VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html ‘Jana Nayagan’ OTT: Find out when and where to watch Vijay Thalapathy’s final film online Daily Nadi Horoscope for Aries (18th August 2026): Don’t Let a Relationship Misunderstanding Disturb an Agreement Smithsonian researchers used X-rays, plastic cups and 216-yard spools of thread to find wild turtle nests; predators raided 13 of 16 She expected isolation on a remote Alaskan island reachable only by plane or boat; instead, this 23-year-old found reliable internet, grocery stores and Amazon deliveries ‘I don’t have courage to take another loan’: Indian student in Canada says going back home seems easier, sets up fundraiser Evening news wrap BJP appointed Smriti Irani as national general secretary for UP, Piyush Goyal as treasurer, and 13 vice-presidents in its new national team.Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed Trump officials are discussing nuclear options against Iran but provided no evidence.Chief economic adviser Nageswaran recommended bringing back a lower ethanol blend amid the E20 petrol controversy.A fabricated Iran nuclear quote from an Indian X account spread to Israeli media, US politicians, and Netanyahu’s speech.Eight pilgrims died of asphyxiation in a Tarapith hotel fire caused by toxic smoke and lack of safety equipment.Here are top 5 stories of the dayBJP announces new team of office bearers: Smriti Irani, Piyush Goyal get key rolesThe BJP announced its new team of national office-bearers under party president Nitin Nabin, appointing Smriti Irani as a national general secretary with charge of Uttar Pradesh and former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia as a national vice-president. The revamped team includes 13 national vice-presidents, eight general secretaries and 16 national secretaries, with Piyush Goyal named national treasurer. The reshuffle brings several senior leaders into key organisational roles as the party prepares for upcoming political challenges. Read full story.’Pure evil’: Ex-US Congresswoman claims Trump team considering nuclear weapons for IranFormer US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has claimed that Trump administration officials are discussing the possible use of nuclear weapons against Iran, alleging the issue has come up in high-level strategy meetings as the conflict continues. Greene accused the administration of moving towards a lower threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, but did not provide evidence for her claims. The White House has not immediately commented on the allegations. Read full story.Chief economic adviser Nageswaran calls for lower ethanol blend amid E20 rowChief economic adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has called for bringing back a lower blend of ethanol fuel at petrol pumps amid the ongoing controversy over the mandatory E20 petrol policy. The recommendation comes as farmers and political groups have voiced concerns over the impact of the higher ethanol blend on vehicle compatibility and food prices. The government has maintained that the E20 policy is part of its long-term energy security and ethanol blending roadmap. Read full story.Fake Iran nuclear post: How an Indian X account’s post reached Netanyahu’s speechA fabricated quote attributed to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander spread from an Indian X account to Israeli media, US politicians and eventually into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech, according to a New York Times investigation. The false claim, which said Iran would not abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions, gained credibility as it was repeatedly cited by accounts, broadcasters and political figures before being debunked.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines The episode underscores the risks of viral disinformation during heightened tensions. Read full story.Tarapith hotel fire kills 8 pilgrims in West Bengal’s BirbhumAt least eight guests were killed and several others critically injured after a massive fire broke out at a private hotel in Tarapith, Birbhum, early Monday morning, with officials saying the victims died of asphyxiation from toxic smoke. The fire, which started around 4.30am on the ground floor, exposed the hotel’s lack of basic fire safety equipment, with guests disoriented and struggling to escape. The exact cause is yet to be confirmed, though an electrical short circuit is suspected. Read full story.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 MediaVideos‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day123PhotostoriesChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans6 Korean dining etiquette rules that may surprise IndiansOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Himanshi Khurana to Rakhi Sawant: Bigg Boss contestants who claimed to experience paranormal activities inside the houseRaising boys differently: 4 things every Indian mother can normalise at home to help change societyShe thought it was gas after dinner for 2 years; tests finally revealed a serious heart problem, doctor explains8 protein-rich breakfast dishes you can make with kala chana123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardGaurav SenSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir India vs England Hockey Live Score, World Cup 2026: India face England test with history on the line Ellyse Perry backs inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, praises Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur About Hayden Panettiere and her daughter Kaya Klitschko: Why did the ‘Nashville’ star give up her custody? Deception In Toddlers: Can babies lie before they can even talk? New study reveals how early ‘deception’ may begin Daily Nadi Horoscope for Gemini (18th August 2026): Don’t Let Excitement Turn an Idea Into an Expensive Promise UP ATS arrests man linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed sending funds to Pakistan Was Ice Poseidon banned from a Pokémon store in Japan? Here’s what happened Centre tells SC existing transgender ID cards will remain valid till pleas against new law are decided. NEW DELHI: Transgender identity cards issued before the 2026 amendment to the law protecting transgender persons will continue to remain valid, the Centre told the Supreme Court on Monday, offering interim relief to cardholders whose legal status had come under question following the new legislation.Solicitor general Tushar Mehta gave the assurance before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, which was hearing around 15 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the amended law.“I have taken instructions. The TGI ID cards issued earlier will continue to operate subject to the outcome (on the petitions),” news agency PTI quoted Mehta as saying.A Transgender Identity (TGI) card is issued through the government’s transgender portal and serves as official recognition of a person’s self-identified gender. It can also be used to facilitate changes to a person’s name and gender in official documents.The 2026 amendment has been challenged principally over changes to the earlier framework on gender self-identification. Petitioners have argued that the new law undermines the right recognised by the Supreme Court in its landmark 2014 NALSA judgment, which affirmed the right of transgender persons to determine their gender identity.During the hearing, senior advocate Jayna Kothari, appearing for one of the petitioners, sought directions for restoration of TGI cards that had already been cancelled. The bench declined to issue a blanket order and asked petitioners to bring individual cases before it.Kothari also sought protection for those who had applied for identity cards under the earlier framework but were still waiting for them to be issued. The court said it would consider the issue after receiving the Centre’s reply affidavit.Senior advocate Rajiv Shakdhar backed the request, submitting that the balance of convenience lay with the petitioners and that benefits already available to transgender persons should not be disrupted.Justice Bagchi, however, said such questions would have to be examined in light of the facts and circumstances of individual cases.Senior advocate Arundhati Katju argued that the 2019 legislation was based on the principle of self-identification and that benefits arising from the earlier law should not automatically cease with the 2026 amendment.The Centre informed the court that it would file its response to the challenges. The bench recorded the submissions and listed the petitions for final hearing after three weeks.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesParliament passed the amendment bill on March 25, and it received presidential assent on March 30. Among other changes, the amended legislation excludes social orientations from its ambit and provides for graded punishment depending on the gravity of harm inflicted on transgender persons.One of the petitions has sought a declaration that the right to self-identification of gender, recognised in the NALSA ruling, is a fundamental right under Article 21 and “no legislation may make conditional upon bureaucratic certification, medical procedure, surgical intervention, or any clinical gateway of the State’s choosing”.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 MediaVideos‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day123PhotostoriesChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans6 Korean dining etiquette rules that may surprise IndiansOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Himanshi Khurana to Rakhi Sawant: Bigg Boss contestants who claimed to experience paranormal activities inside the houseRaising boys differently: 4 things every Indian mother can normalise at home to help change societyShe thought it was gas after dinner for 2 years; tests finally revealed a serious heart problem, doctor explains8 protein-rich breakfast dishes you can make with kala chana123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardGaurav SenSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Rhea Chakraborty says her father lost job because of her controversy; ‘They found out his surname’ Ginger Growing Guide: How to grow your own fresh ginger at home: A step-by-step beginner’s guide Daily Nadi Horoscope for Taurus (18th August 2026): Don’t Let a Small Work Error Grow Through Poor Communication Buying property near beaches or water bodies? 10 laws and rules buyers should know | Michigan children set up a lemonade stand after 13-year-old cheerleader Lainey Scroggs died; it raised over $1,000 as her family fundraiser reached nearly $74,000 File photo of Amit Malviya Months after Nitin Nabin took charge as BJP national president, the party on Monday unveiled a revamped team of national office-bearers, bringing in several new faces ahead of upcoming assembly elections in 5 states.Among the major changes, Amit Malviya, who had for years been identified with the BJP’s social media in-charge and was retained as IT cell head in an earlier organisational revamp, does not figure in the new list. The BJP has appointed Deepak Mhaske as social media convener. The other members of the new social media team include Priti Gandhi, Shivanand Dwivedi, Alok Bhatt and Arun Yadav.Reacting to the announcement, Malviya congratulated the new office-bearers and said Mhaske would be “taking over from me as the head of the BJP’s Social media department”. He said he had worked closely with the new team over the past decade and expressed confidence that the new team would take the party’s digital communication to “newer milestones”.”Congratulations to all the newly appointed office bearers of the BJP. Their appointments come at a crucial juncture as the party prepares to scale newer heights and take its message and organisation to every corner of the country. I wish to particularly congratulate Shri Deepak Mhaske ji, who will be taking over from me as the head of the BJP’s Social Media Department, and the co-conveners Smt. Priti Gandhi ji, Shri Shivanand Dwivedi ji, Shri Alok Bhatt ji and Shri Arun Yadav ji,” Malviya said in a post on X.Malviya also thanked the BJP’s social media support base, describing it as a community that had played a decisive role in shaping public discourse with “creativity and clarity”.”This family has stayed together through thick and thin and played a decisive role in reshaping India’s public discourse. You have been an incredible source of strength to me personally and to the cause. Over my eleven years at the helm, I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with many of you, and those interactions will always remain special,” he said.Smriti Irani, Ram Madhav among key faces in new teamThe party has also retained Anil Baluni as in-charge of its communications strategy as media coordinator. He will be assisted by joint coordinators Ashish Usha Agarwal, Pradeep Bhandari and Siddharth Yadav.The revamp assumes importance as it comes ahead of a string of state elections, including the crucial Uttar Pradesh polls. The new team includes 12 women across key organisational roles, while leaders from Uttar Pradesh have a particularly strong presence ahead of the 2027 assembly election.The BJP has appointed 13 vice presidents, including Ram Madhav, Lok Sabha MP D Purandeshwari and former Uttarakhand chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat.Union minister Piyush Goyal has been appointed national treasurer.The party has retained B L Santhosh as National General Secretary (Organisation), while former Union minister Smriti Irani and former Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb have been inducted into the team of eight national general secretaries.Vinod Tawde and Sunil Bansal are the only two national general secretaries retained in the new team.The BJP has also brought in several new faces, including Kavita Patidar, K Surendran, Sandeep Pathak and Manoj Tigga, among its 16 national secretaries drawn from different states.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFormer Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Baijayant Jay Panda and Rekha Verma have been named vice presidents.Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the newly appointed national office-bearers and said the team brings together organisational experience, energy and grassroots connect.”Congratulations to the newly appointed national office bearers of the BJP and those who have been given various responsibilities in the party. This newly appointed team brings together organisational experience, energy and grassroots connect,” PM Modi said on X.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 MediaVideos‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day123PhotostoriesChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans6 Korean dining etiquette rules that may surprise IndiansOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Himanshi Khurana to Rakhi Sawant: Bigg Boss contestants who claimed to experience paranormal activities inside the houseRaising boys differently: 4 things every Indian mother can normalise at home to help change societyShe thought it was gas after dinner for 2 years; tests finally revealed a serious heart problem, doctor explains8 protein-rich breakfast dishes you can make with kala chana123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardGaurav SenSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Russia faces fresh fuel shortages as refinery attacks disrupt supplies CBSE begins phase-wise declaration of KVS, NVS Tier-II recruitment exam results; check posts covered in first phase Kiran Rao mourns pet cat Miri’s death with heartfelt note, son Azad seen crying: “Our hearts forever” Hyderabad-born MIT astronomer Rohan Naidu helps uncover a possible ‘black hole star’ from the early universe All not perfect: US Centcom commander flags sailors’ mental issues during long service at sea In 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Smriti Irani had defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday unveiled a new national team under Nitin Nabin, and one of the biggest takeaways was the return of former Union minister Smriti Irani. Over a year after making a comeback on television as the nation’s favourite ‘bahu’, the actress-cum-politician is now back in BJP’s core team as a national general secretary.Once one of the most prominent faces in Narendra Modi’s cabinet, she had remained outside the party’s central organisational structure after being dropped from the cabinet. This was after she lost the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Amethi.The BJP’s decision to bring the former Union minister back is being seen as far more than a routine reshuffle. By appointing her as a national general secretary alongside seasoned strategists such as Sunil Bansal, Vinod Tawde, Biplab Deb and Satish Poonia, the party has signalled that it is shifting into election mode.And at the centre of that strategy is one state: Uttar Pradesh.Smriti Irani is back in the BJP’s war room, and UP is once again at centre of her journey.The Uttar Pradesh assembly election, expected in early 2027, will be BJP’s biggest political test after the setbacks it suffered in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The opposition INDIA bloc had outperformed expectations by winning 43 of the 80 seats. The ruling NDA secured 36 seats, with BJP winning 33 seats.With the rejig, BJP is going all-out in the poll-bound state and Smriti Irani is now all set to play an important role.Irani’s political identity is inseparable from Uttar Pradesh.Her biggest political achievement came in 2019, when she defeated then Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in Lok Sabha elections, ending the Gandhi family’s decades-long dominance over the constituency.The numbers told the story. Smriti Irani secured 4,68,514 votes against Rahul Gandhi’s 4,13,394, winning by 55,120 votes. Rahul Gandhi had represented Amethi since 2004. The result led to Smriti Irani becoming one of BJP’s most celebrated leaders and earned her the reputation of a “giant killer.”But her association with Amethi had begun much earlier.She first contested the seat in 2014, when BJP was expanding aggressively across Uttar Pradesh under Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. Although she lost that election, she continued to work in the constituency over the next five years, repeatedly visiting villages, strengthening BJP’s local structure and cultivating a network of party workers.That long-term investment eventually paid off in 2019.However, she lost her seat in 2024 to Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma by more than 1.67 lakh votes.On the ground, she remains one of BJP’s most recognisable leaders in Uttar Pradesh.As a national general secretary, Irani will be involved in coordinating with state units, selecting candidates, resolving factional disputes and supervising booth-level mobilisation.The combination of Irani, Sunil Bansal, Vinod Tawde and Satish Poonia offers clues about the party’s thinking.Bansal is widely credited with helping build the BJP’s formidable electoral machine in Uttar Pradesh. During his tenure as the party’s state general secretary (organisation), BJP developed a highly decentralised structure based on booth committees, beneficiary outreach and data-driven campaigning. Tawde and Poonia bring years of experience in managing state units and organisational affairs.Smriti Irani fills a different role.Unlike many organisational leaders who operate behind the scenes, she is a high-visibility political campaigner. That could become particularly important in Uttar Pradesh, where electoral contests are often influenced as much by messaging as by caste arithmetic.Another factor behind Smriti Irani’s return may be the BJP’s increasing focus on women voters.Over the past decade, women have emerged as one of the party’s most reliable electoral constituencies. Welfare schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Jal Jeevan Mission and various direct-benefit programmes have helped BJP build a large base of female beneficiaries.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSmriti Irani’s political and administrative background fits neatly into that strategy.As a former Union minister for women and child development and a former BJP Mahila Morcha president, she brings both administrative experience and organisational credibility.There is another symbolic layer to her appointment.The Congress has been attempting to revive its organisation in Uttar Pradesh under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. By restoring to prominence the woman who handed Gandhi one of the most significant defeats of his political career, BJP has revived one of its most potent political narratives.Whether Smriti Irani’s comeback translates into electoral gains for the BJP remains to be seen. However, her recent promotion makes one thing clear: the party believes the woman who once dethroned Rahul Gandhi still has unfinished business in Uttar Pradesh.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 MediaVideos‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s Intervention123PhotostoriesDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans6 Korean dining etiquette rules that may surprise IndiansOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Himanshi Khurana to Rakhi Sawant: Bigg Boss contestants who claimed to experience paranormal activities inside the houseRaising boys differently: 4 things every Indian mother can normalise at home to help change societyShe thought it was gas after dinner for 2 years; tests finally revealed a serious heart problem, doctor explains8 protein-rich breakfast dishes you can make with kala chana6 signs your spices have lost their freshness and how to revive them123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardGaurav SenSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Ravindra Jadeja scripts history with 350th Test wicket, joins Kapil, Botham, Vettori in elite club ‘CAS here to stay’: Sebi chief Pandey says auction system won’t be rolled back, regulator open to feedbacks UP Board Class 10th, 12th Compartment result released at results.upmsp.edu.in: Direct link to download scorecards here All about Hayden Panettiere’s net worth: A look into the ‘Nashville’ and ‘Heroes’ star’s earnings ‘Pure evil’: Ex-Congresswoman claims Trump officials discussing using nukes against Iran Doja Cat’s response to a Twitch viewer asking about streaming quotas goes viral ‘Gob-smacking shambles’: Australia’s Bangladesh humiliation puts ageing Test side on notice ‘Ramayana’ designers address backlash over Lara Dutta’s Kaikeyi and Sai Pallavi’s Sita costumes: ‘Chose faith over authenticity’ Indian Work Culture: Indian woman in UK compares work-life balance with India: ‘All we do is wait for the weekend’ ‘Blend of experience & energy’: PM Modi, Nabin congratulate BJP’s new national office-bearers Donald Trump: ‘No. 1 goal is Iran can’t have nukes’: Trump as US-Iran 60-day deal deadline expires NEW DELHI: Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “dimagi naxal” remarks by invoking former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s 20-year-old assessment of the threat.In a social media post on X, Rijiju shared former PM’s speech in which he had said that “naxalism is the single biggest internal security challenge ever faced by our country.””Congress party must apologise & say sorry to the Family of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji,” Rijiju said.This comes after PM Modi, during his Independence Day speech, said that while Naxals who took up arms in the jungle have been eliminated, there are also “dimagi naxals”, who are in various parts of the country and need to be “identified and isolated.””For years, people with Maoist thinking were there in public life, even in government committees this thinking had affected various institutions and initiatives. My dear countrymen, we have been able to curb and free the country from ‘hathariya naxal’ (armed naxal),” The Prime Minister said.”Even if these naxals are gone, but the ‘dimagi naxal’ (people with naxal thinking), are looking for an opportunity, looking to see ways of violence, and trying to drag the country to a wrong path. We need to identify these dimagi naxal, isolate them, and bring the youth together for a developed country,” he added.The opposition latched on to PM Modi’s remarks and dismissed it as a hollow political rhetoric.Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the term carries no real substance, drawing a parallel to previous debates surrounding the phrase “urban naxal”.”Two or three years ago, he (PM Modi) called his political opponents ‘urban naxals’; at that time, the question arose in Parliament as to what the definition of ‘Urban Naxal’ was. The home minister replied that there is no such thing as an ‘urban naxal,’ nor is there any definition for it. Today, the Prime Minister is using the term ‘mental naxal’ (ideological Naxal) for his political opponents from the Red Fort,” Jairam Ramesh alleged.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAAP chief Arvind Kejriwal also targeted PM Modi and said that he is a “dimagi naxal” because he is a patriot.”Yes. I am a dimagi naxal. Because I am a patriot. And I am proud of it,” kejriwal said in a post on X.Earlier, on Sunday Rijiju had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on “dimagi naxals” were not meant for the opposition leader and said that “dimagi naxals” referred only to those who supported Maoists and rejected Constitution.”PM Narendra Modi ji didn’t say opposition leaders as dimagi naxals,” Rijiju said in a social media post on X.”Only following are dimagi naxals: 1. Who support Maoists and reject Indian Constitution. 2. Who stand with separatists & support Article 370. 3. Who want to cut chicken neck to separate North-East from India,” he added.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 MediaVideos‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s Intervention123Photostories6 Korean dining etiquette rules that may surprise IndiansOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Himanshi Khurana to Rakhi Sawant: Bigg Boss contestants who claimed to experience paranormal activities inside the houseRaising boys differently: 4 things every Indian mother can normalise at home to help change societyShe thought it was gas after dinner for 2 years; tests finally revealed a serious heart problem, doctor explains8 protein-rich breakfast dishes you can make with kala chana6 signs your spices have lost their freshness and how to revive themCan you spray vinegar in your microwave? 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An Indian living in America explains Amit Shah (File photo) NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday hailed the security forces for dismantling ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti terror network ahead of Independence Day.He said more than 200 operatives were arrested and plans for subversive attacks were thwarted.In a post on X, Amit Shah said coordinated operations were carried out across 14 states to dismantle the network and prevent potential attacks.”Modi govt destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives.Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states upholding a brilliant example of India’s zero-tolerance towards terrorism.Substantial recoveries, including IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage, were made from the ISI-funded group. The network was involved in several terrorist activities.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAmit Shah said the coordinated action by Indian security agencies demonstrated the government’s stated policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism.According to the home minister, the operations were conducted at multiple locations across the country and resulted in the recovery of explosives, firearms, ammunition and surveillance equipment.The alleged network was described by Shah as ISI-funded, with the recovered grenades reportedly bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings.The crackdown comes ahead of Independence Day celebrations, when security agencies traditionally intensify surveillance and counter-terror operations to prevent possible attacks and disruption.Shah said the arrests and recoveries had helped thwart the network’s alleged plans for subversive activities and underlined the role of coordinated operations by security forces across states.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 MediaVideos‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s Intervention123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Himanshi Khurana to Rakhi Sawant: Bigg Boss contestants who claimed to experience paranormal activities inside the houseRaising boys differently: 4 things every Indian mother can normalise at home to help change societyShe thought it was gas after dinner for 2 years; tests finally revealed a serious heart problem, doctor explains8 protein-rich breakfast dishes you can make with kala chana6 signs your spices have lost their freshness and how to revive themCan you spray vinegar in your microwave? Here’s what happensHollywood couples who chose not to have children: Dolly Parton and Carl Dean to John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesHyderabad murderJharkhand ProtestUS green cardGaurav SenSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Stock Market Live Updates Today: Sensex falls 281 points to settle at 77,728; Nifty drops 78 points to 24,288