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Henry Nowak’s killer Vickrum Digwa ‘threatened’ Sikh worshipper at Southampton Gurdwara months before fatal attack: Report | World News EAM Jaishankar with Nepal FM Shisir Khanal Nepal’s foreign minister Shisir Khanal on Sunday emphasised on a stronger development-oriented partnership with India while also calling for the revival of dormant bilateral mechanisms and the resumption of high-level political exchanges between the two neighbours.Addressing a media briefing during his three-day visit to India, Khanal highlighted the deep historical and cultural links between the two countries, describing Nepal and India as more than just geographical neighbours. “We’re not merely neighbours on the map; we’re children of the same rivers,” Khanal said, adding that the media plays a key role in shaping public understanding of bilateral relations.”In vibrant, pluralistic democracies like ours, the media is the ultimate custodian of the narrative of our visits,” he added.The minister said Nepal’s current leadership wants to focus on development, connectivity and economic growth, saying, “When we look across the border, we see India as an economic powerhouse,” Khanal said. “We see a rising India that has redefined itself on the global stage as a dynamic, fast-growing technology and economic power. We want to engage with this India of aspiration, innovation, and execution.”During the visit, Khanal held talks with external affairs minister S Jaishankar and national security advisor Ajit Doval. He said discussions covered trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, water resources and people-to-people ties. “Our discussions covered the full spectrum of the Nepal-India relationship, including trade, cross-border connectivity, energy partnership, water resources management, and people-to-people ties,” he said.Later, speaking to ANI, Khanal said both sides should make greater use of existing institutional mechanisms to address pending bilateral issues, including boundary-related concerns. “The boundary issues, these are very long, outstanding issues. So what we proposed is that even on the boundary issues, there are mechanisms that existed between the two countries, but many of these mechanisms have remained dormant,” Khanal told ANI.”There is one mechanism actually which is active, and we acknowledge the active work that’s being done on the ground. So we wanted to look from a positive perspective… I think the spirit on both sides is that there’s no harm in sitting at the table and discussing it,” he added.Khanal said one of the primary objectives of his visit was to restart top-level political engagement between the two countries after a gap of nearly two years. “I came with two broad objectives. One is to start the highest-level political visits between the two countries. The last visit was almost two years back,” he said.Further detailings opinion on the talks, he added, “I found our engagement with the NSA, the external affairs minister and his team yesterday very productive and engaging. We’ve discussed a variety of issues from connectivity, bilateral relationship, to energy and multilateral engagements.”Then highlighting recent cooperation, Khanal also emphasised that Nepal and India have operationalised cross-border digital payment transactions through collaboration between Nepal’s National Clearing House Limited (NCHL) and India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), enabling UPI-style transactions across borders.He also pointed to India’s support for post-earthquake reconstruction in Nepal, including health and cultural infrastructure projects, and said both countries were expanding collaboration in digital public infrastructure and emerging technologies.The minister also mentioned the cross-border connectivity projects, including the proposed Janakpur-Ayodhya railway link. “We hope to see Janakpur-Ayodhya rail connectivity very soon. That’s something we discussed. We are very eager to see that resume from Janakpur and through that to other areas as well,” he said.Expressing optimism about the future trajectory of ties, Khanal said he expects high-level visits and political exchanges between the two countries to become more regular in the coming months.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 MediaVideosStalin Claims TVK Government Survives On Former DMK Allies’ Support, Vows Political ComebackVijay Launches Sweeping TASMAC Crackdown, Targets Alleged ₹1,600 Crore Revenue Leakage NetworkAmerican Centre Attack 2002: Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh, US Consul General Speak At Kolkata EventIndia, Nepal To Take Bilateral Ties To New Heights; Jaishankar Calls For Decisive Shift In Relations‘Electric Stove Exploded, Then…: What Chef Told Police In Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire‘Below Replacement Level’: Elon Musk Flags India’s Falling Fertility RateLPG Price Hike: Domestic Cooking Gas Rates Raised By Rs 29 In India, Second Hike In 3 MonthsAhead Of INDIA Bloc Meet, CPI(M) Asks Congress To Explain BJP ‘Deal’ Charge During Kerala Polls‘Untrue’: Sourav Ganguly Denies Asking Yusuf Pathan To Resign On Behalf Of Mamata Banerjee‘TMC Fooled Muslims, Suvendu Is Secular’: Ajmal Siddiqui Resigns From Post, Slams Abhishek Banerjee123Photostories10 ways to enjoy watermelon during summer season7 Fascinating facts about the honey badgerThis is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India; budget, how to reach, best time to travel and moreCan rainwater cause eye infections? Eye specialist explains the real riskWorld’s most unusual borders that feel stranger than fiction; what travellers need to knowTV stars who left their shows in the middle: Hina Khan to Disha Vakani6 flowering plants that bloom beautifully in rainy weather7 spices that are good to be consumed during summer months7 surprising things nobody tells you when you start gardening8 ways to enjoy apple for summer breakfast123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavYusuf PathanKerala Student HospitalisedIran AttackKhan SirAnnamalaiKaru Nagarajan ResignRoger GoodellAIADMKTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan Jun 07, 2026, 15:18 IST Delhi ITI admissions 2026: Registration begins tomorrow at itidelhi.admissions.nic.in, check list of required documents Madonna and her beau Akeem Morris spotted in a rare outing after Times Square event Gurgaon shocker: School principal, 25-year-old son shot dead by husband amid family dispute Several A-list celebrities reportedly reject invitations to attend Dana White’s Trump-linked UFC event | International Sports News ‘Umpiring decisions go in their favour’: Pakistan’s Khushdil Shah alleges bias towards India in cricket | Cricket News MHT CET result date and time 2026: PCM and PCB scorecards to be released soon at cetcell.mahacet.org James Handy’s last project axed after his demise: Heidi Anderson-Swan confirms ‘Kickstart, V’ being dropped Weekly numerology prediction, June 07 to June 13, 2026, based on the first letter of your name ‘The diamond was gorgeous’: Jill Biden wanted to keep PM Modi’s $20,000 gift but couldn’t afford it Gunshots, screams & panic – Ohio mass shooting caught on cam, several injured The rise of Mohammad Saleem Safi: Quit cricket at 16, impressed Pakistan’s Rana Naved-ul-Hasan with pace, now bags 6/140 vs India When Kajol couldn’t recognise anyone after set accident during ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ shoot, but remembered Ajay Devgn instantly Maharashtra onion farmers demand Rs 3,000/quintal, say relief measures fall short JEE Advanced AAT Result 2026 out at jeeadv.ac.in; here’s how to check ‘At least he’s being himself’: Varun Dhawan opens up about stardom and praises Salman Khan for keeping it real Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to company’s 50 top engineers: Please be clear that our goal is not to make… Only Don Bradman ahead: Shubman Gill enters elite Test captaincy list with another century | Cricket News ‘Bad Boys’ star Theresa Randle’s ex, Dario Pallini, claims the actress broke into his home World’s most unusual borders that feel stranger than fiction; what travellers need to know Weekly Pet Parents Horoscope, June 07 to June 13, 2026: What the stars say about your bond with your pets Landlord Responsibilities: Planning to rent out your house? Here are 7 things every landlord should know SGPGIMS Nursing Officer exam city intimation slip 2026 released at sgpgims.org.in: Direct link to download here Albania’s luxury coastal plan linked to Trump sparks storm – why are people protesting? Grand Prix 2026: Kim Kardashian rocks in her all-black attire, as she arrives with Khloe Kardashian to support beau Lewis Hamilton Meet Aslam, the multitalented rickshaw wala of Chandni Chowk leaving tourists speechless with his fluent German, Italian and Spanish Brad Pitt and girlfriend Ines de Ramon enjoy rare public outing together at the French Open in Paris | AI generated image As governments continue to expand housing support schemes offers for people, especially marginalised communities, Tamil Nadu has a free house construction to eligible tribal families under a dedicated welfare scheme. The state government runs a scheme called “Construction of Free Houses for Tribals” under the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department.The scheme provides free housing to tribal communities who have already been allocated free house site pattas. Under this program, the state government constructs houses on these lands to ensure that tribals have access to safe and permanent shelter. The scheme is primarily aimed at improving the living conditions of SC/ST communities.The scheme is available only in Tamil Nadu and is an “in kind” benefit, meaning beneficiaries receive a house rather than cash assistance. Direct Benefit Transfer is not applicable to this scheme.Who is eligibleTo qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet three conditions. First, they must be a resident of Tamil Nadu. Second, they must belong to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe communities. Third, they must possess a free house site patta. There is no income limit for eligibility. Individuals without a house site patta cannot apply. Non-tribals are not eligible. The scheme is available across all regions of the state for eligible tribal communities.What are the benefitsThe benefit includes free house construction for eligible tribal people. There is no cost to the beneficiary. The government constructs the house at no charge.How to applyThe application process is entirely offline. There is no online application available. Currently, applications are processed through local government offices such as the Panchayat Union or District Welfare Office.Step one: The interested applicant must collect the application form from the office of the Commissioner, Panchayat Union, District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer, or Commissioner of Tribal Welfare.Step two: In the application form, the applicant must fill in all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.Step three: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned office or authority.Step four: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority. The receipt should contain essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number if applicable.Documents requiredApplicants must submit proof of identity such as Aadhaar card or any other document as directed by the authority. A caste certificate is required, specifically for Adi Dravidar, Tribal, or Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity. The free house site patta is also mandatory. Address proof is also required. Any other documents may also be required if specified by the authority.After applyingAfter verification of the submitted documents, the concerned authorities will inform applicants about the approval of their application. If an application is rejected, applicants may appeal or re-apply after addressing the reasons for rejection.What problem does this scheme solve?The scheme’s objective is to address the lack of safe and permanent shelter for tribal individuals in Tamil Nadu. It is most beneficial for tribal individuals who already have house site pattas but cannot afford to build a home. It provides essential housing infrastructure.About the AuthorTOI Real Estate DeskThe TOI Real Estate Desk is a focused team of seasoned journalists and market watchers dedicated to decoding the ever-evolving property landscape for The Times of India readers. With a sharp eye on trends, policy shifts, and market movements, the team brings clarity to one of the most significant investment decisions in people’s lives. From expert insights on buying, selling, and investing to deep dives into infrastructure developments, home design, and sustainable living, the news here offers a comprehensive view of the real estate ecosystem. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply exploring the market, the TOI Real Estate Desk is your trusted guide to making informed property decisions.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaPhotostoriesTV stars who left their shows in the middle: Hina Khan to Disha Vakani7 spices that are good to be consumed during summer months6 flowering plants that bloom beautifully in rainy weather7 surprising things nobody tells you when you start gardening8 ways to enjoy apple for summer breakfast5 unique temples in India where bringing the ‘prasad’ home is not allowed and recommendedHow to identify a Crocodile vs. an Alligator: Snout shape, teeth visibility, habitat cluesWeekly tarot guidance from June 7 to 13, 2026 for your birth numberGopika Gopi to Aneesh: Here’s a look at the commoner contestants of Bigg Boss Malayalam5 silent signs your body may be missing key nutrients, according to a neurologist123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavYusuf PathanKerala Student HospitalisedIran AttackKhan SirAnnamalaiKaru Nagarajan ResignRoger GoodellAIADMKTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ box office collection Day 3 [LIVE]: Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, Pooja Hegde’s film set to cross Rs 25 crore globally Taapsee Pannu’s home is pure bohemian magic with modern European charm: Art inspirations to take away | Banned hookah flavours, ganja, liquor: 107 men, 49 women detained in late-night party raid in Pune MPSC Group B Admit Card 2026 released at mpsc.gov.in: Direct link to download is here 1.2L shrubs, 20k trees in monsoon: NH-8 to get greener from Signature Towers to Rajiv Chowk in Gurgaon Rakhee Gulzar backs Aamir Khan’s wedding to Gauri Spratt, says, ‘What is wrong with marrying at 60? I got married when Gulzar was almost 40’ Trumpiana: Who is the GOATest of them all? AI generated image BENGALURU: If Karnataka’s CMs are plotted not by party but by regions they came from, a pattern emerges: Its political centre of gravity hasn’t remained fixed. When DK Shivakumar took oath last week, he became the latest stop in a political journey that began in the northern districts, shifted to Old Mysuru, scattered across regions during the Janata era, and eventually settled into a contest between the Vokkaliga south and the Lingayat north.In the years immediately after the formation of Mysore State in 1956, power lay firmly in the northern districts. Congress organisation was strongest in these regions, drawing support from the influential Lingayat community. Many of the leaders who shaped the newly reorganised state emerged from this political landscape.S Nijalingappa, one of Karnataka’s significant early leaders, dominated the state’s politics during this period. Though born in Chitradurga, his political strength rested largely on the Lingayat belt of northern Karnataka. Alongside him, chief ministers such as BD Jatti, SR Kanthi and later Veerendra Patil stressed the region’s importance in the state’s formative years.The first major shift came with Devaraj Urs.When Urs assumed office in 1972, he did more than lead a new govt. He fundamentally altered where political power was exercised in Karnataka. By building a coalition centred on backward classes, Dalits and minorities, Urs transformed the Old Mysuru region into the state’s dominant political arena.His politics expanded the social base of power beyond traditionally dominant groups and firmly established southern Karnataka as the state’s political heartland. More than five decades later, Old Mysuru continues to exert considerable influence over Karnataka’s political fortunes.However, this dominance was briefly interrupted during the Janata era. From the early 1980s until the turn of the century — which began and ended with Congress govts but dominated by the Janata Parivar, Karnataka witnessed perhaps its most geographically diverse period of political leadership. No single region monopolised power: it rotated across the state, from coastal, Malnad, south, central and northern districts.Key faces during this time were: Gundu Rao, Ramakrishna Hegde, SR Bommai, S Bangarappa, Veerappa Moily, HD Deve Gowda, JH Patel, SM Krishna and Dharam Singh. This phase, however, proved temporary. Over the past three decades, Karnataka’s politics has increasingly revolved around two competing centres of power.On one side stood the Old Mysuru region, strengthened by the rise of HD Deve Gowda and later HD Kumaraswamy. Siddaramaiah too draws much of his strength from this influential southern belt.On the other side emerged a powerful counterweight through BJP’s expansion under BS Yediyurappa. Although Yediyurappa himself hailed from Shivamogga, his political appeal was deeply rooted in the Lingayat strongholds of northern and central Karnataka. Leaders such as DV Sadananda Gowda, Jagadish Shettar and Basavaraj Bommai sustained this non-Old Mysuru axis.For much of recent history, Karnataka’s political contests have effectively been fought between these two centres, each anchored in distinct regional and social coalitions.The elevation of DK Shivakumar now raises a new question: Is Karnataka witnessing another shift in its political geography? Unlike many recent chief ministers, Shivakumar’s political base lies in Kanakapura, on Bengaluru’s southern edge. His rise comes at a time when Bengaluru’s influence over the state has grown dramatically.The city and its surrounding regions account for a significant share of Karnataka’s economic output, attract migrants from across the state, and continue to expand in both population and electoral significance. Urban concerns increasingly shape statewide political conversations, from infrastructure and water supply to mobility and governance.If political power follows demographic and economic importance, Bengaluru may be poised to emerge as Karnataka’s next major centre of gravity. There is also a historical symmetry to this moment. The first elected chief minister of the erstwhile Mysore State, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, hailed from Ramanagara district, part of the broader Bengaluru region. He is remembered for envisioning and constructing Vidhana Soudha, the imposing seat of Karnataka’s political power.Seven decades later, with DK Shivakumar occupying that office, Karnataka’s political journey may have completed a full circle. Whether this marks the beginning of another long-term realignment, however, remains a question only future elections can answer.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Electric Stove Exploded, Then…: What Chef Told Police In Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire‘Below Replacement Level’: Elon Musk Flags India’s Falling Fertility RateLPG Price Hike: Domestic Cooking Gas Rates Raised By Rs 29 In India, Second Hike In 3 MonthsAhead Of INDIA Bloc Meet, CPI(M) Asks Congress To Explain BJP ‘Deal’ Charge During Kerala Polls‘Untrue’: Sourav Ganguly Denies Asking Yusuf Pathan To Resign On Behalf Of Mamata Banerjee‘TMC Fooled Muslims, Suvendu Is Secular’: Ajmal Siddiqui Resigns From Post, Slams Abhishek BanerjeeAbhishek Banerjee’s Role Reworked As Mamata Banerjee Reshuffles TMC LeadershipTamil Nadu BJP Faces Resignation Wave as Annamalai’s New Movement Draws VolunteersSix Detained As CJP’s Jantar Mantar Protest Over NEET Leak Concludes Without Major ClashesAshwini Vaishnaw Unveils Bengal Bullet Train Plan, Targets Faster Northeast Connectivity123Photostories7 surprising things nobody tells you when you start gardening8 ways to enjoy apple for summer breakfastHow to identify a Crocodile vs. an Alligator: Snout shape, teeth visibility, habitat clues5 unique temples in India where bringing the ‘prasad’ home is not allowed and recommendedWeekly tarot guidance from June 7 to 13, 2026 for your birth numberGopika Gopi to Aneesh: Here’s a look at the commoner contestants of Bigg Boss Malayalam5 silent signs your body may be missing key nutrients, according to a neurologistWhy you should ‘marry for money’, according to a top divorce lawyerPrincess Diana’s most iconic fashion moments: 5 designers behind her legendary style12 must-follow emergency rules for modern apartments and gated real estate communities123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavYusuf PathanKerala Student HospitalisedIran AttackKhan SirAnnamalaiKaru Nagarajan ResignRoger GoodellAIADMKTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan