VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday called the Rs 993 increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices an “election bill”, adding he had warned that a fuel hike would follow the assembly polls. He said the next rise would be in petrol and diesel prices.Rahul said the burden on dhabas, hotels, bakeries and sweet shops would “inevitably impact your plate as well”.Party general secretary KC Venugopal said the Modi govt had not wasted any time after the polls and BJP’s concern for the public’s suffering was limited to elections. Congress’s Randeep Surjewala said, “Riding on the double engine of deceit and oppression, BJP has plunged the country into record unemployment and runaway inflation, trapping families in a web of debt even for household expenses.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwave123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap IPL 2026: Suryakumar Yadav’s batting woes hit struggling Mumbai Indians May 02, 2026, 06:50 IST ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ box office collection Day 1: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway starrer scores Rs 5.50 crore India debut; trails behind ‘Raja Shivaji’ Otto Royal Family Dog: Meet Otto, the new member of British royal family who just turned 1 Pisces Horoscope Today, May 2, 2026: Avoid impulsive spending to lift your mood NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across two constituencies in West Bengal following the second phase of Assembly elections held on April 29. Fresh polling will take place on May 2 between 7 am and 6 pm in South 24 Parganas district, covering 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour.The poll body said the decision was based on reports from returning officers and election observers, declaring the earlier voting in these booths void under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Authorities have been directed to ensure wide publicity of the repoll, including informing candidates and local voters.”I am directed to state that based on reports received from the concerned Returning Officers and the Observers of 142-Magrahat Paschim AC and 143-Diamond Harbour AC regarding poll taken for General Election to the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal, 2026, held on 29th April, 2026 and after taking all material circumstances into account, the Commission hereby declares, under sub-section (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, that the poll taken on 29th April, 2026 for the aforesaid election at the following Polling Stations (as mentioned in Column 3 of the table below) to be void and appoints 2nd May, 2026 as the date and fixes the hours, for taking fresh poll at the said Polling Stations,” West Bengal’s chief electoral officer wrote in the order.”I am further to state that the widest possible publicity should be given by beating of drums in the polling area, and contesting candidates should be informed in writing about the fresh poll being taken on the said date,” the poll body said.The decision follows allegations of irregularities during voting, particularly in parts of Diamond Harbour’s Falta segment. BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya claimed that voters were prevented from selecting the party option in certain booths, alleging that EVM buttons were covered with tape.List of booths where repolling will take place Magrahat Paschim (11 booths) 46 – Uttar Yearpur F.P School, Room Number 2 126 – Najra F.P School, Room Number 1 127 – Najra F.P School, Room Number 2 128 – Deula F.P School, Room Number 1 142 – Ghola Noyapara Girls’ High Madrasha, Room Number 2 214 – Ektara Malaya F.P School, Room Number 1 215 – Ektara Malaya F.P School, Room Number 2 216 – Ektara Malaya Dhora F.P School, Room Number 1 230 – Bahirpuya Kurkuriya F.P School, Room Number 1 231 – Bahirpuya Kurkuriya F.P School, Room Number 2 232 – Bahirpuya Kurkuria F.P School, Room Number 3 Diamond Harbour (4 booths) 117 – Bagda Junior High School 179 – Chandra F.P School, Room Number 2 194 – Haridevpur F.P School 243 – Roynagar F.P School, Room Number 2In a post on X, Malviya wrote, “This is what Mamata Banerjee was defending when she spoke up for Jehangir Khan, a criminal contesting on a TMC ticket from Falta in Diamond Harbour. In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using a tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice. This is the so-called ‘Diamond Harbour Model,’ the same template that helped Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee secure his Lok Sabha seat.”Earlier, West Bengal chief electoral officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal had said such complaints would be verified and acted upon.”If reports of taping of any button come in, that should be verified and noted. If true, those booths will go for a repoll,” West Bengal CEO said.The final phase of polling concluded on April 29 with turnout touching around 90 percent. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, with security tightened at strong rooms in Howrah.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 MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesMorning affirmation at 5am: Simple habits that feel less like routine, more like reflectionHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap KD – The Devil’ box office collections day 2: Dhruva Sarja film stays stable at Rs 7 cr India net amid mixed reviews Aquarius Horoscope Today, May 2, 2026: Keep your wallet closed today and offer support in other ways Election Commission orders repolling in 15 booths in two Bengal seats File photo NEW DELHI: Observing that functioning of National Company Law Tribunals (NCLT) has been impaired by numerous vacancies and inadequate infrastructure — leading to substantial delay in deciding cases, particularly those involving resolution plans under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) — Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance and decided to initiate remedial measures, reports Amit Anand Choudhary.A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan said the problems faced by the tribunals need to be “addressed on war footing, otherwise the very purpose and object of enacting IBC would stand frustrated”. It said NCLTs play an important role in the economy, as they try to sustain companies that are “going down the drain on account of various factors and keep them afloat”, but the condition prevailing at these tribunals is grim and dismal.In its order, the court noted that most of tribunals’ staffers, including for post of registrar, are appointed on a temporary basis and that the entire staff of NCLT, Mumbai, had once gone on a strike as salaries were not paid on time.SC said that “as per the report forwarded by registrar of the NCLT, principal bench, there are 363 applications (resolution proposals) awaiting approval”.“The delay as sought to be explained ranges from 48 days to 738 days. In some cases, the delay is up to four years. The reasons that have been assigned, by and large, are lack of adequate infrastructure and lack of infrastructure, resulting in half day sittings of benches, more particularly, due to interchange of combinations and large pendency of objections to the resolution plan filed by various stakeholders,” it said.The statutory sanctioned strength for all NCLT benches is 63 members — comprising a president and 31 judicial members and as many technical members. Currently, only 28 judicial members and 26 technical members are posted across benches.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesMorning affirmation at 5am: Simple habits that feel less like routine, more like reflectionHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwave123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap May 02, 2026, 06:00 IST IPL 2026: ‘Love you darling’- Hardik Pandya’s reaction to MS Dhoni steals the show |Watch ‘Bhooth Bangla’ box office collection Day 15: Akshay Kumar’s film crosses Rs 210 crore globally amid ‘Raja Shivaji’ release ED Attaches Rs 10.29 Crore Draft to TMC As Alchemist Group Probe Intensifies NEW DELHI: Striking a tough note, Enforcement Directorate on Friday raised the issue of legal obstacles coming in the way of the agency, with its chief Rahul Navin questioning the proposition that an investigation into a money laundering offence should not proceed until the trial in the predicate offence case had been concluded.“Of course, there are legal challenges before the courts, the most important being whether the trial in money laundering cases should take a pause till the trial in the predicate offence case gets concluded or continue on a standalone basis in consonance with the international standards and Financial Action Task Force Guidelines,” ED chief said.His remarks on the occasion of the agency’s 70th Foundation Day and in the presence of minister of state for finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, are likely to sharpen the raging debate on whether the investigation into money laundering offence has to necessarily ride piggyback on predicate offence; that is the crime which generated the money that was laundered, or does it have, given the enormity of money laundering, an independent existence.The matter is in a zone of ambiguity as while the Supreme Court in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary case tied the money laundering probe to predicate offence, there are high court verdicts which have recognised money laundering as a standalone offence.Navin said that the ambiguity was hindering ED’s work despite its success in achieving a conviction rate of 94%. In his remarks, additional solicitor general S V Raju, who represents the agency in constitutional courts, agreed with the ED director.The ED chief also expressed confidence that the agency will maintain its “strike” in more than 2,400 cases now pending before trial courts, leading to confiscation of a sizeable amount as proceeds of crime. The celebrations were significant in that they brought out govt’s solidarity with the agency that has been accused of being an instrument of political vendetta.“Over the last few years, the ED has remained a subject of extensive public discourse. There exists an ecosystem in the country that perceives a problem in every solution. No matter what you do, such people will inevitably start finding fault with it. In reality, ever since Modiji assumed the nation’s leadership in 2014, and began taking tough decisions in the national interest, the very foundations of this ecosystem have been shaken,” the junior finance minister said.Speaking on ED’s legal challenges, S V Raju said the present understanding of the law is that the predicate offence is like an “umbilical cord” to the money laundering crime, but, he emphasised that the discharge of an accused or a closure report filed in a predicate offence should not end the ED’s investigation as the agency can always share fresh evidence and challenge the ruling as an “aggrieved” party.At the award giving later, two assistant director rank officers of ED—Vikram Ahlawat and Prashant Chandila—were among several others who received their commendation certificates.Ahlawat and Chandila werepart of the Jan 8 searches in Kolkata on political consultancyfirm I-PAC. The searches weredisrupted by CM Mamata Banerjee and her senior police officers.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesMorning affirmation at 5am: Simple habits that feel less like routine, more like reflectionHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwave123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap ‘Patriot’ box office collections day 1: Mohanlal and Mammootty film roars to Rs 29.37 cr globally Capricorn Horoscope Today, May 2, 2026: Let someone prove their sincerity over time Mumbai family deaths: FDA finds no additives in watermelon; experts probe bacteria or poison angle File photo NEW DELHI: Amid conflicting inference over the record voter turnout in Bengal, BJP on Friday credited Hindu consolidation for the surge and dismissed CM Mamata Banerjee’s apprehensions of counting malpractices as desperation to distract from the writing on the wall.As Muslims have traditionally rallied behind Trinamool, the jump in voter turnout in this poll is an outcome of Hindu consolidation, BJP claimed.It points to a clear shift against Mamata, BJP functionary Amit Malviya said. “The backdrop to this election has been deeply concerning – recurring communal tensions in regions like Malda and Murshidabad; the exodus of Hindus from pockets of the state; distressing incidents such as Sandeshkhali; and the horrific rape and murder at RG Kar. These are not isolated events; they have shaped public sentiment over time,” he said.The BJP functionary added that this election represents a response – people voting in larger numbers without fear to demand “accountability, safety and dignity”. He stressed the state has “voted for change, stability and a restoration of trust in governance”.With Mamata rushing to EVM strongrooms and asking TMC members to keep vigil, Malviya alleged her theatrics were perhaps the clearest “exit poll” for Bengal.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesMorning affirmation at 5am: Simple habits that feel less like routine, more like reflectionHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwave123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap File photo: Abhishek Singhvi & Himanta Sarma GUWAHATI/NEW DELHI: Soon after Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress spokesman Pawan Khera in a defamation case, a slugfest broke out between Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Himanta Sarma, with the former asking him to reflect on his “deeply inappropriate” statements.Khera was granted relief in a forgery and criminal case lodged by Assam Police on a complaint by Sarma’s wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.Hitting back at Singhvi, Sarma said on X, “I don’t need lessons on democracy, public discourse or decency from anyone, especially from AM Singhvi. Decency and him can never be in the same room.” He said the issue concerned “a woman who has nothing to do with politics” whose character was maligned on national television using forged foreign documents. “I am confident the courts will take note of this, sooner or later, and the guilty will be punished for his brazen act of maligning a woman’s character,” he said.Hailing SC’s decision, Singhvi said law stands above all and asked Sarma to reconsider whether it was befitting of a person in constitutional office to use “deeply inappropriate” language against him. SC had also cited this in its judgment, he said, urging Sarma to express regret.Some statements recorded were unfit for repetition, he said, adding such language undermines democratic values. Singhvi said the court had taken note of the remarks and that the solicitor general also did not justify them.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap Will MS Dhoni finally play in IPL 2026? Hussey says ‘all of Chennai is waiting’ Sagittarius Horoscope Today, May 2, 2026: Expect small spending on guests, snacks, or extra groceries Bangladesh MP flags possible refugee crisis from India Representative image NEW DELHI: The Union home ministry on Thursday notified an amendment to the Citizenship Act allowing online application for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. The digital application will be for both inclusion and renunciation.All applications will be submitted electronically through the portal https://ociservices.gov.in. The amended rule also provides for inclusion of minors as OCI but “the minor cannot at any time hold passport of any other country while also holding Indian passport”.”An application for registration as an OCI cardholder under section 7A shall be made in Form XXVIII electronically on the designated online portal,” according to a gazette notification. There will not be any requirement to provide duplicate certificates as in the past.Those registered as OCI shall be issued OCI card in physical form or an electronic e-OCI registration containing details. The authority will maintain a record of persons registered as OCI in electronic form.Similarly, a declaration of renunciation of the card shall be made (in Form XXXI) electronically on designated portal to Indian Missions or Posts, or Foreigners Regional Registration Officers. In case of OCI card issued in physical form, the original card must be surrendered to authorities, who will issue an acknowledgment, the notification said. Once the authority cancels registration of OCI, the person whose registration has been cancelled will deliver the card in original.The new rule provides that “if an application for revision is made…by a person aggrieved by an order made by an authority with reference to his application, the application shall be disposed of by an authority one rank higher than the authority specified for disposal of the application for citizenship”.For a minor, OCI cardholder has to make a declaration, where it is specifically mentioned that the child does not hold passport of any other country while also holding Indian passport. The consent must also be provided to “share biometric information that will be captured for registration as an OCI cardholder for the purpose of registration under the ‘Fast Track Immigration Programme’ whenever an application is submitted.The govt also introduced a new rule – “If an application is made by a person for review under Section 15A, (grant of citizenship by naturalisation), the application for review shall be disposed of by the central govt after giving a reasonable opportunity to the person affected to present his case.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwave123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap IPL 2026: ‘I want MS Dhoni’s five trophies’- KL Rahul after surpassing him on IPL list Commercial LPG price hiked again, up Rs 1,331 since Iran conflict started Middle East crisis: Air India to make food optional, help cut price of tickets ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ locks IMAX release for December 17, 2027; sets up clash with ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ Libra Horoscope Today, May 2, 2026: A meeting that looks tense can become productive because you choose the right words After Rahul Gandhi’s attack, government defends Great Nicobar project Representative image NEW DELHI: USTR has retained India on its Special 301 priority watch list, along with five other countries including China, and said it will engage with New Delhi, including through Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations. The annual report said India remained “inconsistent in its progress” on protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP).Vietnam was identified as a Priority Foreign Country, marking the first time in 13 years that a country is listed in that category. Over the next 30 days, USTR will decide whether to initiate an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against Vietnam based on the grounds identified in the report. Argentina has moved out of the priority watch list, while the European Union has been added to the watch list due to US concerns over geographical indications and the recent provisional agreement on the EU General Pharmaceutical Legislation.Apart from India and China, others on the priority watch list included Russia, Indonesia, Chile and Venezuela.In the case of India, the USTR noted steps taken by govt to strengthen its IP regime, but also said that there was a “a lack of progress” on several long-standing concerns raised in earlier reports. “India remains one of the world’s most challenging major economies with respect to the protection and enforcement of IP,” the latest report released Thursday said.The chief concern is over the Indian Patents Act, which often questions applications filed by American companies, especially pharma majors, as well as the flexibility it allows govt. Long pendency has been a pet peeve in successive reports, and the latest one is no different.“Stakeholders also continue to raise concerns as to whether India has an effective system for protecting against the unfair commercial use, as well as unauthorised disclosure, of undisclosed test or other data generated to obtain marketing approval for pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical products,” the report said.It was also critical of India’s high customs duties directed to IP-intensive products such as information and communications technology (ICT) products, solar energy equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and capital goods. The Trump administration has repeatedly attacked India on tariffs.The other concerns were familiar — weak enforcement of copyrights, trademarks & high levels of counterfeiting.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap Virgo Horoscope Today, May 2, 2026: Avoid impulse buys meant to reduce stress ‘Failure to provide support’: US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany amid widening Iran war rift Did iShowSpeed really get Guadeloupe citizenship during his viral Caribbean tour moment? Deepika Padukone debuts baby bump on ‘King’ sets in South Africa; Pics send fans into frenzy Scorpio Horoscope Today, May 2, 2026: Be careful with your plans and don’t mix love with a lot of discussion Special Supreme Court bench to hear today TMC plea on counting staff Brian Harpole sues Candace Owens over Charlie Kirk claims as lawsuit exposes alleged false accusations and records Xqc Overwatch League Viewership: “These numbers were so botted”: xQc makes shocking claim about Overwatch League viewership West Asia conflict a ‘war’, government firms can invoke ‘force majeure’ clause Leo Horoscope Today, May 2, 2026: Do not lend money to neighbors or your friends today Not just venom, the surprising metals inside scorpions’ structure make their sting stronger Pawan Khera vs Himanta a political battle, says Supreme Court, gives relief to Congress neta Scientists discover light can slow plant growth; here’s how it works File photo NEW DELHI: Many parts of the country may not be hotter than usual this month due to ‘above normal’ rainfall, but certain states, especially those along the Himalayan foothills such as southern Himachal and Uttarakhand, along the eastern coast, and some parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, are likely to face ‘above normal’ heatwave days (an additional 3 to 8 days), according to IMD’s May forecast released Friday.The Met department also predicted warmer nights (above normal minimum temperatures) across many parts of the country, a phenomenon IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said is linked to climate change.’Above normal’ rainfall during the month is attributed to increased frequency of western disturbances and thunderstorm activity due to favourable troughs and upper air cyclonic circulations. These are likely to bring down day temps to ‘below normal’ in certain regions.”Maximum (day) temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal across many parts of the country. However, above-normal temperatures are likely in many parts of southern peninsular India, some parts of the northeast, and northwest India,” said Mohapatra.He said minimum (night) temperatures are, on the other hand, expected to be above normal across many parts of the country. “However, many areas of northwest India, along with some parts of central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India and southern parts of northeast India, are likely to experience normal to below-normal minimum temperatures.”Southwest monsoon is expected to arrive over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 14-20. A forecast for its onset over Kerala, which marks arrival of monsoon over India’s mainland, is expected around May 15.The Met department has already predicted ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall this year amid the risk of El Nino, the warming of ocean surface temperatures in central and eastern equatorial Pacific, often linked to depressed rainfall over Indian subcontinent.Increasing frequency of WDs – moist air and low-pressure systems over Mediterranean region that enter India and affect local weather – led to seven such events in April, causing thunderstorms, rain, winds and lightning in northwest and adjoining central and east India.Extreme weather events linked to WDs claimed 24 lives last month. Lightning alone killed 10 people in Andhra, UP, Maharashtra and Odisha.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap Oscars 2027: The Academy changes rules for nominations, International film eligibility; AI actors and writers ‘not eligible’ A $200,000 reward targets a tiny hidden problem in boats that could cost billions H-1B worker loses mother to cancer in India, misses final moments due to visa delays: ‘Will carry that pain forever’ R Madhavan recalls Saala Khadoos struggles, says failure is his biggest teacher: ‘I thought I must be terribly wrong’ Gemini Horoscope Today, May 2, 2026: Avoid lending money casually today