VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html ‘Jailer 2’: Hrithik Roshan set to reunite with Rajinikanth 40 years after ‘Bhagwan Dada’; Shah Rukh Khan DROPPED due to dates issue From the Snow Leopard to the Himalayan black bear: 5 dangerous predators found in the Himalayas | ‘Rs 370 biryani’ remark: NCW summons comedian Pranit More, web developer Himanshu Jangra; asks DGP Haryana to take action Quote of the day by Margaret Thatcher: “Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of…” | World News G7 Summit (Image source: ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join leaders from the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates at a West Asia-focused meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit next week, according to French diplomatic sources.The discussions are expected to focus on regional stability and the impact of ongoing conflicts on global trade and maritime security, ANI reported.​French sources stressed the importance of maintaining free navigation in the region, noting that while many countries are not directly involved in the conflict, its consequences are being felt globally.“We are not part of the war, but it has an impact on all of us,” the sources said, underlining concerns over disruptions to key shipping routes and broader economic repercussions.France calls India a ‘top priority’ partnerHighlighting India’s participation at the summit, French diplomatic sources described New Delhi as a “top priority” partner and said India had been invited to join all G7 discussion tracks.They also emphasised the strong level of trust between the two countries and expressed confidence in India’s growing role on the global stage, particularly as the current chair of BRICS.The sources also recalled the success of India’s G20 presidency, saying France continues to view India as an important voice in shaping international solutions.Defence ties beyond buyer-seller relationshipOn defence cooperation, French diplomatic sources said the relationship with India goes beyond a traditional buyer-seller arrangement.“It is not a client-customer relationship. It is equal to equal,” the sources said, adding that future defence agreements would continue to incorporate the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reflecting deeper technology-sharing and industrial collaboration between the two countries.The June ​15 to 17 summit, to be held across Lake Geneva in the French town of Evian-les-Bains, will bring together leaders from the world’s ​major economies, ⁠including US President Donald Trump, alongside other high-level delegations.The Group of seven countries are Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPak Launches Spy Satellites, India Strengthens Expanding Space Surveillance Grid’Why Was Ship Taken Into Risk Zone?’ Family of Aditya Sharma Seeks Investigation”Time Will Tell..” says Ex TMC MP Prakash Baraik Admist Speculations Of Political ShiftTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Refuses Abhishek Legal RepresentationIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political Speculation123PhotostoriesFrom MMS scam to sponsors seeking sexual favours: Ranjini Haridas opens up about ill experiences in her careerSuccess quote of the day by Walt Disney: “All our dreams can come true, if…”5 countries where WhatsApp is bannedMango leaves aren’t just waste: 6 smart, sustainable and surprisingly useful ways to reuse them around the house instead of throwing them awaySugarcane juice is hydrating and has four essential minerals, but there’s a warning you need to readThe ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal’s best-kept secretFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in protein123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder MPBSE MP Board Result 2026: Higher Secondary second examination results to be declared tomorrow at mpbse.mponline.gov.in When late Rishi Kapoor recalled meeting Dawood Ibrahim twice in Dubai: ‘If you need anything, ask me’ Hindon Elevated Road’s new ramps could be a real estate game-changer for Indirapuram and Vasundhara | Meenakshi Natarajan row ends in BJP’s 3-0 Rajya Sabha sweep in MP amid Congress protest, ECI ‘silence’ NEW DELHI: TMC leader Babul Supriyo on Thursday said that he will continue to back Mamata Banerjee amid the ongoing exodus in the party.In a video shared in a social media post on X, Supriyo refuted speculations over him joining the rebel camp and said that it is “inappropriate to abondon a ship when it is in troubled waters.””Amidst all this confusion and rumors, I just wish to make it amply clear that I’m neither joining any faction nor any other party. I think it’s inappropriate to abandon a ship when it is in troubled waters,” he said.Earlier in the day, TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha also affirmed his loyalty to Mamata Banerjee, saying he could not abandon her during a difficult phase after she stood by him when he faced political setbacks.”When I was going through a difficult phase after losing the Patna election in 2019, very few people stood by me. Mamata Banerjee was among the few who supported and encouraged me,” Shatrughan Sinha said.”She believed I should continue in public life without any gap in my parliamentary journey, and it was on her direction that I contested from Asansol. By God’s grace, and with the support of Mamata ji and the people of Asansol, I achieved victory. For the past few days, there has been a lot of speculation about me. Some people are speaking the truth, while others are spreading rumours,” he added.Sinha further said that he is “grateful” to those who invited him to the rebel camp. He, however, added that his principled stand is to stand with Mamata.””Some have claimed that I have joined the so-called rebel group. Yes, by nature I have always been outspoken. I often say that if speaking the truth is considered rebellion, then I am also a rebel. I have always spoken frankly and called a spade a spade. But I want to state clearly that Mamata ji stood by me during my difficult times, and today, in her difficult phase, I cannot abandon her,” he said.”I was elected on the Trinamool Congress symbol – the ‘Jora Phool’ – not once but twice, with the blessings of God. Therefore, it is my duty and responsibility to stand with Mamata ji and the Trinamool Congress…my principle is very clear: when Mamata ji stood by me in my difficult times, it is now my duty to stand by her in this moment as well,” Sinha added.TMC is facing a crisis following its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly polls and a rebellion that has significantly weakened its organisational and legislative strength. Last week, more than two-thirds of the party’s MLAs — 58 out of 80 — broke away from the official TMC legislature party and secured recognition as the principal opposition bloc in the West Bengal Assembly under expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee. The rebel camp has since claimed that its strength has risen further.The crisis later spread to Parliament, with rebel MPs led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar claiming the support of more than 20 Lok Sabha members.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Why Was Ship Taken Into Risk Zone?’ Family of Aditya Sharma Seeks Investigation”Time Will Tell..” says Ex TMC MP Prakash Baraik Admist Speculations Of Political ShiftTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Refuses Abhishek Legal RepresentationIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s Transformation123PhotostoriesFrom MMS scam to sponsors seeking sexual favours: Ranjini Haridas opens up about ill experiences in her careerSuccess quote of the day by Walt Disney: “All our dreams can come true, if…”5 countries where WhatsApp is bannedMango leaves aren’t just waste: 6 smart, sustainable and surprisingly useful ways to reuse them around the house instead of throwing them awaySugarcane juice is hydrating and has four essential minerals, but there’s a warning you need to readThe ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal’s best-kept secretFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in protein123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder Stock market today: Which are top 10 gainers and losers on NSE & BSE on June 11? Check list AACSB membership puts GBSRC on global business education map: Smita Jadhav Akshay Kumar dismisses ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ salary buzz, shares his thoughts on retirement: ‘A person should retire five seconds before dying’ 9 street foods that cost less than ₹50 Woman takes dead bull’s place to plough field in Latur village; CM intervenes & ensures relief after opposition outcry Evening News Wrap: Kalyan Banerjee sends blunt message to Mamata; Indian sailors killed after US strike on oil tanker off Oman & more | India News Five things every student should know before the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off tonight Bharathiraja cremated with full state honours in Theni, as 72-gun salute marked his final farewell All our dreams can come true, if… The lucky painting for your bedroom; based on your birth date The space tragedy that shocked the world: Remembering the mission that landed with a dead crew as Soyuz MS-29 prepares to fly ‘Bhooth Bangla’ OTT release: Here’s when and where you can watch the Akshay Kumar, Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi starrer | Hindi Movie News Best places in Spain to watch the August 2026 total solar eclipse: From Galicia to Mallorca | World News NEW DELHI: The family of 24-year-old Aditya Sharma, a deck cadet from Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district who was killed in the attack on MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz, has demanded an inquiry into the incident and sought the return of his mortal remains.”There is only one demand, we want to know with whose permission the captain took the ship forward. We demand that Anurag Thakur and the Himachal government conduct an inquiry and find those responsible. Our heart is shattered,” a family member said. Watch U.S Missiles Bombard Ship With 24 Indian Crew Near Oman; India Demarches Envoy | 2 Attacks In 2 DaysAditya was among three Indian seafarers who died after the Palau-flagged MT Settebello came under attack while transiting the Gulf of Oman. The vessel was carrying 24 Indian crew members. Authorities said 21 crew members were rescued, while three initially reported missing were later confirmed dead.Family members broke down while speaking to reporters and questioned the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s movement through the conflict-hit region.Aditya’s uncle said the family spent hours trying to obtain information after learning that he was missing.”Yesterday, my brother called and told he (Aditya) was missing. I came to Jalandhar. We tried coordinating with the company the whole night, and they cooperated as well. However, they were not revealing anything. He was on probation and was working for six months. Around 1:30-2 am, we got the news. We wish to receive his last remains soon. We demand that our MP, Himachal Pradesh and the external affairs ministry bring back his mortal remains. We also seek information about whether there was an attempt to rescue him or not,” he said.Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal earlier confirmed the deaths of the three Indian seafarers and said the government was taking steps to assist their families.”It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after two bodies were recovered. This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin,” Sonowal said in a post on X.He added, “I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites.”The tragedy has also devastated families in other parts of the country. In Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district, relatives and neighbours of another deceased seafarer, Shivanand Chaurasia, were left grief-stricken after receiving confirmation of his death.The ministry of external affairs had earlier said that 21 of the 24 Indian crew members aboard MT Settebello had been rescued and that search and rescue operations were being coordinated with Omani authorities.PollDo you believe an inquiry into the incident involving MT Settebello is necessary?Yes, it’s essential for accountabilityNo, it’s not needed”We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation,” the ministry said.Expressing concern over the security situation in the region, the ministry added: “The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region.”India also reiterated its call for diplomacy and restraint. “We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,” the MEA said.The attack on MT Settebello occurred amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes. India has also lodged a protest with the United States over the strike, stressing the importance of protecting commercial shipping and the lives of seafarers operating in international watersGet 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”Time Will Tell..” says Ex TMC MP Prakash Baraik Admist Speculations Of Political ShiftTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Refuses Abhishek Legal RepresentationIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s TransformationMEA Condemns Oman Ship Attack As 21 Indians Rescued, Three Crew Members Still Missing123PhotostoriesThe ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal’s best-kept secretFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in proteinFrom elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai homeThis toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here’s how to check if your cooking oil is safe6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay young123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder Updated: Jun 11, 2026, 17:00 IST ‘See you on the other side’: Riyan Parag shares update after shoulder surgery AIBE 21 answer key 2026 released at allindiabarexamination.com: Direct link to download here Billy Ray Cyrus talks health scare and how Noah Cyrus saved him: ‘It was my worst nightmare’ London Family Suicide: Terminally ill child’s family ends life in suspected suicide: What lead to this tragedy and the sad truth about caregivers’ mental health World’s largest ‘whale graveyard’ found beneath the Indian Ocean: A hidden 5-million-year mystery revealed Precision and dominance: Navy unveils crest of Project 17A frigate Dunagiri Mexican mother performed C-section on herself with a kitchen knife after 12 hours of labour, and both she and her baby survived | World News For millions of street vendors across India’s cities and towns, access to affordable credit was once an impossible dream. Moneylenders charged ruinous interest rates, banks turned them away, and a single setback — a bad monsoon, a city crackdown — could wipe out their entire working capital. PM SVANidhi Yojana, launched in June 2020, changed that equation fundamentally. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme has become one of the most impactful last-mile credit delivery programmes of the decade.What Is PM SVANidhi Yojana?PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) is a micro-credit scheme launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to provide affordable working capital loans to street vendors displaced or adversely affected by COVID-19 and beyond. The scheme enables vendors to resume their livelihoods, graduate to formal financial systems, and build credit histories that unlock further growth.The scheme operates through a tiered collateral-free loan structure: Rs 15,000 in the first year, Rs 25,000 on timely repayment in the second year, and Rs 50,000 in the third year. Vendors who repay on time also receive a 7% annual interest subsidy credited directly to their accounts, and digital transactions earn cashback incentives of up to Rs 1,600 per year.Who Is Eligible?Any street vendor who was vending in urban areas on or before March 24, 2020 is eligible to apply. This includes: vendors with a Certificate of Vending issued by their Urban Local Body (ULB); vendors identified in surveys conducted by ULBs; vendors with a Letter of Recommendation from their ULB or Town Vending Committee; and vendors operating in areas adjacent to urban boundaries.There is no restriction on the type of goods sold — from fruits and vegetables to garments, footwear, cooked food, and artisan products. The scheme is accessible to all genders, with special emphasis on reaching women vendors.How to Apply for PM SVANidhi in Uttar PradeshStep 1: Visit the official PM SVANidhi portal at pmsvanidhi.mohua.gov.in or the CSC (Common Service Centre) nearest to you.Step 2: Register using your Aadhaar number and mobile number (Aadhaar-linked OTP authentication).Step 3: Fill in the application form with personal details, vending category, and business address. Upload a photograph and vending certificate or letter of recommendation.Step 4: The application is processed by your Urban Local Body and forwarded to a lending institution. Eligible lending partners include Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Microfinance Institutions, SHG-linked banks, and Cooperative Banks.Step 5: On approval, the loan amount is disbursed directly to your bank account, typically within 30 days of application. Repayment is in monthly instalments over 12 months.UP’s Performance: A National LeaderUttar Pradesh has consistently ranked among the top states in PM SVANidhi implementation. As of data compiled by MoHUA, UP has disbursed loans to over 60 lakh beneficiaries across its 762 Urban Local Bodies — the highest count of any state in India. Cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, and Gorakhpur have seen particularly high uptake, with many vendors now accessing their third-tier loans of Rs 50,000.In Gorakhpur alone, the scheme has reached over 1.5 lakh vendors — a city-level achievement that has been cited by MoHUA as a model for urban poverty alleviation. Vendors who began with a Rs 10,000 loan to replenish their fruit cart now manage small supply chain operations sourcing directly from mandis, employing family members, and maintaining formal digital payment trails.Beyond Credit: Building a Financial IdentityPerhaps the most transformative dimension of PM SVANidhi is the creation of formal financial identities for people who previously existed outside the banking system. Through mandatory digital transaction tracking, vendors build a verifiable credit history. Many have used this foundation to access crop loans, housing loans under PMAY, and women’s self-help group credit lines.The scheme’s integration with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and QR code systems has also driven digital literacy in unexpected ways. Vendors in tier-2 and tier-3 cities now routinely accept PhonePe and Google Pay payments — a behavioural shift that has strengthened both their cash flow management and their attractiveness to customers. The Road AheadThe government has continued to expand PM SVANidhi’s scope, with the 2024–25 Union Budget announcing enhanced credit limits and deeper integration with the PM Vishwakarma Yojana ecosystem for artisan vendors. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme is being aligned with Mission Shakti, ODOP, and urban livelihood programmes to create a comprehensive support ladder for the informal economy.For the street vendor pushing a handcart on a Lucknow street or operating a chaat stall outside a Varanasi temple, PM SVANidhi is not just a loan — it is, in many cases, the first time the state has seen them.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Why Was Ship Taken Into Risk Zone?’ Family of Aditya Sharma Seeks Investigation”Time Will Tell..” says Ex TMC MP Prakash Baraik Admist Speculations Of Political ShiftTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Refuses Abhishek Legal RepresentationIndia Extends Tax Benefits For Ethanol-Blended Petrol Amid Energy Market UncertaintyIndia Protests Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Amid Trump’s Defence Of US StrikesFirst Indigenous C-295 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight At Tata-Airbus FacilityCyber Fraud Crackdown: Gujarat Police Expose 105 Mule Accounts Under Operation Mule Hunt 2.0Manipur Tensions Rise After Bodies Of Six Abducted Naga Hostages Recovered In KangpokpiTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s Transformation123PhotostoriesThe ‘Ellora of the Himalayas’: This forgotten temple complex is Himachal’s best-kept secretFrom Lonavala to Amboli: 10 monsoon hill stations near Mumbai worth the drive8 Mumbai neighbourhoods worth considering for cost-effective living5 simple tips to keep your wardrobe organized6 forgotten village foods that were naturally high in proteinFrom elegant interiors to a private pool and breathtaking balcony views: inside Kapil Sharma’s luxurious Rs 15 crore Mumbai homeThis toxic adulterant in edible oils can damage your nervous system: Here’s how to check if your cooking oil is safe6 simple ways to avoid unexpected snake encounters this spring8 things hiring managers notice within seconds of opening your resumeShe is 37, but her biological age is 24: 5 habits that help her stay young123Hot PicksOpendoor IndiaNitish Kumar SonForm 26ASIND vs AFG Live ScoreDelhi weatherGuru Randhawa gym firingTMC rebel MP listCJP ProtestTS Inter Supply Result 2026Top TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder Anvay Dravid, son of legendary Rahul Dravid, named in India U-19 squad for Sri Lanka tour NATA 2026 result expected soon as Phase 1 exam cycle nears completion; here’s how to check on nata.in Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet attend NBA finals games; match outfits in denim looks 177 pythons, four tons: Record 8,080 pounds of invasive Burmese pythons removed from Southwest Florida this breeding season ‘Pushpa of Falta’, TMC leader Jahangir Khan paraded in shorts after arrest ‘Cricket helped me catch her’: Indian-origin man saves 3-year-old girl falling from London window ledge | World News Hospital bills, captive patients: Why CCI’s ruling may weaken consumer protection | India News Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary earns maiden Australia call-up for Bangladesh T20Is Meet Ronit Chaodhary, an undergraduate researcher, who co-authors AI for science paper accepted at ICML 2026 workshop Prarthana Behere cites the Rs. 370 Biryani row as proof that society is becoming conscious about women: ‘Even men spoke up” Lakshadweep ends nearly 47-year old liquor ban in tourism push; what travellers need to know | Buying a Maruti small car soon? Prices won’t increase till this date! Wipro Rs 15,000 crore buyback opens – what it means for retail investors Image: PTI, IANS NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday sought to play down former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent criticism of him, saying Gehlot has always shown him affection. Emphasising party unity, Pilot said Congress leaders and workers should work together to strengthen the organisation.”I heard his statement. What I remember is that he said he has for me the same affection and attachment he has for his son Vaibhav Gehlot. We are all soldiers of the Congress party,” Pilot said, as cited by PTI. Pilot made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tributes to his father, former Union minister Rajesh Pilot, at his memorial in Dausa on his death anniversary.When asked why he continued to speak of affection and unity despite repeated remarks directed at him, Pilot said the country was facing much larger issues that deserved attention.”The country is facing huge challenges: the future of lakhs of children is affected; the NEET paper leak happened, there have been repeated exam paper leaks; corruption is spreading; farmers’ incomes have declined, while fuel and cooking gas prices continue to rise,” Pilot said. Pilot said people across the country were increasingly coming together against the policies of the BJP-led government and that the INDIA bloc remained committed to intensifying its challenge to the ruling party.”Recently, there was a meeting of the INDIA bloc where everyone resolved to fight the BJP. Our sole objective is to strengthen the Congress under the leadership given by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge,” he said.Criticising the BJP, Pilot said the party had been in power at the Centre for more than a decade but continued to hold previous governments responsible for current issues.”The BJP has completed 12 years. How long will they keep blaming Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh? The public has made up its mind. The opposition will emerge stronger in the coming days,” he added. Pilot also criticised the Rajasthan government over allegations of corruption, the law-and-order situation, and the delay in conducting panchayat and local body elections.Criticising the rejection of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination for the Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh, Pilot alleging that constitutional institutions were functioning under pressure.”Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination was rejected illegally. This is unprecedented. A candidate whose party has the required strength should not have the nomination rejected without valid grounds,” Pilot said. Pilot said the reasons cited for rejecting the nomination were incorrect and that the Congress would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.”We will go to the Supreme Court. But the manner in which the Election Commission is being forced to function under pressure is not a healthy sign for democracy,” he alleged.This comes after Gehlot said he remained hurt that Pilot had not publicly acknowledged his role in helping him become a Union minister.Speaking in Jaipur, Gehlot said Pilot was aware of the support extended to him but had chosen not to refer to it publicly, a grievance he said continues to trouble him.Gehlot also said on Sunday that MLAs loyal to him were ready to accept any leader chosen by the party high command except Pilot, citing resentment over Pilot’s 2020 rebellion against the then Congress government. He added that Pilot should “accept the truth” and acknowledge his mistakes.He also referred to the 2022 Congress presidential election, alleging a “big conspiracy” that created a false perception about his preference to remain Rajasthan chief minister instead of becoming Congress president. Questioning the narrative that emerged during the leadership tussle, Gehlot said, “I was going to become Congress President… and now Sonia Gandhi and Congress are making me that Congress President, so should I refuse? Should I refuse?”He further said that developments during the Rajasthan political crisis had unfairly damaged his reputation.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. 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