VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Helena Bonham Carter EXITS ‘The White Lotus’ Season 4; Role to be rewritten and recast amid ongoing shooting schedule ED conducts raids in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas in ration scam probe . NEW DELHI: When AAP announced its Rajya Sabha nominees from Punjab in 2022, the spotlight was not on Lovely Professional University founder Ashok Mittal or cricketer Harbhajan Singh, but on the relatively unknown Sandeep Pathak. Having stayed away from public visibility since joining the party in 2016, Pathak’s low profile contrasted sharply with his growing influence within AAP’s core leadership.On Friday, as the defection of seven RS MPs to BJP shook the 14-year-old party, it was Pathak’s exit that caused the deepest concern internally. Watch Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalParty leaders said that while the departures of Raghav Chadha and Swati Maliwal — both estranged from the leadership — were anticipated, Pathak’s move was unexpected. “The ED raids at Ashok Mittal’s business establishments and home had prepared us for the eventuality of his departure. The other businessmen seem to have followed suit as a preemptive measure. The others, like Harbhajan, have not been very active within the party. Pathak is the outlier. He is not just another MP. He has been part of AAP’s core group since at least 2018,” a party functionary said.Four of the defectors — Mittal, Harbhajan, Vikram Sahney and Rajinder Gupta — had no engagement with AAP’s precursor, India Against Corruption or the party before it became a political force. Their nominations at the cost of those who were part of the anti-graft movement had sparked chatter, and many had pointed out that they were vulnerable to overtures from rivals.Appointed national general secretary in 2022 and part of AAP’s political affairs committee — the party’s highest decision-making body — Pathak was widely credited as a key strategist behind the party’s Punjab victory. His journey began at the Delhi Dialogue Commission with Ashish Khetan, later gaining Arvind Kejriwal’s trust through electoral survey work in Punjab and Gujarat. So close was he to Kejriwal that he was among the three people allowed to meet him in jail — the other two being Sunita Kejriwal and Bibhav Kumar,” a former party functionary said.AAP sources called Pathak’s pivot to the BJP a result of his father’s links with the party. “His father is a party functionary in Chhattisgarh. His roots are there,” sources said.About the AuthorMallica JoshiMallica Joshi is Chief Reporter, Metro. She has been writing on policy, politics, education and environment for 16 years.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why does Aloo Bhujia stick to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looksThis everyday travel item often triggers airport bag checks — and you probably packed it123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap Apr 25, 2026, 08:24 IST How Shreyas Iyer’s red-hot form is fueling his rise in India’s T20I leadership scheme ‘Economic Fury’: US sanctions China’s ‘teapot’ refinery & 40 shipping companies, tightens pressure on Iran oil trade . NEW DELHI: In a bid to shut out any exam-day impersonators, the National Medical Commission has prohibited medical students from taking leave on May 2 and 3. The move, timed right before the NEET-UG 2026, is aimed at tightening security and preventing any ‘Munna Bhai’-style mischief.In a public notice issued on Thursday, NMC asked institutions to remain vigilant and sensitise students against any involvement in activities that could compromise the conduct of the exam.The move follows instructions from the higher education department under the education ministry, which flagged past instances where medical students were found involved in activities that could undermine the sanctity of the examination process.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123Photostories10 adorable three-letter baby girl namesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why does Aloo Bhujia stick to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap Lucknow’s Tanmay Srivastava to make IPL debut as on-field umpire ‘There’s no oil coming out’: US rules out extension of Iranian and Russian oil waivers SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment to open soon, here is eligibility, fee, exam pattern and key dates Avinash Tiwary CALLS OUT 60-year-old Bollywood actors flaunting six-pack abs: ‘There is no desirability…’ Gujarat woman critical after bullet rips through her jaw at US store; husband held for ‘accidental’ firing US justice dept closes criminal investigation into Fed chief Jerome Powell, clearing hurdle for Trump nominee Kevin Warsh . NEW DELHI: Allowing medical termination of over seven months’ pregnancy of a 15year-old girl, Supreme Court said that a woman cannot be compelled to continue with an unwanted pregnancy against her wish.A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said that forcing a woman, particularly a minor, to carry a pregnancy to full term against her will, would inflict mental, emotional and physical trauma.Rejecting the suggestion that the girl should be allowed to give birth and the new born baby be given in adoption, the bench said the choice of the pregnant woman is more important. “That cannot be a consideration particularly in cases where the child to be born is unwanted. In such a situation, directing the pregnant woman to give birth to the child against her wishes and therefore continue her pregnancy would negate the welfare of the pregnant woman and make it subordinate to the child yet to be born,” the Supreme Court bench said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123Photostories10 adorable three-letter baby girl namesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why does Aloo Bhujia stick to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap IPL 2026: DC need to bank on home stretch to arrest indifferent campaign Samastha Kerala board to release compartment and revaluation results 2026 soon on result.samastha.info; here’s how to check Mohanlal meets The Chainsmokers; ‘Patriot’ actor poses with the popular EDM duo Numerology Predictions Today, April 25, 2026: Read your personalised forecast for numbers 1 to 9 Did Stefon Diggs take Cardi B to court for full custody? Viral claims spark massive online frenzy Election Commission KOLKATA: EC suspended Sandeep Sarkar, officer in-charge of Hingalganj PS, over allegations of partisanship and failure to ensure a level playing field during the assembly polls. It directed disciplinary action be initiated against him, reports Sanjib Chakraborty.The decision comes amid heightened political tension in North 24 Parganas. over allegations that BJP distributed cash to voters ahead of polling.Police detained two BJP netas — Tarun Mondal and former Assam MLA Kishore Nath — who were allegedly caught distributing money among residents. BJP, though, dismissed the charges as baseless, claiming that police acted under the influence of TMC members.EC official threatenedCops initiated a probe into a complaint alleging that a group of party workers threatened EC officials and snatched poll documents when they were conducting home-based voting for an elderly citizen in Kalighat, near the CM’s home.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123Photostories10 adorable three-letter baby girl namesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why does Aloo Bhujia stick to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap IPL 2026 | ‘Virat Kohli isn’t a natural six-hitter but … ‘: Mohammad Kaif after RCB’s win over GT Aamir Khan shares admiration for Shah Rukh Khan; keen to work on film with him and Salman Khan – WATCH Calcutta HC changes EC’s 48-hour ban order on bike movement to 12 hours 28% of mobiles in India made by domestic cos ‘JC The University’ OTT release: Where to stream Surya Prakhyath’s Kannada crime thriller ‘No meeting is planned’: Iran rules out direct talks with US in Islamabad; asserts engagement through Pakistan Apr 25, 2026, 06:15 IST IPL 2026 drama! Suyash Sharma taunts Shubman Gill after his dismissal in RCB vs GT match – Watch Deepika Padukone’s ‘Cocktail 2’ cameo: Will Veronica return in the 2026 sequel? Aquarius Horoscope Today, April 25, 2026: If you feel anxious, slow breathing for a few minutes will settle the system Iran foreign minister reaches Pakistan; US to send Kushner, Witkoff for talks ‘Gen V’ CANCELLED after Season 2 as ‘The Boys’ prequel ‘Vought Rising’ gets 2027 premiere Bengal polls: Phase-1 turnout is victory of trust over fear, says PM Narendra Modi ‘Dhurandhar 2’ box office collection day 37: Ranveer Singh’s film adds Rs 1.60 cr to tally amid ‘Michael’ and ‘Bhoot Bangla’ buzz Pisces Horoscope Today, April 25, 2026: Businesspeople can take a major decision Forget Bengal, we will dethrone BJP from Delhi: CM Mamata Banerjee after phase-1 turnout “Vile person of the year”: Candace Owens targeted by Donald Trump with doctored TIME cover, calls her “low IQ” . NEW DELHI: Not a single repoll has been recommended across the 44,376 polling stations in West Bengal and the 75,064 polling stations in Tamil Nadu, EC sources told TOI on Friday. This is a break from the pattern of multiple repolls recommended in the past elections, particularly in Bengal, on account of political violence and alleged electoral malpractices. Both Bengal and Tamil Nadu had witnessed the highest ever polling percentages on Thursday. Bengal clocked nearly 92.9% turnout in its first phase after deletion of around 83 lakh electors from the state’s poll rolls due to SIR.A three-point verification was put in place at all the polling stations of Bengal on Thursday, so as to keep a tight check on electoral malpractices associated with past elections in the state, known in common parlance as ‘chaapa’, ‘source jamming’ and ‘booth jamming’.The first point of verification was the immediate area surrounding the polling station. Section 163 of BNSS (which corresponds with Section 144 of the erstwhile IPC) was imposed on Thursday within a 200-metre area of the polling stations. Identity papers of each person entering this area were checked and only genuine electors, election officials etc allowed entry.The second round of verification was done at the point of entry to the polling station. Booth-level officers and volunteers of NSS and NCC were deployed to check each person before letting him queue up for voting. This included verifying identity of ‘pardanasheen’ women (women wearing face veils as a religious custom) by female staff. The latter, as instructed by EC, checked the identity card, voter card or voter slip of each person before allowing them to proceed to the voters’ queue.The third verification was the normal identity check performed by the polling officer inside the polling booth, before the elector gets his finger inked and casts his vote.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why does Aloo Bhujia stick to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looks123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap ‘Love Insurance Kompany’ box office collections day 15: Pradeep Ranganathan’s sci-fi rom-com adds Rs 44 lakh Shocking! New Zealand star cricketer banned for cocaine use ‘Bhooth Bangla’ box office collection Day 8: Akshay Kumar starrer begins second week by hitting Rs 90 crore mark; faces off against Hollywood biopic ‘Michael’ Capricorn Horoscope Today, April 25, 2026: The Moon supports reunion energy, while Venus adds warmth Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: ‘Hadd se zyada hype, ‘king’ tag ne chadha diya’ – Ex-cricketer’s blunt take NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh visited German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ (TKMS) submarine building facility in Kiel, where he was briefed on advanced naval technologies and capabilities. He was accompanied by German defence minister Boris Pistorius during the visit to the shipbuilding facility.The visit comes as India moves closer to finalising its nearly Rs 1 lakh crore Project-75 India (P-75I) programme, under which six advanced submarines are to be built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) with significant technology transfer.TKMS is a leading contender in the programme, offering submarines equipped with advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems that allow longer underwater endurance and greater stealth.On X, Rajnath described the visit as “insightful”, highlighting the technological advancements and operational capabilities showcased at the facility. He boarded the Type 212 class submarine and was shown its capabilities.Singh described the engagement as “mutually beneficial” amid shifting geopolitical currents in the Indo-Pacific. The visit also reflects New Delhi’s increasing emphasis on partnerships with European countries in critical defence sectors such as naval systems and shipbuilding.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why does Aloo Bhujia stick to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looks123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap ‘Michael’ box office collection Day 1: Jaafar Jackson makes impressive Rs 5.50 crore India debut; gives ‘Dhurandar 2’ and ‘Bhooth Bangla’ a run for their money Army chief inducted into International Hall of Fame at US Army War College . Astronaut-designate Group Captain Prashant Nair, who is being trained for the Gaganyaan mission along with Grp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla, has requested Indian startups “to make space toilet” as the world needs more research on that front.Speaking at the DefSpace symposium here on Friday, Nair, nicknamed ‘Papa’, said, “Russia is the only country in the world that has an effective space toilet in place. Even Americans had to depend on Russian technology on the International Space Station.” For years, the US segment of the ISS relied on Russian-designed and built toilet systems. Noticeably, Nasa’s Artemis II manned mission to Moon, Orion spacecraft’s universal waste management system (toilet) malfunctioned shortly after the launch this month.On having any feeling of anxiety as Gaganyaan is India’s first manned mission to space, Group Captain Nair, an experienced IAF pilot-turned-astronaut, said, “I love danger. When I flew Sukhois, I used to fly at max height and think ‘can I fly even higher’. Now, I am getting an opportunity to be part of Gaganyaan and go to space. I want to feel eternal peace in space. We are star material and we will be part of it one day. So, why fear?”Speaking to TOI on the sidelines of the event, Group Captain Nair said, “The first manned mission with a humanoid (Vyommitra) is expected this year itself. Our manned mission is expected by 2026-end or in 2027.”When asked about any special training to avoid collision with space debris, he said, “It will certainly be part of the mission. Currently, we have not got the details in Isro. Earlier for the Axiom mission preparation, Shux (Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla) and I were trained by Nasa how to manoeuvre the spaceship away from space debris.” “Shux shared his interesting experience on the ISS mission with us,” Nair told TOI.At the symposium, Group Captain Shukla said, “Earlier, the world was not taking us seriously. But when we launched three Chandrayaan missions and landed on the south pole side of the Moon, the world started taking us seriously. Now, the surprise element is gone. Countries want to join our Gaganyaan programme. Being a manned mission, world expectations have also increased from Gaganyaan, so is our responsibilities. So, lots of things have to be done as this is India’s first mission.”Shukla said, “Isro has developed a lot of key technologies indigenously for the mission and we have full trust on our scientists for this mission”.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why does Aloo Bhujia stick to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looks123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap How To Stop Toddler Aggression: Is your toddler constantly hitting you and others? Common triggers and how to control this behaviour | Sagittarius Horoscope Today, April 25, 2026: Speak less, drive slower, and finish work step by step today NEW DELHI: Former chief economic adviser Ashok Lahiri is set to be named the new vice-chairman of Niti Aayog, replacing Suman Bery. Gobardhan Das, the director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, is to be nominated as a member of the govt’s premier think tank. Lahiri is currently a BJP MLA from Balurghat, but is not contesting the 2026 assembly polls. Das, a former JNU professor, had contested from Purbasthali Uttar constituency in the 2021 state polls as a BJP candidate. The two appointments come amid polls in West Bengal with the second round of voting on Wednesday and will be seen as an overture to the electorate. Appointments seen as part of long-awaited Niti revampSignificantly, Das is a Dalit and had allegedly faced attacks from TMC cadres in the violence that followed the 2021 elections in Bengal.The appointments are seen as part of a long-awaited overhaul of Niti Aayog, where Bery, a surprise pick, has been at the helm for four years. On several occasions, the Modi administration was seen to have bypassed Bery and dealt directly with the members or the CEO.Lahiri will bring his training as an economist and a policymaker to Niti Aayog, which has a part-time CEO after BVR Subrahmanyam’s exit last month. Lahiri is a career economist who taught at Delhi School of Economics and worked at the World Bank and IMF before returning to the finance ministry in the late 1990s. He then went on to head the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy and was the chief economic adviser and subsequently a member of the 15th Finance Commission. He is seen as among the pioneers in the filed psephologist and co-authored ‘India Decides’ that mapped elections from 1952 to 1989.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why does Aloo Bhujia stick to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? 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