VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Shanthanu’s heartfelt note to Vijay, Suriya’s reunion with TJ Gnanavel, Jr NTR and Trivikram Srinivas’ comeback: Top 5 South stories of the day “He’s not a gym rat”: Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes brutally roasted for sporting dad bod belly in latest Instagram post 2026 BET Awards: Teyana Taylor, Lauryn Hill and more — Full winners list Chambal’s dreaded dacoit Jagan Gurjar found dead in high-security Ajmer jail; cellmate claims he strangled him IShowSpeed reveals massive FIFA World Cup 2026 plan as streamer targets all 16 Round of 32 live streams Nagpur consumer panel holds NHAI liable for pothole damage A consumer commission in Maharashtra’s Nagpur has held that collecting toll fees without ensuring well-maintained roads amounts to a “deficiency in service”. It directed the National Highways Authority of India to compensate a motorist whose vehicle was damaged after hitting potholes, as cited by PTI.In an order passed earlier this month, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Nagpur, said that “providing a safe and motorable road by charging toll fees is the responsibility of the toll collecting company/authority.””Collecting toll and providing a bad road is a deficiency in service,” it added.According to the complaint, the motorist was travelling from Nagpur in Maharashtra to Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh on October 2, 2020, after paying the prescribed toll fee, when his car hit a deep pothole on the highway. He alleged that the impact severely damaged the vehicle’s steel wheel rim and dislodged the tyre.The complainant said he completed the remainder of the journey using the spare tyre and had to extend his stay by a day to get the vehicle repaired.He further alleged that toll plaza staff refused to provide a complaint register on his return journey, claiming that the official in charge was unavailable. Although he later served a notice on the highway authorities seeking reimbursement of the repair expenses, he claimed no action was taken.Subsequently, he approached the consumer commission, alleging deficiency in service by NHAI and seeking compensation for the losses incurred.In its written submission, the NHAI’s Chhindwara unit acknowledged the presence of potholes on the road, attributing them to heavy rainfall and high traffic volume, and said repair work was under way at the time of the incident.While expressing regret over the inconvenience caused to the complainant, the authority urged the commission to dismiss the case, contending that the motorist had failed to produce evidence showing the vehicle had been regularly maintained.Rejecting the NHAI’s defence, the commission held that a consumer is not required under the Consumer Protection Act to produce records of regular vehicle maintenance. It said establishing that the damage was directly caused by the potholes was sufficient to sustain the complaint.Since the main responsibility of toll collection and road maintenance is of Opposite Party 2 (NHAI Chhindwara project unit), the responsibility for compensation is fixed on them,” the commission ruled.”It is the responsibility of Opposite Party 2 to provide a safe and well-maintained road by charging a toll fee. Therefore, it is our opinion that if the vehicle is damaged due to the bad condition of the road, it is a deficiency in service,” it added.The commission directed the unit to pay the complainant Rs 1,030 towards vehicle repair and toll reimbursement, Rs 10,000 as compensation for mental and physical distress, and Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs.The commission directed the NHAI to pay the compensation within 45 days.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSonam Wangchuk Begins Indefinite Fast, Urges Nation To Join Education Reform MovementBengal BJP Govt Rolls Back OBC Quota Hike, Scraps 113 Groups Added Under TMCPM Modi To Skip Khamenei Funeral; Bihar Governor, MoS External Affairs To Represent India: Report’In 3 Or 6 Months’: Stalin Predicts Early Polls, Says Vijay-led TVK Govt May Not Last Full TermExplained: Why The Akal Takht Has Summoned 87 Sikh Legislators Over Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege LawIndia’s First Integrated Battle Groups Explained: A New Era of Border Readiness32 Years After the Pact, Rajasthan Finally Set to Get Yamuna Water from HaryanaPM Modi’s Seychelles Visit: Why This Tiny Island Is Key to India’s Battle for the Indian OceanMumbai Muharram Poison Plot: Why Police Are Investigating the Iran-Iraq Angle?Nah Tribal Body Claims PLA Occupied Ancestral Land, China Built Roads and Camps in Arunachal Pradesh123PhotostoriesPsychology says people who don’t have many close friends may be more selective in love, and that’s not always a bad thing10 timeless baby girl names inspired by courageous women warriors in history4 secrets the happiest couples you meet are hiding from youVande Bharat routes under ₹1,500: From Goa to Kerala, these budget trips are worth every rupeeTaylor Swift’s best white gowns, ahead of her wedding with Travis Kelce: From ‘Folklore’ to ‘The Fate of Ophelia’PM Narendra Modi says “Chutney and Samosa reflect the shared heritage of India and Seychelles”: 6 traditional dishes that prove itHow to care for antique kundan and polki jewellery: Expert tips to prevent tarnishingOTT releases this week (June 29-July 5): ‘Pritam and Pedro’, ‘Enola Holmes 3’, ‘Tavvai’, ‘Isakapatnam’ and more5 ways to fall in love with your life and feel alive again5 cutest fish in the ocean you’ll instantly love123Hot PicksIreland CoachKerala HSCAP third allotment listWeather tomorrowFIFA world cup 2026Ketan Agarwal murder caseMumbai monsoonFIFA World Cup Round of ScheduleUS Strike on IranVaibhav SooryavanshiTop TrendingRam Mandir Donation TheftSimone BilesNoida fireFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Three language GuidelinesBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Jun 29, 2026, 18:56 IST BTS’ Jungkook jokes about not wanting to get married, says, ‘I have no plans for marriage yet’ What does ‘generation’ mean in fighter jets and does it really matter? ‘Historic milestone’: JKLF chief Yasin Malik named main accused in brutal 1990 killing of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat | India News Brazil vs Japan Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Neymar’s Brazil meet fearless Japan with last 16 spot on the line Priyadarshan confirms exit from Akshay Kumar starrer Hera Pheri 3, says film may ‘never hit the screen’ amid legal issues IBGs, Shaktibaan and Divyastra units: How Army is reshaping itself for future wars Meet Yousuf Imran, Google executive who walked away from $1 million salary over fears about AI and job security The NEET-UG examination, originally held on May 3, was cancelled after allegations of a paper leak surfaced. NEW DELHI: Top officials from the educatin ministry and the National Testing Agency (NTA) will brief a Parliamentary panel this week on the lessons learnt from the NEET-UG re-examination and the reforms being undertaken to strengthen the country’s entrance examination system.Former Isro chairman K Radhakrishnan will also appear before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports to present the progress made in implementing reforms recommended for the NTA, reported news agency PTI citing sources.Radhakrishnan heads the high-powered steering committee constituted by the Centre to oversee the implementation of recommendations aimed at improving the functioning of the testing agency.The committee is scheduled to meet on July 1, during which NTA Director General Abhishek Singh will brief members on the outcome of the NEET-UG re-examination conducted on June 21 and the key takeaways from the exercise.Higher education secretary Vineet Joshi has also been asked to attend the meeting.The NEET-UG examination, originally held on May 3, was cancelled after allegations of a paper leak surfaced. The examination was conducted again on June 21, while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to investigate the alleged leak.Apart from reviewing the examination process, the panel will also deliberate on the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and measures needed to improve students’ employability in an AI-driven economy.Sources said several education experts, including former National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) head Arun C Mehta and former IIT Guwahati director and ex-AICTE chairman T G Sitharam, have been invited to brief the committee on the subject.Officials from the Indian Institute of Science, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Delhi School of Artificial Intelligence are also expected to share their recommendations.The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports is now chaired by Congress MP Mukul Wasnik, with this being its first meeting under his leadership. He succeeded Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who retired from the Rajya Sabha on June 21.The panel had earlier summoned senior officials from the ministries of higher education and health, along with representatives of the NTA and the National Medical Commission (NMC), over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and issues related to the CBSE’s onscreen evaluation system. Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi To Skip Khamenei Funeral; Bihar Governor, MoS External Affairs To Represent India: Report’In 3 Or 6 Months’: Stalin Predicts Early Polls, Says Vijay-led TVK Govt May Not Last Full TermExplained: Why The Akal Takht Has Summoned 87 Sikh Legislators Over Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege LawIndia’s First Integrated Battle Groups Explained: A New Era of Border Readiness32 Years After the Pact, Rajasthan Finally Set to Get Yamuna Water from HaryanaPM Modi’s Seychelles Visit: Why This Tiny Island Is Key to India’s Battle for the Indian OceanMumbai Muharram Poison Plot: Why Police Are Investigating the Iran-Iraq Angle?Nah Tribal Body Claims PLA Occupied Ancestral Land, China Built Roads and Camps in Arunachal PradeshSC Defers Urgent Hearing on Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Alleged Ram Mandir Donation EmbezzlementPakistani National Apprehended Near LoC, Poonch, Second Cross-Border Intrusion Reported In 2 Days123PhotostoriesPsychology says people who don’t have many close friends may be more selective in love, and that’s not always a bad thing10 timeless baby girl names inspired by courageous women warriors in history4 secrets the happiest couples you meet are hiding from youVande Bharat routes under ₹1,500: From Goa to Kerala, these budget trips are worth every rupeeTaylor Swift’s best white gowns, ahead of her wedding with Travis Kelce: From ‘Folklore’ to ‘The Fate of Ophelia’PM Narendra Modi says “Chutney and Samosa reflect the shared heritage of India and Seychelles”: 6 traditional dishes that prove itHow to care for antique kundan and polki jewellery: Expert tips to prevent tarnishingOTT releases this week (June 29-July 5): ‘Pritam and Pedro’, ‘Enola Holmes 3’, ‘Tavvai’, ‘Isakapatnam’ and more5 ways to fall in love with your life and feel alive again5 cutest fish in the ocean you’ll instantly love123Hot PicksIreland CoachKerala HSCAP third allotment listWeather tomorrowFIFA world cup 2026Ketan Agarwal murder caseMumbai monsoonFIFA World Cup Round of ScheduleUS Strike on IranVaibhav SooryavanshiTop TrendingRam Mandir Donation TheftSimone BilesNoida fireFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Three language GuidelinesBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News GCL 2026 Player Draft: Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy to play in same team – full squads here | Chess News UPPSC ACF, RFO Mains Exam 2026 schedule released: Here’s how to download US government is threatening 100% TARIFF on anyone who impose Digital Tax on Meta, Google and Amazon; Countries that may be impacted include Canada and … Yogi Adityanath announces second phase of Chalo School Campaign, calls on teachers, parents to ensure regular attendance LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday urged teachers and parents to work together to ensure every child attends school regularly as the state prepares to launch the second phase of its ‘Chalo School Campaign’ from July 1.In a post on X, Adityanath said July marks not only the beginning of a new month but also a renewed commitment to fulfil the dreams of millions of children by bringing them to school.”My esteemed fellow citizens of the state, July is not merely the beginning of a new month, but also the time for renewing our resolve to bring the dreams of millions of children to school. In Uttar Pradesh, the second phase of the ‘Chalo School Campaign’ is commencing from July 1,” CM wrote.He called upon teachers to make classrooms more engaging and appealed to parents to assess children beyond academic scores.”Dear teachers, ensure that children do not view school merely as part of a daily routine, but show genuine interest in attending. Activities such as sports and games can serve as excellent means to achieve this,” CM said.Emphasising the role of parents in shaping children’s future, Adityanath urged them to prioritise regular school attendance and evaluate children on the basis of their dedication and determination.”Parents, evaluate your children not by their marks, but by their determination and dedication. It is you who must ensure their regular attendance at school,” CM said.CM said that the Campaign is a people’s movement to light up Uttar Pradesh’s future through education.”Transform the ‘Chalo School Campaign’ into a people’s movement. The future of Uttar Pradesh will shine brightly only when every child is nourished by education,” CM added.The second phase of Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Chalo School Campaign’ is scheduled to begin on July 1 with the objective of increasing school enrolment and encouraging regular attendance among children across the state.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi To Skip Khamenei Funeral; Bihar Governor, MoS External Affairs To Represent India: Report’In 3 Or 6 Months’: Stalin Predicts Early Polls, Says Vijay-led TVK Govt May Not Last Full TermExplained: Why The Akal Takht Has Summoned 87 Sikh Legislators Over Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege LawIndia’s First Integrated Battle Groups Explained: A New Era of Border Readiness32 Years After the Pact, Rajasthan Finally Set to Get Yamuna Water from HaryanaPM Modi’s Seychelles Visit: Why This Tiny Island Is Key to India’s Battle for the Indian OceanMumbai Muharram Poison Plot: Why Police Are Investigating the Iran-Iraq Angle?Nah Tribal Body Claims PLA Occupied Ancestral Land, China Built Roads and Camps in Arunachal PradeshSC Defers Urgent Hearing on Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Alleged Ram Mandir Donation EmbezzlementPakistani National Apprehended Near LoC, Poonch, Second Cross-Border Intrusion Reported In 2 Days123PhotostoriesPsychology says people who don’t have many close friends may be more selective in love, and that’s not always a bad thing10 timeless baby girl names inspired by courageous women warriors in history4 secrets the happiest couples you meet are hiding from youVande Bharat routes under ₹1,500: From Goa to Kerala, these budget trips are worth every rupeeTaylor Swift’s best white gowns, ahead of her wedding with Travis Kelce: From ‘Folklore’ to ‘The Fate of Ophelia’PM Narendra Modi says “Chutney and Samosa reflect the shared heritage of India and Seychelles”: 6 traditional dishes that prove itHow to care for antique kundan and polki jewellery: Expert tips to prevent tarnishingOTT releases this week (June 29-July 5): ‘Pritam and Pedro’, ‘Enola Holmes 3’, ‘Tavvai’, ‘Isakapatnam’ and more5 ways to fall in love with your life and feel alive again5 cutest fish in the ocean you’ll instantly love123Hot PicksIreland CoachKerala HSCAP third allotment listWeather tomorrowFIFA world cup 2026Ketan Agarwal murder caseMumbai monsoonFIFA World Cup Round of ScheduleUS Strike on IranVaibhav SooryavanshiTop TrendingRam Mandir Donation TheftSimone BilesNoida fireFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Three language GuidelinesBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News DU announces 1,370 ECA quota seats for UG admissions: Here’s how to apply ‘The Good Life’ star Dame Penelope Keith passes away at 86 after battling cancer Thota Vaikuntam: A grocery shop owner’s son from a village who became one of India’s most celebrated artists; his paintings are hung from National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi to Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts ‘Russia might launch limited war against Nato within … ‘: Dutch intel sounds alarm Grand jury probe launched into Neville Roy Singham’s donations to Goldman Sachs’ philanthropy fund: Report Unauthorised pamphlet carrying the slogan ‘Polio Free Pakistan’ in Jammu triggers probe. Photo credit: PTI The Jammu and Kashmir health department has sought an urgent explanation from a Block medical officer (BMO) in Rajouri after an allegedly unauthorised pamphlet carrying the slogan ‘Polio Free Pakistan’ surfaced on social media.The Rajouri chief medical officer (CMO) issued the order to the BLO, Kandi, directing the officer to submit a detailed explanation within a day over the circulation of the material.According to the official communication cited by PTI, an advertisement related to the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) programme, 2026 was circulated on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups, creating the impression that it had been officially issued or endorsed by the office of the Kandi BMO.The CMO said scrutiny of the pamphlet found that it carried the logo of the National emergency operations centre (NEOC) and the slogan “Polio Free Pakistan”, which, the department said, had no connection with any programme or communication issued by the Jammu and Kashmir health and medical education department or the union ministry of health and family welfare.According to the order, the pamphlet also carried the name and designation of the block medical officer under scrutiny.The communication described the logo and slogan as ‘prima facie unauthorised’, misleading and capable of creating public confusion regarding official government health initiatives.The order further stated that the advertisement material was circulated on social media by community health officer Ayub Lone, PTI reported.The CMO said the matter had been viewed with “utmost seriousness”, warning that it could adversely affect public confidence and bring disrepute to the department.The block medical officer has been directed to submit a detailed report explaining whether the material had been prepared, approved, printed, published or circulated with official authorisation.The officer has also been asked to identify the officials or agencies responsible for preparing, designing, approving, printing and circulating the pamphlet, and explain under whose authority the logo and contents were incorporated.Separately, an explanation has also been sought from the community health officer over why he permitted the pamphlet’s circulation, PTI reported.The CMO has further directed that no material, advertisement, poster, pamphlet or social media content be issued or circulated in the name of the office without prior verification and approval.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi To Skip Khamenei Funeral; Bihar Governor, MoS External Affairs To Represent India: Report’In 3 Or 6 Months’: Stalin Predicts Early Polls, Says Vijay-led TVK Govt May Not Last Full TermExplained: Why The Akal Takht Has Summoned 87 Sikh Legislators Over Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege LawIndia’s First Integrated Battle Groups Explained: A New Era of Border Readiness32 Years After the Pact, Rajasthan Finally Set to Get Yamuna Water from HaryanaPM Modi’s Seychelles Visit: Why This Tiny Island Is Key to India’s Battle for the Indian OceanMumbai Muharram Poison Plot: Why Police Are Investigating the Iran-Iraq Angle?Nah Tribal Body Claims PLA Occupied Ancestral Land, China Built Roads and Camps in Arunachal PradeshSC Defers Urgent Hearing on Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Alleged Ram Mandir Donation EmbezzlementPakistani National Apprehended Near LoC, Poonch, Second Cross-Border Intrusion Reported In 2 Days123Photostories4 secrets the happiest couples you meet are hiding from youVande Bharat routes under ₹1,500: From Goa to Kerala, these budget trips are worth every rupeeTaylor Swift’s best white gowns, ahead of her wedding with Travis Kelce: From ‘Folklore’ to ‘The Fate of Ophelia’PM Narendra Modi says “Chutney and Samosa reflect the shared heritage of India and Seychelles”: 6 traditional dishes that prove itHow to care for antique kundan and polki jewellery: Expert tips to prevent tarnishingOTT releases this week (June 29-July 5): ‘Pritam and Pedro’, ‘Enola Holmes 3’, ‘Tavvai’, ‘Isakapatnam’ and more5 ways to fall in love with your life and feel alive again5 cutest fish in the ocean you’ll instantly loveGaurav Khanna shifts to a luxurious new house amid divorce with Akanksha; A look at his lavish new propertyWhat one year of learning a musical instrument did to young children’s brains surprised researchers123Hot PicksIreland CoachKerala HSCAP third allotment listWeather tomorrowFIFA world cup 2026Ketan Agarwal murder caseMumbai monsoonFIFA World Cup Round of ScheduleUS Strike on IranVaibhav SooryavanshiTop TrendingRam Mandir Donation TheftSimone BilesNoida fireFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Three language GuidelinesBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News West Bengal Assembly passes OBC reservation Bills, 66 communities to get 7% quota in government jobs Amaal Mallik condemns Ketan Agrawal murder case; Questions accused’s actions; ‘Families are shattered. Monsters’ West Bengal’s ‘anti-goonda bill’ cleared: Who can be detained, what properties can be seized and why it matters Who is Ramu Palani Velu, an Indian-origin businessman in Singapore, who left 400 workers unpaid and attempted to escape? Hindu body demands temples be freed from government control. Photo credit: ANI The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) on Monday called for an immediate investigation into the alleged embezzlement of offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, urging the government to take strict action against those responsible while renewing its demand that temples be managed solely by devotees.In a statement, the organisation described the alleged misuse of temple funds as a ‘grave sin’ and said the matter should be investigated without delay.”Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is not merely a place of worship but a symbol of the centuries-long sacrifices, prolonged struggle, and unwavering faith of crores of Hindus across the world,” the HJS said in its release, according to PTI.The organisation added that the government must “swiftly investigate the matter to bring the truth before the people and ensure the strictest action.”Using the controversy to reiterate its long-standing position on temple administration, the HJS opposed any move to place religious institutions under government control.”How can government officials who are themselves corrupt be expected to prevent corruption in temple committees? Therefore, there should be no interference by a secular government in religious institutions,” said Ramesh Shinde, the samiti’s national spokesperson.Shinde argued that several temples across the country had witnessed increased corruption after coming under state administration.He said temple management should instead be entrusted to genuine devotees who regard temple management as an act of selfless service to the deity.The HJS maintained that religious institutions should remain independent of government control and insisted that devotees were best placed to safeguard the sanctity and administration of temples.The organisation’s statement comes amid allegations of financial irregularities involving offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi To Skip Khamenei Funeral; Bihar Governor, MoS External Affairs To Represent India: Report’In 3 Or 6 Months’: Stalin Predicts Early Polls, Says Vijay-led TVK Govt May Not Last Full TermExplained: Why The Akal Takht Has Summoned 87 Sikh Legislators Over Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege LawIndia’s First Integrated Battle Groups Explained: A New Era of Border Readiness32 Years After the Pact, Rajasthan Finally Set to Get Yamuna Water from HaryanaPM Modi’s Seychelles Visit: Why This Tiny Island Is Key to India’s Battle for the Indian OceanMumbai Muharram Poison Plot: Why Police Are Investigating the Iran-Iraq Angle?Nah Tribal Body Claims PLA Occupied Ancestral Land, China Built Roads and Camps in Arunachal PradeshSC Defers Urgent Hearing on Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Alleged Ram Mandir Donation EmbezzlementPakistani National Apprehended Near LoC, Poonch, Second Cross-Border Intrusion Reported In 2 Days123PhotostoriesPsychology says people who don’t have many close friends may be more selective in love, and that’s not always a bad thing10 timeless baby girl names inspired by courageous women warriors in history4 secrets the happiest couples you meet are hiding from youVande Bharat routes under ₹1,500: From Goa to Kerala, these budget trips are worth every rupeeTaylor Swift’s best white gowns, ahead of her wedding with Travis Kelce: From ‘Folklore’ to ‘The Fate of Ophelia’PM Narendra Modi says “Chutney and Samosa reflect the shared heritage of India and Seychelles”: 6 traditional dishes that prove itHow to care for antique kundan and polki jewellery: Expert tips to prevent tarnishingOTT releases this week (June 29-July 5): ‘Pritam and Pedro’, ‘Enola Holmes 3’, ‘Tavvai’, ‘Isakapatnam’ and more5 ways to fall in love with your life and feel alive again5 cutest fish in the ocean you’ll instantly love123Hot PicksIreland CoachKerala HSCAP third allotment listWeather tomorrowFIFA world cup 2026Ketan Agarwal murder caseMumbai monsoonFIFA World Cup Round of ScheduleUS Strike on IranVaibhav SooryavanshiTop TrendingRam Mandir Donation TheftSimone BilesNoida fireFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Three language GuidelinesBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News US stocks today: Wall Street trades in green as Dow jumps 300 points, Nasdaq up 0.7% IB JIO Tech final result 2026 released: Direct link to download list of selected candidates here ‘Mardaani 3’ world television premiere: When and where to watch Rani Mukerji starrer cop thriller on the small screen? Centre lifts petrol, diesel sale restrictions from July 1 as supply concerns ease At least 9 killed as Russia launches fresh attacks across Ukraine’s Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia 123456 Standing in a book-lined room at Le Cercle Littéraire in Kala Ghoda last week, Céline Malraux is trying to solve a family mystery.The French author never met her grandfather André Malraux, who died two years before she was born. Now, fifty years after the death of the celebrated novelist, Resistance fighter and France’s first culture minister, she is retracing a journey that took him from New Delhi to Elephanta caves and Ellora monuments, and beyond.”I yearn for a serendipitous moment where suddenly I get it,” she says. “His fascination with Indian mythology, how he felt when he first saw the Elephanta caves. I’d really like to see India through his eyes.”For many Indians, Malraux is now little more than a footnote. But when he travelled through the country at Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s invitation in 1958, he was one of the most influential Western voices arguing that Indian art and civilisation deserved to be viewed on the same terms as those of Greece and Rome.That fascination, Céline explains, stemmed from questions that occupied him throughout his life. “Malraux was deeply interested in the human condition: death, suffering, absurdity of life,” she says. “He thought the answer lay in spirituality, in finding the sacred within art.”But she is wary of reducing his relationship with India to a familiar Western search for enlightenment. “Malraux didn’t see India simply as a land of spiritual quest. He always believed the country could connect spirituality and action.”The connection feels unusually tangible in Mumbai. Le Cercle Littéraire, where Céline was on Friday, is a short ride from Gateway of India, where ferries leave for Elephanta. The caves were one of the stops on Malraux’s 1958 state visit to discuss cultural exchange. “Nehru didn’t want Malraux to meet ascetics and sages,” Céline says. “He wanted him to see the potential of modern India. And Malraux understood that.”His itinerary reflects that. Hosted by the prime minister, he visited not only Elephanta caves and the rock-cut complexes of Ellora, but also Bhakra Nangal dam, one of the great symbols of India’s post-independence ambition.She pauses before quoting him. “Malraux once said that India’s fate is inseparable from the fate of the world. He knew that India’s experiment, modern statehood built upon an ancient civilisation, had significance far beyond its borders.”The visit deepened a friendship that had begun more than two decades earlier. Nehru and Malraux first met in Paris in 1936 and then in 1958. They then remained in touch until Nehru’s death, through years that would transform both men into global figures.”My grandmother, who accompanied him on the India trip, told me that only a few people can meet after twenty years and continue the same conversation,” Céline says.It is, in many ways, an unlikely friendship. Nehru was a rationalist and moderniser. Malraux, though politically engaged, was drawn to religion, mythology and the spiritual questions he found reflected in texts such as the Bhagavad Gita.Malraux described Nehru as a man who remained at “an enigmatic distance from India”, and yet each saw something in the other. “There was a kind of brotherhood,” Céline says. “They shared the same values on freedom and human dignity.”Nehru travelled to France several times after that, and on one visit Malraux walked with him personally through his landmark 1960 exhibition, Treasures of India: 5,000 Years of Indian Art, a show that introduced countless Europeans to Indian sculpture and painting, and quietly rewrote how the West understands Indian civilisation.Yet despite all this, Malraux has largely faded from Indian memory. “There are so many people who are more influential in shaping India’s own history,” Céline says. “What he shared with India was a one-sided love affair,” she laughs.What she has not made peace with, and perhaps does not want to, is how relevant some of his battles still feel. Malraux first made his name as an anti-fascist intellectual during the Spanish Civil War, warning about the rise of fascism before many others recognised the threat.”Last year marked fifty years since Franco’s death, and I saw people celebrating him,” she says. “You see this everywhere, a nostalgia for fascism. It is the perfect moment to speak about people who dedicated their work and risked their lives to fight it.”Art, she says, remains part of that struggle. “He made a film about Spanish war. It was Top Gun of 1930s,” she says with a laugh. “Art can be political. Sometimes it needs to be. We are at a moment when artists are very aware of that. Malraux was too.”As the evening in Kala Ghoda draws to a close, the conversation keeps returning to India: to Elephanta, to Ellora, to the places she is still moving through.For Céline, this trip is not simply about commemorating a famous intellectual. It is about following a trail left by someone she never knew, through a country that never forgot what he saw, even if it forgot him. “I’d really like to see India through his eyes,” she says.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAkshay BhagwatAkshay Bhagwat loves to read, write, sing and discuss politics. He believes in the power of the people. In his previous lives, he was a political consultant and an environmental researcher.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi To Skip Khamenei Funeral; Bihar Governor, MoS External Affairs To Represent India: Report’In 3 Or 6 Months’: Stalin Predicts Early Polls, Says Vijay-led TVK Govt May Not Last Full TermExplained: Why The Akal Takht Has Summoned 87 Sikh Legislators Over Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege LawIndia’s First Integrated Battle Groups Explained: A New Era of Border Readiness32 Years After the Pact, Rajasthan Finally Set to Get Yamuna Water from HaryanaPM Modi’s Seychelles Visit: Why This Tiny Island Is Key to India’s Battle for the Indian OceanMumbai Muharram Poison Plot: Why Police Are Investigating the Iran-Iraq Angle?Nah Tribal Body Claims PLA Occupied Ancestral Land, China Built Roads and Camps in Arunachal PradeshSC Defers Urgent Hearing on Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Alleged Ram Mandir Donation EmbezzlementPakistani National Apprehended Near LoC, Poonch, Second Cross-Border Intrusion Reported In 2 Days123PhotostoriesPsychology says people who don’t have many close friends may be more selective in love, and that’s not always a bad thing10 timeless baby girl names inspired by courageous women warriors in history4 secrets the happiest couples you meet are hiding from youVande Bharat routes under ₹1,500: From Goa to Kerala, these budget trips are worth every rupeeTaylor Swift’s best white gowns, ahead of her wedding with Travis Kelce: From ‘Folklore’ to ‘The Fate of Ophelia’PM Narendra Modi says “Chutney and Samosa reflect the shared heritage of India and Seychelles”: 6 traditional dishes that prove itHow to care for antique kundan and polki jewellery: Expert tips to prevent tarnishingOTT releases this week (June 29-July 5): ‘Pritam and Pedro’, ‘Enola Holmes 3’, ‘Tavvai’, ‘Isakapatnam’ and more5 ways to fall in love with your life and feel alive again5 cutest fish in the ocean you’ll instantly love123Hot PicksIreland CoachKerala HSCAP third allotment listWeather tomorrowFIFA world cup 2026Ketan Agarwal murder caseMumbai monsoonFIFA World Cup Round of ScheduleUS Strike on IranVaibhav SooryavanshiTop TrendingRam Mandir Donation TheftSimone BilesNoida fireFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Three language GuidelinesBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Ben Stokes: The man who refused to leave quietly, then left at tea NBEMS recruitment 2026: Registration to begin on July 7 for 53 vacancies; check eligibility and steps to apply South Indian cinema controversies from first half of 2026: Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ censor row, ‘Drishyam 3’ and AMMA crisis explained Comcast to split into two companies in major media shake-up Sun sets on Bazball: Ben Stokes signs off with defeat as New Zealand seal 2-1 series win vs England | Cricket News ‘Shah Rukh Khan is like this’: Farah Khan recalls ‘King’ star flying out the entire cast and crew of ‘Happy New Year’ to Dubai for premiere Awanish Sharan Transformation: “The greatest achievement is becoming healthier at 45 than I was at 39”: IAS Awanish Sharan shares his epic transformation journey without any crash diet; shares fitness formula for beginners Russian troops survive just ’20–35 minutes’ on Ukraine frontlines, pro-war bloggers claim ‘Tried my best’: Indian-origin techie says he has ‘made peace’ after failing to land job in US despite 15+ years of experience “Ayodhya ki loot jhanki hai, Kashi-Mathura abhi baaki hai,” Pawan Khera said. NEW DELHI: The Congress party Monday claimed the State Bank of India (SBI) had recommended removing officials posted at the donation counting centre at Ayodhya Ram Temple, while taunting the ruling BJP as the probe into the fund embezzlement case widens.Calling the arrest of eight people in the case “only a glimpse”, Congress leader Pawan Khera targeted those “protecting” the people behind the alleged fund embezzlement.Khera tweaked the RSS-BJP’s popular Ram Mandir movement slogan in a piercing attack, saying, “Ayodhya ki loot jhanki hai, Kashi-Mathura abhi baaki hai (the alleged loot in Ayodhya was only a glimpse, Kashi and Mathura were yet to come)”.The Congress leader alleged, “SBI had recommended three months ago that those posted at the donation counting centre be removed. Who has been protecting them? Nagpur or Delhi?”Khera also targeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and said he should be asked whether bulldozer action would be taken against the RSS or the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) over alleged irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings made by devotees at the Ram Temple.”The RSS and PMO were directly looking after the Ram Mandir administration. Ask Adityanath, if there has been wrongdoing there, will bulldozers be sent to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s residence or to the PMO? Just ask him this question and he will have no answer,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.On the reported move by the new BJP government in West Bengal to bring a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, Khera alleged such issues were being raised to divert people’s attention from the Ram Temple donation theft case.”The purpose (of the UCC bill) is only to change the headlines and divert attention from what is happening in the name of Lord Ram in Ayodhya,” he claimed.Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court refused to grant an urgent hearing on a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-led multi-agency probe into the alleged embezzlement case.The top court observed that “heavens are not going to fall” if the matter is heard after the court resumes regular functioning following the summer break.The plea came amid an ongoing police investigation into the case. As part of the probe, former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai’s statement has been recorded by the police, while statements of other senior trust officials, including trustee Anil Mishra, may be recorded if required.Earlier, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said it was “shocked, hurt, and deeply saddened” by the allegations and reiterated its commitment to a fair investigation. The Trust also confirmed receiving the resignations of Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, adding that the matter would be considered at its next meeting.Seeking to reassure devotees, the Trust said all valuables personally offered to Lord Ram, including silver bricks and jewellery, were safe and fully accounted for, expressing confidence that the truth would ultimately prevail. Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi To Skip Khamenei Funeral; Bihar Governor, MoS External Affairs To Represent India: Report’In 3 Or 6 Months’: Stalin Predicts Early Polls, Says Vijay-led TVK Govt May Not Last Full TermExplained: Why The Akal Takht Has Summoned 87 Sikh Legislators Over Punjab’s Anti-Sacrilege LawIndia’s First Integrated Battle Groups Explained: A New Era of Border Readiness32 Years After the Pact, Rajasthan Finally Set to Get Yamuna Water from HaryanaPM Modi’s Seychelles Visit: Why This Tiny Island Is Key to India’s Battle for the Indian OceanMumbai Muharram Poison Plot: Why Police Are Investigating the Iran-Iraq Angle?Nah Tribal Body Claims PLA Occupied Ancestral Land, China Built Roads and Camps in Arunachal PradeshSC Defers Urgent Hearing on Plea Seeking CBI Probe Into Alleged Ram Mandir Donation EmbezzlementPakistani National Apprehended Near LoC, Poonch, Second Cross-Border Intrusion Reported In 2 Days123Photostories10 timeless baby girl names inspired by courageous women warriors in history4 secrets the happiest couples you meet are hiding from youVande Bharat routes under ₹1,500: From Goa to Kerala, these budget trips are worth every rupeeTaylor Swift’s best white gowns, ahead of her wedding with Travis Kelce: From ‘Folklore’ to ‘The Fate of Ophelia’PM Narendra Modi says “Chutney and Samosa reflect the shared heritage of India and Seychelles”: 6 traditional dishes that prove itHow to care for antique kundan and polki jewellery: Expert tips to prevent tarnishingOTT releases this week (June 29-July 5): ‘Pritam and Pedro’, ‘Enola Holmes 3’, ‘Tavvai’, ‘Isakapatnam’ and more5 ways to fall in love with your life and feel alive again5 cutest fish in the ocean you’ll instantly loveGaurav Khanna shifts to a luxurious new house amid divorce with Akanksha; A look at his lavish new property123Hot PicksIreland CoachKerala HSCAP third allotment listWeather tomorrowFIFA world cup 2026Ketan Agarwal murder caseMumbai monsoonFIFA World Cup Round of ScheduleUS Strike on IranVaibhav SooryavanshiTop TrendingRam Mandir Donation TheftSimone BilesNoida fireFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Three language GuidelinesBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Jun 29, 2026, 19:19 IST HSSC CET Group C recruitment 2026: Registration ends tomorrow for 1,238 posts; direct link to apply here Lauryn Hill honored with Inaugural Living Legend Icon Award at 2026 BET Awards: ‘I fight for y’all’ Over 1,300 dead in Europe: How ‘Omega Block’ turned a heatwave into a continent-wide death trap