VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Layoffs at Sam Altman’s $2.5 billion startup, as company struggles to show how its key ‘Eye technology’ can generate revenue . India has effectively frozen approvals for Elon Musk’s Starlink to begin commercial operations, due to concerns over the use of its satellite terminals in the Iran war, according to people familiar with the matter.Security agencies have withheld the final clearances Starlink needs to launch, they said. Reports that Starlink terminals were in use during the West Asia conflict despite the service not being licensed in Iran have heightened fears in Delhi about its ability to control a US-based internet operator during geopolitical tensions, they said.The impasse has also stalled a satellite-spectrum pricing proposal required for any commercial launch, whether by Starlink or its Indian competitors. DoT has finalised the framework, but it has not been sent to the Cabinet, the people said.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia’s Nuclear Posture Shifts As SIPRI Flags Deployment Of 12 Warheads | WatchCongress Alleges EC Blocked Delegation Amid Meenakshi Natarajan Rajya Sabha Nomination Row | WatchCongress Candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected In MPCID Searches TMC Offices In Kolkata As Abhishek Faces Third Summons In Signature Forgery ProbeHorse-Trading Fears Trigger Congress Move As MP MLAs Fly To Bengaluru Before VotingInside TMC Turmoil: MPs Revolt, Leaders Resign and NDA aims at powerKalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad Attack TMC Rebels As Party Faces Biggest Split YetWhy The Centre Lifted Lakshadweep’s 47-Year Liquor Ban: ExplainedPoK Unrest Deepens: Protesters Allege Crackdown, Casualties And BlackoutTMC Crisis Deepens As CID Probes Alleged Fake Signatures In LoP Selection Case | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom growing up amid curfews in Kashmir to earning Rs 2.5 lakh a day: When Aly Goni spoke about his struggles and journey in TV IndustryThis bridge in New York once hosted 21 elephants; 5 interesting things to knowTimes ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: ‘I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin’London’s Billionaire Street: 5 most expensive real estate addresses attracting the world’s wealthiest buyers5 brain tumour myths that experts wish people would stop believingLewis Hamilton’s luxury sneaker collection:A look at the F1 star’s footwear obsessionFrom Aamir Khan to Lalit Modi: 10 famous personalities who fell in love with their long-time friendsIndian history and mythology to native language: 6 meaningful ways to connect children with indian heritage5 countries where tipping is considered rudeFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Dear Zindagi’ to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on life123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSwapnil SrivastavDana WhiteBrock LesnarTom Brady and Gisele Bündchen DivorcePoK ProtestsTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Driving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation Jun 10, 2026, 03:35 IST Virgo Horoscope Today, June 10, 2026: Take your time before you say yes ‘Proud to be an American’: Ex-Meta employee celebrates crackdown on $100K H-1B fee by federal court, claims the world is ‘balancing out’ | . Even as questions swirl around the investigation into the AI 171 crash on June 12, 2025, family members of some victims are also criticising its handling of the tragedy.Radhika Mishra, daughter of former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, who was among the 260 people killed in the crash, has alleged that Air India is asking relatives to “sign full and final settlement documents before the official investigation has concluded and before the facts surrounding the accident have been fully established.” AI has denied the charge.Air India: Absolutely no pressure, deadline to accept our offerRadhika Mishra, the London-based daughter of former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, has in a mail to Tata Group and AI chairman N Chandrasekaran said a document being circulated by the airline “requires families to permanently waive present and future claims before all facts are known…. We deserve more than compensation… We deserve answers… above all, we deserve closure.”In its response to Mishra, which was seen by TOI, AI said, “There is absolutely no deadline or pressure on any family or individual to accept our offer within a set timeframe… Families are free to wait until the investigation report has been released, as some have chosen to do… investigation is (being) independently conducted by Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, and therefore AI is not aware of when the report will be released. In light of the numerous requests we received, and conscious of our own obligations, we felt it would not be fair to families who wish to proceed with final compensation if we were to put the process on hold indefinitely.”Rupani was flying AI 171 from Ahmedabad to meet his daughter when the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed seconds after take off, killing 241 of 242 people on board and 19 others in student hostels of the B J Medical College where it had fatally plunged.Asking why “there is an effort to obtain final releases before the truth is known,” Mishra, a CA who lives in London, requested Tata Sons and AI to “clarify whether families can receive support without sacrificing future legal rights; reconsider the use of broad release and indemnity provisions before completion of all investigations; ensure no family feels pressured to choose between immediate financial support and the pursuit of truth.”Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia’s Nuclear Posture Shifts As SIPRI Flags Deployment Of 12 Warheads | WatchCongress Alleges EC Blocked Delegation Amid Meenakshi Natarajan Rajya Sabha Nomination Row | WatchCongress Candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected In MPCID Searches TMC Offices In Kolkata As Abhishek Faces Third Summons In Signature Forgery ProbeHorse-Trading Fears Trigger Congress Move As MP MLAs Fly To Bengaluru Before VotingInside TMC Turmoil: MPs Revolt, Leaders Resign and NDA aims at powerKalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad Attack TMC Rebels As Party Faces Biggest Split YetWhy The Centre Lifted Lakshadweep’s 47-Year Liquor Ban: ExplainedPoK Unrest Deepens: Protesters Allege Crackdown, Casualties And BlackoutTMC Crisis Deepens As CID Probes Alleged Fake Signatures In LoP Selection Case | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom growing up amid curfews in Kashmir to earning Rs 2.5 lakh a day: When Aly Goni spoke about his struggles and journey in TV IndustryThis bridge in New York once hosted 21 elephants; 5 interesting things to knowTimes ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: ‘I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin’London’s Billionaire Street: 5 most expensive real estate addresses attracting the world’s wealthiest buyers5 brain tumour myths that experts wish people would stop believingLewis Hamilton’s luxury sneaker collection:A look at the F1 star’s footwear obsessionFrom Aamir Khan to Lalit Modi: 10 famous personalities who fell in love with their long-time friendsIndian history and mythology to native language: 6 meaningful ways to connect children with indian heritage5 countries where tipping is considered rudeFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Dear Zindagi’ to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on life123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSwapnil SrivastavDana WhiteBrock LesnarTom Brady and Gisele Bündchen DivorcePoK ProtestsTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Driving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation Leo Horoscope Today, June 10, 2026: Avoid investments today Supreme Court uses its special powers to quash Pocso conviction | India News . NEW DELHI: A Supreme Court-appointed amicus curiae has blamed persistent vacancies at National Medical Commission (NMC) and the government’s failure to fill key statutory posts for recurring delays in medical admissions, approvals, inspections and appeals, saying lapses have disrupted academic calendars and left students bearing the brunt of the system’s shortcomings.In his report to SC, the amicus, senior advocate Maninder Singh, said delays in approvals, inspections, appeals and counselling have become a recurring feature despite years of reform efforts.Admission schedules are routinely stretching far beyond prescribed timelines, it said, pointing out that for the 2025-26 academic session, PG admissions reportedly continued till Feb 2026, and UG admissions till Dec 2025.Amicus report on NMC also flags lack of transparencyThe report said, “Most of the sufferers in these delays are the students.” Medical seats remain unfilled because approvals, renewals and counselling are not completed within stipulated timelines, it said. It noted that permissions and renewals for MBBS courses continued till Nov 2025, despite the academic session having commenced on Sept 1, 2025. It also cited instances where appeals relating to PG courses and seat increases became infructuous as counselling processes moved ahead before decisions could be taken.The amicus linked many of these delays to persistent vacancies within the regulator and its autonomous boards. The report stated that the absence of regular office-bearers has contributed to delays in framing regulations, processing applications, granting permissions and deciding appeals.The report also raised concerns over transparency, saying inspection reports and regulatory decisions are no longer being routinely disclosed in the public domain despite statutory provisions requiring such publication.“It is very unfortunate that an authority responsible for regulating standards of medical education in the country and performing various functions under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019 is functioning without office-bearers,”the submission stated.Six years after the NMC Act came into force, several statutory positions across the commission and its autonomous boards remain vacant, the amicus pointed out. While the Act envisages multiple presidents and members across the boards, several positions remain unfilled. The report also noted that the Centre has failed to fill several key positions envisaged under the law, including the post of secretary for the prescribed tenure.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia’s Nuclear Posture Shifts As SIPRI Flags Deployment Of 12 Warheads | WatchCongress Alleges EC Blocked Delegation Amid Meenakshi Natarajan Rajya Sabha Nomination Row | WatchCongress Candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected In MPCID Searches TMC Offices In Kolkata As Abhishek Faces Third Summons In Signature Forgery ProbeHorse-Trading Fears Trigger Congress Move As MP MLAs Fly To Bengaluru Before VotingInside TMC Turmoil: MPs Revolt, Leaders Resign and NDA aims at powerKalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad Attack TMC Rebels As Party Faces Biggest Split YetWhy The Centre Lifted Lakshadweep’s 47-Year Liquor Ban: ExplainedPoK Unrest Deepens: Protesters Allege Crackdown, Casualties And BlackoutTMC Crisis Deepens As CID Probes Alleged Fake Signatures In LoP Selection Case | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom growing up amid curfews in Kashmir to earning Rs 2.5 lakh a day: When Aly Goni spoke about his struggles and journey in TV IndustryThis bridge in New York once hosted 21 elephants; 5 interesting things to knowTimes ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: ‘I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin’London’s Billionaire Street: 5 most expensive real estate addresses attracting the world’s wealthiest buyers5 brain tumour myths that experts wish people would stop believingLewis Hamilton’s luxury sneaker collection:A look at the F1 star’s footwear obsessionFrom Aamir Khan to Lalit Modi: 10 famous personalities who fell in love with their long-time friendsIndian history and mythology to native language: 6 meaningful ways to connect children with indian heritage5 countries where tipping is considered rudeFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Dear Zindagi’ to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on life123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSwapnil SrivastavDana WhiteBrock LesnarTom Brady and Gisele Bündchen DivorcePoK ProtestsTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Driving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation Sohail Khan mourns family friend Kumod Raney’s demise: ‘I lost my beautiful sister today. Nobody in the world can replace her’ Government raises Rs 20,000cr via disinvestment, asset sale Gemini Horoscope Today, June 10, 2026: Students will find concentration easier than usual Deadly clashes, JAAC crackdown and calls for reform: Why PoK is on the boil ‘India feels more vibrant than US’: NRI woman on Green Card queue says choosing Bengaluru over San Francisco was the right decision Aries Horoscope Today, June 10, 2026: Keep your wallet closed today In big shift in stance, India may have ‘deployed’ 12 N-warheads, its N-warheads up to 190 from 180: SIPRI report Cancer Horoscope Today, June 10, 2026: Save unexpected income and choose peace over winning household arguments Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce combined net worth in 2026: Career earnings, investments, endorsements, real estate, and philanthropy YouTuber Jesse Ridgway blasts in-laws for not supporting wife after ending pregnancy due to Down syndrome Manav Kaul recalls living on Rs 30 a day in a Mumbai chawl after leaving Kashmir: ‘I had to cut away my Kashmiriyat’ Pittsburgh Penguins emerge in latest NHL trade update amid intriguing developments surrounding Detroit Red Wings $8.7M Forward Karmelo Anthony found guilty of murdering Texas teen Austin Metcalf at school track meet Taurus Horoscope Today, June 10, 2026: A planned trip may be delayed and this can initially cause you to feel angry Exploring Cristiano Ronaldo’s 5 most iconic moments in World Cup ahead of his final FIFA World Cup 2026 appearance Walmart to shareholders on changes in America’s immigration and H-1B visa policy: Our use of employment-based visa sponsorships is … COP31 (Image source: UNFCCC) NEW DELHI: With mid-year climate meetings taking place in Bonn amid critical geopolitical situation due war in west Asia and its impact on the overall economy, India has raised its concerns over declining levels of climate finance, and called for strengthening multilateral cooperation at a time of growing global challenges.Making its intervention at the meet, India also asked the developed countries to take lead in accelerated emission reductions, arguing that the developing countries need adequate carbon space to eradicate poverty, expand energy access and meet their sustainable development goals.The meeting (June 8-18), formally called the 64th sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies under the UNFCCC (SB64), will take a call on agenda for the annual UN climate conference (COP31) scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye (COP31) in November. The UN June climate meetings are held annually at the UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) headquarters in Bonn, Germany to finalise agendra for the year-end climate conference (COP).“At a time of growing global challenges, our collective priority should be to strengthen multilateral cooperation through discharge of respective obligations under the climate treaties,” Harkeerat Singh Randhawa, second secretary at the Indian embassy in Germany, said during his opening plenary statement on Monday.Associating India with the stand taken by other developing countries including China and BASIC group, Randhawa emphasised that equity and historical responsibility (of developed countries) must continue to guide the participating countries at SB64.“Developing countries need adequate carbon space to eradicate poverty, expand energy access, and meet their sustainable development goals. Therefore, developed countries must lead through accelerated emissions reductions, including negative emissions as necessary,” he said.Randhawa also flagged India’s commitment to “climate multilateralism, and to “advance its effective implementation”, and underlined that the dialogue on unilateral trade measures should address its negative impacts on climate actions of developing countries.India has always been opposed to any kind of unilateral trade barrier in the context of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and other similar measures. The CBAM is a tool to put a price through imposing border tax on carbon intensive goods, like iron & steel, aluminium and cement, that are entering the 27 European Union nations. It will put a tariff burden on such products of developing countries, including India, and impact their trade.The Indian delegation at the Bonn meet comprises officers from various ministries and departments, including scientists from the environment ministry.A team comprising diplomats, ministry officers and climate experts are attending the meeting physically, while other delegates are attending the same virtually. “This arrangement has been put in place to ensure India’s effective participation in all negotiations,” said the ministry in response to a question on India’s participation.COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum, meanwhile, on Tuesday launched a new global electrification target as a flagship initiative of the COP31 Presidency’s action agenda, and proposed a collective global goal to increase the share of final energy demand met by electricity from just over 20% today to 35% by 2035.The COP31 Presidency also committed to building a global coalition to implement actions towards achieving this target.The target is based on analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and is designed to support implementation of the Paris Agreement and help keep the world on a pathway consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.In support of the electrification target, the COP31 Presidency, accordingly, in partnership with Australia, has commissioned the IEA to deliver special reports to map out pathways to achieving the “35×35” target and to analyse the benefits of halving waste growth and boosting circular waste management systems. This follows the COP31 Presidency’s existing work with IRENA to identify how electrification can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.Read the latest news on the go. 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 MediaVideosHorse-Trading Fears Trigger Congress Move As MP MLAs Fly To Bengaluru Before VotingInside TMC Turmoil: MPs Revolt, Leaders Resign and NDA aims at powerKalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad Attack TMC Rebels As Party Faces Biggest Split YetWhy The Centre Lifted Lakshadweep’s 47-Year Liquor Ban: ExplainedPoK Unrest Deepens: Protesters Allege Crackdown, Casualties And BlackoutTMC Crisis Deepens As CID Probes Alleged Fake Signatures In LoP Selection Case | WatchIndia Accuses Pak Of Spreading Disinformation To Cover Up Human Rights Abuses In POKUS Court Strikes Down Trump-Era $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee | Temporary Relief To Indians?SIPRI 2026: India Overtakes Pak In Nuclear Warheads, Emerges As World’s 5th Largest Military SpenderGovt Clears 250 MW Solar Power Project With BESS On Defence Land In Uttar Pradesh123PhotostoriesTimes ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: ‘I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin’London’s Billionaire Street: 5 most expensive real estate addresses attracting the world’s wealthiest buyers5 brain tumour myths that experts wish people would stop believingLewis Hamilton’s luxury sneaker collection:A look at the F1 star’s footwear obsessionFrom Aamir Khan to Lalit Modi: 10 famous personalities who fell in love with their long-time friendsIndian history and mythology to native language: 6 meaningful ways to connect children with indian heritage5 countries where tipping is considered rudeFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Dear Zindagi’ to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on lifeThe best places to retire in India: Affordable, peaceful, and senior-friendly9 mangoes that are not grown in India and what makes them unique123Hot PicksMalviya Nagar Hotel FireEmiliano MartínezUKSSSC Patwari Admit CardIran AttackShubman GillDianna Russini ScandalDU Professor MurderNFL Trade RumorOJEE Result 2026Top TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Driving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation This bridge in New York once hosted 21 elephants; 5 interesting things to know Boo York, Boo York! Trump gets wake-up call in city that never sleeps People were celebrating as my business burned down: Indian entrepreneur in Belfast says he didn’t expect this much hatred Representative image JAMMU: Army personnel detained a 14-year-old boy from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) who had allegedly crossed over the Line of Control (LoC) and entered Indian territory in J&K’s Poonch district on Tuesday evening.“Around 7pm, Javed Ali from Tetrinote in PoK, was detained near the LoC in Gulpur sector, Poonch,” an official said. Preliminary investigations indicated that he may have inadvertently strayed across the border.The teen was taken into custody for questioning to ascertain the circumstances under which he entered Indian territory, officials said. Sources said the Army had handed him over to Jullas police post in Poonch. He was likely to be repatriated after an investigation.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia’s Nuclear Posture Shifts As SIPRI Flags Deployment Of 12 Warheads | WatchCongress Alleges EC Blocked Delegation Amid Meenakshi Natarajan Rajya Sabha Nomination Row | WatchCongress Candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected In MPCID Searches TMC Offices In Kolkata As Abhishek Faces Third Summons In Signature Forgery ProbeHorse-Trading Fears Trigger Congress Move As MP MLAs Fly To Bengaluru Before VotingInside TMC Turmoil: MPs Revolt, Leaders Resign and NDA aims at powerKalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad Attack TMC Rebels As Party Faces Biggest Split YetWhy The Centre Lifted Lakshadweep’s 47-Year Liquor Ban: ExplainedPoK Unrest Deepens: Protesters Allege Crackdown, Casualties And BlackoutTMC Crisis Deepens As CID Probes Alleged Fake Signatures In LoP Selection Case | Watch123PhotostoriesTimes ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: ‘I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin’London’s Billionaire Street: 5 most expensive real estate addresses attracting the world’s wealthiest buyers5 brain tumour myths that experts wish people would stop believingLewis Hamilton’s luxury sneaker collection:A look at the F1 star’s footwear obsessionFrom Aamir Khan to Lalit Modi: 10 famous personalities who fell in love with their long-time friendsIndian history and mythology to native language: 6 meaningful ways to connect children with indian heritage5 countries where tipping is considered rudeFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Dear Zindagi’ to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on lifeThe best places to retire in India: Affordable, peaceful, and senior-friendly9 mangoes that are not grown in India and what makes them unique123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSwapnil SrivastavDana WhiteBrock LesnarTom Brady and Gisele Bündchen DivorcePoK ProtestsTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Driving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation Yashaswini Dayama pens emotional note for father Ramakant Daayama after his demise: ‘Thank you for recognising this Rockstar’ | 4 hurt as BSF convoy bus hits 2 vehicles after brake failure in Ramban Army troops fire at suspected Pak drone along LoC in J&K’s Poonch | India News Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for June 10, 2026 Family United: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and wife Jen Vrabel put Dianna Russini scandal aside for son Tyler’s engagement . ZOJI LA (MINAMARG): Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari pressed Tuesday a button triggering the final “breakthrough” blast in Zoji La Tunnel, removing last three metres of rock and linking two ends of the nearly 14km corridor that will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.With J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha and officials from the Union territory of Ladakh by his side to witness the historic moment, Gadkari described the tunnel as more than a mere transportation project, saying it was a gateway to development for the region.Around an hour after the breakthrough, executing agency Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) allowed about 50 vehicles carrying officials and journalists to make a one-time journey from Minamarg in Ladakh to Baltal in J&K — two ends of the tunnel.The full structure, however, is still around two years from being ready for regular traffic but Gadkari indicated MEIL would complete the work before that. “I am pleased that nearly 80% of those who worked on this project were locals,” the minister said in Minamarg.Gadkari recalled his days as BJP president when he had travelled to Ladakh and residents told him the region remains cut off for nearly six months every year due to harsh winters. “I was deeply moved by their hardships. It became clear to me that a tunnel was essential,” he added.Gadkari stressed that the project gained pace only after the PM Narendra Modi-led NDA govt first came to office in 2014, and recalled that tenders had been attempted four times without a final decision before he took charge of the highways ministry.“When the project came for approval again, estimated cost had reached nearly Rs 12,000 crore. I am happy to say that after completing all work, we expect to finish it under Rs 7,000 crore, saving nearly Rs 5,000 crore of public money. This is a state-of-the-art tunnel with highest safety standards,” Gadkari said.CM Omar described the project as one that will “transform daily life” in the region, expanding access to education, healthcare and markets while significantly boosting tourism and trade. LG Sinha said the tunnel will emerge as a lifeline for the two regions and provide vital strategic support to armed forces.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia’s Nuclear Posture Shifts As SIPRI Flags Deployment Of 12 Warheads | WatchCongress Alleges EC Blocked Delegation Amid Meenakshi Natarajan Rajya Sabha Nomination Row | WatchCongress Candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected In MPCID Searches TMC Offices In Kolkata As Abhishek Faces Third Summons In Signature Forgery ProbeHorse-Trading Fears Trigger Congress Move As MP MLAs Fly To Bengaluru Before VotingInside TMC Turmoil: MPs Revolt, Leaders Resign and NDA aims at powerKalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad Attack TMC Rebels As Party Faces Biggest Split YetWhy The Centre Lifted Lakshadweep’s 47-Year Liquor Ban: ExplainedPoK Unrest Deepens: Protesters Allege Crackdown, Casualties And BlackoutTMC Crisis Deepens As CID Probes Alleged Fake Signatures In LoP Selection Case | Watch123PhotostoriesTimes ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: ‘I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin’London’s Billionaire Street: 5 most expensive real estate addresses attracting the world’s wealthiest buyers5 brain tumour myths that experts wish people would stop believingLewis Hamilton’s luxury sneaker collection:A look at the F1 star’s footwear obsessionFrom Aamir Khan to Lalit Modi: 10 famous personalities who fell in love with their long-time friendsIndian history and mythology to native language: 6 meaningful ways to connect children with indian heritage5 countries where tipping is considered rudeFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Dear Zindagi’ to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on lifeThe best places to retire in India: Affordable, peaceful, and senior-friendly9 mangoes that are not grown in India and what makes them unique123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSwapnil SrivastavDana WhiteBrock LesnarTom Brady and Gisele Bündchen DivorcePoK ProtestsTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Driving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation ‘Israel may not like it but …’: US VP JD Vance says long-term deal with Iran in interest of US Representative image India’s ship safety certifier said it will not certify vessels owned by Iranian or Russian entities, while cautioning that it has limited visibility over how ships are used once they enter global trade, according to Reuters.The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), one of the world’s major maritime certification bodies, said classification status is critical for securing insurance and port access, making its decisions consequential for vessels operating in international waters.However, executive chairman Arun Sharm did caution that while IRClass would not accept vessels owned by Iranian or Russian entities, monitoring cargo movement after certification remains beyond the organisation’s control.“Today, we may take in a ship which is as per the registry, non-Russian, non-Iranian, and tomorrow (the vessel) carries oil from Iran to somewhere … we don’t have any control on that,” he added.Since 2023, the Mumbai-based non-profit has de-classed 235 ships from its registry, including oil tankers and gas carriers, Sharma told Reuters.He said the organisation has tightened its sanctions compliance framework in response to Western restrictions. “From almost 2023 onwards, we are not taking any ships which have any sanctions, whether it is US or European or UK sanctions,” Sharma said, referring to measures imposed on Russia over the Ukraine conflict and Iran over its nuclear programme.IRClass has also removed significant sanctioned tonnage after reassessing compliance, including vessels that could not adequately justify their listing status. “We have released almost about 13 million (gross) tons of tonnage which were sanctioned vessels, but could not satisfactorily explain to us why there was a sanction. So, there was a huge amount of tonnage which we de-classed,” he said.The move comes amid wider divergence in global enforcement approaches, with India maintaining a cautious stance in sanction-linked energy trade while China has recently urged firms not to comply with US sanctions targeting certain oil refiners linked to Iranian crude purchases.Industry experts say stricter classification practices could also accelerate the growth of so-called “shadow fleets” operating outside recognised insurance and safety systems, raising environmental and compliance risks in global shipping lanes.Read the latest news on the go. 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 MediaVideosCongress Alleges EC Blocked Delegation Amid Meenakshi Natarajan Rajya Sabha Nomination Row | WatchCongress Candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected In MPCID Searches TMC Offices In Kolkata As Abhishek Faces Third Summons In Signature Forgery ProbeHorse-Trading Fears Trigger Congress Move As MP MLAs Fly To Bengaluru Before VotingInside TMC Turmoil: MPs Revolt, Leaders Resign and NDA aims at powerKalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad Attack TMC Rebels As Party Faces Biggest Split YetWhy The Centre Lifted Lakshadweep’s 47-Year Liquor Ban: ExplainedPoK Unrest Deepens: Protesters Allege Crackdown, Casualties And BlackoutTMC Crisis Deepens As CID Probes Alleged Fake Signatures In LoP Selection Case | WatchIndia Accuses Pak Of Spreading Disinformation To Cover Up Human Rights Abuses In POK123PhotostoriesTimes ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: ‘I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin’London’s Billionaire Street: 5 most expensive real estate addresses attracting the world’s wealthiest buyers5 brain tumour myths that experts wish people would stop believingLewis Hamilton’s luxury sneaker collection:A look at the F1 star’s footwear obsessionFrom Aamir Khan to Lalit Modi: 10 famous personalities who fell in love with their long-time friendsIndian history and mythology to native language: 6 meaningful ways to connect children with indian heritage5 countries where tipping is considered rudeFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Dear Zindagi’ to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on lifeThe best places to retire in India: Affordable, peaceful, and senior-friendly9 mangoes that are not grown in India and what makes them unique123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSwapnil SrivastavDana WhiteBrock LesnarTom Brady and Gisele Bündchen DivorcePoK ProtestsTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Driving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation Mexico orders work-from-home, shuts schools for FIFA World Cup opener | Football News Jacqueline Fernandez moves SC against charges in Sukesh Chandrashekhar’s Rs 200 crore money laundering case; hearing on June 11 | Hindi Movie News IShowSpeed reveals FIFA World Cup opening game stream plans as Cristiano Ronaldo fans flood social media . Ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to France next week for the G7 summit, French ambassador Thierry Mathou tells TOI’s Sachin Parashar in an exclusive interview that India’s involvement with the group of world’s most advanced and industrialised nations has become indispensable. The ambassador also said India’s participation in a “defensive” mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz once the conflict is over would send a powerful signal. Excerpts: France is hosting the G7 summit amid the protracted West Asia conflict. How do you think the summit will help address the conflict’s economic consequences like the global energy crisis and its impact on the Global South, particularly partners like India?The Évian Summit comes at a pivotal moment, as the consequences of the conflict weigh heavily on the global economy. In a sense it brings the G7 back to the basics, as it was created in 1975 on France’s initiative to deal with the crisis following the first oil shock. True to this spirit, the French G7 Presidency aims to deliver tangible solutions. We have already contributed to G7 efforts to release strategic supplies in a coordinated manner to reduce impacts on global oil prices, including by coordinating with the Gulf economies.President Macron is seeking early US-Iran ceasefire agreement and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He has also remained in touch with PM Modi on the issue. Do you see India also as playing a role in the “defensive” coalition that France has proposed for unimpeded passage through the Strait?We cannot accept the Strait to be managed in a manner inconsistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and navigation rules. This precedent would have disastrous consequences in other parts of the world, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. France is fully committed to supporting the resumption of safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Since the Paris Summit on Freedom of Navigation of 17 April, which India attended, a broad international consensus has emerged in favour of freedom of navigation and the launch of a strictly defensive mission, distinct from other operations, once security conditions so allow. India’s participation would be a powerful signal. France has been actively backing India’s involvement with G7. What role do you see India playing in addressing issues related to global economic imbalances and ensuring a more inclusive and resilient international order? As global imbalances worsen, the involvement of India and other partner countries within the G7 has become indispensable. For the first time, India and other partner countries have been closely associated upstream of the summit, participating in Sherpa meetings and ministerial sessions. To this end, we are seeking to build collective momentum so that we can, together with the United States and China, hold a serious discussion on the root causes of these imbalances. Our second priority concerns the overhaul of international partnerships, for which working closely with India is crucial. We must move away from the official aid approach towards genuine co-investment. Given India’s economic and demographic weight, its contribution to the discussion is of paramount importance.The G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting this year stressed the need for global governance reform. Can we expect some concrete proposals at the Summit to ensure institutions like the UNSC are more attuned to current geopolitical realities?The precise agenda of the Summit is still being finalised as I speak. France’s position on this subject is well known. Reforming the Security Council, particularly by including India, Brazil, Germany, Japan and two African States as permanent members, is key to strengthening its representativeness and legitimacy. We are convinced that such a reform is possible. It is therefore imperative to begin negotiations based on a draft text, without waiting for prior consensus, which has proved unattainable to date. With the G7 focused also on critical minerals, do you see the Summit working to develop alternatives against China’s dominance? There is a clear momentum to reduce the exposure of our value chains, minimise excessive dependencies, and combat non-market practices that distort fair competition. Concrete deliberations have already been undertaken under the French G7 Presidency to converge on a framework to diversify our supply sources. We hope that these efforts will conclude successfully and be endorsed by as many States as possible. France is also organising a high-level event on critical mineral cooperation a few days ahead of the Evian summit. Given the level of trust between India and France, defence cooperation remains a central pillar of the relationship. India recently issued the formal Letter of Request for the 114 Rafale aircraft under the MRFA program. With India expecting 94 of these jets to be built here, what percentage of technology transfer will France agree to, particularly regarding the Safran M88 engine technology? As these discussions are ongoing, you will understand that I cannot go into any details. Let me just say that, as with many other defence programmes France has developed with India, we intend this new acquisition to be in line with “Make in India” requirements. Is there any specific takeaway you are looking at from the Macron-Modi bilateral in terms of the ongoing bilateral cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, including AI, space and civil nuclear energy? The India-France Year of Innovation 2026 has given tangible momentum. President Macron’s visit in February set clear deliverables in technological fields. The bilateral meetings in Nice alongside the Bharat Innovates conference will enable us to take stock of progress and define the next steps. One critical tool we created on this occasion is the Indo-French Innovation Network, a digital platform involving all the stakeholders for bridging the ecosystems of our two countries. France and India have played a significant role in deepening global discussions on AI along with the private sector. Our ambition is that these outcomes should translate into concrete cooperation, not merely declarations.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCongress Candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected In MPCID Searches TMC Offices In Kolkata As Abhishek Faces Third Summons In Signature Forgery ProbeHorse-Trading Fears Trigger Congress Move As MP MLAs Fly To Bengaluru Before VotingInside TMC Turmoil: MPs Revolt, Leaders Resign and NDA aims at powerKalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad Attack TMC Rebels As Party Faces Biggest Split YetWhy The Centre Lifted Lakshadweep’s 47-Year Liquor Ban: ExplainedPoK Unrest Deepens: Protesters Allege Crackdown, Casualties And BlackoutTMC Crisis Deepens As CID Probes Alleged Fake Signatures In LoP Selection Case | WatchIndia Accuses Pak Of Spreading Disinformation To Cover Up Human Rights Abuses In POKUS Court Strikes Down Trump-Era $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee | Temporary Relief To Indians?123PhotostoriesTimes ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: ‘I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin’London’s Billionaire Street: 5 most expensive real estate addresses attracting the world’s wealthiest buyers5 brain tumour myths that experts wish people would stop believingLewis Hamilton’s luxury sneaker collection:A look at the F1 star’s footwear obsessionFrom Aamir Khan to Lalit Modi: 10 famous personalities who fell in love with their long-time friendsIndian history and mythology to native language: 6 meaningful ways to connect children with indian heritage5 countries where tipping is considered rudeFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Dear Zindagi’ to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on lifeThe best places to retire in India: Affordable, peaceful, and senior-friendly9 mangoes that are not grown in India and what makes them unique123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSwapnil SrivastavDana WhiteBrock LesnarTom Brady and Gisele Bündchen DivorcePoK ProtestsTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Driving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation Who is Ethan Slater? Ariana Grande’s former boyfriend, who broke up after three years Pomodoro Technique: This 5-minute Elon Musk productivity trick could save you hours every week | 27 snake hatchlings found inside water tank in Haridwar, sparks panic in village NEW DELHI: Speculation is rife over a possible reshuffle in Union Cabinet after a rejig in BJP’s state units and Rajya Sabha ticket allotments.With the completion of 12 years of the BJP-led NDA government and the second year of its third term, Prime Minister Modi may effect a reshuffle in his ministry sometime soon, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.As a new team under party president Nitin Nabin is set to be announced within this month, some leaders holding positions in the government may move to the party, sources added.In Delhi, Union minister Harsh Malhotra has been appointed as the state unit head, while another Union minister, Pankaj Chaudhary, was appointed president of the Uttar Pradesh unit in December 2025.Nabin has toured across states to gather feedback and fine-tune organisational machinery.Meanwhile, two Union ministers, Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, have not been renominated for the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections even though their tenures are coming to an end soon. Debashish Samantaray, who quit BJD to join BJP, has been fielded for the Odisha bypoll.Sources told PTI that Bittu will concentrate on next year’s assembly election in Punjab. BJP is likely to assign a key role to Bittu, whose Rajya Sabha tenure is ending this month.The decision not to renominate Bittu, also a Jat Sikh and grandson of former CM Beant Singh, has surprised political circles, but there is a view that he may be asked to focus on the coming polls. Kurian, a seasoned BJP member from Kerala, lost in the assembly polls held recently in the state.Assembly elections in Punjab are slated for early next year, and BJP is leaving nothing to chance to wrest the border state from AAP.In 2022, Cabinet ministers Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and R C P Singh had quit before their Rajya Sabha terms were over and were later not renominated to the House.Among the Rajya Sabha candidates, BJP has named its state president A Sharda Devi from Manipur and former state chief Tai Tagak from Arunachal Pradesh. From Gujarat, it has picked four new faces, including three relatively young functionaries — Rajubhai Shukla, Mukeshbhai Rathwa, Mansingh Parmar and Jitendra Kanzariya — with a focus on OBC and tribal communities.BJP is all but certain to seal all 10 seats — four from Gujarat, two each from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and one each from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh — besides the lone bypoll seat from Odisha due to its numerical strength. It is in office in all these states. Elections to 24 seats and a bypoll to one are due on June 18.Read the latest news on the go. 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 MediaVideosCongress Candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected In MPCID Searches TMC Offices In Kolkata As Abhishek Faces Third Summons In Signature Forgery ProbeHorse-Trading Fears Trigger Congress Move As MP MLAs Fly To Bengaluru Before VotingInside TMC Turmoil: MPs Revolt, Leaders Resign and NDA aims at powerKalyan Banerjee, Kirti Azad Attack TMC Rebels As Party Faces Biggest Split YetWhy The Centre Lifted Lakshadweep’s 47-Year Liquor Ban: ExplainedPoK Unrest Deepens: Protesters Allege Crackdown, Casualties And BlackoutTMC Crisis Deepens As CID Probes Alleged Fake Signatures In LoP Selection Case | WatchIndia Accuses Pak Of Spreading Disinformation To Cover Up Human Rights Abuses In POKUS Court Strikes Down Trump-Era $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee | Temporary Relief To Indians?123PhotostoriesTimes ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan proved to be a family man: ‘I don’t want to miss a single moment with my daughter, Klin’London’s Billionaire Street: 5 most expensive real estate addresses attracting the world’s wealthiest buyers5 brain tumour myths that experts wish people would stop believingLewis Hamilton’s luxury sneaker collection:A look at the F1 star’s footwear obsessionFrom Aamir Khan to Lalit Modi: 10 famous personalities who fell in love with their long-time friendsIndian history and mythology to native language: 6 meaningful ways to connect children with indian heritage5 countries where tipping is considered rudeFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Dear Zindagi’ to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on lifeThe best places to retire in India: Affordable, peaceful, and senior-friendly9 mangoes that are not grown in India and what makes them unique123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSwapnil SrivastavDana WhiteBrock LesnarTom Brady and Gisele Bündchen DivorcePoK ProtestsTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Driving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation Updated: Jun 09, 2026, 22:13 IST Bond market push: Govt eyes Bloomberg index inclusion with latest G-Sec reforms R Madhavan was advised to follow Rajinikanth and the film flopped badly, he decided to never become ‘data ka tattu’, here’s what it means Quote of the day by Neil deGrasse Tyson: “Curious that we spend more time congratulating people who have succeeded than encouraging people who…”