VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Student housing is India’s next real estate hotspot, says report: Here’s why | Over 170 migrants rescued after Channel boat catches fire; UK says ‘all will be returned’ to France Govt’s rooftop solar initiative has crossed the 50-lakh household milestone within 29 months NEW DELHI: Govt’s rooftop solar initiative, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, has crossed the 50-lakh household milestone within 29 months of its launch in Feb 2024, achieving half of its target of one crore households by March 2027.According to new and renewable energy ministry, more than five lakh households installed rooftop solar plants in July, the highest monthly addition since the scheme began. Officials said nearly one lakh new households are being added under the scheme every six days, making it one of the fastest-growing clean energy programmes in the world.“The pace of installation has increased 3.2 times over the last nine months, rising from 5,038 installations a day in Oct 2025 to nearly 16,328 a day in July 2026,” the ministry said in a statement.When the scheme was launched in 2024, the country had fewer than eight lakh rooftop solar installations.Of the scheme’s Rs 75,021-crore outlay, govt has already disbursed Rs 28,024 crore directly to beneficiaries through direct benefit transfer. So far, nearly 19 lakh households have recorded zero electricity bills in at least one billing cycle, significantly reducing their power expenses.The ministry said more than 12 lakh households earned a combined Rs 421 crore by selling surplus electricity to the grid in FY 2024-25, translating into an additional income of around Rs 3,500 a year per household.Cumulatively, 14.8 GW of rooftop solar capacity has been commissioned under the scheme so far.The ministry said 1.6 lakh installations have been completed for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana beneficiaries, Below Poverty Line families, and SC/ST households across four states under the utility-led aggregation model. The model enables low-income households to install rooftop solar systems while helping states reduce their power subsidy burden.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesGovt has also solarised 25,255 govt buildings with a combined rooftop solar capacity of 872 MW, against 41,542 buildings where installations totalling 1,418 MW are considered feasible. Overall, states have identified around 3.2 lakh govt buildings with an estimated rooftop solar potential of 4,400 MW. Of these, 81,329 buildings with a combined capacity of 1,450 MW have already been solarised, the ministry said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation AnniversaryNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough QuestionsExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar AgitationGovernment Proposes V2V Technology To Enable Real-Time Vehicle Communication For Better Road Safety’Cannot Tear Open My Chest’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s First Reaction To JPSC Student Protest’Thought We Would Die’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Violent Turbulence, Several InjuredNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can Happen123PhotostoriesThe first date was amazing. So why wasn’t there a second? 9 reasons it happens more often than you think12 dhaba-style potato dishes that are perfect for lunch and dinnerWant siblings who stay close for life? These everyday parenting habits can make all the difference10 baby boy names inspired by kings and royaltyTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesOptical illusion brain teaser: You might be a record breaker if you spot the ‘blue-eyed fox’ among the browns in this jungleThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Airtel Q1 profit jumps 37% to Rs 8,167 crore In 1950s, the US built a neighbourhood upon 22,000 tons of buried toxic waste, then children began returning home with burns exposing the worst environmental scandal of the country Department of Homeland Security plan that hints at US government increasing fees for H-1B and L-1 visas for large companies Why vultures don’t get sick from eating rotten meat; the remarkable adaptations that make them nature’s ultimate clean-up crew Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan return from holiday, Aaradhya Bachchan’s ‘namaste’ to the paps wins the internet as she twins in black with her mother – WATCH VIDEO Top 5 greatest UFC Lightweight champions of all time: Khabib Nurmagomedov leads the ultimate 155-pound rankings New rules for US citizenship: Trump administration wants new educational requirement for naturalization A projectile attack sank the Indian-flagged vessel off Yemen, but all 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were safely rescued. (Representational image) NEW DELHI: An Indian-flagged cargo vessel was struck by a projectile and sank off Yemen’s western coast on Tuesday. All 14 crew members aboard the vessel were rescued and brought to safety.Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the MSV Faize Noore Oliya was hit by a projectile in Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink. The crew comprised 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni sailor.The Yemeni Coast Guard rescued all 14 crew members and brought them safely to the port of Mokha, Sonowal added. No casualties were reported.Ministry of External Affairs said the vessel sank in the Red Sea off the Yemeni coast on August 4 and confirmed that all 13 Indian nationals had been rescued. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh was coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety of the crew and provide necessary assistance.The government-affiliated National Resistance Forces said coast guard and naval units carried out a joint rescue operation after the vessel was attacked about 13 nautical miles (24 km) south of the Houthi-held port city of Hodeidah.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe National Resistance Forces blamed Yemen’s Houthi rebels for the attack. The Houthis have not commented on the incident.Sonowal condemned what he called an “unprovoked attack” and said the safety of Indian seafarers remained the government’s “supreme priority”. He said the Director General of Maritime Administration had been instructed to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the security of Indian sailors in the region.The MEA also expressed concern over continued attacks on commercial shipping in the region, saying such targeting “must end”. It called for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region, in accordance with international law, to be restored at the earliest.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation AnniversaryNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough QuestionsExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar AgitationGovernment Proposes V2V Technology To Enable Real-Time Vehicle Communication For Better Road Safety’Cannot Tear Open My Chest’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s First Reaction To JPSC Student Protest’Thought We Would Die’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Violent Turbulence, Several InjuredNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can Happen123PhotostoriesThe first date was amazing. So why wasn’t there a second? 9 reasons it happens more often than you think12 dhaba-style potato dishes that are perfect for lunch and dinnerWant siblings who stay close for life? These everyday parenting habits can make all the difference10 baby boy names inspired by kings and royaltyTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesOptical illusion brain teaser: You might be a record breaker if you spot the ‘blue-eyed fox’ among the browns in this jungleThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Inside Jeff Bezos’ $500 million property empire, from Florida’s Billionaire Bunker to the Warner Estate, as Amazon crosses $3 trillion Eu Border Controls: EU eyes tougher border controls after Ceuta migrant surge triggers alarm ‘No insurance, no fuel’: SC directs govt to prepare pilot project, flags 16.54 crore uninsured vehicles Gaza mass funeral for 112 Palestinians, including dozens of children, recovered from 2023 strike The NCPCR has initiated a formal investigation following alarming claims from a BBC report which suggested that advertisements on Meta’s platforms like Instagram were linked to the promotion of child abuse material. In response, the child rights organization has demanded clarity from Meta Platforms Inc. Furthermore, the NHRC has instructed the Delhi Police to look into these troubling assertions, as both entities scrutinize Meta’s adherence to child protection regulations. NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has decided to institute an inquiry into allegations that advertisements related to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) appeared on Meta-owned platforms, government sources said on Tuesday.The move comes after the child rights body took suo motu cognisance of a BBC Eye report last month alleging that advertisements on Instagram promoted child sexual abuse material.NCPCR had issued a notice to Meta Platforms Inc. on July 3 seeking an explanation, to which the company responded a week later.Initiates formal inquiryFollowing an examination of Meta’s reply, the Commission has now decided to initiate a formal inquiry “to determine the facts of the matter”, sources said.Separately, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had directed the Delhi Police to conduct a comprehensive probe into the allegations and examine whether Meta and other entities complied with mandatory reporting obligations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe NHRC took cognisance of the BBC World Service report, which alleged that paid advertisements on Instagram used specific keywords and redirected users to channels where child sexual abuse material was allegedly being offered for sale.In a letter dated July 8, the Commission asked the Delhi Police Commissioner to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR). It later sent a reminder on July 29, seeking submission of the pending report.Earlier today, IT Secretary S Krishnan said that the Centre will raise a range of concerns with Meta’s global team during its meeting in India on August 5 and 6, including the platform’s handling of Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM), the temporary restriction of prominent verified accounts, and the spread of AI-generated content.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough QuestionsExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar AgitationGovernment Proposes V2V Technology To Enable Real-Time Vehicle Communication For Better Road Safety’Cannot Tear Open My Chest’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s First Reaction To JPSC Student Protest’Thought We Would Die’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Violent Turbulence, Several InjuredNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” Explained123PhotostoriesThe first date was amazing. So why wasn’t there a second? 9 reasons it happens more often than you think12 dhaba-style potato dishes that are perfect for lunch and dinnerWant siblings who stay close for life? These everyday parenting habits can make all the difference10 baby boy names inspired by kings and royaltyTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesOptical illusion brain teaser: You might be a record breaker if you spot the ‘blue-eyed fox’ among the browns in this jungleThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh 5 legendary tigers of India Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat of ‘Ghajini’, ‘Lagaan’ fame passes away, after battle with cancer, confirms his manager, funeral to take place on Wednesday – EXCLUSIVE | Hindi Movie News When Jeff Bezos asked his team to help after a rainforest charity saving the Amazon said it was blocked from using ‘Amazon’ in Google Ads | World News Madras HC directed Tamil Nadu Police to release DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin after questioning him over his alleged “double meaning” remark made during a Cauvery protest in Thanjavur.Several passengers and crew members were injured after Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight encountered turbulence, causing a sudden 300-foot drop in altitude. The aircraft landed safely.France recorded its first-ever “fire cloud” or pyrocumulonimbus during a massive wildfire near Bordeaux in July 2026.Delhi Police on Tuesday stopped AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and other party leaders from marching to PM Modi’s residence to submit over 2.3 lakh petitions against E20 petrol.A suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative arrested by West Bengal STF had allegedly surveyed the area around CM Suvendu Adhikari’s official residence in Kolkata.Here are the top 5 news headlines of the day:Madras HC orders Udhayanidhi Stalin’s release after arrest over ‘double meaning’ remarkMadras high court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu Police to release DMK leader and former deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin after questioning him over his alleged “double meaning” remark during a protest in Thanjavur over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. The direction came after the state government informed the court that he would be released on station bail after the inquiry. Read full story Watch Udhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSudden drop in altitude: Flyers injured as Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight encounters turbulenceSeveral passengers and crew members onboard Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight (AI 2379) were injured after the aircraft encountered turbulence during cruise on Tuesday morning, causing a sudden 300-foot drop in altitude. The Airbus A320 landed safely in Delhi, where medical teams attended to passengers, with 14 people later shifted to hospitals for further treatment. Read full storyWhen wildfires make their own weather: As France sees its first fire cloud, should India be worried?A massive wildfire in southwest France in July 2026 produced the country’s first recorded pyrocumulonimbus—a towering “fire cloud” that generated its own thunderstorm and lightning, helping spread the blaze. The rare phenomenon, previously seen mainly in Australia and North America, is being linked to worsening heat, drought and climate change.India has not witnessed a pyrocumulonimbus so far, but scientists warn that rising temperatures, erratic monsoons and longer dry seasons are making its forests increasingly vulnerable to large wildfires. Read full storyAAP protest E20 petrol policy: Kejriwal, Sisodia stage sit-in after march to PM Modi’s residence stoppedDelhi Police on Tuesday prevented AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and other party leaders from marching to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence to submit more than 2.3 lakh petitions opposing the Centre’s E20 petrol policy. After being stopped near Firoz Shah Road, Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other leaders staged a sit-in protest.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAAP has alleged that ethanol-blended fuel is harming vehicle owners and has demanded that consumers be allowed to choose between pure petrol and E20.Read full storyArrested Jaish suspect surveyed area near CM Suvendu Adhikari’s residence: OfficialA suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative arrested by the West Bengal STF last week allegedly carried out reconnaissance around chief minister Suvendu Adhikari’s official residence in Kolkata, with investigators claiming the survey was part of a larger conspiracy directed by Pakistan-based handlers. Police said technical evidence, including mobile tower data, confirmed his presence in the area.The STF is also examining whether the accused surveyed Nabanna, the state secretariat, and explored renting accommodation near Adhikari’s residence for prolonged surveillance. Read full storyGet the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” ExplainedPulwama Man Held With Hand Grenade, Anti-National Posters After Kulgam Terror AttackHigh-Level Probe Ordered As Security Forces Launch Massive Valley-Wide Manhunt | WatchSC Clarifies ‘Criminal Antecedents’ Caveat;CJP Demands Immediate Withdrawal Of FIRs Against StudentsAssam Govt Launches Relief Package As Over 1.36 Lakh People Remain Flood Affected | WatchIndian Parl Panel Grills Meta Over PM Modi Video Takedown, Seeks Mark Zuckerberg’s ApologyBankipur Shock, Datia Loss: BJP Suffers Twin Setback, But Why Isn’t It Good News For Opposition?123PhotostoriesTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too lateFrom Collarwali to Charger: 5 legendary tigers of IndiaNot lemon, baking soda or detergent: This one ingredient can remove foul smell permanently from water bottles and lunch boxesThe 7 germiest things in your hotel room that most guests touch without thinking123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh UGC NET June 2026 answer key expected to be released at ugcnet.nta.nic.in: Check steps to download here Raigad Tourist Incident: A 22-year-old Thane tourist went to film a waterfall reel in Raigad; he slipped into a gorge and never returned home In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg’s wife Priscilla Chan founded a school; 10 years later and after more than $125 million in funding, board voted to close it British Columbia funded the restoration of 70 hectares in the Cowichan Estuary; without the project, 60% of its marsh could disappear by 2100 Sunetra Pawar (File photo) NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister and NCP president Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday said she would give a “fitting reply” at an “appropriate time” after the Congress’ state unit called her a “gungi gudiya” (mute/silent doll).“When the time comes, I will give a fitting reply,” Sunetra Pawar told reporters when asked about the Congress’ criticism.Her response came amid a political row triggered by a social media post by the Maharashtra Congress referring to her as a “gungi gudiya”, drawing sharp criticism from the NCP and its ruling alliance partners, the BJP and the Shiv Sena.NCP leaders, including the party’s working president Praful Patel, condemned the remark as “derogatory and disrespectful” towards a woman leader.In a statement, Patel called the language used against Sunetra Pawar “insulting.”“Maharashtra, which follows the progressive ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, B.R. Ambedkar and Yashwantrao Chavan, will never accept the insult of women. It is unfortunate and condemnable that the Congress has used such language against a woman leader despite the party being led by women leaders such as Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi,” the former Union minister added.Patel demanded that the Congress immediately delete the post and issue a public apology.The controversy escalated after a group of NCP workers entered the Congress’ Gandhi Bhavan office in Mumbai and staged a protest over the post.Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal condemned the NCP workers’ action, alleging that the protesters intended to resort to violence and accusing the BJP and the police of backing them. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe, however, maintained that the Congress would continue to follow Mahatma Gandhi’s path of non-violence despite the provocation.Sunetra Pawar took over as Maharashtra deputy chief minister following the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in January. The following month, she became the NCP president, filling the vacancy created by his demise.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough QuestionsExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar AgitationGovernment Proposes V2V Technology To Enable Real-Time Vehicle Communication For Better Road Safety’Cannot Tear Open My Chest’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s First Reaction To JPSC Student Protest’Thought We Would Die’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Violent Turbulence, Several InjuredNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” Explained123Photostories12 dhaba-style potato dishes that are perfect for lunch and dinnerWant siblings who stay close for life? These everyday parenting habits can make all the difference10 baby boy names inspired by kings and royaltyTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesOptical illusion brain teaser: You might be a record breaker if you spot the ‘blue-eyed fox’ among the browns in this jungleThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh ONGC Q1 results: Oil giant’s profit doubles to Rs 17,034 crore amid rising crude prices Kangana Ranaut, Khushbu Sundar support Udhayanidhi Stalin’s arrest, slam his comments on Trisha: ‘Public display of filthy abuses, double-meaning obscene and vulgar jokes is not acceptable’ Pooja Hegde’s America appearance proves nothing beats a beautiful saree | ‘It was a rebirth for all of us’: Passengers recall chaos after Air India flight hits turbulence 75-country Green Card ban illegal, rules Indian-American judge Amit Mehta; DHS says Trump upholding highest standards Last date of BLO visit has been extended to August 17 in Delhi (ANI image) NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday revised the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of electoral rolls in Delhi, extending the period for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to conduct house-to-house verification. The final electoral rolls will now be published on October 27.According to the revised schedule issued by the ECI, the revision will continue with October 1, 2026, as the qualifying date for inclusion in the electoral rolls.Under the updated timeline, BLOs will carry out door-to-door verification from June 30 to August 17, 2026. The draft electoral roll will be published on August 24, after which electors can file claims and objections between August 24 and September 23.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesECI said the decision was taken following a request from the CEO’s office. It directed officials to widely publicise the revised schedule through all available media and inform political parties in writing. The ECI also asked all concerned officers to ensure timely implementation of the updated programme.The Special Intensive Revision is aimed at updating Delhi’s electoral rolls by verifying the details of eligible voters and ensuring the rolls remain accurate ahead of future elections.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Cannot Tear Open My Chest’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s First Reaction To JPSC Student Protest’Thought We Would Die’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Violent Turbulence, Several InjuredNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” ExplainedPulwama Man Held With Hand Grenade, Anti-National Posters After Kulgam Terror AttackHigh-Level Probe Ordered As Security Forces Launch Massive Valley-Wide Manhunt | WatchSC Clarifies ‘Criminal Antecedents’ Caveat;CJP Demands Immediate Withdrawal Of FIRs Against Students123Photostories10 baby boy names inspired by kings and royaltyTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesOptical illusion brain teaser: You might be a record breaker if you spot the ‘blue-eyed fox’ among the browns in this jungleThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too lateFrom Collarwali to Charger: 5 legendary tigers of India123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh 54 bank fraud accused fled India, ED seizes assets worth over Rs 35,000 crore Salman Khan elaborates on why Sohail Khan, Seema Sajdeh headed for divorce, wants his brother to not blame himself: ‘All of this started, from that one picture, you just couldn’t stop what was happening’ Nimsdai Quote: Quote of the day by Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja: “I knew more than anyone that nature didn’t care for reputation, age, gender, or background. It was equally…”, the mountains that humble every traveller Wolfsbane and larkspur can paralyse in tiny doses; scientists found six enzymes that could help turn their chemistry into future medicines Kathiwada Raaj Mahal: Step inside the 131-year-old Kathiwada Raaj Mahal, where royal heritage meets modern luxury and sustainable living US researchers tracked nearly 450 coastal wetlands for up to 20 years; 84% were sinking towards open water and only 16% kept pace with rising seas Farmers from seven states met Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and extended support to the ethanol policy NEW DELHI: A group of farmers on Tuesday voiced support for ethanol during a meeting with Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Krishi Bhawan, amid general protests against the use of the E20 bio-fuel mix in vehicles, saying ethanol would increase farmers’ income and secure the country’s energy.Chouhan told them that the central govt’s thinking was clear that the benefit of the ethanol programme should reach the entire chain from the field to the fuel tank, but the biggest share should go in the interest of the farmer.The farmers, under the banner of the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Samanvay Samiti, told the minister that ethanol was a big opportunity for farming, provided its policy was farmer-centric and the right price of the crop reached the farmer directly.In India, sugarcane contributes to 30-35% of total ethanol production while the remaining 65-70% is derived from grains such as maize and rice.Farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu were present at the meeting. They insisted that the real benefit of the ethanol programme should go to the farmer, not only to companies or middlemen.They said that with ethanol, farm produce would not remain limited to the mandis, but would reach petrol pumps and the energy market, creating a new and stronger market for farmers. They told the minister that if ethanol was made from sugarcane, maize, rice and other feedstock, farmers would get more buyers, and crop spoilage or storage problems would be reduced.Extending their full support for ethanol, they said it was necessary that whether it was maize or sugarcane, farmers should get proper prices for any crop. Farmer representatives said, “We want the ethanol policy to create a new path for farming, not a new worry for us. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesWe are with ethanol, if ethanol also stays with us.”The farmers demanded that the agriculture ministry and farmer organisations should jointly explain clearly which crops would benefit from ethanol and how, and how a shift could be made from water-intensive crops to drought-tolerant crops.Chouhan assured that the policy would be reviewed to maintain a balance in the prices and demand of maize, rice, sugarcane and other feedstock. He said decisions would be taken only from the perspective of farmer interest, especially the benefit of maize farmers. He added that the negative narrative on ethanol would be countered through scientific studies and technical reports, and a fact-based dialogue would be carried out in partnership with farmers.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough QuestionsExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar AgitationGovernment Proposes V2V Technology To Enable Real-Time Vehicle Communication For Better Road Safety’Cannot Tear Open My Chest’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s First Reaction To JPSC Student Protest’Thought We Would Die’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Violent Turbulence, Several InjuredNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” Explained123PhotostoriesWant siblings who stay close for life? These everyday parenting habits can make all the difference10 baby boy names inspired by kings and royaltyTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesOptical illusion brain teaser: You might be a record breaker if you spot the ‘blue-eyed fox’ among the browns in this jungleThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too late123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Why did Telugu star Ranganath leave his entire savings to his maid instead of his family? A story that still surprises fans Indian-origin Google executive completes 20 years at the company, shares 6 career lessons that shaped him | Odisha’s Pucca Ghar Yojana (Mining): Eligibility, process, purpose explained The US army built a 1,500-mile Alaska Highway through wilderness in just eight months during World War II Kangana Ranaut on Udhayanidhi Stalin’s arrest NEW DELHI: Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Tuesday backed the police action against Tamil Nadu leader of opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, saying that although the DMK leader is now out on bail, his arrested had set a “good precedent.”“Public display of filthy abuses, double-meaning obscene and vulgar jokes is not acceptable in any civilised society. Mr Stalin was sent to jail for the offence. He might be out on bail by now, but it’s a good precedent,” Ranaut, who often makes headlines for her own controversial remarks, said in a post on her Instagram Stories. Kangana Ranaut postHer remarks came after the Tamil Nadu Police arrested Udhayanidhi Stalin over an alleged “distasteful double-meaning remark” made during a protest on Monday against the state’s C Joseph Vijay-led government. The remark was allegedly made in response to members of the public chanting an actress’s name at a gathering in Thanjavur.The Madras high court subsequently directed the police to release the former deputy chief minister after the Tamil Nadu government informed the court that Udhayanidhi would be granted station bail following the inquiry.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe submission was made during the hearing of the DMK leader’s anticipatory bail plea.During his speech on Monday, Udhayanidhi had accused chief minister C Joseph Vijay of showing little interest in resolving the Cauvery water dispute with neighbouring Karnataka or safeguarding farmers’ interests.At one point, a section of DMK supporters began chanting the name of a Tamil actress, apparently suggesting that Vijay’s priorities lay elsewhere.Udhayanidhi then paused, smiled and remarked, “The water should come there, irrespective of where it is supposed to come from.”As the crowd erupted in cheers and laughter, he added, “No. I was referring only to the Cauvery,” drawing another round of applause and laughter.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough QuestionsExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar AgitationGovernment Proposes V2V Technology To Enable Real-Time Vehicle Communication For Better Road Safety’Cannot Tear Open My Chest’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s First Reaction To JPSC Student Protest’Thought We Would Die’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Violent Turbulence, Several InjuredNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” Explained123PhotostoriesWant siblings who stay close for life? These everyday parenting habits can make all the difference10 baby boy names inspired by kings and royaltyTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesOptical illusion brain teaser: You might be a record breaker if you spot the ‘blue-eyed fox’ among the browns in this jungleThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too late123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh UPSSSC exam calendar 2026 out; PET registration underway, October exam on schedule Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid’s love story: From dinner dates, cute confessions to wedding rumours 10 monsoon travel essentials every traveller should pack this rainy season | Iran war depletes US missile stocks, raising concerns over readiness for conflict with China: Report Archaeologists discover a rare 600-year-old saint statue and human bone reliquaries beneath Berlin’s oldest neighbourhood | World News SC directs high court CJs to nominate co-opted women members NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that State Bar Councils have increasingly become “men’s clubs” and said the monopoly over their representation and functioning must be dismantled.A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made the remarks while hearing petitions related to elections to the Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils.“Bar Councils have become men’s clubs. We may observe that people take it like a monopoly. This has to be completely dismantled,” CJI Surya Kant remarked during the hearing.The court directed the Chief Justices of the jurisdictional High Courts to nominate two women members to every State Bar Council through co-option. One must be a former woman High Court judge and the other a senior woman advocate with a fair standing at the Bar.The court said the nominated members should have no connection with the election process so that they can function independently and impartially.“As far as co-option is concerned…10% we always had in mind. There should be co-option of those who don’t have anything to do with elections,” the court observed.The Supreme Court also clarified that a woman who unsuccessfully contested a State Bar Council election would not be barred from being considered for co-option.The court referred the issue of the methodology for calculating transferable votes, particularly for women candidates, to the High-Powered Supervisory Committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia. The committee will reconsider the methodology after inviting suggestions from members of the Bar and giving them an opportunity for an oral hearing.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Supreme Court had earlier directed that women should have 30 per cent% representation in State Bar Councils, with 20 per cent of the seats filled through direct elections and the remaining 10 per cent through co-option where required.The High-Powered Supervisory Committee was constituted by the court to oversee elections to the Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils and deal with election-related disputes.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar AgitationGovernment Proposes V2V Technology To Enable Real-Time Vehicle Communication For Better Road Safety’Cannot Tear Open My Chest’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s First Reaction To JPSC Student Protest’Thought We Would Die’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Violent Turbulence, Several InjuredNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” ExplainedPulwama Man Held With Hand Grenade, Anti-National Posters After Kulgam Terror Attack123PhotostoriesWant siblings who stay close for life? These everyday parenting habits can make all the difference10 baby boy names inspired by kings and royaltyTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesOptical illusion brain teaser: You might be a record breaker if you spot the ‘blue-eyed fox’ among the browns in this jungleThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too late123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Aug 04, 2026, 20:31 IST