VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html CM Vijay launches Singappen Special Force, says drones will be used to prevent crimes against women in TN British man sentenced after asking woman ‘can i kiss you?’ on train to London | World News ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, on Tuesday to discuss the evolving security situation in West Asia, as regional tensions continue to escalate.During the call, PM Modi expressed concern over the developments and reiterated India’s position in favour of de-escalation and diplomacy.According to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation today with the emir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah.” The discussion also highlighted India’s continuing engagement with key partners in the Gulf on regional security issues.The MEA said the two leaders “exchanged views on the evolving security situation in West Asia.”It also stated, “Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and reaffirmed India’s strong condemnation of attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” PM Modi also reiterated the call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy for earliest restoration of peace and stability.The welfare of Indian nationals living in Kuwait also figured prominently in the conversation.According to the MEA, “Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Amir for his personal attention to the continued well-being and the safety of the large Indian community in Kuwait.”The statement reiterated that PM Modi conveyed appreciation for the emir’s efforts towards ensuring the security and welfare of Indians residing in the Gulf nation.The conversation comes days after India condemned an attack on Kuwait International Airport in which an Indian national was killed and several others were injured. On June 3, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that civilian populations and infrastructure must not be targeted, expressed condolences to the victim’s family, and said Indian missions across the region remained on alert while extending assistance to affected nationals and monitoring the situation closely.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPoK 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 PradeshDelhi LG Proposes Recruitment of Former Agniveers to Address Fire Department VacanciesWayanad Health Alert: 25 Students Admitted With Suspected Shigella InfectionZojila Tunnel Breakthrough: Major Milestone In India’s Most Challenging Himalayan Infra ProjectCongress Loses Last Rajya Sabha Presence In Gujarat As BJP Sweeps Seats;MP Contest Turns High-Stakes123Photostories5 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 uniqueSuccess quote of the day by Steve Jobs: “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is…”Canterbury Bells to Foxgloves in June: 6 low-maintenance plants that can help fill garden gapsFrom saving to spending: 5 essential money lessons every child should learnSolar storms and human health: Should we really be worried?Inside star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s ₹1,000+ crore real estate empire: Mansions, penthouses, and luxury villas across the globe6 social etiquettes every child should be taught and 6 reasons they can benefit a child’s future123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSwapnil SrivastavCommercial LPG shortageBrock LesnarTom Brady and Gisele Bündchen DivorceITR filing FY 2025-26Top 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 ‘Unsatisfactory’ verdict! ICC penalises Lord’s and Pakistan’s Gaddafi Stadium pitches Bank of Baroda apprentice recruitment 2026 last date extended for 5000 posts; apply here Akansha Ranjan Kapoor set to marry ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ director Sharan Sharma in Mumbai in July: Report | TCS chairman N Chandrasekaran says company has no layoff plans, but adds: If HR department has a metric on … Kuwait caps domestic worker hiring at 10 countries, restricts recruiting from 27 others | World News AI-generated representative image The Centre on Tuesday identified 197 districts across the country as the most vulnerable to the impact of El Niño and has prepared contingency plans to deal with any adverse effects on agriculture.Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on said that the ministry of agriculture and farmers’ welfare is implementing “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at reaching farmers.“The concern about El Nino is always on my mind 24×7. Not definitive, but 197 districts are identified as most vulnerable,” said Chouhan, as reported by the news agency PTI. ​The El Nino phenomenon is being assessed through weekly meetings held by the ministry. If conditions worsen, it has stored up necessary agricultural inputs like seeds to respond in time. “We have prepared a contingency plan for each state. We will leave no stone unturned to tackle this,” Chouhan added.El Nino, a climate phenomenon linked to poor monsoons and rainfall uncertainties, is a worry for this year.The southwest monsoon has been forecast at around 90% of the long-period average, a below-normal season, according to the IMD (India Meteorological Department).Crop risks could heighten if El Nino conditions intensify in the monsoon season’s latter half, officials warn.Kerala saw the southwest monsoon set in on June 4, which is now advancing northward. Estimated 20-30 per cent of the country is experiencing current coverage, full coverage is expected around July 15.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 MediaVideosPoK 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 PradeshDelhi LG Proposes Recruitment of Former Agniveers to Address Fire Department VacanciesWayanad Health Alert: 25 Students Admitted With Suspected Shigella InfectionZojila Tunnel Breakthrough: Major Milestone In India’s Most Challenging Himalayan Infra ProjectCongress Loses Last Rajya Sabha Presence In Gujarat As BJP Sweeps Seats;MP Contest Turns High-Stakes123PhotostoriesFrom ‘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 uniqueSuccess quote of the day by Steve Jobs: “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is…”Canterbury Bells to Foxgloves in June: 6 low-maintenance plants that can help fill garden gapsFrom saving to spending: 5 essential money lessons every child should learnSolar storms and human health: Should we really be worried?Inside star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s ₹1,000+ crore real estate empire: Mansions, penthouses, and luxury villas across the globe6 social etiquettes every child should be taught and 6 reasons they can benefit a child’s futureKatrina Kaif to Deepika Padukone: Desi hair-care remedies Bollywood’s leading actresses swear by for healthy locks123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSpiceJet’s cashCommercial LPG shortageBrock LesnarCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyITR filing FY 2025-26Top 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 PMC JE Result 2026 for 169 Junior Engineer Civil posts shortly on pmc.gov.in; here’s how to check Kangana Ranaut recalls early career image as ‘edgy, neurotic and suicidal’: ‘Now I’m going into portraying the very basic woman’ | Hindi Movie News Taylor Swift Quote: Love quote of the day by Taylor Swift: ‘If this guy’s not crazy, this is sort of what I’ve been writing songs about wanting to happen to me,’ relationship insight by the ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ singer with Travis Kelce | Scotland changed its buildings forever to save disappearing birds: Tiny ‘swift bricks’ will now be built into new homes Image: IANS Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is “harassing small Hindu traders in Punjab” while claiming that raids are being conducted on traders in the state. In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, “The ED party is once again conducting raids on Hindu traders in Punjab today. The ED party is harassing small Hindu traders in Punjab.”Issuing an appeal to the trading community, he urged them not to panic and asserted that the Punjab government stands with them. He further said, “I appeal to all traders – there is no need to panic, the entire Punjab and the Punjab government are with you, we will all together confront the ED party.”Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at six locations across Ludhiana and Jalandhar in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi-Noida region as part of an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) allegedly linked to a real estate case, officials said on Tuesday.According to officials, the searches were carried out at residential and business premises connected to persons and entities under probe in the case allegedly involving Hampton Sky Realty Ltd.”The search operations were conducted at six premises across Ludhiana and Jalandhar in Punjab, Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, and the Delhi-Noida region. The action is part of an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The premises being covered include both residences and business offices connected with the persons and entities under investigation in the case of Hampton Sky Realty Ltd,” officials said.Further investigation is currently underway.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWayanad Health Alert: 25 Students Admitted With Suspected Shigella InfectionZojila Tunnel Breakthrough: Major Milestone In India’s Most Challenging Himalayan Infra ProjectCongress Loses Last Rajya Sabha Presence In Gujarat As BJP Sweeps Seats;MP Contest Turns High-Stakes8 Workers Killed, Several Critical After Molten Steel Explosion At Vizag Steel PlantAmit Shah Chairs High-Level Yamuna Review Meet, Pushes Integrated Action Plan For River RejuvenationKashmiri Diaspora Stages Massive UK Protests Against Alleged Military Crackdown In PoJKIndia Tears Into Pakistan At UN, Calls Airstrikes On Afghanistan ‘Massacre’ And ‘Hypocrisy’Supreme Court Pulls Up CBSE Over Delay In Class 12 Improvement Results, Seeks Solution By FridayInternet Cut, Drones Deployed As Jaipur Widens Key Road Amid Encroachment Row | WatchTMC Rift Deepens As Mahua Targets Yusuf Pathan After MPs Back NDA Alignment | Watch123Photostories6 social etiquettes every child should be taught and 6 reasons they can benefit a child’s futureKatrina Kaif to Deepika Padukone: Desi hair-care remedies Bollywood’s leading actresses swear by for healthy locksOutdoor living room ideas: 7 Beautiful, design-led ways to bring indoor comfort outside using style, light and decor10 popular home design styles shaping modern real estateArchana Puran Singh’s luxurious Madh Island mansion: A big garden, bedrooms with a dreamy skyline, and a fancy vanityHow to keep Peonies from flopping over after they bloom: Simple gardening tricks that help support heavy flowers, strengthen stems, and maintain upright, beautiful garden bedsWhen a growing waistline is more than just a size problem10+10+10 rule: The 30-minute parenting habit every parent should knowForget Mussoorie and Nainital: This Himalayan Valley is Uttarakhand’s best-kept secretThis rare Baramasi mango tree produces juicy mangoes in just 9 months, and that too on your balcony. Here’s how!123Hot PicksMHT CET Result 2026Rajasthan Pre DElEd resultUKSSSC Patwari Admit CardUPSC Success StorySpiceJet’s cashCommercial LPG shortageBrock LesnarPinarayi Vijayan money laundering caseITR filing FY 2025-26Top 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 Russian crude here to stay? Why India-US energy ties may be more about LPG, LNG than oil despite Trump’s push UGC directs universities to upload 2025 academic records on ABC platform by June 30; check official notice ‘Toxic’ update: Production team rubbishes rumours of 100 day reshoot for Yash and Geetu Mohandas’ film NEET Paper Leak Accused Yash Yadav Seeks Bail to Take Re-Exam Amidst Ongoing CBI Investigations | India News Quote of the day by American investor Ray Dalio: “If you’re not failing, you’re not pushing your limits, and if you’re not pushing your limits, you’re not…” | World News Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains tense after deadly clashes between protesters and security forces, drawing international attention and concern over reported communication restrictions.West Bengal CID investigators have reached Mamata Banerjee’s residence as part of a probe into allegations of forged signatures on a letter submitted to the Assembly.Delhi Police say the murder of a Delhi University professor was carefully planned, with investigators uncovering evidence of surveillance and extensive preparations by the accused.A viral video showing Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar throwing bitten apples into a crowd has sparked debate online over the appropriateness of the gesture.Congress has shifted its Madhya Pradesh MLAs to Karnataka ahead of Rajya Sabha elections, alleging attempts by the BJP to poach legislators.Here are the top 5 stories of the dayDeadly PoK protests draw international scrutinyTensions remained high across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir a day after clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces left at least 11 people dead and dozens injured. Demonstrations have spread across multiple towns, while reports of communication restrictions and arrests have prompted concern from more than 50 British parliamentarians who have urged the UK government to support de-escalation efforts. Read full story Watch Kashmiri Diaspora Stages Massive UK Protests Against Alleged Military Crackdown In PoJKCID Reaches Mamata Banerjee’s residence in signature forgery probeA CID team visited the residence of former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee as part of an investigation into alleged signature forgery involving a letter submitted to the Assembly secretariat. The probe follows complaints by two rebel TMC MLAs who claim several signatures on the document backing Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay for Leader of the Opposition were forged. Read full storyDelhi University professor murder was planned months in advance, say policeInvestigators believe the killing of Delhi University assistant professor Debosmita Paul was the result of extensive planning by a couple accused of carrying out the murder. Police say the suspects conducted reconnaissance visits, collected photographs of her home and vehicle, and allegedly used a rent-related conversation to confirm her presence before travelling to Delhi and carrying out the crime. Read full storyViral video of DK Shivakumar tossing bitten apples sparks debateA video showing Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar taking bites from apples and throwing them into a crowd during a public event in Kanakapura has gone viral on social media. While supporters described the gesture as an informal interaction with the public, critics questioned the optics of distributing partially eaten fruit at a public gathering. Read full storyCongress moves Madhya Pradesh MLAs to Karnataka ahead of Rajya Sabha pollsThe Congress has shifted its Madhya Pradesh MLAs to Karnataka ahead of the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections, alleging attempts by the BJP to influence legislators. The move reflects concerns over potential cross-voting in a closely watched contest where the Congress believes it has the numbers to secure its candidate’s victory but remains wary of defections. Read full storyRead 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 MediaVideosIndia 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 PradeshDelhi LG Proposes Recruitment of Former Agniveers to Address Fire Department VacanciesWayanad Health Alert: 25 Students Admitted With Suspected Shigella InfectionZojila Tunnel Breakthrough: Major Milestone In India’s Most Challenging Himalayan Infra ProjectCongress Loses Last Rajya Sabha Presence In Gujarat As BJP Sweeps Seats;MP Contest Turns High-Stakes8 Workers Killed, Several Critical After Molten Steel Explosion At Vizag Steel PlantAmit Shah Chairs High-Level Yamuna Review Meet, Pushes Integrated Action Plan For River Rejuvenation123Photostories9 mangoes that are not grown in India and what makes them uniqueSuccess quote of the day by Steve Jobs: “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is…”Canterbury Bells to Foxgloves in June: 6 low-maintenance plants that can help fill garden gapsFrom saving to spending: 5 essential money lessons every child should learnSolar storms and human health: Should we really be worried?Inside star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s ₹1,000+ crore real estate empire: Mansions, penthouses, and luxury villas across the globe6 social etiquettes every child should be taught and 6 reasons they can benefit a child’s futureKatrina Kaif to Deepika Padukone: Desi hair-care remedies Bollywood’s leading actresses swear by for healthy locksOutdoor living room ideas: 7 Beautiful, design-led ways to bring indoor comfort outside using style, light and decor10 popular home design styles shaping modern real estate123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyFIFA World Cup England SquadMike BabcockJoey MawsonSpiceJet’s cashCommercial LPG shortageBrock LesnarCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyITR filing FY 2025-26Top 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 09, 2026, 17:56 IST India A vs Sri Lanka A: Prabhsimran Singh’s costly blunder sparks controversy; furious Ruturaj Gaikwad questions decision ‘GDP momentum intact, no need for extra borrowing’: Centre plays down impact of Middle East crisis Sbte Result: SBTE Bihar diploma even semester results 2026 declared; scorecards available at sbte.bihar.gov.in ‘Saathiya’ actress Sandhya Mridul calls out salon discrimination after domestic help denied haircut: ‘It’s the mindset’ How many times is ‘very close’? Trump’s 37 predictions of an Iran deal Indian founder Swapnil Srivastav gets rejected for US visa for ‘not enough ties to home country’ Will TMC’s rebellion deliver what elections couldn’t — a stronger NDA in Lok Sabha? | India News UPSC NDA 2, CDS 2 2026: What candidates awaiting Class 12 results should know Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan and Raashii Khanna to shoot romantic track in Dehradun for untitled Anees Bazmee film Mansions, penthouses, and luxury villas across the globe Harnessing Immune Memory: A New Hope for Cancer Survivors | Meet Diane Hendricks: From dairy farm roots to America’s richest self-made billionaire with a $21.7 billion empire | World News File photo Ayodhya has witnessed a sharp rise in visitor numbers over the past few years. This increase has coincided with the construction and inauguration of the Ram Temple in 2024, along with a broader infrastructure push across the temple town.According to a Press Information Bureau release, the number of visitors to the district increased from 6,022,618 in 2020 to 164,419,522 in 2024. State tourism figures also show that Ayodhya recorded more than 2.84 lakh visitors in 2017, rising to 2.39 crore in 2022, 5.75 crore in 2023 and over 16.44 crore in 2024. In fact, in the first quarter of 2025 alone, the city recorded more than 20 crore visitors, according to official data.The expansion of transport infrastructure has been central to accommodating the increase in arrivals. The redevelopment of the Ayodhya Dham railway station, along with the inauguration of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, has significantly enhanced connectivity to the temple town. It currently connects Ayodhya with major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata.Official data of the Uttar Pradesh government says that the total tourist footfall across the state increased from 23.75 crore in 2017 to more than 109.65 crore in the first quarter of 2025. Ayodhya has accounted for a substantial share of that growth, with official figures indicating that nearly one in five domestic tourists visiting Uttar Pradesh in recent years travelled to the temple town.The tourism surge has also created opportunities for businesses linked to hospitality, retail, transport and pilgrimage services. Local traders, hotel operators, transport providers and small businesses have reported an increase in demand as the number of visitors grow. This rise in tourism is linked to new investments and employment generation across sectors associated with the visitor economy.The economic impact of the tourism surge is also reflected in local incomes and government revenues. According to a study published by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow in February, based on Ayodhya’s post-temple economy, the average daily earnings of a shopkeeper in the city have increased nearly fivefold, from around Rs 400-500 a day before the recent tourism boom to approximately Rs 2,500 a day.The study further found significant appreciation in property values, with real estate prices rising by 25-40% across the city and by as much as five to ten times in areas surrounding the Ram Mandir.The increase in commercial activity has also translated into higher tax collections. It was also noted that Ayodhya has generated around Rs 400 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi LG Proposes Recruitment of Former Agniveers to Address Fire Department VacanciesWayanad Health Alert: 25 Students Admitted With Suspected Shigella InfectionZojila Tunnel Breakthrough: Major Milestone In India’s Most Challenging Himalayan Infra ProjectCongress Loses Last Rajya Sabha Presence In Gujarat As BJP Sweeps Seats;MP Contest Turns High-Stakes8 Workers Killed, Several Critical After Molten Steel Explosion At Vizag Steel PlantAmit Shah Chairs High-Level Yamuna Review Meet, Pushes Integrated Action Plan For River RejuvenationKashmiri Diaspora Stages Massive UK Protests Against Alleged Military Crackdown In PoKIndia Tears Into Pakistan At UN, Calls Airstrikes On Afghanistan ‘Massacre’ And ‘Hypocrisy’Supreme Court Pulls Up CBSE Over Delay In Class 12 Improvement Results, Seeks Solution By FridayInternet Cut, Drones Deployed As Jaipur Widens Key Road Amid Encroachment Row | Watch123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Steve Jobs: “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is…”Canterbury Bells to Foxgloves in June: 6 low-maintenance plants that can help fill garden gapsFrom saving to spending: 5 essential money lessons every child should learnSolar storms and human health: Should we really be worried?Inside star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s ₹1,000+ crore real estate empire: Mansions, penthouses, and luxury villas across the globe6 social etiquettes every child should be taught and 6 reasons they can benefit a child’s futureKatrina Kaif to Deepika Padukone: Desi hair-care remedies Bollywood’s leading actresses swear by for healthy locksOutdoor living room ideas: 7 Beautiful, design-led ways to bring indoor comfort outside using style, light and decor10 popular home design styles shaping modern real estateArchana Puran Singh’s luxurious Madh Island mansion: A big garden, bedrooms with a dreamy skyline, and a fancy vanity123Hot PicksMHT CET Result 2026FIFA World Cup England SquadMike BabcockUPSC Success StorySpiceJet’s cashCommercial LPG shortageBrock LesnarCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyITR filing FY 2025-26Top 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 Harmanpreet Kaur returns to top 10 in latest ICC rankings ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup | Cricket News SpaceX IPO: Elon Musk’s firm sees massive oversubscription as institutional orders top $10 billion US judge kills Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee: What happens next for Indian professionals? ‘Baby Do Die Do’ teaser: Huma Qureshi turns into a ruthless deaf-mute assassin armed with red umbrella – Watch 5 essential money lessons every child should learn The most powerful house numbers for prosperity, According to numerology Govt spent Rs 1.23 lakh crore to keep petrol, diesel prices unchanged for 78 days : Sources Deep-sea radioactive waste mystery: Scientists begin hunt for 200,000 nuclear barrels dumped in the Atlantic Ocean AI representational image The gym was supposed to be neutral territory where people arrived in all shapes and sizes to sweat through their weights and workouts. Nobody cared what you were called or who you prayed to. Over the past few months, however, a mix of criminal cases and viral claims has brought communal suspicion into a space that once seemed insulated from it.Like ‘love jihad’, ‘thook jihad’, ‘land jihad’ and ‘UPSC jihad’, the latest addition to this growing vocabulary of compound nouns is ‘gym jihad’. In January, police in Mirzapur alleged some gym owners and trainers were using fitness centres to befriend women, film compromising videos and pressure them into conversion. In March, a Saharanpur gym trainer was accused of drugging a nursing student’s protein drink and sexually assaulting her.By April, right-wing groups in Karnataka’s Hubballi were protesting outside a police station, claiming gyms had become hubs of ‘love jihad’. In the last four years, more than a dozen such cases have surfaced. On May 19, authorities in Mirzapur booked 10 gym operators under the Gangsters Act.The most recent flashpoint unfolded in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, where the family of 30-year-old Ayush Malik accused a female gym trainer-physiotherapist of a calculated conspiracy. According to the police complaint filed by Malik’s father, a pharmaceutical businessman, the accused trainer engineered a relationship to brainwash his son, coercing him into a secret nikah and a new identity as Mohammad Ali to usurp the family’s property.The narrative fractured when Ayush publicly rejected the allegations, asserting he converted entirely of his own free will after a decade of studying Islam. Despite his defense, local authorities registered an FIR under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act and arrested both the gym trainer and her father.In such cases, even before the charges can be verified, social media amplifies the narrative. One viral video last month claimed a Delhi-based Muslim gym instructor was using personal training sessions to advance an agenda. Fact-checkers later debunked the clip as manipulated, but not before it spread widely through WhatsApp groups.The resulting anxieties rarely manifest as overt violence. Gurgaon-based fitness enthusiast Himesh Nanda (name changed) says he began noticing more overt religious symbolism among trainers after the UP cases gained traction online.“You’ll see the red and yellow thread — the kalawa — very prominently on wrists now,” he says. “And more conspicuous displays of tattoos with imagery like Mahadev, Bajrangbali, Om, Ram, etc. In my knowledge, they are more closely associated with akharas and pehlwani culture than with urban gym chains.”In Hubballi, a 23-year-old Muslim gym trainer, Sameer Mulla, was assaulted by local groups over allegations involving a young Hindu woman. While right-wing outfits branded the case as ‘love jihad’, city police and the woman’s family cited rape, blackmail and abduction. “The fact is that we have a victim of sexual abuse and an accused person, and we have taken necessary legal action. A fitness trainer is a fitness trainer. Which community or caste a person belongs to is not a matter of concern for us,” TOI was told by police commissioner N Shashi Kumar, who led the investigation.In Bhopal last year, right-wing activists demanded gym owners pledge not to employ Muslim men and organised mass recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa inside gyms. The controversy escalated when a police officer was filmed ordering a gym to ban Muslim staff and clients. Senior officials later suspended the sub-inspector for issuing the directive.“But suspension hardly works. There is always a new fever in MP. Sometimes it’s ‘thook jihad’ because of an unverified viral video of a fruit vendor gargling water over a fruit cart, or it’s ‘land jihad’ or ‘UPSC jihad’. The community is routinely targeted to deflect attention from other administrative issues,” says Bhopal-based advocate Deepak Bundele, who has routinely petitioned the NHRC on alleged ‘love jihad’ cases.Members of the community have also challenged the cases in court. “Under what law have the gym owners been arrested in Mirzapur,” asks Anas Tanwir, founder of the Indian Civil Liberties Union. The Supreme Court is reviewing the Gangsters Act used in the case, but Tanwir says that despite earlier rulings that allegations alone are insufficient grounds for arrest, youth remain in jail for indefinite periods.In north Delhi’s Wazirabad, Sultan Shaikh insists his gym is “not a battleground in the culture wars”. He has run GS Fitness, a neighbourhood gym, for five-six years. His Instagram reels mix workout clips with messages against violence, hate and vandalism, and draws on Hindu religious values. “People hear rumours, then they go shouting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and vandalise places. I tell them to first understand what Ram actually stood for.”The response is often hostile. “People comment asking if I’m running a madrasa or a temple in the name of a gym,” he says. But Shaikh insists that “all this ‘gym jihad’ nonsense is political tactics.”Yet gym-goers like Prachi, a Pune-based fitness enthusiast, proudly says her gym does not hire Muslim trainers. “That makes me feel safe,” says the 35-year-old IT professional, who also recounts how her husband’s friend “saved” a cousin in Vidarbha from a Muslim gym trainer after they had an affair. “When a Hindu trainer misbehaves with a Hindu girl in a gym, at least there is no added fear of conversion, right?”Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSneha BhuraSneha Bhura is an Assistant Editor with The Times of India. She loves exploring stories at the intersection of culture and technology. She is also a published poet and podcaster. Her debut poetry collection ‘Velvet Grapes’ was released in 2021.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi LG Proposes Recruitment of Former Agniveers to Address Fire Department VacanciesWayanad Health Alert: 25 Students Admitted With Suspected Shigella InfectionZojila Tunnel Breakthrough: Major Milestone In India’s Most Challenging Himalayan Infra ProjectCongress Loses Last Rajya Sabha Presence In Gujarat As BJP Sweeps Seats;MP Contest Turns High-Stakes8 Workers Killed, Several Critical After Molten Steel Explosion At Vizag Steel PlantAmit Shah Chairs High-Level Yamuna Review Meet, Pushes Integrated Action Plan For River RejuvenationKashmiri Diaspora Stages Massive UK Protests Against Alleged Military Crackdown In PoJKIndia Tears Into Pakistan At UN, Calls Airstrikes On Afghanistan ‘Massacre’ And ‘Hypocrisy’Supreme Court Pulls Up CBSE Over Delay In Class 12 Improvement Results, Seeks Solution By FridayInternet Cut, Drones Deployed As Jaipur Widens Key Road Amid Encroachment Row | Watch123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Steve Jobs: “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is…”Canterbury Bells to Foxgloves in June: 6 low-maintenance plants that can help fill garden gapsFrom saving to spending: 5 essential money lessons every child should learnSolar storms and human health: Should we really be worried?Inside star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s ₹1,000+ crore real estate empire: Mansions, penthouses, and luxury villas across the globe6 social etiquettes every child should be taught and 6 reasons they can benefit a child’s futureKatrina Kaif to Deepika Padukone: Desi hair-care remedies Bollywood’s leading actresses swear by for healthy locksOutdoor living room ideas: 7 Beautiful, design-led ways to bring indoor comfort outside using style, light and decor10 popular home design styles shaping modern real estateArchana Puran Singh’s luxurious Madh Island mansion: A big garden, bedrooms with a dreamy skyline, and a fancy vanity123Hot PicksMHT CET Result 2026FIFA World Cup England SquadMike BabcockUPSC Success StorySpiceJet’s cashCommercial LPG shortageBrock LesnarCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyITR filing FY 2025-26Top 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 ‘Son, unlike father’: Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant studied engineering but never graduated, affidavit filed for MLC polls shows Kumod Raney Death News: An emotional Salman Khan controls his tears as he attends his friend Kumod Raney’s funeral, Helen, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan also spotted – WATCH VIDEOS | Hindi Movie News CEO of $95 billion AI chip company Cerebras sends a request from stage, says: We are working with every major hardware maker other than Nvidia ‘Something changed’: JD Vance reveals how Charlie Kirk’s death convinced them to have another baby NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Tuesday condemned reports of violence against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Responding to the situation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had observed “a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan” in connection with the protests. “It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses,” he said.Also read: Six security forces killed as terrorists storm post in Peshawar amid growing unrest in PakistanJaiswal also referred to reports of excessive force being used against civilians in PoK. “There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which several people have been killed and many injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses,” he added.His remarks came as tensions continued to escalate across PoK following deadly clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces. A shutdown strike remained in effect in several areas, while reports suggested that communication services had been disrupted after violence in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad. Demonstrations have spread across multiple towns, including Bhimbar and Kotli, with hundreds of people taking part in anti-government protests.According to reports, at least eleven civilians were killed during clashes on Sunday night.The unrest has also attracted international attention. More than 50 British parliamentarians have written to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressing concern over reports of a communications blackout, arrests and escalating tensions in PoK. In their letter, the lawmakers said British Kashmiris had struggled to contact relatives in the region and warned that restrictions on communications risked worsening an already volatile situation.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 MediaVideosWayanad Health Alert: 25 Students Admitted With Suspected Shigella InfectionZojila Tunnel Breakthrough: Major Milestone In India’s Most Challenging Himalayan Infra ProjectCongress Loses Last Rajya Sabha Presence In Gujarat As BJP Sweeps Seats;MP Contest Turns High-Stakes8 Workers Killed, Several Critical After Molten Steel Explosion At Vizag Steel PlantAmit Shah Chairs High-Level Yamuna Review Meet, Pushes Integrated Action Plan For River RejuvenationKashmiri Diaspora Stages Massive UK Protests Against Alleged Military Crackdown In PoJKIndia Tears Into Pakistan At UN, Calls Airstrikes On Afghanistan ‘Massacre’ And ‘Hypocrisy’Supreme Court Pulls Up CBSE Over Delay In Class 12 Improvement Results, Seeks Solution By FridayInternet Cut, Drones Deployed As Jaipur Widens Key Road Amid Encroachment Row | WatchTMC Rift Deepens As Mahua Targets Yusuf Pathan After MPs Back NDA Alignment | Watch123Photostories6 social etiquettes every child should be taught and 6 reasons they can benefit a child’s futureKatrina Kaif to Deepika Padukone: Desi hair-care remedies Bollywood’s leading actresses swear by for healthy locksOutdoor living room ideas: 7 Beautiful, design-led ways to bring indoor comfort outside using style, light and decor10 popular home design styles shaping modern real estateArchana Puran Singh’s luxurious Madh Island mansion: A big garden, bedrooms with a dreamy skyline, and a fancy vanityHow to keep Peonies from flopping over after they bloom: Simple gardening tricks that help support heavy flowers, strengthen stems, and maintain upright, beautiful garden bedsWhen a growing waistline is more than just a size problem10+10+10 rule: The 30-minute parenting habit every parent should knowForget Mussoorie and Nainital: This Himalayan Valley is Uttarakhand’s best-kept secretThis rare Baramasi mango tree produces juicy mangoes in just 9 months, and that too on your balcony. 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