VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Plea filed in high court over 30 years delay in PESA Rules for tribal areas in Odisha Massive car crash in New Jersey pushes BMW into river; Indian-origin driver arrested after fleeing scene on foot NEW DELHI: Repolling in West Bengal’s Falta assembly constituency recorded a brisk turnout on Thursday, with more than 74 per cent of voters casting their ballots by 3 pm. Election Commission officials said polling remained peaceful across the constituency, with no reports of violence or disruption during the day.The repoll was ordered after the Election Commission countermanded the April 29 voting over allegations of large-scale EVM tampering and attempts to manipulate web camera footage at several polling booths. The commission described the earlier polling process as being affected by “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process”. Watch Mamata Escalates Attack, Says BJP Will Be Ousted From Power In Delhi After Bengal Poll DefeatMore than 2.36 lakh voters, including over 1.15 lakh women and nine third-gender electors, were eligible to vote across 285 polling stations in the South 24 Parganas constituency. Voting began at 7 am and was scheduled to continue till 6 pm.Tight security after EVM controversySecurity arrangements were significantly strengthened for the repoll, with 35 companies of Central Armed Police Forces deployed across the constituency. Officials said eight security personnel were stationed at each booth, double the deployment during the earlier polling. In addition, 30 Quick Response Teams were kept on standby to tackle any disturbance.Political tensions had remained high in Falta after complaints emerged that perfume substances and adhesive tapes had been applied to EVMs during the April 29 polling. Former Election Commission Special Observer Subrata Gupta reportedly found evidence of alleged tampering in at least 60 booths during a subsequent inspection.A voter speaking to ANI said the atmosphere felt markedly different from previous elections. “We were scared to cast our votes 15 years back, but not anymore,” the voter said, adding that people earlier feared being stopped by “goons” outside polling stations.Political battle intensifies in FaltaThe constituency, located in Diamond Harbour, has become a key political battleground between the BJP and the TMC. Although six candidates remain officially in the contest, TMC nominee Jahangir Khan recently announced he would not fight the election, calling it a personal decision.Falta has largely remained a TMC stronghold since 2001, except for a brief CPI(M) victory in 2006.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 MediaVideosPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two Municipalities123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escape123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana US big quantum technology bet: Trump administration backs firms with $2 billion funding tied with equity stake Harvard makes it harder to earn A grade: A needed academic correction or new ground for student stress? Did financial betrayal push K. Rajan to suicide? Daughter Rajeshwari REACTS to speculation around the producer’s death “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…” Jamie Dimon, CEO of America’s largest bank, in China: To reduce our jobs down the road, we will hire fewer … Scientists found fossil pollen that revealed a hidden Nile channel used to build the Great Pyramid A key accused linked to the 2019 Pulwama attack was reportedly shot dead in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reviving focus on cross-border militancy.An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tailstrike during landing, prompting an aircraft inspection and flight disruptions.Satirical online group Cockroach Janta Party had its X account withheld in India, days after it gained traction over remarks linked to the CJI.The Calcutta HC has directed the CBI to form an SIT to investigate allegations that parts of the RG Kar rape and murder case were suppressed, intensifying scrutiny of the high-profile probe. Watch Pulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirA US congressional report said at least 42 American military aircraft were lost or damaged during operations against Iran, highlighting the rising cost of the conflict.Here are your top stories of the dayPulwama attack mastermind killed in PoKHamza Burhan, an alleged mastermind linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Burhan had been designated a terrorist by the Indian government in 2022 and was associated with the banned outfit Al Badr. The development has renewed attention on individuals linked to one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces in recent years. Read full storyAir India flight suffers tailstrike during Bengaluru landingAn Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru experienced a tailstrike while landing at Kempegowda International Airport, though all passengers and crew disembarked safely. The airline said the aircraft had been grounded for detailed inspection and that the incident would be investigated according to established procedures. The return Bengaluru-Delhi flight was cancelled as a result. Read full storyCockroach Janta Party account withheld in IndiaThe X account of the satirical online collective Cockroach Janta Party has been withheld in India shortly after the group gained viral attention. The movement emerged following controversy over remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing, though he later clarified that his comments had been misrepresented. The group has since launched a new account and continued posting political satire online. Read full storyCalcutta High Court orders fresh SIT probe into alleged RG Kar cover-upThe Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to constitute a Special Investigation Team under its joint director (East) to examine allegations that aspects of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case were “hushed up”. The court also asked the SIT to submit a detailed status report by June 25, amid continuing judicial scrutiny of the investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a trainee doctor on hospital premises. Read full storyUS report details heavy aircraft losses in Iran operationsA report by the Congressional Research Service said at least 42 US military aircraft were lost or damaged during operations against Iran launched on February 28. The reported losses include fighter jets, drones, refuelling aircraft and surveillance planes, while the estimated cost of the campaign has risen to $29 billion. The findings underline the growing military and financial strain of the conflict for Washington. Read full storyAbout 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 MediaVideosPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two Municipalities123Photostories5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escapeLove nail art but nails keep breaking? Use rice water this way if you want STRONG NAILS10 ways to stay calm under pressure, as per psychology123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana RRB Technician Grade 1 result released: Direct links to download here Ilaiyaraaja faces setback in ‘En Iniya Pon Nilave’ copyright case; Delhi High Court upholds rights over iconic song | Tamil Movie News Quote of the day by Kahlil Gibran: “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of…” | A farmer digging his field uncovered a huge church bell buried for 82 years: Why villagers hid it during World War II NFL Trade Rumors: Philadelphia Eagles linked to former $60M Miami Dolphins WR amid free agency uncertainty Prince William: ‘Don’t drop it,’ said Prince William as Novak Djokovic handed the 2022 Wimbledon trophy to Prince George | World News 5K 40–49 Age Category (Male): Experience, Discipline, and the Spirit to Compete | Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 | India News Brooklyn Beckham wishes Victoria’s father for 80th birthday; skips grand party: ‘x I love you so much’ 5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners ‘Enriched uranium must remain inside Iran’: Mojtaba Khamenei rejects key US demand amid fragile ceasefire talks 5 Indians, 2 US businessmen: Inside India’s call center operation that FBI shut down for fraud Rachna Joshi The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 once again brought together inspiring runners from across generations, and the 5K 40–49 female category stood out as a celebration of fitness, determination, and community. These women proved that running is not just about competition; it is about passion, consistency, and inspiring those around you.From family motivation to discovering fitness later in life, every runner carried a unique story to the finish line.Rachana JoshiWinnerChip Time: 00:26:00At 43 years old, Rachana Joshi has been running for the last seven years. What started with her husband taking up running soon became a shared passion for the entire family.Inspired and motivated by each other, today not only Rachana and her husband but even their children participate in marathons together. Her journey reflects how running can bring families together and turn fitness into a lifestyle shared across generations.Sangeeta Thap1st Runner-UpChip Time: 00:27:50Sangeeta Thap delivered a strong and consistent performance throughout the race, showcasing determination, endurance, and the spirit of an experienced runner. Her finish reflected the discipline and positivity that continue to inspire women in the running community.Megha Bindlish2nd Runner-UpChip Time: 00:30:54At 41 years old, Megha Bindlish recently started running just three months ago as part of her fitness journey alongside regular gym training. Despite being new to the sport, she embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.Megha highly appreciated the Times Internet Half Marathon, praising the event’s atmosphere, organization, and overall experience that made the race memorable for participants.The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 was more than just a sporting event, it was a platform where stories of fitness, family, and self-growth came alive. With runners from all walks of life coming together, the marathon continues to inspire people to begin their own journeys, one step at a time.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two MunicipalitiesFalta Re-Poll Begins After Irregularities; Voters Say They Can Finally Vote Without Fear123Photostories5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escapeLove nail art but nails keep breaking? Use rice water this way if you want STRONG NAILS10 ways to stay calm under pressure, as per psychology123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana IPL 2026 | ‘Tension nahi lene ka’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’ message to Sangakkara before 10 sixes carnage | Cricket News Sebi, NISM and IICA sign MoU to strengthen capital markets, focus shifts to governance and ESG UPSSSC ASO, ARO recruitment 2026: Application correction window closes tomorrow for 1,565 posts; direct link here Atlee calls ‘Karuppu’ stunning theatrical entertainer, “Suriya sir, you killed it,” lauds ‘Raaka’ director 5 gentle blessings of naam jap for a peaceful mind and heart Scientists reveal over 1,100 newly recorded species from Coral Sea waters What is government’s proposed anti-doping amendment that could land doctors, coaches in jail? Explained China Ai Data Centre: Servers in the ocean: World’s first offshore underwater AI data centre launched in China | World News UP BEd JEE admit card 2026 expected to be released today at bujhansi.co.in: Direct link to download hall tickets here Sadia Khateeb reveals Akshay Kumar still behaves like a newcomer on set’: ‘He gives endless takes’ Child Tantrums: Mindful parenting during tantrums: 5 ways to respond to your child’s emotional outbursts NASA astronauts study cancer and cartilage treatments aboard the ISS as spacewalks near Dhurandhar 2 Full Movie Collection: ‘Dhurandhar 2’ box office collection Day 64 [LIVE]: Can Ranveer Singh film net Rs. 1150 crore before June 4 OTT release? | Hindi Movie News Jamsetji Tata: Quote of the day by Jamsetji Tata: “Uncommon thinkers reuse what common thinkers refuse.” | World News The 2026 Assam assembly election delivered a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party, which won 102 of the 126 seats, securing a third consecutive term in the state. The result ensured the continuation of the BJP-led government under chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.The Congress-led Asom Sonmilito Morcha suffered a major setback, finishing with 21 seats. Congress itself won 19 seats, down from its previous tally, while alliance partners failed to make significant gains. Watch Decoding Assam verdict: How Himanta Biswa Sarma transformed BJP win into a personal mandateOne of the most closely watched contests was in Jorhat, where Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi lost to BJP’s Hitendra Nath Goswami by 23,182 votes. The election marked Gogoi’s first attempt at entering state assembly politics. Following the results, Congress’s Assam poll in-charge Bhanwar Jitendra Singh resigned.Among other parties, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) won two seats, while Raijor Dal also secured two seats.The election recorded a voter turnout of 85.96%, the highest in the state’s assembly poll history, according to Election Commission data. This was an increase of 3.54 percentage points compared with the previous election. Women voters recorded strong participation across several constituencies.The BJP campaign focused on welfare schemes, infrastructure projects, law and order, and issues linked to citizenship and illegal migration. The opposition alliance campaigned on unemployment, inflation and governance-related issues.The BJP had entered the election as the incumbent after winning the 2021 assembly polls and retaining power in the state. The 2026 result extended the party’s run in Assam, a key state for the BJP in the Northeast.Following the declaration of results, the BJP leadership moved quickly to form the government, with Himanta Biswa Sarma sworn in as chief minister for a second consecutive term along with members of his cabinet.The outcome also reshaped the opposition landscape in the state, with Congress remaining the principal opposition party despite the reduced tally.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 MediaVideosIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two MunicipalitiesFalta Re-Poll Begins After Irregularities; Voters Say They Can Finally Vote Without FearTMC Alleges Post-Poll Violence, Harassment Of Workers During Kolkata ProtestModi-Meloni Talks Boost India-Italy Defence, IMEC And Technology Cooperation’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South Korea123Photostories“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escapeLove nail art but nails keep breaking? Use rice water this way if you want STRONG NAILS10 ways to stay calm under pressure, as per psychologyThe best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant in June in the UKFrom Sapera to Irulas: Famous snake tribes of India and why they fascinate travellers from the world over123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveUS Iran warIndian rupeeGold rate todayDelhi-NCR Taxi-Auto StrikeElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana GT vs CSK Live Score, IPL 2026: Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans target top-two finish; Chennai Super Kings fight for survival Harvard’s grading reset begins in 2027: Faculty vote to curb easy A’s in undergraduate courses ‘Bokhla gye log; vichar vyakt kiye’; Amitabh Bachchan’s mysterious midnight Tweet creates buzz; Fan says, ‘Melody khao, khud jan jao’ 6 clever hacks to use muskmelon peel for cleaning around the home | Scientists are digging thousands of holes in England’s Pennine hills to fight climate change Calcutta high court directs CBI-SIT to submit report on ‘hushing up’ allegations in RG Kar rape-murder case by June 25 | Kolkata News UK net migration falls below 200,000 as stricter visa rules cut arrivals | World News AI image Every morning across India, millions of hands instinctively reach for the same comfort before the day truly begins — a steaming cup of chai.At railway stations, tea stalls and office canteens, conversations begin over tea long before breakfast is served. In homes, the familiar sound of boiling milk and tea leaves often becomes the soundtrack of dawn itself.Long before energy drinks, protein shakes and artisanal coffees became lifestyle statements, India had already perfected its own daily ritual.It is the pause before work begins. The excuse for difficult conversations. The unofficial fuel of newsrooms, political meetings, family gossip, exam preparation and endless train journeys.Entire friendships, business deals and election strategies have unfolded over cups of chai.In short, tea in India is more than merely a beverage. It is habit, hospitality, memory and emotion poured into a cup.According to official data, India consumes nearly one-fifth of the world’s tea output and remains among the world’s largest tea producers and exporters.Yet this International Tea Day, celebrated globally on May 21, India’s tea industry finds itself standing at a difficult crossroads.The theme for this year, ‘Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities’, reflects the dual reality of the sector, sustaining a fragile yet vital industry while supporting millions whose livelihoods depend on it.Behind the warmth of every cup lies a story increasingly shaped by climate stress, geopolitical tensions, rising household costs and a rapidly changing global economy.Your teacup is no longer insulated from the pressures reshaping the modern world.And yet, despite all the disruption, chai remains one of the few rituals India still collectively understands.Beverage part of Indian identity Tea may not have originated in India but few countries absorbed it into daily life as deeply as Indians did.Introduced commercially by the British in the 19th century after discovering tea-growing potential in Assam, the beverage gradually travelled from colonial plantations into ordinary households. Over decades, Indians transformed tea into something uniquely their own.The British largely drank it plain. Indians added milk, sugar, ginger, cardamom, cloves and regional variations that changed from one state to another.Today, tea in India is simultaneously a roadside drink, a luxury export, a worker’s break, a hospitality ritual and also a multi-billion-dollar agricultural industry.It cuts across class, language and geography in a way few things do.A Rs 10 kulhad chai at a railway station and a Rs 600 single-estate Darjeeling brew inside a luxury hotel may technically come from the same plant — Camellia sinensis — but they represent entirely different worlds.Yet both remain deeply Indian.The country produces a vast variety of teas. From Assam’s strong liquor tea to Kashmiri kahwa, Kolkata’s bhaar chai, Mumbai’s cutting chai and Nilgiri brews from the south, tea has evolved into a cultural language of its own.But the emotional connection often matters more than statistics.The phrase “chai pe charcha” became part of political vocabulary. Office canteens still function around tea breaks. Train journeys feel incomplete without paper cups passed through crowded windows. Even today, countless friendships, romances, business deals and political arguments across India begin with a simple question: “Chai loge?”But behind the cup, the industry is under stress this year.While India’s emotional relationship with tea remains strong, the industry behind it is showing signs of strain.Difficult year for tea gardensIndia remains the world’s second-largest tea producer after China and among the biggest tea exporters globally.India’s major tea-growing regions are spread across Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of the northeast, sustaining millions of livelihoods across plantations, factories, transport chains and small roadside stalls.But 2026 has started on a worrying note for the industry.According to the Indian Tea Association’s latest report, India’s total tea production during January-February 2026 fell sharply to 31.15 million kg from 42.12 million kg during the same period last year, a decline of more than 26%.The fall has been particularly severe in North India.Production in North India dropped by over 42%, while the Dooars and Terai regions of West Bengal recorded declines of more than 41% and 52% respectively. Assam Valley production also slipped significantly.Industry bodies and plantation experts have increasingly linked these disruptions to erratic weather patterns and insufficient rainfall.Tea is an extremely climate-sensitive crop. Even slight changes in rainfall, temperature and humidity directly affect leaf quality, flavour and harvest cycles.In Assam and North Bengal, plantation managers have repeatedly warned that delayed rainfall and rising temperatures are beginning to alter long-established cultivation rhythms.The tea economy also supports millions of plantation workers and small growers whose incomes often fluctuate directly with weather disruptions, production losses and export volatility.For generations, tea gardens functioned according to predictable seasonal cycles. Today, that certainty is fading.The changing climate is now quietly reshaping not only India’s tea economy but also the future taste and availability of the country’s most consumed beverage.Humble cup of chai becoming costlier The pressure is not limited to plantations. For years, tea remained one of India’s most affordable daily comforts.That equation is slowly changing.For ordinary people, the daily cost of making tea is steadily increasing as multiple ingredients become more expensive simultaneously.Tea prices themselves have risen noticeably this year. Lower crop arrivals following erratic weather have also tightened supply, contributing to higher auction prices across several producing regions.According to the Indian Tea Association (ITA) report, average all-India tea prices between January and March 2026 rose by over 6% compared to last year. In North India, prices jumped nearly 15% in March alone.But tea leaves are only one part of India’s chai economy. Milk prices have also increased.Earlier this month, both Amul and Mother Dairy announced fresh price hikes across India, raising milk prices by Rs 2 per litre amid rising fuel, cattle feed and packaging costs.The hikes came at a time when Indian households were already facing broader inflationary pressure linked partly to global fuel uncertainty triggered by tensions in West Asia.LPG rates were also increased shortly after the Iran conflict began.For many middle-class and lower-income households, chai is not a luxury purchase. It is a daily necessity consumed multiple times a day by entire families.As a result, even small increases in tea, milk, sugar or cooking gas prices become immediately noticeable in household budgets.For small tea sellers also, who operate on razor-thin margins, higher procurement costs can quickly become difficult to absorb.India’s tea economy functions through an enormous informal network, street-side chai vendors, railway sellers, office canteens, local grocery stores, plantation workers, auction houses, transport chains, exporters, and small growers.When tea prices rise, the effect quietly spreads across this ecosystem.Roshan Kumar, who runs a roadside tea stall, told TOI that rising LPG prices had already disrupted his daily expenses, forcing him to increase the price of a cup of tea from Rs 10 to Rs 15. Now, higher milk prices have added further pressure on his small business.Hence, in many ways, the price of a cup of chai has quietly become a reflection of wider economic stress.Tea exports now caught in global conflictThe tea industry is also facing a challenge far beyond its plantations — geopolitics.Notably, it has never been isolated from geopolitics.Historically, tea shaped colonial trade routes, imperial taxation systems and global commerce itself.Today, global tensions, supply chain disruptions and sustainability standards are again influencing the tea industry.One of the biggest concerns this year is the growing instability around the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow but strategically vital shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets.The ongoing tensions involving Iran and the broader West Asian conflict have triggered alarm within the tea export sector.According to the ITA, nearly 41% of India’s tea exports, around 115 million kg in 2025, were shipped to markets such as the UAE, Iraq and Iran through routes connected to the Strait of Hormuz.ITA president Shailja Mehta recently warned that any serious disruption to shipping through the strait could significantly affect Indian tea exports.India exported a record 281 million kg of tea in 2025, with the Middle East emerging as one of its most important markets. UAE alone imported over 50 million kg of Indian tea last year, while Iraq and Iran remained major buyers of premium Assam orthodox tea.Industry representatives now fear that prolonged instability in the region could lead to higher freight costs, rising marine insurance premiums, shipment delays, payment disruptions and supply-chain uncertainty.ITA vice-chairman Atul Rastogi recently noted that while the Russia-Ukraine conflict primarily affected African tea markets, the current West Asia crisis could directly impact Indian and Sri Lankan tea exporters.For exporters, the concern is not just commercial.Tea remains deeply woven into everyday culture across Gulf countries, especially Indian-origin orthodox tea varieties popular in Iran, Iraq and the UAE. Any prolonged disruption could therefore affect both producers and consumers across regions connected through decades of tea trade.It is a reminder that even something as ordinary as tea now travels through a world shaped by wars, sanctions and geopolitical fault lines.At the same time, sustainability concerns are becoming harder to ignore.Consumers increasingly want ethically sourced tea, better labour standards, environmentally sustainable cultivation and traceable supply chains.International Tea Day itself was created partly to raise awareness around the economic and social importance of tea workers and sustainable production. The United Nations formally designated 21 May as International Tea Day to promote sustainable tea production and improve conditions across the tea value chain.That conversation is becoming more urgent as climate risks intensify.Because the future of tea may depend not only on consumer demand but on whether plantations can survive rising environmental stress.A changing tea marketDespite production challenges, another important shift emerging in 2026 is the gradual evolution of what India produces and exports.Some segments of India’s tea industry are showing signs of transformation.While traditional “Crush, Tear, Curl” (CTC) tea production and exports have declined sharply this year, orthodox and green tea segments have performed relatively better.CTC tea, the strong black tea used widely in Indian milk chai, remains dominant. But it is facing increasing pressure.The ITA report shows CTC production fell nearly 32% year-on-year during January-February 2026. CTC export volumes also declined significantly.Green tea, however, recorded production growth of almost 28%.Orthodox tea exports also remained comparatively resilient, helped partly by strong demand from Gulf and international premium markets.This shift reflects broader changes in global tea consumption.Consumers increasingly seek premium teas, healthier beverages, speciality blends, organic products and artisanal tea experiences.Countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States continue importing high-value Indian teas at premium prices. According to the ITA data, Japan paid among the highest unit prices for Indian tea exports in early 2026.In many ways, Indian tea now exists in two parallel worlds.One remains of the familiar cutting chai sold at crowded railway stations.The other is an increasingly premium global market where tea is marketed through luxury branding, health consciousness and boutique experiences.Young urban consumers in India are also experimenting beyond traditional chai with green tea, matcha and herbal infusions.Meanwhile, Indian tea brands are increasingly positioning tea not only as a commodity, but as a lifestyle and wellness product.Yet traditional milk chai still dominates India’s tea culture overwhelmingly.At roadside stalls, in crowded markets and on long train journeys, the small cutting chai continues to remain the country’s most democratic beverage.Tea’s global battle against coffee cultureGlobally, tea remains the most consumed beverage after water.Yet culturally, tea increasingly faces competition from the premiumisation of coffee.Café chains, cold brews, flavoured beverages and social-media-driven coffee aesthetics now surround urban millennials and Gen Z consumers across major cities.Tea has responded by reinventing itself.Matcha bars, artisanal loose-leaf brands, bubble tea chains, wellness teas, kombucha products and luxury single-origin teas have transformed tea from an everyday commodity into a lifestyle category for younger consumers.India too is witnessing this transition.Speciality tea cafés, direct-to-consumer tea startups and premium organic brands are growing steadily, especially among health-conscious urban buyers.Health remains one of tea’s strongest advantages.It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is associated with several wellness benefits.Green tea, herbal infusions and immunity-focused blends saw a major boost after the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to remain popular in urban markets.But despite these modern reinventions, traditional chai still dominates India emotionally.Because unlike coffee culture, tea culture in India remains collective.It is social before it is aspirational.Emotional bond India has with teaPerhaps what makes tea unique in India is that its significance goes far beyond economics.It remains deeply embedded in India’s social fabric, from office canteens to roadside tea stalls.In many parts of India, offering tea to a guest remains one of the simplest expressions of warmth and hospitality.Even during crises, tea often becomes associated with comfort and normalcy.During the Covid-19 lockdowns, countless Indians rediscovered home-brewed chai rituals while confined indoors. For many, the act of making tea became therapeutic amid uncertainty.Also, there may be no institution more uniquely Indian than the roadside tea stall. Every Indian city has them.Outside courts and colleges. Beside hospitals and bus stands. Near television studios and government offices.Tea stalls function as miniature public forums where cricket debates, stock market discussions, election gossip and neighbourhood rumours blend into steam rising from aluminium kettles.This emotional relationship partly explains why even small changes in tea prices or availability generate strong public reaction.Tea is not merely consumed in India. It is lived.The future of India’s tea storyThe Indian tea industry now stands at a crucial transition point.Climate change is affecting cultivation cycles. Global conflicts are threatening export routes. Rising costs are squeezing both consumers and producers. At the same time, global demand patterns are evolving rapidly.Yet tea continues to remain one of India’s strongest agricultural and cultural symbols.India’s tea exports still command strong international demand, especially in premium orthodox varieties. Countries like the UAE, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States remain major buyers of Indian tea.The government and industry are also pushing greater focus on value-added tea exports, speciality teas, branding, domestic manufacturing and premiumisation.Meanwhile, small tea growers, plantation workers and exporters continue adapting to increasingly uncertain conditions.Their struggle reflects a larger truth about the modern world.Even the most ordinary daily rituals are no longer untouched by climate pressures, inflation, global conflicts and shifting geopolitics.And perhaps that is what makes tea such a powerful symbol today.Inside every cup now lies not just flavour or comfort but the story of a changing world itself.Yet chai continues to survive every changeDespite all the uncertainty, chai possesses something many industries do not: emotional permanence.In purely economic terms, tea is a global commodity but here in India, it remains something more intimate.Tea marks routine.Morning tea before newspapers arrive. Evening tea during monsoon rain. Tea after funerals. Tea during weddings. Tea offered to guests before conversations even begin.Very few beverages move so naturally across moments of grief, celebration and routine.And perhaps that explains why tea has survived every modern transition thrown at it. It survived colonial rule, economic liberalisation, coffee chains, changing diets and the rise of digital lifestyles because, in India, tea was never only about taste.Students still gather around tea stalls outside coaching centres while office workers continue escaping for quick chai breaks during stressful days.That may also explain why International Tea Day feels especially relevant in 2026.Because this year, the story of tea is about far more than just beverage consumption. It is about climate pressures, livelihoods, shifting global markets, changing consumer behaviour and the quiet resilience of an industry that continues to survive despite mounting challenges.And somewhere between the first sip and the final empty cup, tea continues to do what it has always done best:Slow people down just enough to talk, argue, reflect, complain, laugh and connect.Somehow still capable of bringing people together in ways few things can.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two MunicipalitiesFalta Re-Poll Begins After Irregularities; Voters Say They Can Finally Vote Without FearTMC Alleges Post-Poll Violence, Harassment Of Workers During Kolkata ProtestModi-Meloni Talks Boost India-Italy Defence, IMEC And Technology Cooperation’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South Korea123Photostories“It felt like a panic attack”: The overlooked pulmonary embolism symptom doctors want people to recognise soonerJacqueline Fernandez gave Cannes 2026 a lesson in couture excess with a dramatic bow and left no crumbs10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escapeLove nail art but nails keep breaking? 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Rockefeller called the University of Chicago his best investment | World News TMC General Secy Abhishek Banerjee NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee Thursday criticised the BJP-led West Bengal government for restricting the government employee from making media statements, participating in media debates, “sharing government documents or leaking sensitive information” related to the administration.Calling the state governemnt’s circular an attempt to “enforce silence upon the employees” across Bengal, Banerjee said if government “cannot tolerate ciriticism, it starts crushing dissent”. Watch KMC Issues Notices To 17 Properties Linked To Abhishek Banerjee In Building Violation Probe“Complete prohibition.” The phrase echoes through this circular like a WARNING – not to protect governance, but to ENFORCE SILENCE upon Govt employees across #Bengal. No speaking to the press. No writing articles. No participating in media programs. No criticism of the Centre or State government. No expression that may strain relations with Delhi,” the Diamond Harbour MP said.He said the circular was meant to curtail express free expression by “systematically choking fundamental rights” to ensure absoulte obedience to the masters sitting in Delhi”.”Under @BJP4India’s remote-controlled governance, SILENCE IS NOW AN ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENT. This shocking circular is not about discipline, it is about CURTAILING FREE EXPRESSION and SYSTEMATICALLY CHOKING FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS to ensure absolute obedience to the masters sitting in Delhi. In short: THINK AS YOU ARE TOLD. SPEAK ONLY WHEN PERMITTED. When a government cannot tolerate criticism, it starts crushing dissent. That is not strength – that is STRANGULATION OF DEMOCRACY!” he further said.The notification, issued by the state’s Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department on Wednesday night and signed by chief secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, said the restrictions are in line with provisions under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, the West Bengal Service (Duties, Rights and Obligations of Government Employees) Rules, 1980, and the West Bengal Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1959.The order applies to IAS, WBCS and WBPS officers serving under the state government, along with employees of correctional services, state-aided educational institutions, boards, municipalities, municipal corporations and autonomous bodies under the state administration.Under the new directives, government employees have been barred from participating in or associating with privately produced media programmes or media events sponsored by the Centre without prior approval from the state government.The notification also prohibits any direct or indirect sharing of official documents or information with the media without government authorisation.Employees have further been restricted from editing or managing newspapers, periodicals or other publications, as well as from participating in radio broadcasts or writing articles and letters for newspapers or magazines without prior sanction.The order also bars government employees from making adverse remarks against policies or decisions of either the Centre or the state government through publications, speeches, broadcasts or media interactions.Additionally, employees have been prohibited from making any public statement or media contribution that could strain ties between the state government and the Centre, other state governments, or foreign governments.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 MediaVideosIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US DelegationRs 600 Crore Railway Land Clearance In Mumbai Triggers Violence During Eviction DriveBengal Orders Mandatory Singing Of ‘Vande Mataram’ In All Recognised Madrasahs Across StatePM Modi Returns From Europe, Calls Crucial Ministerial Meeting Amid West Asia CrisisTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two MunicipalitiesFalta Re-Poll Begins After Irregularities; Voters Say They Can Finally Vote Without FearTMC Alleges Post-Poll Violence, Harassment Of Workers During Kolkata ProtestModi-Meloni Talks Boost India-Italy Defence, IMEC And Technology Cooperation’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South Korea123Photostories10 hottest places in India today and things travellers should know before visitingSattu Sharbat to Milk with Sugar: Ministry of Ayush recommends general food measures to fight heatwaveBest plants to grow in India before the monsoon arrives8 Indian villages that feel straight out of a fairytale and are perfect for a slow travel escapeLove nail art but nails keep breaking? 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