior actors on TV sets: Reem Shaikh gets candidBengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper To Hit Tracks From August 1: All You Need To Know7 yoga poses that people with high BP can do safelyHeatwave sweeps cities: What to expect ahead?123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap Why are graduates settling for low-skill jobs? The unsettling rise of America’s overeducated workforce Daboo Malik refutes Amaal Mallik’s claim of Salman Khan replacing him in ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’: ‘Sawan Jhoom Utha tha’ | Hindi Movie News Why baking soda is the smartest toy cleaner in your home | Gujarat horror: Dietician killed by husband in Surat, body kept in wooden box ‘Trump and admin officials’: Acting AG reveals who was gunman’s target at WH shooting – Trump was evacuated and unharmed after gunfire at a White House dinner, while an armed attacker was arrested and an officer was shot but saved by a vest.AAP sought the termination of seven rebel MPs who joined the BJP, invoking the anti-defection law against Raghav Chadha, Swati Maliwal and others.Rahul Gandhi attacked the TMC over the killing of a Congress worker in Bengal, calling it “TMC’s reign of thuggery.”“I know all your secrets”: Ishan Kishan joked with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the teen’s 37-ball century.Chernobyl has become a wildlife sanctuary 40 years on, with wolves, bears and bison thriving as the IAEA says human absence helped more than radiation harmedHere are the top 5 stories of the dayGunfire at White House dinner: Trump evacuated, suspect in custodyUS President Donald Trump narrowly escaped harm after gunfire erupted outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, forcing Secret Service agents to evacuate him, First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The suspect, a 31-year-old tutor armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives, was subdued. Read full story. Watch ‘Trump Attacker Seen In IDF Sweatshirt…’: Speculation Gains Pace Over Possible Israel LinkAAP seeks termination of 7 MPs who joined BJPThe Aam Aadmi Party sent a petition to Rajya Sabha chairman, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan seeking the termination of seven rebel MPs who merged with BJP. The party has invoked the anti-defection law, arguing that the MPs voluntarily gave up their membership of AAP. Read full story.Rahul Gandhi attacks TMC over killing of Congress workerRahul Gandhi condemned the killing of a Congress worker in West Bengal, blaming “TMC-affiliated thugs” for the incident. He alleged that “thuggery” had replaced democracy in the state, accusing the TMC of intimidation and violence against opponents even after voting. Read full story.‘I know all your secrets’: Ishan Kishan’s banter with 15-year-old centurion SooryavanshiAfter Sunrisers Hyderabad’s win over Rajasthan Royals, Ishan Kishan shared a light-hearted moment with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed 103 off 37 balls — the third-fastest century in Indian Premier League history. “When I am playing against you, please go a little easy on my team. I know all your secrets,” Kishan joked. Read full story.Chernobyl: From nuclear wasteland to wildlife havenForty years after the world’s worst civilian nuclear accident, a thriving wildlife sanctuary has emerged in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Wolves, lynx, elk, wild boar, brown bears and European bison are now flourishing despite continuing radiation. The IAEA reports that the absence of human activity has had a more positive impact on animal numbers than radiation has had a negative one. Read full story.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 MediaVideosAAP Seeks Disqualification Of 7 Rajya Sabha MPs Who Joined BJP, Legal Battle On Anti-Defection LawNSA Ajit Doval Meets UAE President In Abu Dhabi, Holds Talks On West Asia, Energy SecurityIndia Uzbekistan Forces Complete Dustlik 2026 With Seamless Joint Mission ValidationBJP MP Ravi Kishan Alleges ‘Politics of Fear’ in WB, Claims Voters Rising Against Violence & ThreatsDRDO Unveils Next-Gen Armoured Platforms Designed For Multi-Terrain Combat And Rapid DeploymentRahul Gandhi Reacts to Cong Worker Killing in WB, Seeks Strict Action and JusticeEngine Failure Forces Emergency Evacuation of Swiss Delhi-Zurich Flight; Six InjuredManipur Govt Addresses COCOMI Demands After Protesters Clash With Police During March To CM’S HousePM Modi Condemns Shooting Near White House Dinner, Says ‘Violence Has No Place’Strait of Hormuz to US Elections: Ex-CJI Maps Shockwave of Global Interconnection123PhotostoriesUTI symptoms you shouldn’t ignore: How a simple infection can lead to kidney damage5 moments when you should never scold your child (and what to do instead)6 Indian foods that were shaped by the Mughal eraAncient Indian wisdom in modern life: Lessons from the Bhagavad GitaPuffy eyes that won’t go away? Why it could signal kidney trouble, and when to get tested8 surprising benefits of drinking lassi regularly in summersFrom not wanting to marry outside her religion to facing mistreatment by senior actors on TV sets: Reem Shaikh gets candidBengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper To Hit Tracks From August 1: All You Need To Know7 yoga poses that people with high BP can do safelyHeatwave sweeps cities: What to expect ahead?123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap ‘Chal Mohan Ranga’ actress Ashu Reddy breaks silence on Rs 9 crore cheating allegations, issues strong legal warning over ‘baseless’ scandal reporting: ‘False and misleading All eyes on Sakshi Dhoni’s ₹3.14 crore watch during CSK match Watch: How JD Vance was evacuated amid gunfire panic at White House correspondents’ dinner Mali violence escalates: Defence minister Sadio Camara killed in ‘terrorist attack’ Weak muscles, falling risk: AIIMS study finds gut link in elderly | India News Why have managers stopped feeling entitled, and what does it say about power at work? ‘Bollywood should stop doing PR’: Karan Johar urges actors to ‘let their work speak for themselves’ | Hindi Movie News Why switching your bulbs this winter could save you money and keep you cosy | Punjab Police withdraw Harbhajan Singh’s security cover after BJP switch IPL 2026: Ruturaj Gaikwad registers slowest fifty of the season, enters all-time unwanted list Stock market outlook: Middle East developments, earnings and oil prices in focus this week JK Bank apprentice recruitment 2026 deadline today for 614 posts; apply here ‘I would work with Emraan Hashmi at the drop of a hat’: Mohit Suri opens up on ‘not being offered’ ‘Awarapan 2’ for direction Your bathroom habit is costing you more than you think | In 2020, a farmer’s son walking a lockdown field noticed unusual fragments and uncovered a 1,600-year-old Roman mosaic 1:59:30! Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe runs into history; becomes first person to officially break two-hour marathon barrier Goa Board SSC Class 10th result released with 94.5% pass percentage: Check direct link to download scorecards here Bryan Adams opens up on the song that inspired ‘Summer of ’69’: ‘It pissed me off that I didn’t write it’ Foggy windshield every morning? This simple dashboard fix changes everything | BMW F 450 GS variants explained: Key features, differences In 1991, two hikers taking a mountain shortcut spotted a dark shape in the ice and found a 5,300-year-old traveller IPL 2026 | ‘Aaj sirf chakke maarenge’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi spills dressing-room talk with Yashasvi Jaiswal – WATCH Stayed at Hilton, no metal detectors: How suspect slipped past security, carried out shooting at WH Correspondents’ Dinner Seedhe baitho! Chin up, look a little to the left… and perfect!Remember those classic studio photos you grew up with? The dark velvet curtains, a plastic flower vase or a carved chair tucked to the side, and that soft glow on every face. Maybe it’s a passport photo, a neatly dressed family portrait, or that slightly stiff school picture but you must have come across at least one such image in an old album, tucked away with documents, or framed on your living room walls.But that era of ‘OG’ images is now far behind. Those neighbourhood photo studios, once packed with people chasing the perfect frame, are now struggling to stay afloat. That curious trip to the nearby ‘Suresh Photo Studio’ has quietly been replaced by the search for that perfect filter.It all began when cameras moved beyond studios and into everyday homes. While photography had existed in India since the 1840s, it only became truly common at a household level in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when digital cameras started replacing film.Before that, most families relied on film cameras from brands like Kodak and Agfa, or visited local studios for important pictures, as film rolls were limited and developing them cost money.A gradual shiftThe shift came with affordable digital cameras from companies like Sony, Canon, and Nikon, which made photography instant and unlimited. By the 2010s, smartphones from Samsung and Apple made it universal, turning photography into an everyday habit rather than a planned event, and, in hindsight, making those old studio portraits feel even more special.Ironically, even a photo giant like Kodak, which invented the digital camera in 1975 through Steve Sasson, failed to benefit from this shift and ultimately collapsed. Despite knowing digital would replace film, it clung to its traditional business, making weak strategic and leadership choices. By the time it tried to adapt, competitors had already taken over, turning Kodak into a classic example of missing a revolution it helped create.But Kodak wasn’t the only one that took a hit. The impact was felt just as strongly by neighbourhood photo studios that once thrived at the centre of it all. From long queues to silenceThose small shops where people would patiently wait their turn for a single good picture are now left in an eerie silence. Over time, the need to capture everything began to fade as what was once an occasion turned into a habit. Now studios are left wondering where they fit in.For many photographers, the change has been hard to miss. Navneet Kumar Sharma, a generational photographer with 35 years of experience, recalls how different things were in the 1990s. “When I first entered the business, I would work anywhere between 16 to 20 hours a day, and even then, the work never seemed to end. There was always something pending,” he told TOI. “Back then, studios were almost always full, barely a moment to pause.”Today, that rush has all but disappeared. The Jaipur-based photographer says the rise of smartphones and easy access to cameras has taken a clear toll on his business, with bookings nearly drying up. “We hardly get any appointments now, even during festivals that once filled our registers,” he says. “Occasions like Gangaur, Diwali, or even birthdays used to be a steady source of income two decades ago, but now they’ve almost disappeared. Now customers only come for passport-size photos.” Info credit: StatistaRomi, a middle-aged photographer, voices the same situation. “We used to think photography was a safe profession because people will always want their photos clicked, that’s how memories live,” he says. “But the shift has been both sudden and gradual at the same time. Smartphones were basically the AI of that era, taking jobs here and there.”And for some, adapting wasn’t enough. Girdhar, another photographer, says the shift pushed him out of his family’s studio and into a different job altogether. “I still work with cameras because growing up, that’s all I knew. I saw my father do it, and it became my world too. I’ve been obsessed with the profession.”“The thought of learning something else never really crossed my mind,” he added.Then VS Now — How a day in your life looks?From busy studios to silent waiting rooms“To sum it up in one word, everyday now looks like a struggle,” Sharma said, reflecting on how drastically his work life has changed over the years. “It is almost the same every day—unlocking the gates in the morning and then sitting and waiting for customers to walk in,” he added.He explained how even the nature of customers has changed. “The footfall is already down, and those who do come are mostly here only for passport-sized photos. The whole job gets over in five minutes,” he said.When photo sessions became five-minute jobsRecalling earlier days, Sharma spoke about a very different atmosphere inside the studio. “Earlier, people would come in for proper photo sessions. They would pose, we would adjust the lights, fix the curtains, change props here and there, it felt like a full setup. There was a kind of liveliness in the studio all the time,” he said. “Now, it’s just the hope of getting a new order, a birthday, a wedding, a corporate event, anything that brings some work in.”Digital disruption and other challengesSharma also pointed out how the entire profession has transformed with technology. “Earlier photography and today’s photography are like day and night, there’s a huge difference,” he said. “Back then, there was a standard rate and a standard way of working. But now, with digital, there is no reel cost, no cassette expense, everything has become smart and digital, stored on cards. Because of this, it is very difficult for photographers to stick to one fixed rate. One person does a job for Rs 1000, another does the same for Rs 500, someone else even for Rs 700.”He added that the transition wasn’t easy even for those already in the field. “When technology changed and new systems came in, we old photographers had to adapt too. The younger generation joined later. Earlier, people learned the work directly on the job. Now, there are colleges that even offer degrees in photography, students study it formally,” he said.“It’s very typical now,” Romi said with a sense of resignation. “When I first entered this field, days used to feel like moments because there was so much happening. Now, it has slowed down a lot. The waiting feels longer than the work itself.”Sharma also highlighted how the entire medium has shifted away from studios. “Earlier photography was done on cellulose tapes, and videos were recorded on VHS tapes, but everything has become digital now,” he said. “Most of the work that still exists has moved beyond studios, it is happening outside, on location.”He also spoke about how smartphones have changed customer expectations. “Customers often tell us that their smartphones take better pictures than we do, and they even question our pricing,” he added.Many times I feel that I should leave this field. Because during the off-season, there is no work at the studio, no outdoor events. After April or May, there is very little work. And after May–June, the wedding season also ends completely. It becomes very difficult to spend four to five months like this. At that time, I feel I should leave this and do something else. There is so much family pressure and so many responsibilities that it becomes difficult to manage them. But what can I do? I have never learned any other work, I have never gone anywhere else. That’s why it becomes very difficult. If I leave, where should I even go?Navneet Kumar Sharma A profession in transitionGirdhar, too, reflected on how the studio life has nearly faded away. “A day in my life is no longer the same that it used to be,” he said. Like many in the trade, he eventually had to shift careers as business declined. “I have a job now. After I realised that earnings were falling quickly, I joined a local news channel as a camera person. It is not the same, but I still have what I know best, the camera skills. Thankfully, I can still work with a camera.”A ray of hopeAll is not lost for these photographers, slowly adapted to the changing times, even if the transition hasn’t been easy.Sharma reflects on how the shift was unavoidable, but also something the older generation learned to accept. “Yes, when technology changed and new tools came in, we were among the first to adapt.” Still, the struggle for steady work continues. For Sharma, outdoor events are now the main source of livelihood. “Without weddings and functions, there is hardly any work… most days just feel empty,” he admits quietly. The wedding season, he says, brings a brief sense of relief. “Haldi, mehendi, pre-wedding shoots, these keep things going for a while. But once the season ends, everything goes silent again. Then it’s just waiting… waiting for the next big moment,” he adds, capturing the long stretches of uncertainty that define his work life now.Romi, who has been working on regional film projects, said this has now become a key source of income. “It’s no longer just studio photography. Work comes from different places now, sometimes a film shoot, sometimes an event. You have to keep moving with the work, otherwise you get left behind,” he said.Girdhar still sometimes works with outdoor photography. “Studio work has reduced a lot, but outdoor shoots still come up, providing a little extra income” he says. The bottom lineIn the end, the decline of neighbourhood photo studios reflects a larger shift in how society creates and consumes memories. What was once a skilled, time-consuming craft built around patience, composition and personal interaction has been replaced by instant, self-driven photography on smartphones.For many studio photographers, the change has meant shrinking incomes, irregular work, and the constant pressure to adapt or move out of the profession altogether. Yet, even as the business fades, their role in shaping visual memory remains significant, capturing moments that once required intention and effort. Sharma suggests that some form of government support, such as minimum wage protections or skill-based assistance, could help stabilise incomes and allow the sector a fair chance to survive amid rapid technological change.These studios now exist on the margins, no longer the first choice, but still a quiet reminder of a time when every photograph carried weight, preparation, and permanence.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP MP Ravi Kishan Alleges ‘Politics of Fear’ in WB, Claims Voters Rising Against Violence & ThreatsDRDO Unveils Next-Gen Armoured Platforms Designed For Multi-Terrain Combat And Rapid DeploymentRahul Gandhi Reacts to Cong Worker Killing in WB, Seeks Strict Action and JusticeEngine Failure Forces Emergency Evacuation of Swiss Delhi-Zurich Flight; Six InjuredManipur Govt Addresses COCOMI Demands After Protesters Clash With Police During March To CM’S HousePM Modi Condemns Shooting Near White House Dinner, Says ‘Violence Has No Place’Strait of Hormuz to US Elections: Ex-CJI Maps Shockwave of Global InterconnectionSwati Maliwal Launches Fresh Attack On Kejriwal After BJP Switch Over ‘Rs 100 Cr House’Raghav Chadha Sees 1 Million Drop In Followers After BJP Move, Gen Z ReactsOpposition Moves Fresh Bid to Remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Levels 9 Charges123PhotostoriesUTI symptoms you shouldn’t ignore: How a simple infection can lead to kidney damage5 moments when you should never scold your child (and what to do instead)6 Indian foods that were shaped by the Mughal eraAncient Indian wisdom in modern life: Lessons from the Bhagavad GitaPuffy eyes that won’t go away? 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