VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Amarnath Yatra (File photo) JAMMU: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the twin base camps of Amarnath Yatra 2026 from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp under elaborate security arrangements early Thursday, as chants of “Bam Bam Bhole”, “Har Har Mahadev”, and “Jai Barfani Baba Ki” rang in the air.The 57-day pilgrimage to the cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Kashmir Himalayas will begin July 3 via the traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the Baltal route in Ganderbal. The yatra will conclude on Aug 28, on Rakshabandhan.After performing a special puja, Sinha flagged off the first batch of more than 4,800 pilgrims travelling in 259 vehicles. “Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening. I wish all devotees a safe, comfortable, blissful, and spiritually fulfilling journey. May this holy pilgrimage bring immense joy and divine peace to all,” LG Sinha said.J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, LoP Sunil Sharma, BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, local BJP legislators, senior civil and police officials, and representatives of various religious organisations were present at the flag-off ceremony. Pilgrims praised the facilities, with Baba Goga Nath of Junagarh Akhara describing the journey as a blessing.J&K administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K Police, Army and security forces have put extensive measures in place. Dry runs have been conducted to check security and other arrangements for the yatris, who will be escorted by armoured vehicles. Traffic police have imposed highway restrictions from July 2 to Aug 28, with daily advisories and sector-wise cut-off timings.J&K Police have launched “Project Hawk Eye” for aerial surveillance along the Pahalgam route. Security measures include 28 high observation posts (machan morchas), 22 specially trained sniper teams, 416 high-resolution CCTV cameras and Facial Recognition System infrastructure at critical locations. Ministry of Home Affairs has also approved the deployment of 670 additional companies of paramilitary forces in the Valley for the yatra.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnesco Warns Pakistan Over ‘Reconstructions’ At Taxila, Threatens Danger ListNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library RowMission Aagaman Explained: How Vikram-1 Could Make Indian Space History60-Year-Old Mumbai Man Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole, 4 BMC Officials SuspendedIndian Navy’s INS Trikand Thwarts Piracy Attempt On India-Bound Vessel In Gulf Of AdenWest Bengal Passes Tough Public Order Laws: What The Recovery And Preventive Detention Bills MeanJapan PM Takaichi In India: Top 10 Items On The Agenda As She Meets PM Modi54 Years of the Shimla Agreement: Why India Says Pakistan Violated the Spirit of the PactChina’s Proposed Bangladesh Corridor Could Open A New Strategic Route Into The Indian Ocean123Photostories5 most effective ways to make money through social media in 20265 fascinating animals that glow in the darkThere are only 3 American states that start with the letter ‘C’; here’s why every traveller on a U.S trip should visit themWhat are chemical-free cosmetics? 5 things no clean cosmetic brand should have that every woman should know about5 superfoods that reduce seasonal hair fall naturally5 reasons devotees cry for Krishna during moments of deep devotionAlia Bhatt redefines airport glam with heritage Gucci tote and classic Frankie Shop layering7 viral techniques people are using to keep mice away without poisonJuly gardening guide: 7 flowers, fruits, and vegetables to plant in the UK”You are putting dead food into a living body”: Sadhguru on impact of eating old bread; 6 healthy desi breakfast alternatives123Hot PicksTrump tariffsNHL TradeEPF Scheme 2026NFL TradeIncome Tax Return FilingMumbai rainNovak DjokovicMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingCapgemini Bengaluru DaycareDelhi Hit and RunBengaluru Triple MurderFIFA World Cup 2026EPF Scheme 2026US Iran warBy-election datesConnor McDavidManish TewariLando Norris Delhi-Mumbai E-way contractor sacked for poor quality work: NHAI on viral video of damaged sections Being American means nothing: MAGA influencer slams children of H-1B standing in front of a Hindu temple ahead of July 4 Ladakh SRINAGAR: Over a month after talks between Ladakh groups and a Union home ministry (MHA) sub-committee in Delhi, informal parleys are slated to be held Friday in Leh with central officials.“The meeting will focus on minutes of the last meeting and other issues,” Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) co-chairman Sajjad Kargili said. He made it clear that unlike earlier, it will not be a formal sub-committee or high-powered panel meeting.Additional MHA secretary Lokhande Prashant Sitaram will lead the talks. Leh Apex Body member and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk will not attend the meeting as he is away in Delhi on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in a Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest.The Union Territory had on June 23 observed a complete shutdown against the Centre’s alleged backtracking on understandings reached during a May 22 meeting with MHA officials in the national capital. Wangchuk had attended that meeting.LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), the region’s two main political groups that had called the bandh, have alleged that draft minutes of the May meeting omitted an agreement on a proposed legislative body with authority over the bureaucracy as well as constitutional safeguards for Ladakh through a provision similar to Article 371. They insist the two “essentials” should be included.Several rounds of talks have been held with the Centre on Ladakh since 2023. The process stopped after four people were killed and over 80 injured on Sept 24, 2025, in alleged police firing on protesters in Leh demanding statehood. LAB’s Wangchuk was accused of inciting the protesters, arrested, charged under NSA and kept in Jodhpur jail. The Centre revoked his NSA detention in March this year. After his release, Wangchuk has pressed for talks.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnesco Warns Pakistan Over ‘Reconstructions’ At Taxila, Threatens Danger ListNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library RowMission Aagaman Explained: How Vikram-1 Could Make Indian Space History60-Year-Old Mumbai Man Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole, 4 BMC Officials SuspendedIndian Navy’s INS Trikand Thwarts Piracy Attempt On India-Bound Vessel In Gulf Of AdenWest Bengal Passes Tough Public Order Laws: What The Recovery And Preventive Detention Bills MeanJapan PM Takaichi In India: Top 10 Items On The Agenda As She Meets PM Modi54 Years of the Shimla Agreement: Why India Says Pakistan Violated the Spirit of the PactChina’s Proposed Bangladesh Corridor Could Open A New Strategic Route Into The Indian Ocean123Photostories5 most effective ways to make money through social media in 20265 fascinating animals that glow in the darkThere are only 3 American states that start with the letter ‘C’; here’s why every traveller on a U.S trip should visit themWhat are chemical-free cosmetics? 5 things no clean cosmetic brand should have that every woman should know about5 superfoods that reduce seasonal hair fall naturally5 reasons devotees cry for Krishna during moments of deep devotionAlia Bhatt redefines airport glam with heritage Gucci tote and classic Frankie Shop layering7 viral techniques people are using to keep mice away without poisonJuly gardening guide: 7 flowers, fruits, and vegetables to plant in the UK”You are putting dead food into a living body”: Sadhguru on impact of eating old bread; 6 healthy desi breakfast alternatives123Hot PicksTrump tariffsNHL TradeEPF Scheme 2026NFL TradeIncome Tax Return FilingMumbai rainNovak DjokovicMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingCapgemini Bengaluru DaycareDelhi Hit and RunBengaluru Triple MurderFIFA World Cup 2026EPF Scheme 2026US Iran warBy-election datesConnor McDavidManish TewariLando Norris There are only 3 American states that start with the letter ‘C’; here’s why every traveller on a U.S trip should visit them Omar Abdullah backs call for India-Pak talks, says even RSS favours dialogue | India News Quote of the day by Napoleon Bonaparte: “The world suffers a lot, not because of the violence of bad people, but because of…” Mehbooba Mufti, J&K politicians fly to Iran for Khamenei funeral | India News Vicky Kaushal reacts to Aamir Khan’s wedding with Gauri Spratt as the ‘Lagaan’ actor shares details of the big day with the paps at an event: ‘So happy’ 5 most effective ways to make money through social media in 2026 Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for July 3, 2026 Mumbai manhole tragedy: 4 BMC officials suspended after 60-year-old dies in storm drain Quote of the day by Angela Merkel: “A good compromise is one where everybody makes a contribution” – understand why most compromises fail | World News 5 fascinating animals that glow in the dark 80 million trees were wiped out in seconds in Siberia after a space rock explosion more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb, but scientists never found a crater Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are reportedly labelled The Siamese Twins by wild fan theory: “THEY ARE THE SAME F**K**G PERSON” Spain vs Austria Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Can Lamine Yamal inspire Spain as Austria dream of an upset? Gauahar Khan slams Nikhil Chinapa for creating difference between husband Zaid Darbar and Kushal Tandon; says ‘The Only One Playing Everyone Around Is You’ | A viral video showed two large potholes on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. NEW DELHI: NHAI has issued show-cause notices to its project director, a contractor and authority engineer after a video of a section of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway caving in went viral. It said the incident was caused due to “water accumulation”, as the permanent cross-drainage system at the site could not be constructed due to sustained resistance from locals.Officials said the project director has been instructed to fix responsibility for the incident and the authority engineer (AE) has been asked to explain negligence in services. “The team leader of AE (consulting firm) has been suspended. The highway contractor has been asked to explain why it should not be declared as non-performer and debarred from NHAI’s future projects. The contractor’s project manager has been suspended as well,” said an official.On X, NHAI regretted the inconvenience caused to commuters due to the incident following rainfall. “The section has been restored and opened for regular traffic movement,” the authority said.A senior NHAI functionary told TOI that the cave in was spotted by their patrol team near Kheda Mastan village in UP’s Baghpat district around 6.30 am Wednesday. “The route patrolling team observed that the caving in of the road surface happened due to continuous overnight heavy rains,” he said.He added that locals were not allowing the execution of slope protection works because of an ongoing arbitration dispute.TOI has learnt that though locals did not oppose construction of the main expressway and ramps, they didn’t allow protection works in the median portion at two locations. The matter was raised with UP govt, and its officials visited the site four times, but the issue is yet to be resolved.The authority said the incident occurred as the permanent cross-drainage system at the location could not be commissioned due to sustained resistance from local residents, who did not permit integration of the balancing culvert and instead used the culvert opening as a vehicular crossing.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnesco Warns Pakistan Over ‘Reconstructions’ At Taxila, Threatens Danger ListNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library RowMission Aagaman Explained: How Vikram-1 Could Make Indian Space History60-Year-Old Mumbai Man Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole, 4 BMC Officials SuspendedIndian Navy’s INS Trikand Thwarts Piracy Attempt On India-Bound Vessel In Gulf Of AdenWest Bengal Passes Tough Public Order Laws: What The Recovery And Preventive Detention Bills MeanJapan PM Takaichi In India: Top 10 Items On The Agenda As She Meets PM Modi54 Years of the Shimla Agreement: Why India Says Pakistan Violated the Spirit of the PactChina’s Proposed Bangladesh Corridor Could Open A New Strategic Route Into The Indian Ocean123Photostories5 superfoods that reduce seasonal hair fall naturally5 reasons devotees cry for Krishna during moments of deep devotionAlia Bhatt redefines airport glam with heritage Gucci tote and classic Frankie Shop layering7 viral techniques people are using to keep mice away without poisonJuly gardening guide: 7 flowers, fruits, and vegetables to plant in the UK”You are putting dead food into a living body”: Sadhguru on impact of eating old bread; 6 healthy desi breakfast alternativesLove quote of the day by Paulo Coelho: ‘Love isn’t just a feeling, it’s an art’Psychology says women who constantly say “Sorry” often have these 8 personality traitsPsychology says you don’t get what you want in life, but what you believe: Expert explainsFrom Oprah Winfrey to Kurt Russell: Celebrity couples who skipped marriage and stayed together123Hot PicksTrump tariffsNHL TradeEPF Scheme 2026NFL TradeIncome Tax Return FilingMumbai rainNovak DjokovicMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingCapgemini Bengaluru DaycareDelhi Hit and RunBengaluru Triple MurderFIFA World Cup 2026EPF Scheme 2026US Iran warBy-election datesConnor McDavidManish TewariLando Norris Jul 02, 2026, 23:19 IST Suniel Shetty left shoot abruptly as soon he heard of Divya Bharti’s death, says Madhoo: ‘He had known her well’ Dr Trump? US President shares AI video prescribing treatment for ‘TDS’ to critics Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei absent from wife’s funeral: Report Jul 02, 2026, 22:54 IST Rajasthan Royals get major relief as HC removes key hurdle to IPL in Jaipur NHL Trade Rumor: Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers linked to $120M Dallas Stars star scorer Vietnamese proverb of the day: “The cat praises its tail to be long” warns us against falling into the trap of self-admiration, arrogance 5 superfoods that reduce seasonal hair fall naturally ‘Called me useless’: 17-year-old strangles wife over ‘repeated taunts’, dumps body with father’s help ‘Give me a snort’: Hong Kong pulls anti-drug AI K-pop video that looked like drug promotion Beyond Uncle Sam? Trump’s Nato rift fuels Canada’s 10-nation global defence bank push Immigrant who said ‘it is cultural to marry a 12-year-old’ and was facing deportation pardoned by Democrats in Minnesota England vs South Africa, Women’s T20 World Cup Semi-final Live Score: Final spot up for grabs at The Oval 5 reasons devotees cry for Krishna during moments of deep devotion Alex Ovechkin’s NHL future in doubt after insider suggests Capitals icon has already played his final game Ohio motel fire kills 3 Indian-origin guests trapped inside room; ‘I woke up to people yelling,’ says witness Woman quits six-figure corporate job to become a waitress at 33, says stress-related IBS disappeared | Anthropic may have just told one of its earliest backers Amazon that using AI is not cheap, as company renegotiates … US capital ready for biggest pyrotechnics in history — in stifling heat Sanjay Leela Bhansali shouted at Aditya Pancholi, threw a chair at a senior artiste when she didn’t get a step: ‘Heard instances about his temper’ Stones, iron rods and bombs: India’s trains face a fresh wave of threats — and the red flags are everywhere Shabir Ahmed: Rochdale grooming gang leader released as deportation loophole sparks fury across the UK | World News ‘What’s our tolerance there?’: Australia ready to risk Ellyse Perry’s fitness for Women’s T20 World Cup final Quote of the day by Stephen Hawking: “I have lived with the prospect of an early death for the last 49 years. I’m not afraid of death, but I’m in no hurry to die” – the secret to living fully despite uncertainty Telegram, Signal under Centre’s scanner over username feature after WhatsApp Indian woman, laid off twice on H-1B visa, says she’s still hopeful: ‘Didn’t come to the US just for a degree or job’ Election Commission of India NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday directed rival factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to submit their claims and counterclaims over the party’s authorised signatories and organisational elections.According to officials in the EC, letters have been sent to both Mamata Banerjee and rebel faction leader Ritabrata Banerjee, asking them to submit their responses by 5:30 pm on July 6.The development came on a day when the rebel camp met the full EC bench in the national capital and pressed its claim over the party.Meanwhile, the Mamata Banerjee camp questioned the commission’s decision to grant an audience to the rebels, alleging that the meeting violated the poll panel’s own procedures.Rebel camp on meeting with EC benchSpeaking to reporters after meeting the EC bench, Ritabrata Banerjee said the rebel faction formally presented its case after informing the poll panel about the special organisational session held in Kolkata on June 22.He declined to disclose the documents submitted to the commission but asserted that the organisational session had been conducted in accordance with the rules.He also reiterated the group’s claim that it represents the “real” Trinamool Congress.”We are the real TMC. More than two-thirds of the MLAs are with us. Corporators and municipal councillors are also with us,” he asserted.At least 60 of the TMC’s 80 MLAs, elected in the April Assembly polls, are reportedly aligned with the dissident group.EC acting on behest of Amit Shah, BJPSaugata Roy and Sagarika Ghose of the Mamata Banerjee faction claimed that only authorised signatories of a recognised political party could seek an appointment with the EC and said the “Trinamool Congress” had made no such request, referring to their camp.”The Election Commission had informed all political parties that only authorised signatories can seek a meeting. The AITC did not ask for a meeting. On what basis did the EC grant an appointment to a person expelled by the TMC?” Roy asked, referring to Ritabrata Banerjee.Ghose alleged that the EC was acting at the behest of the ruling BJP and Union home minister Amit Shah. She also argued that the legislative wing was only one branch of the party and could not decide on a merger or split.Drawing a distinction between a political party and its legislative wing, she argued that the legislative wing was only one branch of the organisation and could not decide on a merger or split.”What is this group that doesn’t have a single MP? It got an appointment with the full bench of the Election Commission only because the BJP and Amit Shah are behind it,” she asked.(With PTI inputs)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 MediaVideosNHAI Under Fire As Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Develops Major Potholes 3 Months After Inauguration’Insult To Shivaji, Bhagat Singh’: CJP Founder Dipke Demands ACP’s Suspension Over Library RowMission Aagaman Explained: How Vikram-1 Could Make Indian Space History60-Year-Old Mumbai Man Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole, 4 BMC Officials SuspendedIndian Navy’s INS Trikand Thwarts Piracy Attempt On India-Bound Vessel In Gulf Of AdenWest Bengal Passes Tough Public Order Laws: What The Recovery And Preventive Detention Bills MeanJapan PM Takaichi In India: Top 10 Items On The Agenda As She Meets PM Modi54 Years of the Shimla Agreement: Why India Says Pakistan Violated the Spirit of the PactChina’s Proposed Bangladesh Corridor Could Open A New Strategic Route Into The Indian OceanBengaluru Daycare Abuse Case Explained: What The Viral Videos And Police Probe Reveal123PhotostoriesJuly gardening guide: 7 flowers, fruits, and vegetables to plant in the UKAlia Bhatt redefines airport glam with heritage Gucci tote and classic Frankie Shop layering7 viral techniques people are using to keep mice away without poison”You are putting dead food into a living body”: Sadhguru on impact of eating old bread; 6 healthy desi breakfast alternativesLove quote of the day by Paulo Coelho: ‘Love isn’t just a feeling, it’s an art’Psychology says women who constantly say “Sorry” often have these 8 personality traitsPsychology says you don’t get what you want in life, but what you believe: Expert explainsFrom Oprah Winfrey to Kurt Russell: Celebrity couples who skipped marriage and stayed togetherFrom a walk-in closet to a massive living room, elegant décor and more: Shivangi Joshi’s luxurious houseFSSAI issues notices to 6 famous beverage brands for claiming ‘energy drink’ and misleading customers: 5 desi energy drinks that deserve a comeback in homes123Hot PicksTrump tariffsNHL TradeEPF Scheme 2026NFL TradeIncome Tax Return FilingMumbai rainNovak DjokovicMicrosoft layoffsIndia Japal TradeTop TrendingCapgemini Bengaluru DaycareDelhi Hit and RunBengaluru Triple MurderFIFA World Cup 2026EPF Scheme 2026US Iran warBy-election datesConnor McDavidManish TewariLando Norris Teen electrocuted in waterlogged Mumbra lane; FIR against Torrent Power officials | Thane News Hamas, Hezbollah & Houthis: Low-profile guest list for Khamenei’s funeral reveals how isolated Iran has become Jul 02, 2026, 20:38 IST