VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html NEW DELHI: The Union health ministry has asked states to strengthen preparedness across healthcare systems ahead of peak summer, flagging risks from both heatwaves and fire incidents and calling for urgent action.In separate communications, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava directed states and Union Territories to ramp up measures to tackle above-normal heatwave conditions as well as improve fire safety compliance in hospitals.On heat preparedness, the ministry warned that above-normal heatwave days are likely from April to June across East, Central and North-West India, along with parts of the south-east peninsula. Coastal areas of Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh, as well as isolated regions of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka, have also been flagged.States have been asked to ensure operational heatstroke management units at all health facilities, strengthen ambulance readiness, issue early warnings and maintain real-time reporting of heatstroke cases on the IHIP portal. The ministry stressed that proactive planning and close monitoring will be key to preventing avoidable heat-related deaths.In parallel, the Centre has directed states to step up fire safety audits in healthcare facilities, with a nationwide Fire Safety Week from May 4 to 10 covering district hospitals, medical colleges and multi-speciality centres.Hospitals have been asked to conduct fire safety assessments using an updated checklist and submit reports through the IHIP portal, with any gaps to be rectified at the earliest. States have also been told to document activities and submit action-taken reports after the exercise.The ministry noted that fire incidents pose a serious risk in hospitals, especially where critically ill patients depend on uninterrupted care, and called for stricter compliance with safety norms.The twin directives come as temperatures begin to rise across parts of the country, with the Centre pushing states to strengthen preparedness across public health systems during the summer months.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 MediaVideosMira Road Stabbing Case Under ATS Investigation Over Suspected Radicalisation AngleSalim Dola deported: Inside India’s big crackdown on D-Company’s global narcotics networkPM Narendra Modi’s Football Game In Gangtok Sparks Buzz Over Bengal Poll Message‘No Place For Double Standards’: Rajnath Singh Hails OP SINDOOR At SCO MeetAtishi Hits Back At BJP: Rejects Rijiju’s Claims, Calls AAP a Fast-Growing Political ForceAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune Station123PhotostoriesSelf healing techniques based on your birth date5 exercises that can tone down your thighsHow to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending muchTop 10 fruits you can grow in the UK climate (even in small spaces)7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foodsIndia’s pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around4 harmful effects of screen time on child development5 dangerous pets that were created by humans against natureArsh Aulakh weds Mehreen Pirzada: Decoding the dreamy pink Anarkali Mehreen Pirzada wore for her Anand Karaj123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap Apr 28, 2026, 14:26 IST TS SSC result 2026 to be released tomorrow: Check date and time to download Telangana Class 10th scorecards ‘Michael’ sequel faces a legal standstill over the 1993 Jordan Chandler settlement – Reports Mini Convertible goes sporty with JCW Pack at Rs 61.5 lakh: Details Is your child dealing with things or running away? Recognising emotional warning signs in teens – The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated a likely return of El Nino conditions as early as May–July this year, with climate models pointing to rapidly rising sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.In its latest Global Seasonal Climate Update, the WMO said there is growing confidence in the onset of El Nino after neutral conditions earlier this year. “After a period of neutral conditions at the start of the year, climate models are now strongly aligned, and there is high confidence in the onset of El Nino, followed by further intensification in the months that follow,” said Wilfran Moufouma Okia.He added, “Models indicate that this may be a strong event, but the so-called spring predictability barrier is a challenge for the certainty of forecasts at this time of year. Forecast confidence generally improves after April.”The report projected “a nearly global dominance of above-normal land surface temperatures” over the next three months, with significant regional variations in rainfall. El Niño, part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), is known to influence global weather, often weakening monsoon systems in parts of Asia.What is El Nino?El Nino is a climate phenomenon marked by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. It occurs irregularly every two to seven years and typically lasts around nine to twelve months. During an El Niño event, the usual easterly trade winds weaken or may reverse, disrupting global weather patterns. This can lead to drier conditions in regions such as Australia, Indonesia and parts of South Asia, while bringing heavier rainfall to parts of the Americas, along with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecasted a below-normal southwest monsoon for 2026, the first such outlook in three years, with rainfall likely at about 92% of the long period average.Even as monsoon concerns mount, a severe heatwave has gripped large parts of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, pushing temperatures well beyond 45°C and intensifying public discomfort. Akola recorded a blistering 46.9°C, the highest in the country, while Amravati (46.8°C), Wardha (46.4°C) and Yavatmal (46.0°C) closely followed. Nagpur touched 45.4°C, its highest of the season so far, as hot winds and dry conditions prevailed.There is little respite in sight, with the IMD issuing an orange alert for Akola, Amravati and Wardha, warning of severe heatwave conditions, while a yellow alert remains in place for Nagpur, Chandrapur and Buldhana.Akola not only topped national charts but also ranked among the hottest places globally, placing third in the world for the day. Amravati (fourth), Wardha (sixth), Yavatmal (eighth) and Nagpur (tenth) also featured in the global top 10, underlining the intensity of the heatwave across the region.In Delhi, authorities have stepped up preparedness. Chief minister Rekha Gupta announced measures including providing ORS solutions in schools and ensuring uninterrupted power and water supply. She has also directed departments to ensure workers are not exposed to peak heat between 1 pm and 4 pm.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 MediaVideosSalim Dola deported: Inside India’s big crackdown on D-Company’s global narcotics networkPM Narendra Modi’s Football Game In Gangtok Sparks Buzz Over Bengal Poll Message‘No Place For Double Standards’: Rajnath Singh Hails OP SINDOOR At SCO MeetAtishi Hits Back At BJP: Rejects Rijiju’s Claims, Calls AAP a Fast-Growing Political ForceAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune StationFour Killed, 70 Hurt As Taliban Blames Pak Strikes, Peace Hopes Shaken123Photostories5 exercises that can tone down your thighsHow to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending much7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foodsIndia’s pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around4 harmful effects of screen time on child development5 dangerous pets that were created by humans against natureArsh Aulakh weds Mehreen Pirzada: Decoding the dreamy pink Anarkali Mehreen Pirzada wore for her Anand Karaj8 characteristics of investor-friendly residential locationsChef Pankaj Bhadouria’s High-Protein Paratha Premix offers 15 g protein per serving123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap George Clooney supports Jimmy Kimmel as Donald Trump demands he be fired: ‘Jokes are jokes’ Kajol: Kajol gets candid about parenting daughter Nysa: “For three years, we just fought…..” | Odisha man digs up sister’s skeleton, protests outside bank to claim Rs 19,300 . NEW DELHI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday took cognisance of the “lone wolf” stabbing attack on two security guards in Thane, saying it is being viewed as a possible case of self-radicalisation in which the accused allegedly intended to target members of the Hindu community in the name of jihad. He also said investigators are probing whether a wider network or conspiracy was involved.”This appears to be a case of self-radicalisation. Some books and incriminating material were recovered from the accused’s residence. He lived in the United States and had recently returned. Preliminary investigations have revealed that he was radicalised and had a desire to attack members of the Hindu community in the name of jihad, which led him to carry out this incident,” said Fadnavis.“The case is currently being investigated by the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency and the state government is providing full cooperation to these agencies. The scope of the investigation will not be limited to the accused, but it will also investigate the individuals or networks behind his radicalisation. The entire case will be thoroughly investigated to uncover any possible conspiracy,” he added.The statement comes after a suspected “lone wolf” terror attack in the early hours of Monday in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road, a suburb of Mumbai, where a 31-year-old man allegedly stabbed two security guards.According to police, the accused, identified as Jabar Zubair Ansari, initially approached the guards on duty under the pretext of asking for directions. He later returned, questioned them about their religion, and allegedly forced one of them to recite the Islamic Kalma. When the guard was unable to do so, he attacked both men with a sharp-edged weapon, ANI reported citing eyewitness accounts.The victims, Rajkumar Mishra and Subroto Ramesh Sen, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. Mishra remains in critical condition, while Sen is undergoing treatment.Police said Ansari was arrested within 90 minutes of the incident after CCTV footage helped identify him. A case of attempted murder has been registered, and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has taken over the investigation.During searches at his residence, investigators reportedly recovered handwritten notes in which he expressed a desire to join ISIS and described the attack as a “first step” towards that goal. Officials are also examining digital evidence from his electronic devices to determine possible links with extremist handlers or networks.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 MediaVideosSalim Dola deported: Inside India’s big crackdown on D-Company’s global narcotics networkPM Narendra Modi’s Football Game In Gangtok Sparks Buzz Over Bengal Poll Message‘No Place For Double Standards’: Rajnath Singh Hails OP SINDOOR At SCO MeetAtishi Hits Back At BJP: Rejects Rijiju’s Claims, Calls AAP a Fast-Growing Political ForceAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune StationFour Killed, 70 Hurt As Taliban Blames Pak Strikes, Peace Hopes Shaken123Photostories5 exercises that can tone down your thighsHow to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending much7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foodsIndia’s pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around4 harmful effects of screen time on child development5 dangerous pets that were created by humans against natureArsh Aulakh weds Mehreen Pirzada: Decoding the dreamy pink Anarkali Mehreen Pirzada wore for her Anand Karaj8 characteristics of investor-friendly residential locationsChef Pankaj Bhadouria’s High-Protein Paratha Premix offers 15 g protein per serving123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap Shah Rukh Khan refused to take pending Rs 95 lakhs for ‘Hum Tumhare Hai Sanam’ when the film flopped: ‘You will have to pay by selling your assets’ How to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending much ‘First step to join ISIS’: How stabbing of security guards by US-returned man terror scare near Mumbai British Tourist Killed: Man with schizophrenia not criminally responsible for killing British tourist in Australia NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that every religious institution must function under established norms and cannot operate in a state of anarchy, while hearing a batch of petitions linked to the Sabarimala temple case and issues concerning women’s entry at places of worship.A nine-judge Constitution bench said the right to manage a religious institution does not mean the absence of structure, and regulation is necessary for orderly functioning, provided it remains within constitutional limits.The court was hearing matters related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, along with broader questions on the scope of religious freedom and rights of denominations under the Constitution.The bench comprised Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices B V Nagarathna, M M Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B Varale, R Mahadevan, and Joymalya Bagchi.During the hearing, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah said the right to manage a religious institution cannot imply the absence of systems or procedures.”There cannot be anarchy.Take a dargah or a temple. There will be elements associated with the institution, the manner of worship, the sequence in which things are done. Somebody has to regulate that.”He said institutions require an authority or body to ensure proper management and order.The bench said while regulation is necessary, such powers cannot violate constitutional protections or permit discrimination.”It cannot be that everyone says I will do whatever I want, or that the gates remain open at all times without any control. So the question is, who is that body which manages. That is where protection comes in, because regulation is necessary. At the same time, it cannot transgress constitutional limitations. There cannot be discrimination on the broad constitutional parameters,” Justice Amanullah said.He added that every institution must have norms and functioning cannot be determined individually by each visitor or devotee.Senior advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for Peerzada Syed Altamash Nizami, argued that the Chishti Nizami lineage associated with the dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Aulia constitutes a religious denomination with the right to regulate entry and management.He told the court that a dargah is a place where a saint is buried and that the Sufi tradition accords deep reverence to such sites.”Within Islam, there are differing views regarding the status of saints after death, but in the Sufi system of belief, there is deep reverence attached to the place where a saint is interred.”Pasha said the Sufi tradition in India consists of several recognised orders, including Chishtiya, Qadriya, Naqshbandiya and Suhrawardiya, and that the present case concerns the Chishtiya order.”This system, I submit, clearly constitutes a religious denomination. If one looks at the teachings attributed to Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, there is emphasis on adherence to Islamic practices such as roza, namaz, hajj, zakat, and above all, faith,” he submitted.He argued that the right to regulate entry into a religious institution forms part of management rights guaranteed under the Constitution.The ongoing proceedings arise from issues referred to a larger bench after the Supreme Court’s 2018 Sabarimala judgment.A five-judge Constitution bench had, by a 4:1 majority in September 2018, struck down the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years into the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, holding that the centuries-old practice was illegal and unconstitutional.The Supreme Court had earlier noted the challenge in judicially determining whether a practice is essential or non-essential to a religion.It observed that it was very difficult, if not impossible, for a judicial forum to define parameters for declaring a particular religious practice as essential or non-essential. The hearing in the matter is continuing.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 MediaVideosSalim Dola deported: Inside India’s big crackdown on D-Company’s global narcotics networkPM Narendra Modi’s Football Game In Gangtok Sparks Buzz Over Bengal Poll Message‘No Place For Double Standards’: Rajnath Singh Hails OP SINDOOR At SCO MeetAtishi Hits Back At BJP: Rejects Rijiju’s Claims, Calls AAP a Fast-Growing Political ForceAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune StationFour Killed, 70 Hurt As Taliban Blames Pak Strikes, Peace Hopes Shaken123Photostories5 exercises that can tone down your thighsHow to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending much7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foodsIndia’s pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around4 harmful effects of screen time on child development5 dangerous pets that were created by humans against natureArsh Aulakh weds Mehreen Pirzada: Decoding the dreamy pink Anarkali Mehreen Pirzada wore for her Anand Karaj8 characteristics of investor-friendly residential locationsChef Pankaj Bhadouria’s High-Protein Paratha Premix offers 15 g protein per serving123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap ‘We had Malinga, then we got Pathirana’: Tabraiz Shamsi shares hilarious ‘final boss’ clip – Watch | Cricket News MPESB Group 5 Paramedical answer key 2026 released at esb.mp.gov.in: Direct link to download here ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ with Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif faces recasting? Farhan Akhtar reacts: ‘There are many rumors’ 5 exercises that can tone down your thighs Beyond pills for cholesterol management: 6 natural ingredients, surprising foods your heart needs even in ‘healthy’ 20s-30s . NEW DELHI: Delhi leader of opposition and AAP MLA Atishi on Tuesday strongly criticised the Rajya Sabha Secretariat’s notification accepting the merger of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs into the BJP, calling it “unlawful and unconstitutional.”She said the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority of the legislative party for a merger between political parties, and under anti-defection laws there is no provision allowing 2/3rd MPs or MLAs to merge with another party.“The merger notification by Rajya Sabha Secretariat yesterday is unlawful and unconstitutional. Supreme Court’s constitution bench has passed clear orders and it is clearly written in the Constitution, and AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat about the same – that as per the Constitution, when the original political party merges, for that merger 2/3rd legislative party is also required. But under anti-defection laws, there is no provision in this country that 2/3rd MPs or MLAs can merge with another party,” said Atishi.Atishi further warned PM Modi that “the greater the atrocities you unleash, the worse the fate you will meet.”“But how does it matter to the BJP? BJP wants to finish off the Constitution and democracy of this country by hook or by crook…I would like to tell the BJP and PM Narendra Modi that history says that the greater the atrocities you unleash, the worse the fate you will meet. It is clear that the time for the end of BJP and Modi ji’s politics is near. So, their atrocities have increased. But in the history of this world, whenever atrocities have increased, there has come along someone to end those atrocities,” said Atishi.The remarks come after the merger of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs with the BJP was approved by the Rajya Sabha Chairman, increasing the BJP’s strength in the Upper House to 113. The MPs who switched include Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Swati Maliwal.With this development, the AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha has come down to three members.Responding to Union minister Kiren Rijiju’s comments on the issue, Atishi also highlighted the party’s performance under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership and said it reflects public demand for an alternative political force.“BJP wrote an obituary for the AAP 15 times in the last 15 years. Every 6 months, BJP announces that Arvind Kejriwal’s politics is finished. But under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, AAP is the country’s fastest-growing party. In just 10 years, the party formed a Govt in Delhi thrice, contested the election in Punjab for the first time and became the principal opposition and when it contested the second time it won a landslide majority, our MLAs won in Gujarat and Goa, we even have an MLA in J&K,” Atishi said.“These clearly show that the people of this country are looking for an alternative, for a different politics. AAP is becoming that alternative. Now, when trial court, CBI court order has exposed BJP’s conspiracy, they are restless. The nation has seen how a conspiracy was hatched against Arvind Kejriwal, how false allegations were levelled…The entire conspriacy is before the country, so, once again ED, CBI is being misused by the BJP,” she added.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 MediaVideosAtishi Hits Back At BJP: Rejects Rijiju’s Claims, Calls AAP a Fast-Growing Political ForceAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune StationFour Killed, 70 Hurt As Taliban Blames Pak Strikes, Peace Hopes ShakenNDA Nears 2/3 Majority As NDA Numbers Swell in Rajya Sabha After AAP Exodus’Party Of Billionaires’: Congress Attacks AAP After 7 Rajya Sabha MPs Join BJPIran Attacks Togo-Flagged Tanker With 17 Indian Seafarers Near Oman; All Safe123PhotostoriesHow to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending much7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foodsIndia’s pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around4 harmful effects of screen time on child development5 dangerous pets that were created by humans against natureArsh Aulakh weds Mehreen Pirzada: Decoding the dreamy pink Anarkali Mehreen Pirzada wore for her Anand Karaj8 characteristics of investor-friendly residential locationsChef Pankaj Bhadouria’s High-Protein Paratha Premix offers 15 g protein per serving8 small behaviors of people who are always mentally sharp123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap Virat Kohli’s special gesture for childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma wins hearts AP EAPCET hall ticket 2026 released at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in: Direct link to download admit card here Jimmy Kimmel reacts after Melania Trump and Donald Trump demanded him to be fired: ‘It was a very light roast’ Anand Mahindra shares a rare 140-year-old photo of Kedarnath, when reaching the shrine was the real pilgrimage When is May Full Moon 2026? Why is it known as Flower Moon India’s EV story hits unnecessary hurdle? Gurgaon basement charger saga gets new twist Scientists may have uncovered the secret behind the universe’s first supermassive black holes ‘Goli maro, thok do culture’: TMC accuses BJP of issuing ‘death threats’ to Mamata amid Bengal polls ‘Biggest fight in British boxing history’: Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua officially signed for 2026 Netflix showdown | International Sports News . NEW DELHI: Vedanta Power on Monday said it has completed disbursement of compensation to the families of those killed and injured in a boiler-related incident at its power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district earlier this month.In a statement, company said it has provided financial assistance of Rs 35 lakh each to families of the deceased, while Rs 15 lakh has been disbursed to those injured in the accident. “The compensation has already been released to all 35 affected individuals and families,” it said.Vedanta Power said it is also exploring employment opportunities for family members of the deceased and will support the education of their children up to Class 12. Skill development opportunities will be extended through its training centres to enhance employability of dependents.“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this tragic incident. Our thoughts remain with the bereaved families, and we are committed to supporting them in every possible way,” Vedanta Power CEO Rajinder Singh Ahuja said.An explosion occurred in a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam at Unit-1 of company’s plant in Singhitarai on April 14, killing 25 and leaving several others severely injured. The unit was being operated and maintained by NTPC GE Power Services Ltd (NGSL), a joint venture of NTPC and GE, the company said. Chhattisgarh police have registered an FIR against Vedanta group chairman Anil Agarwal and others in this connection.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAtishi Hits Back At BJP: Rejects Rijiju’s Claims, Calls AAP a Fast-Growing Political ForceAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune StationFour Killed, 70 Hurt As Taliban Blames Pak Strikes, Peace Hopes ShakenNDA Nears 2/3 Majority As NDA Numbers Swell in Rajya Sabha After AAP Exodus’Party Of Billionaires’: Congress Attacks AAP After 7 Rajya Sabha MPs Join BJPIran Attacks Togo-Flagged Tanker With 17 Indian Seafarers Near Oman; All Safe123PhotostoriesHow to make a small Bengaluru flat look bigger without spending much7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foodsIndia’s pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around4 harmful effects of screen time on child development5 dangerous pets that were created by humans against natureArsh Aulakh weds Mehreen Pirzada: Decoding the dreamy pink Anarkali Mehreen Pirzada wore for her Anand Karaj8 characteristics of investor-friendly residential locationsChef Pankaj Bhadouria’s High-Protein Paratha Premix offers 15 g protein per serving8 small behaviors of people who are always mentally sharp123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap Assam HS Class 12 result 2026: How to apply for rechecking? Check details here ‘Dhurandhar 2’ star Mustafa Ahmed’s wife Radhieka Pandeya slams trolls over resurfaced tweets: ‘Mustafa is not your bhai’ Gen Z dating trend explained: What is “Shrekking” and how is it changing modern relationships? Strait of Hormuz blockade persists, but India’s imports of Russian oil are down from highs seen in March – here’s why Uk Police: UK police chiefs report sharp rise in suicides linked to domestic abuse | World News Apr 28, 2026, 12:33 IST IPL 2026: RCB’s Suyash Sharma scripts history, becomes the first spinner ever to … RRB NTPC UG exam city intimation slip 2026 released; direct link to download here Dwayne Johnson’s wife Lauren Hashian shuts down viral AI baby rumours: ‘Apparently… I had TWO BABIES!!’ Easy desserts using sugarcane juice instead of sugar | How simple bathing practices are linked to planetary balance Blast near railway track in Patiala triggers panic, dismembered body found at scene Uk Murder Case: ‘Hot tub killer’ showed no warning signs before murdering his partner, say friends File photo NEW DELHI: Union minister for parliamentary affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday shared a post-session exchange with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to sharpen his attack on the opposition over the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill, claiming even Tharoor “agreed” with his remark that the Congress could be seen as anti-women.”We took a picture. Shashi Tharoor, when the parliament session was over, in the hall, he told me… but no woman will consider Shashi Tharoor is opposed to women. I said, yes, no one will call you women’s opposition,” Rijiju said in an interview with ANI.”That was what he meant. That Congress can be anti-women, but women will not consider Shashi Tharoor as anti-women… he agreed in a way,” he added.The minister also hit out at opposition parties for opposing the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which sought to provide 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.“Who would think that someone would vote against women? We don’t have a two-thirds majority… But who would have thought even in a dream that Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party would vote against women?” Rijiju said.He added that opposition parties “will have to face the anger of women” for opposing the bill, arguing that the issue should not be viewed through a political lens. Rijiju rejected the opposition’s argument that the bill unfairly linked women’s reservation to delimitation.”They say delimitation was linked… It is written in the 2023 law that delimitation will take place after the 2026 census and it will be implemented. Why was it not opposed then?” he said.He also dismissed concerns about the impact on southern states, saying the government had clarified that seat numbers would increase uniformly across states, along with 33% reservation for women.On demands to implement women’s reservation within the existing strength of 543 Lok Sabha seats, Rijiju argued that the current system is outdated.”Seats were fixed on the basis of 1971 population… some seats have 30 lakh or 40 lakh voters. Is this how democracy should work?” he said, adding that population-to-seat ratios in India are far higher than in many other countries.Opposition parties had opposed the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on April 17. In the division, 298 MPs voted in favour while 230 voted against, leading to its defeat.Following this, the government said it would not pursue two other linked bills. The proposals had aimed to increase the Lok Sabha’s strength from 543 to 816 seats, with 33% reservation for women, alongside delimitation based on the 2011 census.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 MediaVideosAtishi Targets Modi, BJP Over Rs 2500 Promise; Asks ‘When Will Delhi Women Get Money?’”Tharoor Accepted Congress Is Anti-Women”: Rijiju’s Claim Puts Party On BackfootAfter Kejriwal, Sisodia Recuses Himself From Excise Case Hearing Before Justice SharmaIndia ‘Condemns’ Strikes On Commercial Vessels At UNSC MeetMumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express Derails On Diamond Crossing While Entering Pune StationFour Killed, 70 Hurt As Taliban Blames Pak Strikes, Peace Hopes ShakenNDA Nears 2/3 Majority As NDA Numbers Swell in Rajya Sabha After AAP Exodus’Party Of Billionaires’: Congress Attacks AAP After 7 Rajya Sabha MPs Join BJPIran Attacks Togo-Flagged Tanker With 17 Indian Seafarers Near Oman; All Safe’Once-in-a-Generation’ India Signs Free Trade Agreement With New Zealand After a Decade of Talks123Photostories7 European vegetables that can grow in the balcony during this season“I am vegetarian, so I need to get my protein”: Sundar Pichai’s daily breakfast includes these 3 foodsIndia’s pilgrimage season is here: 10 pilgrimage sites to build your itinerary around4 harmful effects of screen time on child development5 dangerous pets that were created by humans against natureArsh Aulakh weds Mehreen Pirzada: Decoding the dreamy pink Anarkali Mehreen Pirzada wore for her Anand Karaj8 characteristics of investor-friendly residential locationsChef Pankaj Bhadouria’s High-Protein Paratha Premix offers 15 g protein per serving8 small behaviors of people who are always mentally sharp5 animals that breathe through their skin (and why can’t humans do the same)123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap Rs 4,000 crore infra push: PM Modi unveils key projects in Sikkim across healthcare, housing, education and other sectors Assam HS result 2026 declared: Science surges, girls lead, Arts dominates despite dip How to pick the sweetest melon every time using simple tricks like weight and smell | “Scam Altman and Greg Stockman”: Elon Musk mocks OpenAI CEO and co-founder, accuses the two of …