VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html How loitering munitions are making battlefields more lethal and unpredictable Truce and fire: The ghost of Versailles haunts Trump. But is Iran overplaying its hand? High drama in SC as petitioner uses cuss words for CJI, throws papers (Image credit: X) NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court witnessed dramatic scenes on Friday after a petitioner appearing in person created a ruckus during a hearing, threw case papers inside the courtroom and allegedly used abusive language against the Chief Justice of India (CJI) before being escorted out by security personnel.The incident took place before a partial working days bench of Justice K V Viswanathan and Justice Alok Aradhe during the hearing of an appeal filed by Prabal Pratap. The petitioner had challenged an Allahabad high court order dismissing his plea against the conversion of his application under Section 173(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) into a private complaint case.As the matter was taken up, the petitioner made an unusual submission to the bench, saying, “Mr judicial servant, I order you to order the registration of FIR against ACP Vikas Nagar, Lucknow,” Live Law reported. Surprised by the remark, Justice Viswanathan responded, “You are ordering me? You are ordering us?” Moments later, the petitioner allegedly hurled case papers inside the courtroom and used cuss words against the CJI Surya Kant. Supreme Court security personnel immediately restrained him and escorted him out of the courtroom.Despite the disruption, the bench remained calm and continued hearing the remaining matters listed for the day. The court also chose not to initiate any action against the petitioner over his conduct. In its order, the bench observed, “…considering the condition of the petitioner above-named, and does not propose to take any action against him. As far as the merit of this case is concerned, we have perused the records, we find no good ground to interfere with the impugned judgment/order(s).” The appeal was accordingly dismissed.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? Kerala Orders Probe Into Wayanad Landslide Tragedy’Exam Paper Came A Night Before’: UGC-NET Leak Trail, Whistleblower Tells His Story | WatchUP Government Transfers 20 IAS Officers In Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Across DepartmentsDefence, Energy, Education: 18 Big Outcomes Of PM Modi’s Australia VisitGurugram Gunfight Leaves Four Gang Members Dead After Massive Exchange Of Fire With PoliceCalcutta HC Allows TMC To Operate Frozen Accounts, Questions Police’s Swift Action3 Ex-TMC MPs Join BJP, Get Rajya Sabha Tickets Within Hours | West Bengal | Mamata Banerjee123Photostories6 stunning red birds in India and where to find themIf your child says these 7 phrases often, psychologists say they’re asking for connectionAre you accidentally damaging your kidneys? Doctor reveals the common daily mistakes that can lead to silent kidney diseaseSreeleela and Kalyani Priyadarshan ace the Wimbledon dress code with timeless London fashion5 natural alternatives to collagen supplements for healthy hair and skinRed vs green vs yellow bell peppers: Who wins the nutrition face-off?7 Animals that eat bees without letting stings stop themLock Upp 2: From Ram Kapoor’s lavish villa to Shivangi Joshi’s dreamy Dehradun home, a look at the luxurious properties of the inmatesNo botox, no expensive creams: Here’s how Japanese women stay young for decades and what we can learn from themSonam Kapoor’s customised Anamika Khanna look for Anshula Kapoor’s reception is wedding guest fashion at its finest123Hot PicksSIRBlake LivelyGurgaon EncounterCM VijayAlex PereiraPM ModiAssam BudgetStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war Bank of Maharashtra net profit up 27% to Rs 2023 crore ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ box office collection Day 14 [LIVE]: Akshay Kumar starrer eyes Rs 130 crore amid ‘Dhamaal 4’ release and Rs 180 crore global haul Dalai Lama Meditation Tips: The Dalai Lama gives 2 secret tips to concentrate while meditating: Simple step by step guide for beginners Canadians who bought recalled Silk and Great Value plant milk may claim up to $300,000: Who qualifies Billionaire Larry Ellison once fought the entire city of San Jose so he could land his private jet at midnight, but when it came to buying a $490 million megayacht, he did it over lattes and two emails NEW DELHI: The end of the Budget session of Parliament this year marked a rare high for the opposition. The Congress-led INDIA bloc united with other opposition parties to prevent the Centre from passing a Constitution Amendment Bill. The Bill linked implementation of women’s reservation to delimitation. This was on April 17. Nearly three months down the line, as parties gear up for the Monsoon session from July 20, the euphoria of this triumph has been replaced by concern among the opposition ranks.The Bill that they had managed to stop in its tracks during the Budget session could make its way back in the Monsoon session and garner greater support in Parliament. In April, 298 members supported the Bill in Lok Sabha while 230 opposed it. MPs supporting the Bill were way more than those opposing it but were short of the two-thirds majority of 352 (out of 528) needed for the passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill.So, what has changed in three months? Well, a lot. Parties have split. Opposition numbers in Parliament have come down. Long-time allies have turned into foes. The opposition camp is in disarray and the regional parties under its fold are now a weakened force.And, that is why the upcoming Monsoon session may be interesting to watch. The BJP, still smarting from the rare failure on the Constitution Amendment Bill, is reportedly working behind the scenes to ensure a two-thirds majority to push through its important pending legislations, including the delimitation bill.The Congress has accused Union home minister Amit Shah of trying to “engineer” a two-third majority for the BJP in Lok Sabha and alleges he is busy breaking opposition parties while making a “complete mockery of democracy” but his “evil designs” will not succeed.”Never before has anybody tried to engineer a two-third majority for his party in the Lok Sabha as the Union Home Minister is desperately doing these days in the run-up to the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The self-styled Chanakya had been humiliated on April 17 2026 when the NDA could not get the requisite two-third majority. Stung by that resounding defeat, Shah is now busy breaking opposition parties and making a complete “mockery of democracy”, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X..The three months between the two sessions saw four important political developments that have together put the NDA in command and the opposition on the backfoot.First blow: Raghav’s rebellion stings AAPOn April 24, exactly seven days after NDA’s Lok Sabha setback, the opposition suffered the first blow as 7 MPs of Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP broke ranks with the party in Rajya Sabha and aligned with the BJP. Since, the breakaway group’s strength was more than two-thirds of the total 10 MPs the party had in the Upper House, the defection did not come under the purview of the anti-defection law. The rebellion, which came as a surprise to Arvind Kejriwal, reduced AAP’s strength in Rajya Sabha to 3.Second blow: Mamata’s defeat and Trinamool implosionThe second blow to opposition came from West Bengal, where BJP ended Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year-rule and successfully snatched a key state from the hands of the opposition. While the defeat stunned Mamata, what hurt her and the opposition camp more was the implosion which threatened the very existence of the Trinamool Congress. 20 MPs of the Trinamool Congress raised a banner of revolt against Mamata and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee and announced to align with the BJP in Lok Sabha. This list of 20 included several of Mamata’s loyalists and was enough to avoid any action under the anti-defection law. To make matters worse, several Rajya Sabha members of Trinamool also joined this rebellion. However, since their numbers were less, they resigned from the party and their membership from the Upper House.Third blow: Shiv Sena splitThe opposition camp suffered another blow in June when 6 out of the 9 MPs of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena decided to dump the party and join hands with Eknath Shinde. The six MPs submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla indicating their decision to join the Shinde camp. For Uddhav this was the second time that he faced rebellion from within the ranks. The Shiv Sena suffered a massive vertical split in 2022 when Shinde led a rebellion of party MLAs. Uddhav eventually lost control of the party and symbol.Fourth blow: Congress-DMK splitThe fourth blow to the opposition camp came from Tamil Nadu. M K Stalin’s DMK, which had aligned with the Congress, lost the 2026 assembly elections to actor-tuned-politician Vijay. Ideally, this poll upset should not have impacted the opposition’s national politics. After all, the silver lining was that the BJP-AIADMK alliance had failed in the state. But that was not to be. Vijay’s TVK got a big mandate but not enough to ensure a government on its own. Vijay needed help and the Congress was more than ready to chip in. So, the grand-old-party moved swiftly to dump DMK and join hands with TVK. This set the stage for one of the biggest disruptions in the INDIA bloc since it was formed. The DMK snapped all ties with the Congress, sought a separate seating plan in Parliament, walked out of the INDIA bloc and, if some reports are to be believed, is also flirting with the idea of some sort of coordination on its terms with the BJP.’DMK may try to get even with Congress’Arun Ram, Tamil Nadu Resident Editor of The Times of India, feels the prospect of DMK supporting the Union government on some bills cannot be completely ruled out.“The DMK may support the Union government on some bills to get even with the Congress or also to not appear completely friendless,” says Arun Ram.“DMK cannot go back on some of its stated positions, like on delimitation, three-language formula. But, yes on some of the bills it may back the Union government. For instance, if the BJP completely delinks the Women’s Reservation Bill from the Delimitation Bill, the DMK may support the government on Women’s Bill,” he adds.Misplaced confidence?Now, that is a prospect which could deal a body blow to the INDIA bloc. DMK has 22 members in Lok Sabha and if Stalin decides even a tactical association with the NDA – it could disrupt opposition math. For now, the opposition is trying to put up a brave front knowing that two-third majority in a House of 543 translates into numbers which, at least on paper, looks beyond the reach of NDA. The Congress has claimed that it will not let the “evil designs” of BJP to succeed. But this Congress confidence could well be misplaced. What the opposition needs to understand is that two-thirds majority is a number that can change depending on how many members are present for the voting. We have already seen the BJP surprise many times when it comes to managing numbers in Parliament.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? Kerala Orders Probe Into Wayanad Landslide Tragedy’Exam Paper Came A Night Before’: UGC-NET Leak Trail, Whistleblower Tells His Story | WatchUP Government Transfers 20 IAS Officers In Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Across DepartmentsDefence, Energy, Education: 18 Big Outcomes Of PM Modi’s Australia VisitGurugram Gunfight Leaves Four Gang Members Dead After Massive Exchange Of Fire With PoliceCalcutta HC Allows TMC To Operate Frozen Accounts, Questions Police’s Swift Action3 Ex-TMC MPs Join BJP, Get Rajya Sabha Tickets Within Hours | West Bengal | Mamata Banerjee123Photostories6 stunning red birds in India and where to find themIf your child says these 7 phrases often, psychologists say they’re asking for connectionAre you accidentally damaging your kidneys? Doctor reveals the common daily mistakes that can lead to silent kidney diseaseSreeleela and Kalyani Priyadarshan ace the Wimbledon dress code with timeless London fashion5 natural alternatives to collagen supplements for healthy hair and skinRed vs green vs yellow bell peppers: Who wins the nutrition face-off?7 Animals that eat bees without letting stings stop themLock Upp 2: From Ram Kapoor’s lavish villa to Shivangi Joshi’s dreamy Dehradun home, a look at the luxurious properties of the inmatesNo botox, no expensive creams: Here’s how Japanese women stay young for decades and what we can learn from themSonam Kapoor’s customised Anamika Khanna look for Anshula Kapoor’s reception is wedding guest fashion at its finest123Hot PicksSIRBlake LivelyGurgaon EncounterCM VijayAlex PereiraPM ModiAssam BudgetStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war Forex reserves rise by $7.3 billion in week ended July 3 Kendall Jenner is ready to walk away from the show to keep her Jacob Elordi romance private; argues with mom, Kris Jenner Typhoon Maysak: China floods trigger snake scare as hundreds escape into villages; locals say ‘we’re scared to even step outside’ | Jupiter Combust 2026: Essential Dos and Don’ts to Protect Your Luck and Wealth Did the butterflies remember him? Japanese student’s discovery uncovers astonishing insect memory Meet Claire Parfitt: Scientist who once cleaned space toilets, now leading exploration teams to Mars | H-1B visa revoked: Man says he deeply regrets not paying $600 traffic fine by deadline China’s mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet sits above an active fault line, with government-backed geologists warning of landslides and earthquake risks.The Assam government has proposed dismissing government employees found guilty of practising polygamy under new Budget proposals.The UK has designated Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Oracle as “critical third parties”, tightening oversight of their cloud services.Court denies Rajpal Yadav relief in the Rs 9 crore debt case, leaving his three-month jail sentence in force.Kerala student Sawariya Basanth’s death in Uzbekistan sparks probe calls after family alleges a forced conversion angle.Here are the top 5 stories of the dayChina’s Brahmaputra mega dam faces fresh fault line scareChina’s ambitious mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River faces fresh scrutiny after government-backed geologists warned it sits above an active fault line that could trigger earthquakes, landslides and structural instability. The findings by the South China Morning Post have renewed concerns over the project’s safety and its implications for downstream countries, including India, where the river flows as the Brahmaputra. The warning comes amid growing geopolitical tensions over Beijing’s upstream activities. Read full story.Assam cracks down on polygamy with jobs, welfare ban proposalThe Assam government has proposed dismissing government employees found guilty of practising polygamy and denying welfare benefits to those following the practice. Announcing the measures in the state Budget, finance minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the move aims to promote women’s empowerment and gender justice. The government also plans to bar people convicted under criminal laws from accessing notified welfare schemes. Read full story.UK puts Big Tech giants under financial watch over cloud risksThe UK government has designated Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Oracle as “critical third parties”, bringing their cloud operations under direct regulatory oversight from July 13. The move aims to protect the financial system as banks, insurers and market firms increasingly depend on cloud services. Authorities warned that disruptions at major providers could affect multiple institutions simultaneously, potentially impacting services used by customers across the country. Read full story.Rajpal Yadav gets no relief in Rs 9 crore cheque bounce caseActor Rajpal Yadav has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment in seven cheque bounce cases linked to a Rs 9 crore debt dispute. The Delhi High Court rejected his plea for a stay and ordered immediate custody. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma directed Yadav to pay Rs 1.05 crore to the complainant in each case, along with an additional penalty to the state. Read full story.Kerala student killed in Uzbekistan; family alleges forced conversion angleA 21-year-old Kerala medical student, Sawariya Basanth, was allegedly murdered in Uzbekistan by a fellow student, with her family alleging repeated attempts to force her religious conversion. Uzbek authorities have arrested the accused. After her body was brought back to India, a second post-mortem was conducted in Kerala following the family’s request. Police have registered a murder case based on a complaint filed by her father. Read full story.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? Kerala Orders Probe Into Wayanad Landslide Tragedy’Exam Paper Came A Night Before’: UGC-NET Leak Trail, Whistleblower Tells His Story | WatchUP Government Transfers 20 IAS Officers In Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Across DepartmentsDefence, Energy, Education: 18 Big Outcomes Of PM Modi’s Australia VisitGurugram Gunfight Leaves Four Gang Members Dead After Massive Exchange Of Fire With PoliceCalcutta HC Allows TMC To Operate Frozen Accounts, Questions Police’s Swift Action3 Ex-TMC MPs Join BJP, Get Rajya Sabha Tickets Within Hours | West Bengal | Mamata Banerjee123Photostories6 stunning red birds in India and where to find themIf your child says these 7 phrases often, psychologists say they’re asking for connectionAre you accidentally damaging your kidneys? Doctor reveals the common daily mistakes that can lead to silent kidney diseaseSreeleela and Kalyani Priyadarshan ace the Wimbledon dress code with timeless London fashion5 natural alternatives to collagen supplements for healthy hair and skinRed vs green vs yellow bell peppers: Who wins the nutrition face-off?7 Animals that eat bees without letting stings stop themLock Upp 2: From Ram Kapoor’s lavish villa to Shivangi Joshi’s dreamy Dehradun home, a look at the luxurious properties of the inmatesNo botox, no expensive creams: Here’s how Japanese women stay young for decades and what we can learn from themSonam Kapoor’s customised Anamika Khanna look for Anshula Kapoor’s reception is wedding guest fashion at its finest123Hot PicksSIRBlake LivelyGurgaon EncounterCM VijayAlex PereiraPM ModiAssam BudgetStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war ‘This group of players raised my expectations’: Bruno Fernandes reacts to Portugal’s exit from FIFA World Cup | Football News Assam ITI round 4 seat allotment result 2026 out at itiassam.admissions.nic.in; direct link here Will Rajpal Yadav go to jail in Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case? Court has given THESE options to the actor, according to Madhav Gopal Agarwal’s lawyer, find out Want a fresh and odour-free toilet: These 6 ingredients can help | AI has detected hidden slow movements beneath California’s San Andreas Fault earlier missed by scientists: Can it cause a massive earthquake? Remove addictive features or pay fine: EU tells Meta to fix Instagram, Facebook A third galaxy has now been found without dark matter, making one of astronomy’s biggest mysteries even harder to explain Pradhan orders action over NCERT’s court lapse in paper supplier case NEW DELHI: Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered a probe and strict action against officials after NCERT failed to appear before the Delhi High Court to defend its decision to blacklist a paper supplier accused of delaying textbook production, sources said.The ministry has asked NCERT to examine how Bafna Global Venture Private Limited was selected despite allegedly not meeting the required conditions, why it subsequently failed to adhere to the paper-supply schedule and how the council’s case went unrepresented in court.MoE officials said the ministry had earlier asked the council to expedite textbook production and prepare a procurement protocol to ensure books were available on time. The latest lapse has raised fresh questions over the council’s procurement and legal processes.The firm approached the high court on June 24 challenging NCERT’s June 22 order debarring it for two years from participating in the council’s procurement process.With no representative appearing on behalf of NCERT during the hearing, the court granted the company interim protection from coercive action until further orders. It also restrained NCERT from invoking a bank guarantee of more than Rs 6 crore furnished by the supplier.“Taking serious note of reports that NCERT failed to effectively defend its decision to blacklist a paper supplier before the Delhi High Court, union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed strict action against the officers responsible for the lapse,” a source said.Officials responsible for failing to initiate the required legal steps will be identified and held accountable, sources said, adding that Pradhan had underlined a zero-tolerance approach towards administrative and legal lapses in textbook procurement and production.The supplier told the court that paper manufacturing was delayed because hydrogen peroxide, used as a bleaching agent, had become unavailable due to the conflict involving Iran. The matter will next be heard on July 20.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? Kerala Orders Probe Into Wayanad Landslide Tragedy’Exam Paper Came A Night Before’: UGC-NET Leak Trail, Whistleblower Tells His Story | WatchUP Government Transfers 20 IAS Officers In Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Across DepartmentsDefence, Energy, Education: 18 Big Outcomes Of PM Modi’s Australia VisitGurugram Gunfight Leaves Four Gang Members Dead After Massive Exchange Of Fire With PoliceCalcutta HC Allows TMC To Operate Frozen Accounts, Questions Police’s Swift Action3 Ex-TMC MPs Join BJP, Get Rajya Sabha Tickets Within Hours | West Bengal | Mamata Banerjee123Photostories6 stunning red birds in India and where to find themIf your child says these 7 phrases often, psychologists say they’re asking for connectionAre you accidentally damaging your kidneys? Doctor reveals the common daily mistakes that can lead to silent kidney diseaseSreeleela and Kalyani Priyadarshan ace the Wimbledon dress code with timeless London fashion5 natural alternatives to collagen supplements for healthy hair and skinRed vs green vs yellow bell peppers: Who wins the nutrition face-off?7 Animals that eat bees without letting stings stop themLock Upp 2: From Ram Kapoor’s lavish villa to Shivangi Joshi’s dreamy Dehradun home, a look at the luxurious properties of the inmatesNo botox, no expensive creams: Here’s how Japanese women stay young for decades and what we can learn from themSonam Kapoor’s customised Anamika Khanna look for Anshula Kapoor’s reception is wedding guest fashion at its finest123Hot PicksSIRBlake LivelyGurgaon EncounterCM VijayAlex PereiraPM ModiAssam BudgetStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war JoSAA counselling 2026 round 4 seat allotment result out at josaa.nic.in; complete reporting by July 13 Farhad Samji recalls Amitabh Bachchan’s reaction to ‘Bol Bachchan’ rap: ‘At this age, you’re making me do all this, Miyan?’ Erling Haaland’s off-field flex: 5 cars that make up the Viking’s car collection Astronaut reveals the tiny glowing garden inside the International Space Station where scientists are learning how to grow food for future Moon and Mars missions 4 burnt alive in car, 7 die fleeing on foot in deadly Spain wildfire That earthy smell you love after rain doesn’t come from the rain at all. It comes from bacteria older than the dinosaurs BJP questions Rahul Gandhi’s absence from rallies NEW DELHI: The BJP on Friday attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the cancellation of his scheduled student outreach programmes, alleging he was “vacationing abroad” and accusing him of exploiting students for political purposes.BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha questioned Gandhi’s whereabouts, claiming he had been absent from public events for nearly two weeks and that three of his student rallies had been cancelled. He said Gandhi’s last verified public appearance was on June 19.”It is absolutely shocking that Rahul Gandhi has cancelled three of his scheduled student rallies because he seems to be completely immersed in vacationing. He appears to be focused on his holidays,” Sinha told PTI.”Normally, students need a break because they are exhausted from preparing for examinations. Here, students may not be vacationing as much, but Rahul Gandhi, who has exploited students for his politics, has gone on a long break, leading to the cancellation of three student rallies,” he said.Calling Gandhi a “non-serious politician,” Sinha said he was “least bothered about students” and had only been using them for “mala fide” politics.”This once again shows, first, that Rahul Gandhi is a non-serious politician, and second, that he is least bothered about students. He was only using students for political purposes, and his politics has mala fide intent written all over it,” Sinha said.”How shameful that Rahul Gandhi can’t get over his holidaying spree… It just shows him once again as a non-serious politician, besides proving that he was merely exploiting student sentiments for his vulture politics. Students must beware of such fly-by-night operators,” he said in a post on X.The attack comes as the Congress party has been attempting to position Gandhi as a youth-friendly leader ahead of the 2029 elections. His cancellation of student engagements has given the BJP an opening to question his commitment to the cause.There was no immediate reaction from the Congress to the BJP’s allegations.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? Kerala Orders Probe Into Wayanad Landslide Tragedy’Exam Paper Came A Night Before’: UGC-NET Leak Trail, Whistleblower Tells His Story | WatchUP Government Transfers 20 IAS Officers In Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Across DepartmentsDefence, Energy, Education: 18 Big Outcomes Of PM Modi’s Australia VisitGurugram Gunfight Leaves Four Gang Members Dead After Massive Exchange Of Fire With PoliceCalcutta HC Allows TMC To Operate Frozen Accounts, Questions Police’s Swift Action3 Ex-TMC MPs Join BJP, Get Rajya Sabha Tickets Within Hours | West Bengal | Mamata Banerjee123Photostories6 stunning red birds in India and where to find themIf your child says these 7 phrases often, psychologists say they’re asking for connectionAre you accidentally damaging your kidneys? Doctor reveals the common daily mistakes that can lead to silent kidney diseaseSreeleela and Kalyani Priyadarshan ace the Wimbledon dress code with timeless London fashion5 natural alternatives to collagen supplements for healthy hair and skinRed vs green vs yellow bell peppers: Who wins the nutrition face-off?7 Animals that eat bees without letting stings stop themLock Upp 2: From Ram Kapoor’s lavish villa to Shivangi Joshi’s dreamy Dehradun home, a look at the luxurious properties of the inmatesNo botox, no expensive creams: Here’s how Japanese women stay young for decades and what we can learn from themSonam Kapoor’s customised Anamika Khanna look for Anshula Kapoor’s reception is wedding guest fashion at its finest123Hot PicksSIRGold Rate TodayGurgaon EncounterCM VijayWeather TodayPM ModiAssam BudgetStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war AIAPGET 2026 registration begins at exams.nta.ac.in; check key dates and direct link to apply Late actor Satish Kaushik returns in ‘Dhamaal 4’ as Bata Bhai, character retreated through CGI and AI 7 Animals that eat bees without letting stings stop them A Kazakh ‘Prince’ bought one of New Jersey’s priciest homes for just $10, and the deal is now drawing scrutiny PM Modi formally launched the Viksit UDAN scheme on July 4 during the inauguration of the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport When the government launched the UDAN scheme in 2016, it carried a simple but ambitious promise: make flying affordable enough for even a person wearing hawai chappals to board a hawai jahaz.Nearly a decade later, that vision has reshaped India’s aviation map. Watch UDAN 2.0 Explained: Can India’s Affordable Flying Dream Finally Take Off?Small airports that had remained unused for years were revived. Towns that had never seen scheduled commercial flights were connected to larger cities. Regional air travel moved beyond metros and became part of India’s broader infrastructure expansion story.Under UDAN, more than 1.66 crore passengers have travelled across 669 operational routes connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes.The scheme has also helped expand aviation access to remote, hilly and underserved regions where commercial airlines had earlier found operations difficult.But the journey has not been without turbulence.While hundreds of routes were launched, many struggled to survive after initial government support ended. Several smaller airlines either exited the market or reduced operations because of rising costs, limited passenger demand and operational difficulties.In some cases, airports were developed but flights could not sustain themselves. In others, airlines received route approvals but infrastructure constraints delayed operations.These challenges were also highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its 2023 audit of the scheme’s first three phases.The audit found that while UDAN succeeded in expanding regional connectivity, long-term commercial sustainability remained a major challenge. According to the report, of the 774 routes awarded until UDAN-3, only 371 had commenced operations. Further, only 112 routes completed the full three-year concession period, and just 54 routes continued operating beyond the subsidy period as of March 2023.The findings underlined a fundamental challenge for regional aviation: government support could help airlines start operations, but ensuring routes survived beyond government support required stronger infrastructure, consistent demand and better planning.Recognising these limitations, the Union Cabinet in March approved the Modified UDAN Scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore for the next ten years.Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally launched the next phase, branded as Viksit UDAN, on July 4 during the inauguration of the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport.Unlike the earlier version, the revamped scheme is not limited to subsidising airline tickets. It aims to create a complete regional aviation ecosystem by developing airports, supporting their operations, expanding helicopter connectivity, extending airline assistance and encouraging the use of indigenous aircraft.The changes are intended to make regional aviation more sustainable while strengthening links between smaller cities and the national economy.But the key question remains: can a bigger budget solve the problems that limited the first phase?Can longer subsidies ensure airlines continue flying after government support ends? And will UDAN 2.0 finally create a self-sustaining regional aviation network?What exactly is UDAN?UDAN, or Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, is India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme designed to make air travel affordable and improve connectivity between smaller cities and larger urban centres.Before its launch, Indian aviation was largely concentrated around metropolitan cities. While major airports expanded rapidly, several smaller towns either had limited air connectivity or remained completely outside the commercial aviation network.For airlines, operating flights to these destinations was often financially difficult. Passenger numbers were uncertain, aircraft utilisation was lower and operational costs remained high. This created a cycle where airlines avoided smaller routes because demand was limited, while passengers had fewer opportunities because flights were unavailable.UDAN attempted to break this cycle through government support.The scheme introduced a combination of incentives. Airlines operating regional routes received Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to compensate for losses and maintain affordable fares. Ticket prices on selected routes were capped to ensure accessibility for passengers.Airport operators provided concessions, while state governments were encouraged to reduce aviation taxes and provide support services at lower costs.The objective was straightforward: reduce operating costs for airlines, keep fares affordable for passengers and gradually develop enough demand for routes to become commercially viable.The first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla and Delhi, marking the beginning of one of India’s largest regional aviation initiatives.Why did UDAN need a reboot?The first phase demonstrated that there was demand for regional connectivity, but it also exposed the difficulty of sustaining aviation services in smaller markets.Many routes that received government support struggled once the subsidy period ended. Regional airlines faced multiple challenges, including high fuel costs, limited aircraft availability, difficulty accessing major airports and uncertain passenger volumes.The CAG audit highlighted several of these implementation gaps.Apart from route sustainability, the auditor pointed to delays in airport development. It noted that despite expenditure on infrastructure, operations could not begin or were discontinued at several locations.According to the report, out of 116 airports, heliports and water aerodromes where expenditure was incurred during the audit period, operations started at only 71.The CAG also noted that operations could not commence or were discontinued at 83 airports, heliports and water aerodromes even after an expenditure of Rs 1,089 crore.The findings reflected a broader problem: building infrastructure alone does not guarantee connectivity. Airports require airlines, passengers and operational support to become sustainable.Aviation industry experts believe the success of UDAN should now be measured beyond the number of routes launched or airports connected. The focus, they argue, should shift towards whether regional connectivity is creating sustainable economic activity around these locations.Ashish Chhawchcharia, partner and aviation industry leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, told TOI that the debate around UDAN must move beyond “the number of airports inaugurated or routes launched” and focus on the “quality and sustainability of connectivity being created”.“Regional aviation goes beyond a transport initiative to being an economic development tool. It is interesting to note whether these routes stimulate trade, tourism, investment and mobility in a way that creates lasting demand,” he said.According to Chhawchcharia, regional connectivity succeeds when aviation becomes part of a larger economic ecosystem rather than operating as an isolated transport service.Industry stakeholders have similarly argued that regional aviation needs better coordination between airports, airlines and government agencies.For smaller carriers, access to major airports remains a key concern. Without connectivity to large aviation hubs such as Delhi or Mumbai, regional routes often struggle to attract enough passengers.Another challenge has been the availability of suitable aircraft. Many smaller cities require aircraft with lower capacity that can operate efficiently on short routes. Limited availability and high leasing costs have restricted expansion by regional operators.The government believes the Modified UDAN Scheme addresses many of these weaknesses by shifting focus from only route subsidies to broader structural reforms.What changes under UDAN 2.0?The biggest change under the revamped scheme is the focus on airport creation and modernisation.The government plans to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of Rs 12,159 crore.Instead of building new airports everywhere, the approach focuses on upgrading existing airfields that have potential but lack passenger terminals, navigation systems or operational infrastructure.The scheme also introduces dedicated support for airport operations and maintenance.Regional airports often struggle during their initial years because passenger traffic takes time to develop. To address this, the government has allocated Rs 2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support for around 441 aerodromes.The support is aimed at helping airports remain functional until passenger volumes improve and revenues become more stable.Expansion of helipads, longer support and indigenous aircraftThe revamped scheme also focuses on improving connectivity in regions where conventional airports are difficult to develop.Under Modified UDAN, the government plans to build 200 modern helipads with an investment of around Rs 3,661 crore. These will focus on hilly regions, island territories, border areas and aspirational districts where geography often makes road and airport connectivity challenging.The government believes these helipads can improve not only passenger movement but also emergency response, disaster management and healthcare access.For remote areas, helicopters can provide faster connectivity during medical emergencies, natural disasters and other situations where conventional transport infrastructure may not be sufficient.Another major change is the extension of financial support for airlines.The scheme has allocated Rs 10,043 crore for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) over ten years to support regional airline operations.The extended financial backing is intended to give airlines more time to build passenger demand before routes are expected to stand on their own.The government has also linked UDAN with its broader push for self-reliance in aviation.As part of the Modified UDAN Scheme, the government plans to support the induction of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dornier aircraft and HAL Dhruv helicopters, for operations in underserved regions.The move is expected to strengthen regional connectivity while supporting India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.Can UDAN 2.0 succeed where the first phase struggled?The success of the revamped scheme will depend on more than just financial allocation.Experts caution that subsidies can help create a market, but cannot permanently replace one. The long-term success of regional aviation will depend on whether connectivity is aligned with economic activity, tourism potential, industrial clusters and emerging consumption centres.Chhawchcharia said the government’s expanded support under Modified UDAN reflects the strategic importance of regional connectivity, but financial assistance alone cannot guarantee sustainability.“While subsidies can help create a market; they cannot be a substitute for one,” he said.He added that India needs a more holistic approach where infrastructure development, airline economics, fleet availability, maintenance capabilities and local demand generation work together.Airports must be ready before airlines begin operations. Airlines need access to suitable aircraft. Smaller carriers require reasonable access to major aviation hubs. States must continue providing tax concessions and operational support.The CAG audit had highlighted similar implementation challenges during the first phase.Apart from delays in airport development, the auditor also pointed towards gaps in monitoring and oversight mechanisms. It noted issues related to verification of airline claims, delays in Regional Air Connectivity Fund processes and the need for stronger compliance monitoring.While these issues were administrative in nature, they showed that expanding regional aviation requires effective execution along with financial support.The government has attempted to address some of these concerns in the new framework by increasing airport maintenance support, extending VGF assistance and focusing on infrastructure creation.However, commercial viability remains the biggest challenge.Flying an aircraft to a smaller city may be socially beneficial, but airlines ultimately need sufficient passenger demand to sustain operations. A route that remains dependent on subsidies indefinitely cannot become a successful aviation market.The question of whether India should build airports first or wait for demand to emerge remains central to regional aviation planning.Chhawchcharia believes building infrastructure ahead of demand is not necessarily the wrong approach for a fast-growing economy like India, but it must be linked to credible economic potential.He pointed to Gulf aviation hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where airport development and airline expansion were supported to attract global business, tourism and investment. However, he cautioned that India’s scale and diversity make careful planning essential.“The Indian government seems to be pursuing a strategy of building airports first in order to build an ecosystem around it. Looking at the Gulf example, this could be successful but needs to be crafted very carefully in a large country like India or else we face the risk of empty airports and failing carriers,” he said.The challenge for UDAN 2.0 will therefore be to ensure that government support acts as a bridge towards sustainability rather than becoming a permanent requirement.Why UDAN matters beyond aviationThe importance of UDAN extends far beyond the number of flights it operates.Better air links can become a major driver of economic development by improving access to markets, tourism destinations, healthcare facilities and educational institutions.For smaller cities and towns, an airport can transform economic opportunities. Better connectivity can attract businesses, encourage tourism and make it easier for entrepreneurs and professionals to access larger markets.The scheme has also supported specialised initiatives such as Krishi UDAN, which aims to improve air cargo connectivity for agricultural produce, particularly from remote, hilly and northeastern regions.For farmers growing perishable products, faster transportation can improve market access and reduce losses.Similarly, improved aviation connectivity can be especially valuable for remote regions where travelling by road can take several hours or even days.The government believes the next phase of UDAN will help integrate Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities more closely into India’s growth story.Can India make regional aviation sustainable?India’s aviation sector has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade.The country’s airport network has expanded rapidly, passenger traffic has increased and flying has gradually moved from being a luxury associated mainly with metropolitan India to a more accessible mode of transport.UDAN has played an important role in that transition.The scheme proved that there was demand for air connectivity beyond major cities. It brought previously ignored airports back into operation and encouraged airlines to explore markets that were earlier considered commercially unattractive.But the first phase also showed that connectivity cannot be created only through subsidies.The CAG’s findings highlighted a central lesson: launching routes is easier than keeping them operational. Sustainable regional aviation requires reliable infrastructure, efficient airlines, adequate demand and strong monitoring mechanisms.The Modified UDAN Scheme attempts to address these gaps by moving beyond just airfare support towards building the wider aviation ecosystem.With nearly Rs 29,000 crore committed over the next decade, the government is betting that better infrastructure, longer financial support and indigenous aircraft capability can make regional aviation more durable.Whether UDAN 2.0 succeeds will ultimately depend on execution.The true measure of UDAN 2.0 will not be the number of routes announced or airports inaugurated, but whether those investments create lasting regional economic growth. As Chhawchcharia puts it, “The next phase of UDAN should therefore be judged not by how much support is provided, but by how effectively it converts public investment into self-sustaining regional economic growth,” he said.If implemented effectively, the revamped programme could help create aviation networks beyond traditional hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, bringing smaller towns closer to India’s growth story — making the skies accessible for every Indian.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? 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Uzbek authorities have arrested Anam in connection with the case, local media reported. Following the repatriation of Basanth’s body, Indian authorities conducted a second post-mortem at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital on Thursday at the request of her family. Her relatives later performed her last rites.Harippad Police in Kerala have registered a murder case based on a complaint filed by the victim’s father.Station House Officer V Vishnu said the preliminary post-mortem findings indicated signs of physical assault.”We are yet to get official details of the crime from law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan. We will examine the legal standing of the case registered in Kerala for the crime recorded in Uzbekistan,” Vishnu said.According to the complaint filed by the family, Basanth had been repeatedly assaulted after resisting Anam’s alleged demands to convert her religion. The family also claimed that classmates were aware of the alleged harassment and pressure she had faced.Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Uzbekistan said it is extending all possible assistance to the victim’s family.”Embassy is extending all assistance to the family of deceased Ms Sawariya Basanth including on the repatriation of her mortal remains. Today, Ambassador met her family member. Embassy is also in constant touch with the concerned authorities in Uzbekistan,” the embassy said in a post on X.Indian authorities said they remain in touch with officials in Uzbekistan as the investigation into the case continues.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? Kerala Orders Probe Into Wayanad Landslide Tragedy’Exam Paper Came A Night Before’: UGC-NET Leak Trail, Whistleblower Tells His Story | WatchUP Government Transfers 20 IAS Officers In Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Across DepartmentsDefence, Energy, Education: 18 Big Outcomes Of PM Modi’s Australia VisitGurugram Gunfight Leaves Four Gang Members Dead After Massive Exchange Of Fire With PoliceCalcutta HC Allows TMC To Operate Frozen Accounts, Questions Police’s Swift Action3 Ex-TMC MPs Join BJP, Get Rajya Sabha Tickets Within Hours | West Bengal | Mamata Banerjee123PhotostoriesIf your child says these 7 phrases often, psychologists say they’re asking for connectionAre you accidentally damaging your kidneys? 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A key objective of assigning designated series for these important communications is to make such calls trustworthy for the customers/ citizen,” TRAI said in a statement, adding, “Under the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR), any tagging, blocking or filtering of the calls originating from 1600 series numbers is not permitted.”Regarding 1400xx series, it said: ” Entities desirous of availing 140 series number for making promotional calls must register with telecom service providers under the TCCCPR framework and comply with the provisions of the regulation. Customers have the right to allow or block promotional call originating from 140 series numbers from entities of any or all sectors by registering their preference on the DND registry.””A customer who has blocked any or all sectors from receiving promotional calls on the DND registry will not receive any calls from 140 series originating from entities of the blocked sectors. The customer can register his/her DND preference through multiple means including through TRAI DND App. Any tagging or filtering of calls from 140 series numbers is not allowed except for blocking on the DND registry, as any tagging can mislead a customer who has otherwise allowed receipt of such calls from a sector on the DND registry,” it added.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? 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