VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html File photo: Ships in Hormuz NEW DELHI: With an Indian national reported dead and two more critically injured in fresh attacks on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, India summoned the Iranian deputy chief of mission to lodge a strong protest against the attacks. Urging de-escalation, the govt sought an immediate end to attacks on commercial vessels.In a statement, govt said India is deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait on Tuesday.Both vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46. The attacks on commercial vessels have intensified since the renewal of US-Iran hostilities.”Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has tragically lost his life and another has been injured,” the MEA said. Since Feb 28, when the West Asia conflict broke out, 13 Indians have been killed and three are missing, according to govt sources.13 Indians killed since eruption of Iran conflictThe ministry of external affairs extended condolences to the family of the deceased Indian.Since Feb 28, when the West Asia conflict broke out, 13 Indians have been killed and three are missing, according to govt sources.The ministry strongly condemned the attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. It also reiterated India’s deep concern over the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in West Asia, and called for immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region.“In particular, the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease in order that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, can be restored at the earliest,” said the ministry, adding that the Indian mission in the UAE is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with the local authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected Indian seafarers.According to the UAE defence ministry, the Emirati oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tuesday two “offending” supertankers were hit and disabled in Strait of Hormuz after ignoring repeated warnings.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war ‘Bhagam Bhag 2’: Raaj Shaandilyaa and Paresh Rawal drop hints about the first look Lucky Number and Colour Today, 15 July 2026: Know What Your Zodiac Sign Should Use for Good Luck NFL Free Agency Rumor: Baltimore Ravens and the New York Giants emerge as top landing spots for $69M star wide receiver “Charlie’s assassination wasn’t even about him”: Candace Owens sparks outrage with explosive new Charlie Kirk assassination claim File photo: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh’s draft uniform civil code (UCC) says couples entering a live-in relationship will be required to register it with the registrar of the district in which they reside. The registration must also be formally cancelled if the relationship ends. Failure to register a live-in relationship could attract imprisonment of up to three months, it says. The UCC bill is likely to be introduced in the assembly’s monsoon session beginning July 20.The draft also says that parents of individuals entering a live-in relationship will be informed of their relationship status. Local police stations will maintain records of all registered live-in couples within their respective jurisdictions.The proposed UCC also empowers any person, including a neighbour or the landlord of the rented accommodation where the couple resides, to report an unregistered live-in relationship. Another provision states that if a man leaves his live-in partner, he will be liable to provide maintenance to her.The draft also proposes key changes to inheritance laws. At present, a deceased man’s property is generally inherited by his wife, children and mother. Under the proposed code, the father will also become an heir and will be entitled to a share in the property. The term “mother” is proposed to be replaced with “parents”, ensuring that if the mother is no longer alive, the father will continue to have inheritance rights.The committee constituted to draft the UCC has submitted its final report to the state govt. Personal and family matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, succession and inheritance are currently governed by different personal laws.It said there was a need to create a uniform and practical legal framework. A special cabinet meeting on the proposed UCC has been scheduled for July 19 before it is tabled in the House.However, the proposed law will initially not apply to the state’s 21% tribal population.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war Jul 15, 2026, 05:26 IST Leo Horoscope Today, July 15, 2026: Relationships need gentle handling Air India crash: Draft final report on Ahmedabad tragedy will be ready only by October, AAIB tells Supreme Court File photo: Hardeep Singh Nijjar NEW DELHI: India welcomed remarks by Canada’s RCMP that there’s no link between Indian govt and the charges announced by the US against Lawrence Bishnoi and other India-based gangs, including the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.The external affairs ministry said the remarks are consistent with the recently unsealed US indictment which attributes responsibility to members of the Bishnoi organised crime group.”India remains committed to working with our partners in combating terrorism and transnational organised crime through close law enforcement and security cooperation,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. On the gang’s indictment, he said India maintains transnational organised crime, terrorism pose a serious threat to society.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war Capricorn Horoscope Today, July 15, 2026: Savings are favoured, and that’s where your real advantage lies Give Muslims alternative site for namaz: Supreme Court to Dhar administration South China Sea NEW DELHI: The government has reiterated its position on the South China Sea issue, saying India emphasises the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and unimpeded commerce consistent with United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).The ministry of external affairs (MEA) was responding to queries about a joint statement by the US, Japan, the Philippines and 11 other countries which said China’s expansive claim in South China Sea has no legal basis.The joint statement marked the 10th anniversary of a landmark international tribunal ruling in favour of the Philippines in 2016 that had rejected China’s sweeping claim of sovereignty in South China Sea. Beijing never accepted the ruling.”We reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with UNCLOS…” MEA said.The joint statement said, “We reaffirm that the award …by the Arbitral Tribunal …is final, legally binding and definitive between China and the Philippines.”Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war Karka Sankranti 2026: Avoid These 3 Mistakes to Protect Your Home From Negative Energy Passport just a document to regulate departure of citizens from India: MEA Libra Horoscope Today, July 15, 2026: If you’re married, companionship feels warmer Vietnam boat survivor: Captain jumped, so did I File photo: Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Tuesday raised the issue of whether English could be considered an indigenous language as it refused to stay the implementation of CBSE’s decision to make the three-language scheme mandatory for Class 6 from the current academic session.CBSE’s plan, it said, appeared to advance the constitutional goal of promoting Hindi and regional languages.It, however, was reluctant to allow the plea for staying the three-language scheme without a detailed hearing.Books for only 3 of 22 languages made available on NCERT website: CounselAs a host of senior advocates challenged the scheme despite CBSE rolling back its instructions to make the three-language scheme mandatory for Class IX from the current academic session, a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana sought responses from the Centre and CBSE.It, however, was reluctant to allow the plea to stay the scheme without a detailed hearing. “The notification is carrying ahead the constitutional goal of learning Hindi and other regional languages. Nomenclature of indigenous languages and what constitutes indigenous language may require a relook,” said the bench as it posted the matter for hearing on July 22.On behalf of fresh petitioners, the counsel argued that though children had been given a choice of 22 languages, it was impossible for schools to employ those many teachers and create infrastructure. They said books for only three of the 22 languages were available on the NCERT website despite promises that all would be uploaded by July 1.Additional solicitor general Aishwa-rya Bhati said govt and CBSE would file their responses in 10 days.The Centre, in its response to the earlier petitions, said, “National Education Policy envisions an education system rooted in Indian ethos that contributes directly to transforming India, that is Bharat, sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society.”It said according to NEP, the three-language formula would continue to be implemented while keeping in mind constitutional provisions, aspirations of the people, regions and the Union, and the need to promote multilingualism as well as promote national unity. “However, there will be greater flexibility in the three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any state,” the Centre said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war Updated: Jul 15, 2026, 04:18 IST India moves to block imports linked to forced labour amid USTR probe Ketu Mount on Your Hand Can Reveal Hidden Luck and Spiritual Power Why US attack on Iran’s submarine repair facility could change naval warfare forever | Scorpio Horoscope Today, July 15, 2026: If you’re working, your efforts can bring visible gains Hydel project near China border gets green clearance On Jan 22, 1999, a mob led by Bajrang Dal’s Dara Singh (pic, right) burned Staines (58) and his two sons, Philip (10) and Timothy (6) BHUBANESWAR: Supreme Court on Tuesday gave Odisha govt until Aug 19 to decide on the remission plea of Dara Singh, jailed since 2000 for burning to death Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two sons, after “verbally” recommending that he be freed by Independence Day.”The state informed the court that the sentence review board had already met to consider the plea but requires time for address verification,” Dara’s counsel A P Singh told TOI. He said the bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Vijay Bishnoi wanted the state govt to ideally release Dara well before the deadline fixed by them to take a decision on his remission. While adjourning the case to Aug 19, the bench said, “In the meantime, we expect that the committee shall take its decision.”Take Decision By Aug 19, SC Tells Odisha GovtGovernment sources said the state sentence review board was “favourably” considering the plea since Dara had already spent over 26 years in prison without a day’s parole and “maintained good conduct”, making him eligible to be freed under the state’s remission policy.Fellow convict Mahendra Hembram, who was released on April 16 last year on grounds of good conduct, said Dara deserved the same treatment. “Dara is optimistic.”Odisha remission policy makes Dara Singh eligible after 25 yrs Former Bajrang Dal activist Dara Singh, now 62, was convicted of leading the mob that set fire to Staines’ station wagon near a church at Manoharpur village in Keonjhar district on Jan 22, 1999, burning the 58-year-old missionary to death along with his sons Philip, 10, and Timothy, 6.Dara, incarcerated in Odisha’s Keonjhar jail, is a native of UP’s Auraiya district.Advocate general Pitambar Acharya told TOI that the sentence review board was unable to take a decision immediately because records submitted by the jail authorities and the district administration pertain to 2025. “The board has sought updated information before taking a decision on the remission plea. This was conveyed to the apex court,” he said.Under Odisha’s 2022 premature-release guidelines, any convict whose death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment becomes eligible for remission after completing 25 years in jail, subject to the board’s recommendation and the state’s approval.The Central Bureau of Investigation’s chargesheet in the Staines case named 18 accused. In 2003, a trial court convicted Dara and 12 others, sentencing him to death and the rest to life. Two years later, Orissa high court commuted Dara’s death sentence to life, upheld Hembram’s life term and acquitted the rest. In 2011, Supreme Court upheld the life sentences of Dara and Hembram.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAshok PradhanAshok Pradhan is currently chief of bureau The Times of India in Bhubaneswar. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal (1999-2000).End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war Jammu and Kashmir: CCTVs capture terror suspects, sparks search operation in Rajouri File photo: Union minister Nitin Gadkari NEW DELHI: Nitin Gadkari rejected allegations of a conflict of interest and personal gain over his push for the ethanol blending programme. The road transport and highways minister said he had always backed alternative fuels to reduce vehicular pollution and India’s import bill.Gadkari said the attacks are “politically motivated”. He told TOI that his sons’ business had a small share of ethanol and their contribution to the overall kitty was meagre. Besides, he said, the business had a debt of Rs 1,600 crore and he was in no way associated with it or in fixing the price or its procurement.The minister insisted the ethanol blending programme dated back to the days of the Vajpayee govt and was also backed by UPA administration, with then oil minister Mani Shankar Aiyar supporting it in Parliament.He asserted that he has not just supported ethanol from sugarcane, but also from maize, stubble and bamboo. Moreover, he has pushed for all other types of alternative fuels, including methanol, hydrogen and electric vehicles.Gadkari said the claims on social media lacked substance and there was a major disinformation campaign. Although he admitted that fuel efficiency is likely to be affected while driving on highways, he dismissed claims of engine damage to vehicles, arguing that even carmakers such as Maruti had not seen any impact.‘If you don’t want E20, you can buy 100% petrol, but pay more’Road transport & highways minister Nitin Gadkari, who has been criticised over E20 fuel, says misinformation has been weaponised against him and govt. In a chat with TOI’s Dipak Dash, he defends his push for alternative fuels — ethanol-blended petrol, methanol, hydrogen and electric vehicles — to reduce pollution and cut India’s dependence on crude imports. Excerpts:Q) There has been widespread criticism against you and govt’s ethanol blending programme with fears of vehicles getting damaged and loss of mileage.The campaign is politically motivated. Certain people are targeting me and govt. There is also misinformation about E20 fuel damaging engines. All E10-compliant vehicles are fit for using E20 fuel. There have been no complaints so far about the fuel damaging engine.Maruti Suzuki has publicly stated so. Auto manufacturers offer guarantees on vehicles. There are people in your office who are using two-wheelers and petrol cars, how many have faced a problem? A few days ago, I had asked people to write to my ministry in case they are facing any problems with their vehicles. There has been no complaint so far.E20 fuel was launched after being properly tested. As for mileage, in city traffic in Delhi or Mumbai, you will not see any major change, there may be some loss when you are driving at high speed on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. I have always said there is a minor mileage loss due to low calorific value of ethanol compared to petrol.Q) People allege you have personal interest in promoting ethanol and your family has also gained from the ethanol blending programme. What’s your response?I have been speaking about ethanol for a long time. This is not a programme that came up overnight, it started during Atal Bihari Vajpayee govt. In 2005, during UPA govt, then petroleum minister Mani Shankar Aiyar had spoken about continuing the programme in Parliament. The sugar factory belongs to my family and it predates the whole conversation around ethanol. That business is run by my sons, the programme is run by the petroleum ministry and the price is decided by the Cabinet.So, I have no influence over it. Ethanol is just 10% of the business and the factories run by my sons have less than 0.5% share of the ethanol business in the country. The companies have a debt of Rs 1,600 crore. Lot of lies are being spread.I am a strong believer in alternative fuels, whether it is ethanol blended petrol, electric vehicles, methanol or hydrogen — all cleaner options that will reduce pollution, especially in a city like Delhi, where vehicles contribute up to 40% of air pollution. Shouldn’t the road transport support steps to reduce vehicular pollution?Moreover, it lowers import dependence as India is a large importer of oil. Also, I am not only advocating only sugarcane-based ethanol. In fact, started with maize, which helped farmers in Bihar and UP, who were getting prices below MSP. I have also been supporting ethanol from rice, parali (stubble) and the kind that is produced by bamboo in Assam; stubble, which is a problem in Haryana and Punjab, is being used for producing ethanol at Panipat.West Asian countries and the US have enough oil, but look at Brazil, which has surplus sugar and has been using ethanol for decades. Their vehicles have not suffered any problems. Indonesia and Thailand are going for biofuel.Q) Is there any possibility for providing E10 fuel at petrol pumps, which many say would address people’s concerns?How is it possible when we have achieved 20% ethanol blending and E20 fuel is available at every fuel station in the country? People who do not want ethanol blended fuel can go for 100% petrol, but they will have to pay more.Q) Can we have multiple dispensers at petrol pumps with different levels of ethanol blending so that people can decide?It won’t be appropriate for me to comment as it is for the petroleum ministry to decide. At some petrol pumps people have the option to buy E85 (85% ethanol blended petrol) for use in flex fuel vehicles (FFVs). Over half a dozen vehicle manufacturers are ready to launch such vehicles. E85 costs less than E20. So, people have a choice.Q) There are a lot of concerns over the quality of highways. Is it because the focus has been on speeding up construction?I have reviewed 950 highway projects and there is zero tolerance for poor quality construction. I am getting stretches checked and have asked officers to take strict action against those who’ve compromised on quality. There is a concerted effort to target me and the govt. But let me tell you, there may be a few places where there are problems but everyone appreciates govt’s effort in building world-class highways.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war FIFA World Cup: Folarin Balogun breaks silence: ‘I knew the ban overturn would cause a lot of controversy’ | Football News Virgo Horoscope Today, July 15, 2026: Work stays average, but not weak 12 Gurgaon bikers, UP SUV driver fined Rs 1.7 lakh for off-roading in Ladakh’s protected areas Representative image JAMMU: A Jammu court has directed the crime branch inquiry officer to appear in person with the complete record in a case linked to the alleged “fake silver” offerings Rs worth Rs 500cr at Vaishno Devi shrine after objections were raised over the agency’s handling of a complaint seeking registration of an FIR.The case first came to light on April 21, when Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board sent around 20 tonnes of accumulated offerings to a govt mint for melting and storage.Officials conducting the assay were surprised to find that the metal contained only about 5-6% of actual silver. The govt mint further raised alarm about the presence of cadmium, which closely resembles silver in colour but is highly toxic.On Monday, chief judicial magistrate (CJM), Jammu, Munish Kumar Manhas, ordered the officer to remain personally present along with the relevant record on the next date of hearing, fixed for July 29.The court complaint was filed by advocate Deepak Sharma, who alleged no action was taken on his complaint submitted to the crime branch on May 9.The complaint has sought a detailed investigation into whether devotees had been sold fake or adulterated silver articles by vendors and jewellers, or whether genuine silver offerings had been pilfered at any stage after their receipt, including during inventory, weighing, storage, transportation, assaying or melting.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war Updated: Jul 15, 2026, 03:11 IST Moon-Ketu Eclipse 2026: 4 Zodiac Signs Gaining Major Recognition This Week US resumes Iran naval blockade, launches fourth straight day of strikes over Strait of Hormuz File photo: Terrorist Hafiz Saeed JAMMU: A NIA court here has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which left 26 people dead.The NIA, which named Saeed as the mastermind of the terror attack conspiracy in a supplementary chargesheet filed earlier this month, sought the issuance of an open-dated NBW against him to initiate further proceedings in the matter and to take legal action against him in any further investigation.NIA court judge Prem Sagar granted the prayer in his July 8 order.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war Cancer Horoscope Today, July 15, 2026: This is a strong day for status and opportunity Chris Hemsworth’s muscle-building diet revealed: The 4,500-calorie meal plan, protein-packed foods and banana shake behind his superhero physique Eileen Lavine: This 101-year-old journalist still works and lives independently. Her 3 daily habits may surprise you Kick streamer SuzieSmalls dies after being found dead in her apartment Indian man Anshul Kuncha’s murder in Philadelphia: 14-year-old boy arrested, charged Anne Hathaway says she was ‘shocked’ to learn she was pregnant with baby No. 3: ‘We’re calling this one our buzzer-beater’ Gemini Horoscope Today, July 15, 2026: If you’re planning to buy a vehicle, postpone it Who are Michael Olise’s parents? All about Vincent and Mina Olise Asmongold ends years of roach memes after revealing his house is finally bug-free US eases Russia sanctions bill, cuts tariff threat on India and China from 500% to 100% Born on the 4th, 13, 22, or 31st? Why Rahu’s Hidden Energy Makes You Unstoppable and Powerful Affordable rental housing scheme: Who can apply, housing models and key conditions explained | Quote of the day by Plutarch: ‘I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better’ and the true meaning of friendship Aries Horoscope Today, July 15, 2026: Put aside a fixed amount before spending on comfort or celebration today Cabinet likely to approve Rs 25,000 crore Ganga, Varuna corridors for Varanasi