VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Hero offers limited-time price cut on flex-fuel bikes! Details US-Iran peace deal: What opening of Strait of Hormuz would mean for India’s crude oil supplies Brazil Bungee Jumping Incident: ‘I spoke to her’: Nurse tried saving woman in Brazil who was thrown 130 feet in bunjee jumping without safety cord K Annamalai (Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: Former BJP leader K Annamalai on Monday directed blame towards people from northern India, claiming that there has been a “growing involvement of people from North Indian states in crimes” reported across Tamil Nadu. His remarks came in the wake of the sexual assault and death of a three-year-old girl in Tiruvallur district. A 19-year-old migrant worker from Bihar was arrested in connection with the case. The child later died while undergoing treatment, sparking outrage and renewed debate over law and order and the monitoring of migrant workers in the state.In a post on X, Annamalai cited a series of recent criminal cases in which people from North Indian states had allegedly been arrested and questioned whether the Tamil Nadu government had adequate mechanisms in place to track migrant workers entering the state.”The news of a three-year-old girl child falling victim to sexual assault near Kummidipoondi in Thiruvallur district and succumbing to her injuries despite treatment has caused profound shock and grief,” he wrote.”One individual from a North Indian state has been arrested in connection with this crime. Similarly, a person from a North Indian state who sexually harassed a 10-year-old girl child in Athanur, Kanchipuram district, has also been arrested,” Annamalai added.Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief leader also claimed that there had been a noticeable rise in such incidents in recent months.”Over the past few months, there has been a noticeable increase in the involvement of individuals from North Indian states in crimes occurring across various parts of Tamil Nadu.”Just this June, a young man from a North Indian state was arrested in Chennai for attempting to snatch a gold chain from an elderly woman. Last month, cases including the sexual harassment of a young woman near Tambaram, the molestation of a woman alone at home near Thiruvallur, the gang rape of a 61-year-old woman near Chennai’s Velachery bus stand, the arrest of three North Indian labourers including a 15-year-old boy in a case of sexual harassment against a mentally challenged woman in Chennai’s Velachery, and the sexual harassment of a woman drawing a kolam outside her home in Chennai’s Maduravoyal area have raised numerous questions,” he said.While praising the police for making arrests, Annamalai said the state government needed to focus on preventing such crimes before they occurred.”The police’s prompt identification and arrest of those involved in such crimes is commendable. However, what measures will the Tamil Nadu government take to prevent these crimes from occurring in the first place?” he asked.Annamalai said movement of workers between states was natural and happened across India, but argued that the government should maintain a proper record of migrant workers employed in Tamil Nadu.”It is only natural for people from various states to come to Tamil Nadu for employment, just as people from Tamil Nadu travel to various places for work. But are there proper details available regarding individuals arriving in Tamil Nadu from other states — details held by the contractors employing them or by the company owners? Are these details provided to the Tamil Nadu government? Shouldn’t this be regulated?” he said.Calling for tighter oversight, Annamalai urged the state government to create a comprehensive database of migrant workers.”I urge the Tamil Nadu government to take immediate action on this matter. Owners employing labourers from North Indian states must furnish the government with comprehensive details, including how many such labourers are present, in which cities they are located, their native places, current workplaces and places of residence.”I strongly emphasise that the Tamil Nadu government must systematically monitor this,” he added.The comments come amid heightened political attention on crimes against women and children in Tamil Nadu. The death of the three-year-old girl has triggered criticism from opposition parties, which have accused the ruling TVK government of failing to ensure public safety and demanded stronger action to prevent such incidents.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 MediaVideosGovernment Raises Export Duty On Diesel, Aviation Fuel As Middle East Tensions EscalatePM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Slovakia As Historic Castle Glows In India’s ColoursTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police ResponseIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council ReformsIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers Debate123PhotostoriesNeymar and Bruna Biancardi expecting baby no. 3 together: Inside the football star’s growing family of five children with three womenFrom Lemon to Mango: 7 Fruit trees that grow well in containersInside India’s largest wooden palace: Why every traveller should visit this 400-year-old palace in South IndiaMarble vs solid wood dining table: 7 differences every homeowner should know8 most unusual structures around the world that challenge conventional building designBedroom decor: 5 budget-friendly ideas to keep your room cool this summerParenting coach uses these “Magic words” to teach children discipline: Why every parent should adopt them10 baby girl names meaning strength, bravery and determination10 baby girl names meaning courage, wisdom and resilience5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel pool123Hot PicksDelhi rainForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card NewsUK weatherUK social media banNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFTelegram banFIFA World Cup 2026Karnataka free electricityDelhi rainITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026MPBSE MP Board Result 2026RBI Mis-selling rules Updated: Jun 16, 2026, 11:43 IST Re-NEET 2026: Temporary ban on Telegram imposed to prevent paper leak fraud ahead June 21 examination Why every traveller should visit this 400-year-old palace in South India India-made Mini Countryman C launch tomorrow: All you need to know Oil’s not well? US emergency stockpile falls to lowest level For many Bengalis of a certain generation, Mithun Chakraborty represents the change that has swept the state: he who once flirted with revolutionary Left politics, and then the TMC, now speaks the language of Hindu consolidation. Mithun Chakraborty turns 76 today – born in the year (1950) India became a Republic. And through these seven decades, he has seen and survived it all, much like the country itself. It has been possible, thanks to his inherent ability to reinvent himself that helped him remain relevant. A stunning debut in 1970s with a Mrinal Sen arthouse film, Mrigayaa, that earned him his first National Award. Followed by minor supporting roles in a few films, and then (almost) monopolising the ‘80s with the typical Mithun-da barefoot disco dancer rhythm that announced the arrival of a non-Hindi speaking, dark-skinned rank outsider as the man who had all the right moves. For the next decade through the ‘90s and beyond, he inspired many with his acting, action, and the signature hairstyle and skinny pants. Mithun Chakraborty and Bappi Lahiri had a successful innings in the 1982 film Disco Dancer. As liberalised Bollywood turned glossy with designer weddings and NRI romances, Gouranga – who took up the screen name Mithun – saw the writing on the wall. He transitioned to the supporting role in a stellar way: the mentor to Abhishek Bachchan in Mani Ratnam’s Guru, the nuanced hero battling mid-life crisis in Rituparno Ghosh’s much-acclaimed Titli, among others. And then became a frequent TV fixture as a judge on dance reality shows, his affable mannerisms a hit with the young and the old. The Art of Staying RelevantReinvention = Relevance. In Mithun’s book of life, it certainly is. His political choices, too, reflect his transformation over the years. Influenced by popular Naxal figure Ravi Ranjan, he dropped out of Kolkata’s Scottish Church College where he was pursuing a B.Sc in Chemistry to become a part of the Naxalite movement in the early ‘70s. On his return to mainstream life following then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi clamping down on the movement, he enrolled himself at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune that gave wings to his reel dreams. Mithun Chakraborty has mastered the art of reinvention, from Naxal rebel to BJP mascot. A dream opening done in 1976 with Mrigayaa, Mithun’s career in Bollywood picked up six years later with the stupendously successful Disco Dancer. The Babbar Subhash directorial made him a household name as his character Jimmy exploded on the big screen, setting a new tempo to the beats of Bappi Lahiri. Much like the raw and vulnerable on-screen Jimmy, the tall, dark and lanky Mithun became a symbol of middle-class hope and aspiration. And soon, he was a force to reckon with: at the box office, and at the tax collection centre for being one of the highest income tax payers of India.Left is Right. Right is Right, Too.As Mithun’s success graph soared north, the actor’s Left-leaning ideology remained intact, validated by his close association with then West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu. The actor who has played the lead role in more than 300 films famously performed gratis at the 1986 “Hope ’86” cultural and fundraising event, at the request of “Jyoti Uncle”. Jyoti Basu was not the only politician whom Mithun admired. Miles away in Bombay, the actor found a guardian in Balasaheb Thackeray who helped him navigate the choppy waters of Bollywood that was notorious for according preferential treatment to North Indian actors. For Mithun, the Shiv Sena supremo remained “Daddy”, as he used to call him, till his death.In ‘Mithun Chakraborty: The Dada of Bollywood’, author Ram Kamal Mukherjee writes that “Mithun’s proximity to the Shiv Sena chief was the shield that deflected his critics’ barbs and kept his enemies at bay. With Thackeray’s affectionate hand on his head, Mithun was invincible and inspired fear and respect in everyone in Bollywood.” Apart from Netaji, two people whom I really respect and admire are Jyoti Basu and Balasaheb Thackeray.Mithun ChakrabortyDilli Chalo!After two decades in Bollywood, Mithun looked at gharwapsi (homecoming) in Bengal in the late ‘90s and did his bit to resuscitate filmdom with his home productions and acting. In his second innings, Mithun was done doing the typical hero act, romancing leading ladies. Fatakeshto and other movies showed him as the fiery, middle-aged man in saviour mode who took on the mafia, and the corruption practised by the system. In Bengal, it struck a chord. After 34 years of uninterrupted Left rule, anti-incumbency sentiment had become a powerful force in Bengal politics, and Mithun’s anti-establishment movies provided just the right spark to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) campaign in 2011. Reel met real life as he campaigned for TMC in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, three years after Mamata Banerjee ousted the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government to become the chief minister. In return, the three-time National Award winner received a Rajya Sabha berth from the TMC. However, things soured and he made an early exit in 2016 citing health reasons, months after the Saradha group chit scam blew up where his role as brand ambassador came under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate. The 5-Year-ItchAfter calling it quits in the Rajya Sabha – where he hardly showed up – in December 2016, Mithun took a political sabbatical, for five years.In March 2021 as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stepped up its campaign to oust Mamata Banerjee after her ten-year rule, Mithun was roped in to revive the anti-establishment narrative. Often seen with senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvarghiya campaigning in the rural areas of Bengal, he regaled the audience with his classic, filmy one-liners. Unfortunately, all the punchy dialogue failed to ensure a BJP win. But, like many others from the fold, the defeat did not discourage Mithun. Even as he was battling health issues, he threw his weight behind the saffron party, mobilising the booth-level workers and calling for Hindu unification, campaigning aggressively for the BJP to make its debut with a historic win on May 4 in 2026. Right at HomeCut to May 9, 2026. Brigade Parade Ground. Kolkata.Mithun Chakraborty, wearing a black cape and cap, was among the key figures seated on stage as Suvendu Adhikari took oath as West Bengal’s first BJP chief minister. His ease and camaraderie with senior BJP and National Democratic Alliance leaders suggested that Mithun had found yet another political home, completing a journey that had taken him from the Left to the Right. Much like his character in the hit film MLA Fatakeshto, remembered for the iconic line, “Marbo ekhane, lash porbe soshane” (If I thrash you here, your lifeless body will land in the crematorium), Mithun has built a career on taking on the establishment, whether on screen or off it.For more than five decades, Mithun Chakraborty has reinvented himself. Sometimes driven by ideology and instinct, and often by challenging the status quo and taking on the established, a role that he aced on screen. The rebel, the outsider, the actor, and the political campaigner – all go on to make the enduring phenomenon that is Mithun Chakraborty. For many Bengalis of a certain generation, Mithun Chakraborty represents the change that has swept the state: he who once flirted with revolutionary Left politics, and then the TMC, now speaks the language of Hindu consolidation.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorLopamudra GhatakA new-media professional who has straddled the worlds of television and digital. Has worked extensively in the Internet news space for over a decade, and has seen the rise (and fall) of Orkut, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A news and people junkie, likes most things digital and dramatic. Is fascinated by emerging tech trends and wonders if social media is a boon or bane! Guilty pleasures include Nordic crime – books and shows – and Netflix. And an MS Dhoni fan, for life!Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police ResponseIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council ReformsIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man123PhotostoriesInside India’s largest wooden palace: Why every traveller should visit this 400-year-old palace in South IndiaMarble vs solid wood dining table: 7 differences every homeowner should know8 most unusual structures around the world that challenge conventional building designBedroom decor: 5 budget-friendly ideas to keep your room cool this summerParenting coach uses these “Magic words” to teach children discipline: Why every parent should adopt them10 baby girl names meaning strength, bravery and determination10 baby girl names meaning courage, wisdom and resilience5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel poolSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”123Hot PicksDelhi rainForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card NewsUK weatherUK social media banNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFDelhi Techie DeathFIFA World Cup 2026Karnataka free electricityDelhi rainITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026MPBSE MP Board Result 2026RBI Mis-selling rules Gold price prediction today: Will gold prices rise substantially from current levels? Check June 16, 2026 outlook Rashmika Mandanna introduces herself as ‘Rashmika Mandanna Deverakonda’ at scholarship event with Vijay Deverakonda – Watch Which countries are home to the world’s deadliest Taipan Snakes? FBI warns Microsoft users of Kali365 scam duping thousands: How the scam works and how users can protect themselves ‘Egg of the Sun’: Rs 1 lakh-a-piece Miyazaki mango offered to Lord Ram in Ayodhya | India News Jun 16, 2026, 10:54 IST Simran, Silambarasan TR and Shaam meet Tamil Nadu CM Vijay; extend heartfelt wishes with reunion PICS and posts Siddharth Parasanur Death News: Kannada comedian and actor Siddharth Parasanur found dead under suspicious circumstances NEW DELHI: The Centre has ordered access to messaging app Telegram restricted across India until June 22, a step the National Testing Agency (NTA) says is meant to shield candidates sitting the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on June 21 from cheating rackets operating on the platform.The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) issued the direction on Tuesday under Section 69A of the IT Act, covering the test day and its immediate aftermath. A second order requires Telegram to switch off its message-editing feature in India till June 30 — a tool the NTA says rackets misused to plant question papers into old posts and pass them off as proof of a leak.The NTA welcomed the move, calling it “calibrated and bounded in time” and thanking MeitY for acting “in the interest of students.”For weeks, channels with names like “PAPER LEAKED NEET”, “Re-NEET 2026” and “Private Mafia” had demanded anything from a few thousand to several lakh rupees from anxious families, promising the actual paper. The agency was blunt in its rebuttal: “There is no such paper available outside the secured examination chain. The promise of any such material is, in every instance, a fraud.”The crackdown follows arrests on the ground. Ahmedabad City Cyber Crime busted an inter-state gang running eight Telegram channels, with roughly Rs 1.5 crore routed through fake accounts and about a thousand numbers contacted in a single month. Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit had earlier warned candidates against such claims, with the I4C under the home ministry coordinating channel take-downs.The NTA admitted the block inconveniences “lakhs of citizens” who use Telegram for legitimate reasons and “sincerely regrets” it, but insisted the restriction ends June 22. “The security of the examination is unaffected by the action taken; it is, in fact, the very purpose of the action,” it said.Amid the noise, the agency offered candidates some reassurance on Tuesday morning, posting that more than 10 lakh students had downloaded their admit cards in roughly 24 hours since the facility opened. “Our tech teams are monitoring the loads on the servers and NTA will ensure that all candidates get their Admit Cards, well in time for the Examination,” it said.The May 3 test was scrapped on May 12 after a leak; over 22 lakh candidates now sit the retest. Candidates have been urged to ignore unverified content online and report fraud to helpline 1930.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police ResponseIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council ReformsIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man123PhotostoriesInside India’s largest wooden palace: Why every traveller should visit this 400-year-old palace in South IndiaMarble vs solid wood dining table: 7 differences every homeowner should know8 most unusual structures around the world that challenge conventional building designBedroom decor: 5 budget-friendly ideas to keep your room cool this summerParenting coach uses these “Magic words” to teach children discipline: Why every parent should adopt them10 baby girl names meaning strength, bravery and determination10 baby girl names meaning courage, wisdom and resilience5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel poolSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”123Hot PicksDelhi rainForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card NewsUK weatherUK social media banNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFDelhi Techie DeathFIFA World Cup 2026Karnataka free electricityDelhi rainITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026MPBSE MP Board Result 2026RBI Mis-selling rules Smriti Mandhana lone Indian in TIME’s list of 100 most influential people in sports | Cricket News Richard Ayoade involved but unhurt in dramatic South East London car crash: ‘Everyone froze at the sound of twisted metal’ ‘Even if you slit my throat…’: Abhishek Banerjee defiant after 11 hours ED questioning in teacher recruitment scam Keir Starmer: UK to supply uranium to Ukraine, ramp up sanctions on Russia: Starmer NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will hear both sides in the Trinamool Congress split before deciding on a request by rebel MPs to merge their faction with the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCPI), ANI reported citing sources said.20 Lok Sabha MPs elected on the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) ticket had met Speaker Om Birla on Sunday and submitted a letter seeking recognition as a separate group. They expressed their intent to merge with the Nationalist Citizens Party and support the ruling NDA.Rebel MP, Sudip Bandyopadhyay, suggested that the faction would eventually seek legal recognition over the Trinamool Congress name. He argued that since the group represented more than two-thirds of the party’s parliamentary strength, it would pursue its claim through legal channels at a later stage.The move was strongly opposed by the TMC leadership. In a letter to the Speaker, Abhishek Banerjee urged him not to recognise any separate faction, asserting that the TMC remained a single and indivisible political party. He argued that no group of MPs could independently carve out a parallel faction within the party and seek separate recognition in Parliament. If eventually approved by the Speaker, the merger could significantly alter the political landscape in the Lok Sabha, reducing the TMC’s strength in the House and boosting the NDA’s numbers.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 MediaVideosTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police ResponseIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council ReformsIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man123Photostories8 most unusual structures around the world that challenge conventional building designBedroom decor: 5 budget-friendly ideas to keep your room cool this summerParenting coach uses these “Magic words” to teach children discipline: Why every parent should adopt them10 baby girl names meaning strength, bravery and determination10 baby girl names meaning courage, wisdom and resilience5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel poolSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”Your child is not your therapist; 5 hidden ways sharing marital problems affect kids and what can parents do insteadBest national parks in Karnataka: 8 wildlife destinations for tiger safari and birdwatching123Hot PicksDelhi rainITR Form 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card NewsUK weatherUK social media banNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultDelhi Techie DeathFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview MPBSE MP Board Result 2026: High School class 10 second examination results today at 4 PM on result.mponline.gov.in Bruce Willis’ health update: Emma Heming clarifies he ‘remembers’ everything and has a rare form of dementia Bharti Fulmali: Meet Bharti Fulmali: Called ‘a man’ online and mocked for her looks, she is now part of India’s World Cup squad and inspiring young women India A vs Sri Lanka A: Why was the Super Over played despite fading light? Dramatic decision raises eyebrows Hadi Hoteit: Watch: Lebanese journalist attacked by Israeli drones while reporting PM Modi and Slovakia President Pellegrini witness a special Yoga demonstration by schoolchildren. NEW DELHI: Ahead of International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini witnessed a yoga demonstration by Slovak schoolchildren during his visit to Bratislava.PM Modi said he was pleased to see young people embracing yoga and highlighted its role in promoting well-being and bringing people together across cultures.”President Pellegrini and I were delighted to witness a special Yoga demonstration by schoolchildren from Slovakia. As the world counts down to International Yoga Day, it is delightful to see the youth embrace Yoga. Also happy to see Yoga continuing to bring people together in the shared pursuit of well-being,” PM Modi posted on X.PM Modi also praised an exhibition on Varanasi held at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava. The exhibition featured works by Slovak artists who had recently visited the ancient Indian city. PM Modi said the showcase reflected the power of art and culture to strengthen ties between people and nations.In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “A Banaras connect in Bratislava! At the Presidential Palace in Bratislava yesterday, President Pellegrini and I viewed a fascinating exhibition centred on Varanasi, including works by Slovak artists who had recently visited the city. Art and culture truly have a unique ability to bring people closer. My compliments to all those whose works featured in this exhibition.”During his visit, PM Modi held discussions with President Pellegrini on a range of issues, including manufacturing, transport, innovation, investment, energy, biofuels and digital technology. He said both sides also explored ways to deepen people-to-people connections.The visit saw further progress in India-Slovakia relations, with Prime Minister Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism and reform of global institutions. According to the India-Slovakia Joint Statement, the two leaders stressed the need for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, particularly the UN Security Council, to make it more representative, inclusive and reflective of present-day geopolitical realities. They also supported the expansion of the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories.India and Slovakia additionally agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection and connectivity, identifying these sectors as key pillars of their growing bilateral partnership.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 MediaVideosTMC Alleges BJP Role After Egg Attack On Kunal Ghosh, Questions Police ResponseIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council ReformsIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man123Photostories8 most unusual structures around the world that challenge conventional building designBedroom decor: 5 budget-friendly ideas to keep your room cool this summerParenting coach uses these “Magic words” to teach children discipline: Why every parent should adopt them10 baby girl names meaning strength, bravery and determination10 baby girl names meaning courage, wisdom and resilience5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel poolSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”Your child is not your therapist; 5 hidden ways sharing marital problems affect kids and what can parents do insteadBest national parks in Karnataka: 8 wildlife destinations for tiger safari and birdwatching123Hot PicksDelhi rainITR Form 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card NewsUK weatherUK social media banNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultDelhi Techie DeathFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview Microsoft is seeking its biggest rival Amazon’s help to solve GitHub’s growing … Quote of the day by ex-American President Harry S. Truman: “Three things can ruin a man: power, money and women. I never wanted power, I never had any money, and the only woman in my life is…” | World News Auto sales hit record high in May ‘Blast’ OTT release date confirmed: When and where to watch Arjun Sarja’s blockbuster action drama 8 most unusual structures around the world that challenge conventional building design Harley-Davidson X440 range gets expensive: New prices here Middle East crisis may be over, but how long before Strait of Hormuz goes back to normal? US-Iran deal, Uranium stockpile and the $300 billion question: What exactly has Tehran agreed to? ‘We didn’t manage the visa money in time’: FIFA World Cup 2026 hero Vozinha breaks down over Mum’s absence after Spain draw | Football News Income Tax Return: Is Form 16 mandatory for ITR filing & what to do if the employer has not issued it? ‘House Of The Dragon Season 3’: Release date, timings and where to watch; here’s all that you need to know Sanchita Ugale suicide: Actress Aanchal Khurana highlights rising work pressure and its impact on actors’ mental health NEW DELHI: Rebel TMC MPs merged with Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) to dodge disqualification provisions under the anti-defection law. Now they have taken over the party.Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a longtime confidant of TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee and who became the face of party’s Lok Sabha MPs’ rebellion against her leadership, was elected president of NCPI days before the breakaway faction of 20 MPs met Speaker Om Birla on Sunday to inform him of their merger with the little-known party, which has overnight shot into national limelight.Sources said the fourth-term MP was elected president on May 30 and, two days before that, the incumbent Shewly Kundu had resigned in what was apparently part of a mutually-agreed takeover of the largely obscure party by the rebels.The exercise was set in motion after the rebels first told Birla about their decision to walk out from TMC and that they enjoyed support of over two-third members of its 28-MP contingent in the House.Though BJP brass has made no official comments on their party’s association with the breakaway faction, West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari, Union minister Bhupender Yadav and seasoned MP Nishikant Dubey have been involved in discussion with them, helping shape their strategy and future course of action.BJP, too, has not been really shy about its role as quite a few meetings of the rebels occurred at the residence of Yadav.It finally culminated in 20 rebel MPs informing Birla on Sunday about their decision to merge with NCPI and to be part of the BJP-led NDA. They urged him to allot them seats with the governing alliance as they were until Parliament’s last session part of the opposition benches as TMC members led by Abhishek Banerjee, Mamata’s nephew and putative heir who has become the lightning rod of their anger and disaffection due to his alleged arrogance and circumvention of party’s internal structures.Sixth-term parliamentarian Sudip Bandyopadhyay is the senior-most member among the rebels but he joined them only a few days back and after Kakoli’s election as NCPI president by the party’s “political affairs committee”.NCPI was registered as a political party in January 2023, with a building in Sankarail in West Bengal’s Howrah district as its address in EC’s records. It had fielded four candidates in Tripura assembly polls in 2023, and 536 votes was the most one of them had fetched.EC has recorded it as one of over 2000 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs), organisations which have not yet met the criteria required to be recognised as state or national parties. If Birla approves the merger, NCPI will become the fifth largest party in Lok Sabha and second biggest constituent of the governing NDA after BJP. Quite some turnaround in the fortunes of a party which never had any member in Parliament or a state assembly. Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council ReformsIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man‘My Brother Was Murdered’: Gyan Bindu Director Roshan Anand’s Big Charge Against Khan Sir123PhotostoriesParenting coach uses these “Magic words” to teach children discipline: Why every parent should adopt them10 baby girl names meaning strength, bravery and determination10 baby girl names meaning courage, wisdom and resilience5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel poolSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”Your child is not your therapist; 5 hidden ways sharing marital problems affect kids and what can parents do insteadBest national parks in Karnataka: 8 wildlife destinations for tiger safari and birdwatching5 foods a doctor eats to fight fatty liver disease6 foods desi pehalwans ate before protein supplements became a trend123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAbhijeet DipkeTarique RahmanGreen Card NewsLamine YamalDana WhiteNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview West Asia peace deal lifts sensex, Rupee gains 40p/$ UPSC Prelims Result 2026: Five mistakes qualified candidates should avoid before Mains Anya Taylor-Joy joins cast of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’; to play Sindar Elf Seren – WATCH | This house is so narrow that you can touch both walls at once and four generations call it home | Earthquake of magnitude 6.7 hits Indonesia’s Sulawesi island Firhad Hakim NEW DELHI: Mamata Banerjee’s close aide Firhad Hakim on Monday hinted at a softer stance towards the new Bengal chief minister and rival BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari amid the massive rebellion rocking the Trinamool Congress.The Kolkata Port MLA struck a positive tone towards the Suvendu Adhikari-led government, expressing hope for “100% development” under the new BJP administration in the state.Speaking to news agency ANI, Hakim said, “We have always said that we have to rise above party politics and work for the people. We have to focus on development. He (CM Suvendu Adhikari) has spoken about development, and that is a good thing. Kolkata and Bengal will certainly develop if we work together for development.”When asked whether he would share his experience as Kolkata Mayor with the new government, Hakim replied, “Time will tell, but we are all together. We are 100% with development.”His remarks come as the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC grapples with its biggest internal revolt following its crushing electoral defeat to the BJP.The rebellion has weakened the party at both the state and national levels. A faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee secured the support of more than 50 MLAs, majorly denting the TMC’s strength in the assembly. In Parliament, rebel TMC MP Kakoli Dastidar has led a group of 20 MPs to the NCPI, which has offered support to the NDA.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia, Slovakia Upgrade Relations To Comprehensive Partnership; Agree On Counterterror CooperationIndia Turns Up Heat At UN, Seeks Fast-Track Security Council ReformsIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man‘My Brother Was Murdered’: Gyan Bindu Director Roshan Anand’s Big Charge Against Khan Sir123PhotostoriesParenting coach uses these “Magic words” to teach children discipline: Why every parent should adopt them10 baby girl names meaning strength, bravery and determination10 baby girl names meaning courage, wisdom and resilience5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel poolSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”Your child is not your therapist; 5 hidden ways sharing marital problems affect kids and what can parents do insteadBest national parks in Karnataka: 8 wildlife destinations for tiger safari and birdwatching5 foods a doctor eats to fight fatty liver disease6 foods desi pehalwans ate before protein supplements became a trend123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAbhijeet DipkeTarique RahmanGreen Card NewsLamine YamalDana WhiteNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview RBI issues stricter norms to curb mis-selling by lenders