VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Quote of the day by Isaac Newton: “Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in…” ‘How can I live in this world…’: California teacher marries Gaza man to give him US citizenship; immigration attorney calls it ‘foolish’ 31-year-old Pakistani national held after crossing LoC in Poonch A 31-year-old Pakistani national was apprehended by Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday after allegedly crossing the Line of Control (LoC) into Indian territory in the Balakote sector of the Mendhar subdivision in Poonch district, officials said.The man was identified as Rayees Khan, son of Bazia Jada Khan and a resident of Rajal Pakthun in Pakistan, officials added.Officials said no incriminating material was recovered from the man at the time of his apprehension. He is being questioned to ascertain the motive behind his cross-border movement and whether he intended to establish any contacts or carry out any specific objectives on the Indian side, as cited by PTI.The latest incident marks the third cross-border apprehension reported this month.Earlier, another Pakistani national was apprehended by security forces near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Friday.The man, identified as Mohd Sajad, son of Rafiq and a resident of Polas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), was intercepted after security personnel observed suspicious movement during routine surveillance in the area.He is currently being questioned by security agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding his crossing, as well as his motives and background.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 MediaVideosKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis’Visit Ram Temple, Do Penance’: Yogi Adityanath Attacks Akhilesh Yadav Amid Donation Row | AyodhyaDelhi-Varanasi Bullet Train To Cut Delhi-Lucknow Travel Time To 2 Hours 10 Minutes: Ashwini VaishnawMahua Moitra’s Explosive Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Row| ’70 KG Silver, 1,250 KG Gold Missing?’Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Bid at Muharram Procession; 14,900 Toxic Capsules SeizedCong Seeks Bigger Role in UP Alliance; New In-Charge’s ‘Equal Share’ Pitch Raises Stakes: ReportsBharat Taxi Rolls Out as India’s First Cooperative Cab Service; 500-City Expansion PlannedSix Op Sindoor Personnel Honoured; Opposition Questions Rajnath Singh’s Parliament Remarks123PhotostoriesMinimalist suit looks from Bano’s closet from the Pakistani series ‘Zanjeerein’ that are perfect for festivities and beyondFeeling stressed? A psychologist shares 3 quick ways to calm yourselfWhy beauty experts are warning against the viral ‘no-hair-brushing’ hair-fall hackHow to make high-protein Desi Ghee Paneer Fried Rice for dinnerPsychology says people are being emotionally bankrupt and don’t even know: Philosopher explains howQuote of the day by Kangana Ranaut: ‘What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry’Single or married? Scientists discover rare link between marital status and cancer riskThree- two- three: The magical relationship rule that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas swear by to keep their marriage strongPsychology says women who retain their surname after marriage may have these 7 common personality traitsForget overnight oats! Try these 6 traditional Indian porridges for breakfast123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayErling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Combined Net worthFIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Jun 28, 2026, 22:47 IST Ketan Agarwal murder case: Police seize Chetan Chaudhary’s 2-wheeler used to ‘reach’ Lohagad Fort; hoodie, headphones recovered Quote of the day by Barack Obama: “The best way to not feel hopeless is to…” – understand why action creates hope | World News NEW DELHI: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Sunday said that an Assam Rifles contingent and an Indian Navy marching band would participate in Seychelles’ 50th Independence Day celebrations.While addressing a press briefing in Victoria, Misri said, “Later today, the Prime Minister will attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the independence of Seychelles as the guest of honour. A contingent from the Assam Rifles and an Indian Navy marching band will also participate in these celebrations.””On this occasion, two Indian naval ships, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak, will also be docked at Port Victoria to mark this very special occasion,” he said.He informed that the participation of such units has been a tradition between the two countries.Misri also informed that, at a special function on Saturday, PM Modi gifted a fast patrol vessel named LESPWAR, which means “hope” in Creole, to the Seychelles Defence Forces.”In addition to this fast patrol vessel, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats were also handed over to the Seychelles Defence Forces to enhance their capabilities,” he informed.Earlier in the day, PM Modi, who is on a state visit to the island nation, said in his address to an Extraordinary Session of the 8th National Assembly of Seychelles that the region’s security was “indivisible.””As maritime neighbours, we recognise that the security of one adds to the security of the other. The prosperity of one contributes to the prosperity of the other. The stability of the region benefits us all,” PM Modi asserted.”Our cooperation in maritime security and capacity building reflects our shared commitment to a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region,” he said.He further highlighted a powerful historical parallel regarding India’s steadfast support for Seychelles’ sovereignty.”Fifty years ago, at the dawn of your independence, the Indian naval ship INS Nilgiri was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity. Today, as you celebrate your Golden Jubilee, INS Ikshak and INS Tarkash are docked at Port Victoria,” PM Modi said, noting that while five decades have passed, India’s commitment remains unchanged.PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly. In his address, he highlighted the historical bonds of friendship between India and Seychelles and underscored the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and people-centric governance that guide the two countries. He noted that mutual trust and close cooperation have shaped a robust partnership spanning development cooperation, maritime security, technology, innovation, health, and capacity building. The Prime Minister also called for enhanced parliamentary exchanges between the two democracies.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 MediaVideosKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis’Visit Ram Temple, Do Penance’: Yogi Adityanath Attacks Akhilesh Yadav Amid Donation Row | AyodhyaDelhi-Varanasi Bullet Train To Cut Delhi-Lucknow Travel Time To 2 Hours 10 Minutes: Ashwini VaishnawMahua Moitra’s Explosive Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Row| ’70 KG Silver, 1,250 KG Gold Missing?’Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Bid at Muharram Procession; 14,900 Toxic Capsules SeizedCong Seeks Bigger Role in UP Alliance; New In-Charge’s ‘Equal Share’ Pitch Raises Stakes: ReportsBharat Taxi Rolls Out as India’s First Cooperative Cab Service; 500-City Expansion PlannedSix Op Sindoor Personnel Honoured; Opposition Questions Rajnath Singh’s Parliament Remarks123PhotostoriesMinimalist suit looks from Bano’s closet from the Pakistani series ‘Zanjeerein’ that are perfect for festivities and beyondFeeling stressed? A psychologist shares 3 quick ways to calm yourselfWhy beauty experts are warning against the viral ‘no-hair-brushing’ hair-fall hackHow to make high-protein Desi Ghee Paneer Fried Rice for dinnerPsychology says people are being emotionally bankrupt and don’t even know: Philosopher explains howQuote of the day by Kangana Ranaut: ‘What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry’Single or married? Scientists discover rare link between marital status and cancer riskThree- two- three: The magical relationship rule that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas swear by to keep their marriage strongPsychology says women who retain their surname after marriage may have these 7 common personality traitsForget overnight oats! Try these 6 traditional Indian porridges for breakfast123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayErling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Combined Net worthFIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Record! Deepti Sharma scripts history despite India’s Women’s T20 World Cup exit, becomes highest ever to take… ‘Babur Janata Party’: Uddhav Thackeray attacks BJP over Ram Mandir donation row | India News Tyrese Gibson India Visit: Fast & Furious star Tyrese Gibson calls India visit ‘life-changing’, performs Shiva puja at Mumbai temple | English Movie News ‘Everyone was watching how he was killed’: Father seeks justice in Bharat Tiwari encounter case First India study backs govt-funded annual flu vaccine for seniors | India News Jannik Sinner’s fitness under spotlight ahead of Wimbledon title defence | Tennis News Meghan Markle and Prince Harry vacation in Europe, ahead of reconsidering the UK visit due to security concerns Citizens will soon be able to access and share medical records, book OPD appointments, locate nearby hospitals, call ambulances and access Ayushman Bharat services through a single mobile application as the Centre launches Aarogya Setu 2.0 on Monday. New Delhi: Citizens will soon be able to access and share medical records, book OPD appointments, locate nearby hospitals, call ambulances and access Ayushman Bharat services through a single mobile application as the Centre launches Aarogya Setu 2.0 on Monday.Union health minister J P Nadda will also launch a series of digital health initiatives aimed at connecting patients, hospitals, laboratories and insurers through a common digital health network.Originally launched during the Covid-19 pandemic as a contact-tracing app, Aarogya Setu has now been transformed into a personal health record application. The revamped app will allow users to create and manage their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), access and share digital health records, register for OPD visits using Scan & Register, make hospital payments through Scan & Pay, receive medicine reminders and manage the health records of family members.The app will also help users find nearby hospitals, doctors, ambulance services, blood banks with real-time blood availability and Jan Aushadhi Kendras. It will provide access to Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY services, including hospital search, Ayushman Card services, treatment history, grievance redressal and beneficiary support.The Centre will also launch Ayushman Sarathi, a WhatsApp chatbot that will enable beneficiaries to check eligibility, locate empanelled hospitals and access key PM-JAY services through a conversational interface, making PM-JAY services easier to access.Another major initiative, the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX), seeks to reduce paperwork and speed up settlement of health insurance claims by creating a common digital platform for hospitals and insurers to exchange claims information across both public and private health insurance schemes.The Centre will also launch eSushrut@Clinic, a cloud-based clinic management system developed by C-DAC for small private clinics, with the platform also being made available to primary health centres, health and wellness centres and sub-centres. The software will help digitise patient registration, billing and electronic health records. It will be offered free for the first three months before being made available at Rs 299 a month for up to five users under an arrangement with the National Health Authority. More than 800 health facilities have already been onboarded on eSushrut@Clinic, while the full-fledged eSushrut hospital management system has been deployed in over 15 AIIMS and several state government hospitals.Officials said the initiatives are expected to make healthcare services easier to access while reducing paperwork and enabling hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies and insurers to exchange health information seamlessly.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis’Visit Ram Temple, Do Penance’: Yogi Adityanath Attacks Akhilesh Yadav Amid Donation Row | AyodhyaDelhi-Varanasi Bullet Train To Cut Delhi-Lucknow Travel Time To 2 Hours 10 Minutes: Ashwini VaishnawMahua Moitra’s Explosive Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Row| ’70 KG Silver, 1,250 KG Gold Missing?’Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Bid at Muharram Procession; 14,900 Toxic Capsules SeizedCong Seeks Bigger Role in UP Alliance; New In-Charge’s ‘Equal Share’ Pitch Raises Stakes: ReportsBharat Taxi Rolls Out as India’s First Cooperative Cab Service; 500-City Expansion PlannedSix Op Sindoor Personnel Honoured; Opposition Questions Rajnath Singh’s Parliament Remarks123PhotostoriesMinimalist suit looks from Bano’s closet from the Pakistani series ‘Zanjeerein’ that are perfect for festivities and beyondFeeling stressed? A psychologist shares 3 quick ways to calm yourselfWhy beauty experts are warning against the viral ‘no-hair-brushing’ hair-fall hackHow to make high-protein Desi Ghee Paneer Fried Rice for dinnerPsychology says people are being emotionally bankrupt and don’t even know: Philosopher explains howQuote of the day by Kangana Ranaut: ‘What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry’Single or married? Scientists discover rare link between marital status and cancer riskThree- two- three: The magical relationship rule that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas swear by to keep their marriage strongPsychology says women who retain their surname after marriage may have these 7 common personality traitsForget overnight oats! Try these 6 traditional Indian porridges for breakfast123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayErling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Combined Net worthFIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Ravi Kishan reveals he faced rejection for 34 years before making it big: ‘No one believed I would ever achieve anything’ Khamenei says US-Israel ‘boasting’ over Iran strikes amounts to confession of crimes Elon Musk says Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife MacKenzie Scott giving over $26.3 billion to charity is making the world a ‘worse place’ ‘Disqualify six rebel MPs’: Uddhav links defections to ‘Operation Devendra’ | India News Piyush Goyal heads business delegation to Greece, focus on trade and startup partnerships Inside Courteney Cox USD 150 million net worth: All about ‘Friends’ royalties, Malibu real estate, and more | NFL Trade Rumors: Buffalo Bills linked with $6 Million Denver Broncos WR ahead of 2026 season The site of the proposed temple will be next to the temple of Lord Valmiki, Kejriwal said. AMRITSAR: AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced that a grand temple dedicated to Luv, Kush and Mata Janaki will be built in Amritsar, while the Punjab chief minister said his government will leave no stone unturned in constructing it.The site of the proposed temple will be next to the temple of Lord Valmiki, Kejriwal said.”I returned from Ayodhya only yesterday after offering prayers to Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram mandir. Today, I am extremely happy to make this announcement,” he said.This is not just good news for the people of Amritsar but for devotees of Ram and Sita across the world, the AAP national convener said.”Amritsar is also home to the Durgiana Mandir. It has Jallianwala Bagh, a symbol of patriotism, and the Wagah Border. Most importantly, Bhagwan Valmiki wrote the Ramayana while residing in Amritsar.”Mata Sita, lived here. Luv and Kush were born here, and they received their education here. When Bhagwan Ram released the horse for the Ashwamedha Yagna, it was here that Luv and Kush stopped the horse and tied it to a tree,” he said.Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said his government will leave no stone unturned in “constructing this magnificent temple on this sacred land”.”It will emerge as a major centre of faith and attract devotees and tourists from across the world, as Luv and Kush were born and educated here,” Mann said.Kejriwal also announced the expansion of the ‘Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra Yojna’ with new pilgrimage routes and the staging of the play ‘Hamare Ram’ across Punjab from August 1.He further said that the series of ‘Ek Shaam Shiv Ji Ke Naam’ spiritual programme, which started in Jalandhar has now reached Amritsar, and it will soon be organised across all 22 cities of Punjab. The state government is undertaking the redevelopment of the famous Kali Mata Temple at a cost of Rs 80 crore in Patiala, Kejriwal said, adding that it will be completed by September.”I believe that once completed, it will become the largest temple in the whole of north India,” he said.Talking about the expansion of the Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra Yojna, he said, “At present, the teerath (pilgrimage) scheme operates on two routes, one to Darbar Sahib and the other to Anandpur Sahib. Now, three more routes are being introduced.”One route will cover Salasar and Khatu Shyam Ji, the second will cover Haridwar and Rishikesh, and the third will cover Mathura and Vrindavan.” The new routes are expected to begin around 1 August, and nearly 1.5 lakh pilgrims will be taken on these journeys, the former Delhi chief minister said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis’Visit Ram Temple, Do Penance’: Yogi Adityanath Attacks Akhilesh Yadav Amid Donation Row | AyodhyaDelhi-Varanasi Bullet Train To Cut Delhi-Lucknow Travel Time To 2 Hours 10 Minutes: Ashwini VaishnawMahua Moitra’s Explosive Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Row| ’70 KG Silver, 1,250 KG Gold Missing?’Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Bid at Muharram Procession; 14,900 Toxic Capsules SeizedCong Seeks Bigger Role in UP Alliance; New In-Charge’s ‘Equal Share’ Pitch Raises Stakes: ReportsBharat Taxi Rolls Out as India’s First Cooperative Cab Service; 500-City Expansion PlannedSix Op Sindoor Personnel Honoured; Opposition Questions Rajnath Singh’s Parliament Remarks123PhotostoriesMinimalist suit looks from Bano’s closet from the Pakistani series ‘Zanjeerein’ that are perfect for festivities and beyondFeeling stressed? A psychologist shares 3 quick ways to calm yourselfWhy beauty experts are warning against the viral ‘no-hair-brushing’ hair-fall hackHow to make high-protein Desi Ghee Paneer Fried Rice for dinnerPsychology says people are being emotionally bankrupt and don’t even know: Philosopher explains howQuote of the day by Kangana Ranaut: ‘What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry’Single or married? Scientists discover rare link between marital status and cancer riskThree- two- three: The magical relationship rule that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas swear by to keep their marriage strongPsychology says women who retain their surname after marriage may have these 7 common personality traitsForget overnight oats! Try these 6 traditional Indian porridges for breakfast123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayErling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Combined Net worthFIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Drama! Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues involved in heated staredown after costly mix-up – Watch Hrithik Roshan once went missing as a child, leaving his mother in tears, here’s where he was finally found: ‘We even called the police’ ‘Farmhouse, Scorpio, Rs 65 lakh house’: Upgraded lifestyle of key accused in Ram Temple ‘donation theft’ case ‘Pressured to recite religious verses, eat beef’: Kanpur teen alleges abduction, confinement to force conversion; one arrested | India News Golden duck horror! Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma register unwanted T20I record vs Ireland ‘No better than Rs 370 biryani’: Netizens slam Samay Raina over ‘kandha dega tabhi woh…’ remark: ‘Vasoolunga toh sahi’ Putin admits ‘problems’ as Ukraine ramps up attacks deep inside Russia Anant Ambani offering prayers TIRUMALA: Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries, offered prayers at the sacred hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala during the early hours of Sunday. Ambani arrived in Tirumala at around 1am and fulfilled the centuries-old tradition of offering his hair to Lord Venkateswara Swamy. Later, he proceeded to Tirupati to offer prayers at the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple before concluding his spiritual visit.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis’Visit Ram Temple, Do Penance’: Yogi Adityanath Attacks Akhilesh Yadav Amid Donation Row | AyodhyaDelhi-Varanasi Bullet Train To Cut Delhi-Lucknow Travel Time To 2 Hours 10 Minutes: Ashwini VaishnawMahua Moitra’s Explosive Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Row| ’70 KG Silver, 1,250 KG Gold Missing?’Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Bid at Muharram Procession; 14,900 Toxic Capsules SeizedCong Seeks Bigger Role in UP Alliance; New In-Charge’s ‘Equal Share’ Pitch Raises Stakes: ReportsBharat Taxi Rolls Out as India’s First Cooperative Cab Service; 500-City Expansion PlannedSix Op Sindoor Personnel Honoured; Opposition Questions Rajnath Singh’s Parliament Remarks123PhotostoriesMinimalist suit looks from Bano’s closet from the Pakistani series ‘Zanjeerein’ that are perfect for festivities and beyondFeeling stressed? A psychologist shares 3 quick ways to calm yourselfWhy beauty experts are warning against the viral ‘no-hair-brushing’ hair-fall hackHow to make high-protein Desi Ghee Paneer Fried Rice for dinnerPsychology says people are being emotionally bankrupt and don’t even know: Philosopher explains howQuote of the day by Kangana Ranaut: ‘What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry’Single or married? Scientists discover rare link between marital status and cancer riskThree- two- three: The magical relationship rule that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas swear by to keep their marriage strongPsychology says women who retain their surname after marriage may have these 7 common personality traitsForget overnight oats! Try these 6 traditional Indian porridges for breakfast123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayErling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Combined Net worthFIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Aishwarya Rai ‘hid it really well’ after breakup with Salman Khan, recalls Shabd co-star Sadiya Siddiqui: ‘She always came fully prepared’ Odisha: Four minors attack catering staff for not serving mutton curry at wedding feast ‘Indian H1-B holders are not…’: Immigration lawyer says waiting on green cards for years is pushing professionals towards UK AI-generated image Saleya (name changed), a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse, was forced into the sex trade by a woman from her own village. She had just returned to her parental home after escaping an abusive marriage, and was looking for work. The woman deceived her with the promise of domestic work in Mumbai and sold her at the Falkland Road Red-Light Area for Rs. 1,00,000.While working at the red-light area, she gave birth to a girl. Later, she met a man in Akluj and built a family with him. However, her happiness did not last long. She had to leave as her partner was an alcoholic and unfaithful. She kept moving between Tuljapur, Akluj, and Mumbai, working hard to care for her children independently. She sought institutional help and kept on juggling between several rehabilitation centres while she trained to be a beautician. In 2025, when she discovered that she was pregnant again, she shifted to a Mumbai shelter for survivors of human trafficking.”I do not wish to go back to my family. They do not even know about my present situation. I have learned a skill here and wish to earn money while taking care of children on my own,” Saleya said.Udaan House is Saleya’s new address, which she now shares with 5 other women whose lives followed a similar storyline before they were rescued and rehabilitated. Varsha Kamble, working as a project manager at the shelter, said that most of the survivors she rescued were either living in poverty, looking for a stable source of livelihood or were emotionally manipulated by their lovers. Traffickers lured them with false promises of education, financial stability, love and a better life, and when they started trusting them, they were pushed into the sex trade.What data reveals‘Crime in India Report’, released in May by the National Crime Bureau, registered a modest decline of 3.3% in human trafficking cases from 6,043 in 2023 to 5,839 in 2024.However, what lies under this muted achievement is a dark reality revealing the grave situation of women’s safety in India. The report documented that a staggering 40% of human trafficking cases were committed for the purpose of prostitution. And when mapped against the data over five years, it is revealed that the number of cases surged significantly from 2022 to 2024.Maharashtra accounted for the highest number of cases at 829, followed by Telangana (770), Andhra Pradesh (279), and Bihar (97). This is not the first time these states sit at the centre of this crisis, together accounting for a majority of the cases nationally. Maharashtra has led the country in human trafficking cases committed for the purpose of prostitution since 2017.Growing proportion of human trafficking cases involving sexual exploitation for prostitution. Bottlenecks in the anti-trafficking frameworkTaking note of the gaps in the existing protection and support efforts for the survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment on March 30 and constituted a nationwide “Victim Protection Plan”. The proceedings had begun with a PIL filed by anti-trafficking NGO Prajwala in 2004. Invoking its powers under Articles 32 and 142 of the Constitution, a bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan issued a detailed set of binding directions constituting a nationwide “Victim Protection Plan” covering rescue operations, identification, rehabilitation and prosecution.“The lack of a Victim Protection Plan is a serious lacuna that carries the risk of derailing any and all rescue efforts, as there is no clear, guiding, and binding framework for how victims are to be handled, both during and after rescue,” the judgment stated as reported by Bar and Bench.The Plan also sets out detailed operational standards for Anti human-trafficking units (AHTUs) and rescue teams. Units must be led by a DSP-rank officer and have at least two women police officers, with a cybercrime officer included wherever feasible. States are required to notify AHTUs as police stations for their entire district, granting them the jurisdiction to register and investigate trafficking cases. Each unit must maintain a database which has to be updated every month and covers traffickers, victims, and vulnerable communities, with the information moving up to the State Anti-Trafficking Bureau and from there to the NCRB.However, there exists a major schism between the establishment, maintenance and operation of AHT units ordered by the authority and their implementation on the ground.In 2019, a scheme to set up AHTs across all districts was launched by the ministry of home affairs and funded under the Nirbhaya Fund. The intent was to provide every district in the country with a dedicated unit equipped to detect, investigate, and respond to human trafficking cases. While states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal have succeeded in achieving this goal, the implementation has been uneven. Several states continue to have a number of functional AHT units that fall significantly short of their total district count which means that a substantial share of districts across these states are operating without a unit that is specifically mandated to handle trafficking cases.States and UTs with AHT units fewer than the total districts. Data shows children at centre of the crisisIn 2023, Kamble rescued a minor girl in Navi Mumbai’s Kalamboli area. The girl was just 14 when she was forced into sex trade by her own mama and mami (maternal uncle and aunt). Her father had died and her mother used to beg to sustain the family. Her uncle and aunt brought her to Mumbai from Uttar Pradesh’s Kishanganj with the false promise of education and job. “She used to tell them that it hurts and she can’t do it. They would tell her that this is what everyone does in Mumbai to earn money,” Kamble said.She mentioned that deception by their own family members robs them of their ability to trust anyone. “When we raid the brothel, women think we have come to arrest them. Even during their rehabilitation, they lie about their past, and only gradually do they trust us and reveal the truth,” she added.As per the report, under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956, a total of 2,301 female victims were reported. Among all the states, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar recorded the highest numbers, placing them at the top of the list. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka were notably prominent within this group.Of particular concern is the age profile of the victims in three of these top five states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, where over forty per cent of the victims were under the age of 18, as recorded under Section 5 of the Act.States with over 40% of victims being minor. Role of police and judiciary in human trafficking casesKamble, whose NGO has held many anti-trafficking raids jointly with the police, noted there had been instances where their rescue operations failed because the police leaked the information.“We no longer tell the police the exact location where the crime is being committed. We ask them to come to a nearby spot and take care of the rest on our own,” Kamble said.Apart from the potholes in police proceedings, an analysis of the five years of NCRB’s data reveals that the journey has not been smooth even with the judicial system. The data points to two critical concerns:First, the conviction rate in cases registered under the Act has witnessed a significant decline from 2022-2024, indicating a deteriorating rate of successful prosecutions.Second, and perhaps more strikingly, the percentage of cases pending trial has consistently remained above 90% for the past five years. This reflects a prolonged and persistent backlog within the system.Conviction rate Case pendency rate“In my experience, I have observed that while those arrested under the POCSO Act face stringent criminal proceedings, it is comparatively easier for those arrested under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act to obtain bail and secure release.” Kamble addedMeanwhile, Saleya continues to work to rebuild herself and wishes to work as a beautician, a skill she has worked hard to acquire through multiple training sessions. She envisions a secured and dignified future for herself and her children. She does not wish to return to her parental home where her years were marked by hardship, violence, and limited access to education. Fear of societal shame and familial abandonment continue to haunt her.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorHarshita BansalHarshita Bansal is an intern at the Times of India. She has done a PG Diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKetan Agarwal Murder Probe Enters Crucial Phase As Police Recreate Crime Scene At Lohagad Fort‘Look Inwards’: India Rejects Pakistan’s ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack AllegationsPM Modi Thanks Citizens for Cutting Fuel Use, Postponing Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis’Visit Ram Temple, Do Penance’: Yogi Adityanath Attacks Akhilesh Yadav Amid Donation Row | AyodhyaDelhi-Varanasi Bullet Train To Cut Delhi-Lucknow Travel Time To 2 Hours 10 Minutes: Ashwini VaishnawMahua Moitra’s Explosive Attack Over Ram Mandir Donation Row| ’70 KG Silver, 1,250 KG Gold Missing?’Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Bid at Muharram Procession; 14,900 Toxic Capsules SeizedCong Seeks Bigger Role in UP Alliance; New In-Charge’s ‘Equal Share’ Pitch Raises Stakes: ReportsBharat Taxi Rolls Out as India’s First Cooperative Cab Service; 500-City Expansion PlannedSix Op Sindoor Personnel Honoured; Opposition Questions Rajnath Singh’s Parliament Remarks123PhotostoriesMinimalist suit looks from Bano’s closet from the Pakistani series ‘Zanjeerein’ that are perfect for festivities and beyondFeeling stressed? A psychologist shares 3 quick ways to calm yourselfWhy beauty experts are warning against the viral ‘no-hair-brushing’ hair-fall hackHow to make high-protein Desi Ghee Paneer Fried Rice for dinnerPsychology says people are being emotionally bankrupt and don’t even know: Philosopher explains howQuote of the day by Kangana Ranaut: ‘What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry’Single or married? Scientists discover rare link between marital status and cancer riskThree- two- three: The magical relationship rule that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas swear by to keep their marriage strongPsychology says women who retain their surname after marriage may have these 7 common personality traitsForget overnight oats! Try these 6 traditional Indian porridges for breakfast123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayErling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Combined Net worthFIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Jun 28, 2026, 19:07 IST Did Taylor Swift get BOOs from Alan Jackson’s audience at the Nashville concert? Here’s what we know This Iranian dad helped his specially-abled son feel the FIFA World Cup match in the most unique way; 3 parenting lessons to learn | Ben Stokes announces retirement from Test cricket, shocks cricket world India Women 119/2 in 16.1 Overs Wall Street outlook: Jobs data, Fed rate bets to test US stock rally after strong first half Anushka Ranjan Godh Bharai Ceremony: Parents to be Aditya Seal & Anushka Ranjan are all smile during a traditional Godhbharai | Hindi Movie News Ina Garten’s home is a Belgian-style barn that speaks to her personality: Decor inspirations to take away | 13-year-old ‘raped’ by over 12 men for 4 days in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar; 10 arrested ‘Sentiments hurt’: Ayodhya lawyers refuse to defend Ram temple donation case accused | India News FIFA World Cup 2026: Who will Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, France, and Spain face in first knock-out games? | Football News Rajasthan launches ‘Khushishala’ in 1,500 govt schools to boost student mental health and well-being ‘Dhurandhar’ singer Jasmine Sandlas faces severe backlash for turning up 3 hours late for Hyderabad concert: ‘Then you came and lip-synced at a live show’ World’S Ugliest Woman: The reason this mother accepted the title of ‘World’s Ugliest Woman’ will break your heart From Google engineer to AI startup founder: How a podcast with 100,000 YouTube views gave 23-year-old Aashna Doshi the confidence to quit Google